Kedarnath Temple is located at an altitude of 3583 meters above sea level. This temple is a part of the Panch Kedar , Do Dham yatra, Char Dham yatra , and 12 Jyotirlingas of India. It is a dream destination for most of us.
Every year, millions of pilgrims visit this place to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Not only for the pilgrimage, but this temple is also famous as a tourist destination, as it is located in a very pristine location. But the biggest challenge is in reaching the Kedarnath temple as it involves 16 km of trekking. It makes this location inaccessible for most elderly people.
To facilitate devotees, the government had provided various facilities like helicopter services, Kandi, Palquin (palki), Pitthu, or Horse (mules).
You can book Kedarnath helicopter services on the IRCTC website. To know more about the process of booking helicopter services for Kedarnath , you can read our blog on this. If you don't get helicopter services, you don't need to worry. You can avail of other services like Kandi, which is also known as a pitthu, a Horse (mules or Khachhar), or a palanquin.
If you want a completely hassle-free journey including transport, hotel stay, registration assistance, and ground support, you can also book our Kedarnath Yatra Tour Package for a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Ghoda, Khachhar, Palki or Pitthu for Kedarnath temple can be availed from the starting point of the Kedarnath trek, i.e., Gaurikund, or from anywhere en route to the Kedarnath temple. There are many booking counters available at Gaurikund or other places en route from where you can book these services.
While returning from the Kedarnath temple, you find the booking counter near the Kedarnath Helipad.
Horse/Pony/Mule Services at Kedarnath
Starting point : Gaurikund Pony Stand
Ending point : Kedarnath Temple
Distance : 16 km
Height gain : ~5,500 feet
Terrain : Steep, zig-zag mountain path
Kedarnath horse ride time taken
:
✔️ 4–5 hours (uphill)
✔️ 3–4 hours (downhill)
Kedarnath Horse Booking Time
Start : 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last pony uphill : around 3 PM
Ghoda (horse), which is also known as the Poly or Khachhar service, is one of the most economical and easy modes to reach the Kedarnath temple.
Ghoda are available throughout the route, and you can either book at the starting point of your trek, i.e. at Gaurikund, or you can avail its services on, route.
Either you can book it from the government counters or also deal directly with the owner of the horse. Gaurikund to Kedarnath by horse price will vary greatly depending on the availability of horses and demand. Although the government had decided the Kedarnath horse ride price for 2026 from Gaurikund to Kedarnath , you can get it for INR 2300 per person , but in off-season you may get it at a cheaper rate.
This will be very convenient, economical and time saving, with Kedarnath horse ride time varying between 4 to 5 hours depending upon your weight and the horse weight carring capacity. You can book your ghoda from the Gaurikund official counter, or you can get it throughout the route, starting from Sonprayag.
Kedarnath horse charges From Guurikund/Junglechhati/Sonprayag
| Route | Distance(km) | Base Charges | GST | Total |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath | 19 KM | ₹3355 | ₹150 | ₹3505 |
| Junglechatti → Kedarnath | 16 KM | ₹2310 | ₹150 | ₹2460 |
| Sonprayag → Bhimbali | 11 KM | ₹1595 | ₹150 | ₹1745 |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund | 5 KM | ₹935 | ₹150 | ₹1085 |
Because of this extended route and the steep altitude gain, Gaurikund to Kedarnath horse charges are calculated based on the longer operational distance rather than the standard trekking distance. The final fare also includes GST and is regulated at government-approved counters to avoid overcharging.
Who Should Choose Horse (Pony / Khachhar) Service?
Kedarnath horse (pony/khachhar) service is highly recommended for:
- Pilgrims who want to save time during the trek
- Devotees who are physically fit but cannot walk 16–18 km
- Yatris looking for an economical alternative to palki
- Travellers comfortable riding animals on mountain terrain
Horse service is one of the fastest ways to reach Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund, usually taking 4–5 hours uphill. It is budget-friendly compared to palki and widely available at government-authorised counters during the yatra season.
Kedarnath Horse Ride Safety Tips
- Start early in the morning to avoid fog, crowds or unpredictable weather conditions.
- Don't panic on steep edges or downhill. Horses in this route are well-trained and certified to operate in a hilly region.
- Don't put heavy luggage on the back of a horse with the rider.
- Hold the saddle belt tightly and avoid leaning backwards. Follow the operator's instructions carefully.
