Introduction
Planning a spiritual journey to Kedarnath from Pune (Queen of the Deccan)? Just explore this ultimate guide covering distance, route, best travel options, and safety tips that help you to plan a safe and smooth yatra from Pune to Kedarnath.
Reaching Kedarnath is about experiencing devotion, adventure, and inner peace. Due to the high-altitude location of around 11,755 feet, there is no direct transport to Kedarnath from Pune; pilgrims need to combine their journey with a final 16 km trek.
Below is a complete guide to solve all your doubts related to how to reach Kedarnath from Pune. Also, check out our Pune to Kedarnath Tour Package for a comfortable and hassle-free Yatra.
Overview of Kedarnath Journey—
- Travel Options: Flight, Train, or by Road
- Duration: 2 to 3 days, depending on the road conditions, breaks, and weather
- Common Route: Ahmedabad → Dehradun/Haridwar → Devprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
- Nearest Railhead: Haridwar & Rishikesh
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune
- Pune To Kedarnath Distance Overview
- How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Flight?
- How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Train?
- How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Road?
- Best Way To Reach Kedarnath From Pune
- Kedarnath Trek Details
- Important Travel Tips for Pune to Kedarnath trip
- Conclusion
- FAQs
How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune
Here is a step-by-step guide on How to go Kedarnath from Pune:
Step 1: Reach Dehradun or Haridwar First from Pune
By Flight (Fastest): Take a flight from Pune International Airport (PNQ) to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (DED). It takes around 2-3 hours for a direct flight. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India operate flights on this route.
- Flight Distance: Approx. 1,370 km by air
- Flight Duration: 2-3 hours
- Flight ticket price: ₹7,900 to ₹11,300
By Train (Cost-effective): Alternatively, you can take a train from Pune Junction to Haridwar/Rishikesh. Some direct trains are the Jhelum Express and Dehradun Express.
- Distance by train: 1,700 to 1,870 km
- Travel time: 30-35 hours
- Train ticket price: ₹945 - ₹3,255
Step 2: Dehradun/Haridwar to Gaurikund (Road travel)
From the airport or railway station, you must travel by road to reach Gaurikund. You can take a bus or a taxi for this segment of the journey.
- Distance: Approx. 240-250 km
- Travel time: 8-10 hours
- Travel option: Bus, Taxi/Cab
- Fare: ₹550 - ₹1,000 (for bus) and ₹3,000 to ₹9,000 (for taxi)
Note 1: Prices can vary by season, and may be high during peak pilgrimage season.
Note 2: Buses and private taxis will drop you till Sonprayag. From there, you must take a local shuttle taxi to reach Gaurikund.
Step 3: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Trek)
From Gaurikund, you must complete a 16 km Kedarnath trek to reach the temple.
- Trek Distance: 16 km one-way
- Time taken: 6-8 hours on foot, depending on fitness level.
- Trek difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
- Alternatives for trek: If you are unable to do the Kedarnath trek on foot, you can take Pony/palki service or opt for helicopter service to cover the distance.
Pune To Kedarnath Distance Overview
Understanding the Pune to Kedarnath distance is essential before planning a trip, as it helps in route planning. Distance can vary by different modes of travel.
Below is a quick overview of the Pune to Kedarnath Distance by road, train, and flight, based on Google maps.
- Pune to Kedarnath Distance by Road: Approx. 1,879 up to Gaurikund
- Pune to Kedarnath Distance by Train: 1,700+ km up to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Pune to Kedarnath Distance by Flight: 1,370 km
Note: The exact Pune to Kedarnath distance can vary by route, travel time, and particular starting point. The total Pune to Kedarnath distance is approximately 1700-1900 km.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Flight?
Pune to Kedarnath by flight is the fastest mode of travel, but there is no direct flight for this route, as Kedarnath doesn't have an airport. The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Kedarnath. From there, pilgrims must travel by road to Gaurikund, then complete a 16 km trek to reach the temple.
Here is a brief overview of how to reach Kedarnath from Pune by flight.
Step 1: Pune to Dehradun (By Flight)
Take a flight from Pune International Airport (PNQ) to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Airlines such as Air India and Indigo operate daily direct or connecting flights for this route.
- Distance: 1,370 km
- Duration: 2.5 hours to 3 hours
- Pune to Kedarnath flight ticket price: A flight from Pune (PNQ) to Dehradun (the nearest airport to Kedarnath) generally costs between 5,000 and 13,000 for a one-way ticket.
Step 2: Dehradun/Haridwar To Gaurikund
After landing in Dehradun, you must travel by road up to Gaurikund, around 230 km from the airport. You can either take a taxi or a bus from ISBT Dehradun to cover this distance, which takes around 7-8 hours.
Step 3: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Final step)
From Gaurikund, your road journey ends, and a 16 km trek towards the Kedarnath temple begins. Pilgrims can walk, hire a pony/palanquin, or take a helicopter service to reach the shrine.
Note: If you don’t get a direct flight from Pune to Dehradun for any reason, you can take a connecting flight to Delhi and then complete the rest of the journey by road travel.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Helicopter
Reaching Kedarnath by Helicopter is a reliable option for those who are unable to trek or wish to skip the trek. Helicopter services for Kedarnath are available from nearby helipads, Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi, during the yatra season. It requires booking tickets in advance through the IRCTC Helitara, with a fare of around ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 per person.
Pro Tips: Do not book helicopter tickets through third party agents to avoid scams. Book only through the official IRCTC portal.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Train?
The Pune to Kedarnath train is an economical way to travel, requiring multiple stages of travel via train, road, and trek. Like the airport, there is no direct railway station in Kedarnath. Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are the nearest railway hubs.
Let’s take a look at how to reach Kedarnath from Pune by Train.
Step 1: Pune to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Take a train from Pune Junction to Haridwar/Rishikesh or Dehradun.
- Popular trains: UBL YRNK SPL (07363), BL Haridwar Exp (12911), and Jhelum Exp. (connecting train).
- Pune to Kedarnath Distance by Train: Approx. 1700 km (estimated)
- Travel Time: 35-40 hours
- Pune to Kedarnath Ticket Price: Tickets from Pune to Haridwar/Rishikesh range from ₹945 (for sleeper) to ₹3,255 (for AC coach) and can vary by season.
- Alternative route: Many pilgrims often take a train from Pune to Delhi, then board another train or take a bus to reach Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Note: Check out our blog on How to reach Kedarnath from Delhi
Step 2: Onward Journey from Haridwar To Kedarnath
Once you reach Haridwar/Rishikesh, continue by road to Gaurikund (the base for the Kedarnath trek) via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund. Covering a distance of around 250 km takes almost 7-8 hours by bus, car, taxi, or shared jeep.
From Gaurikund, complete the last 16 km trek leading to the Kedarnath Temple. Read our detailed guide and check our blog on how to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar and Rishikesh.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Pune By Road?
Pune to Kedarnath by road is a very long distance to cover, approximately 1700-1800+ km, which typically takes 2 or more days of driving, including necessary breaks. Suitable for those who love long scenic trips or want adventurous experiences.
The journey from Pune to Kedarnath by road involved reaching Gaurikund and following a 16 km trek to reach the temple. Here is a breakdown of a journey in stages.
Stage 1: Pune to Haridwar/Rishikesh, then Sonprayag/Gaurikund
- Pune to Kedarnath route by road: The most common way to travel to the North is through Mumbai, Delhi, and finally Uttarakhand. The following routes are NH-48 and NH-58, passing via—
Pune → Mumbai → Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
- Travel Time: 2-3 days, depending on halts and breaks
- Travel Options: Bus, Car, and Taxi
Major stopover points for Rest:
Important Travel Tips for Pune to Kedarnath trip
- Kota: A major transit hub in Rajasthan, ideal for an overnight stay, after a long leg from Pune.
- Delhi NCR: A major stop point for refueling and rest before entering the hills.
- Haridwar & Rishikesh: Two primary gateways to the Himalayan pilgrimage sites, including Kedarnath and Char Dham.
Final Stage: Sonprayag/Gaurikund to Kedarnath
Sonprayag is the last point for private vehicles. From there, you must take a local shuttle taxi to Gaurikund, the base camp.
From Gaurikund, begin the 16 km trek to reach the Kedarnath temple. Pilgrims can walk, hire a pony/palki, or opt for a helicopter service from nearby helipads.
Best Way To Reach Kedarnath From Pune
The best way to reach Kedarnath from Pune depends on the preffered experience, budget, and no. of travellers. Here are the best ways to reach Kedarnath:
By Flight + Road: The best way to reach Kedarnath from Pune is to take a flight from Pune to Dehradun Airport, then continue by road to Gaurikund via Haridwar/Rishikesh, and finally heads on a 16 km trek to the Kedarnath Temple.
By Train + Road: Alternatively, take a train from Pune Junction to Haridwar/Rishikesh and from there, continue by road to Gaurikund, then the final 16 km trek to reach the temple. Whether you travel by air or train, ultimately, the decision is up to your travel style, budget, and time.
Best Ways: Pune To Kedarnath Routes Overview
Here is a quick overview of travel options in a table that helps you in choosing your best way to reach Kedarnath from Pune.
| Travel Mode | Distance | Route | Travel Suitability |
| Flight + Road + Trek | 1,450 km (by air) + 250 km (by road) + 16 km trek | Pune (PNQ) → Dehradun (DED) → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath | For senior citizens and comfort seekers |
| Train + Road + Trek | 1,700 km (train) + 16 km trek | Pune Junction → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Budget travelers & Family |
| Road + Trek | 1,879 km (road) + 16 km trek | Pune → Mumbai → Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Adventure lovers |
Kedarnath Trek Details
Your road journey ends at Gaurikund. From there, you must complete a 16 km uphill trek, which you can cover via three primary modes:
- Trekking: If you are a fit individual, you can complete the trek in 6-8 hours, depending on pace and fitness level.
- Pony/Palki: Available from Gaurikund with a price range between ₹4,500 and ₹9,500 one-way, depending on service providers. Check Pony/Palki rates for Kedarnath Trek.
- Helicopter: Available during the yatra season from the nearby helipads like Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi; ideal for senior citizens and physically strained travelers.
Key Details About Kedarnath Trek—
- Starting point: Gaurikund
- Trek Distance: 16 km one way
- Time taken: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
- On-route facilities: Medical camps, food stalls, and resting points.
Pro tip for the Kedarnath trek: Eat light, stay hydrated, and take short breaks during the trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Important Travel Tips for Pune to Kedarnath trip
- Mandatory Registration: Complete the Kedarnath Registration Process first, as it is mandatory for all pilgrims; without registration, they are not allowed to enter the temple.
- Pack warm clothes: Carry proper clothing, as the weather in this region fluctuates due to its high altitude location.
- Check road & weather: Road can be affected by rapid weather change, so always check roads and weather before planning for the trip.
- Carry cash: ATMs are limited after Rishikesh, so keep cash handy.
- Book hotels in Advance: Book your stays in advance before planning for the trip.
Conclusion
Reaching Pune to Kedarnath is a very long journey, yet a spiritually enriching experience. The journey through the different landscapes of India, from plains to mountains, every step you take on the path of self-discovery. Whether you travel by flight, train, or road, planning with the right approach ensures a smooth and safe Yatra.
Now plan your Pune to Kedarnath Tour with this complete guide on Pune to Kedarnath routes, distance, and complete travel guide by different travel modes. Make your trip comfortable with the best ways to reach Kedarnath.
FAQs
How do I get to Kedarnath from Pune?
To reach Kedarnath from Pune, first fly to Dehradun from Pune Airport (Fastest option) or take a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh from Pune Junction (economical option). From there, you must travel by road to Gaurikund and then finally embark on a 16 km trekking journey to the Kedarnath temple.
How many days for the Kedarnath trip from Pune?
Generally, 5-7 days are enough for a comfortable Kedarnath trip from Pune by road, including travel, trekking, Darshan, and rest time. A 6-day itinerary is ideal, including traveling to a major transit hub (Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun), heading to Sonprayag, and trekking to Kedarnath temple, and it offers a steady pace for proper acclimatization.
How to go to Kedarnath from Pune via train?
To reach Kedarnath via train, you can simply take a train from Pune Junction to Haridwar/Rishikesh and then continue by road to Gaurikund and head on a 16 km trek to the Kedarnath temple. Covering a distance of around 1900 + km, including train and road travel, takes around 2-3 days to complete.
Which is the fastest train from Pune to Haridwar?
The fastest train from Pune to