- Whenever you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, tell your operator as soon as possible and don't try to get down the horse on your own.
- Don't kick on horseback while riding them.
Pitthu (Porter) Services at Kedarnath
Route: Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Distance: 16 km
Terrain: Steep, narrow, zig-zag mountain track
Time taken:
✔️
6–8 hours walking time
✔️ Faster if the load is light
Kedarnath Pitthu booking time:
Start : 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Last pony uphill : around 3 PM
kedarnath Pithu charges From Gauikhund/Junglechhati
| Route | Distance | Base Charges | GST | Total |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath | 16 KM | ₹1650 | ₹150 | ₹1800 |
| Junglechatti → Kedarnath | 8 KM | ₹1650 | ₹150 | ₹1200 |
Who Should Choose Pitthu (Kandi) Service?
- Children between 20–50 kg
- Elderly devotees who cannot balance on a horse
- Pilgrims carrying light luggage
- Parents travelling with small kids
Kedarnath Pitthu Safety Tips
- Always check the I Card of the operator before leaving your child or luggage with them.
- Take the allotted seats from the counter before handing over your belongings to them.
- Check Pitthu's safety ropes and foot rest for proper safety.
- If you are dealing with them on your own, don't pay them in advance. Make the payment only after receiving your luggage or child back safely.
Palquin (Palki) Services at KedarnathStart Point: Gaurikund
Start Point: Gaurikund
End Point: Kedarnath Temple
Distance: 16 km
Ascent: Steep climb through mountain trails
Time Required:
✔️
6–9 hours uphill
✔️
5–7 hours downhill
(Time varies by passenger weight and weather)
Kedarnath Pitthu booking time:
Last uphill Palki : usually around 2:00–3:00 PM
(To ensure they reach before dark)
Kedarnath Palki Charges
| Route | Distance (km) | Base Charges | Gst | Total |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath | 19 KM | ₹2300 | ₹150 | ₹2450 |
| Junglechatti → Kedarnath | 14 km | ₹2100 | ₹150 | ₹2250 |
| Bhimbali → Kedarnath | 8 km | ₹1100 | ₹150 | ₹1250 |
| Linchauli → Kedarnath | 3 KM | ₹800 | ₹150 | ₹950 |
Who Should Choose Palki Service?
Kedarnath palki service is highly recommended for:
- Senior citizens
- Physically unfit pilgrims
- Devotees with knee or breathing issues
- Passengers above 75 kg (as per category rates)
This is considered one of the safest and most comfortable options to reach the temple, as four trained carriers assist throughout the steep mountain route.
Kedarnath Palquin (Palki) Safety Tips
- Always book a palki from the counter and receive the registration slip from the counter.
- Verify all the operators in the palki are registered and are the same as mentioned in the slip.
- Ensure that the palki is not broken and the safety strips are properly tied.
- If you feel uncomfortable at any point in time, inform the operator immediately and take proper rest before resuming.
- Don't pay any amount to the operators, in advance or on the promise of getting it returned.
- Start early to have enough time in case of bad weather, as the weather in this region is very unpredictable.
Note: Rates are indicative and subject to change as per official notification issued for the 2026 Kedarnath Yatra season.
Related Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) Can I book a Horse, Palki, or Kandi (Pitthu) online?
No, there are no options to book these services online. You can book these at the offline counters present at Gaurikund, Lincholi, or Rambara. You can also book these services directly from the service providers.
Q2) Can I book Horse, Palki, or Kandi (Pitthu) after trekking for a few kilometres?
Certainly, you can book these services anywhere en route to the Kedarnath Temple. Both offline booking counters and local service providers are available on the route, from which you can avail yourself of these services.
Q3) What are the points one should take care of while booking these services?
Here are a few pro tips you can use to protect yourself from any kind of fraud and pay extra.
Always try to book Kandi, Mules (Horse), or Palki from the government-authorised booking counters, as they will provide you with these services at government rates that are generally much lower than what local vendors offer.
Before taking any services, check the I-card of the service provider and send it to your family and friends. If you are dealing with the local service provider directly, then you have to use your bargaining power; otherwise, you may end up paying an extra amount.
Q4) Can I book Horse, Palquin (palki), or Kandi (Pitthu) for both sides?
Certainly, you can do so, but it's not recommended. The best option is to book one-way service at one time, which will be the best option from the perspective of expense and security.
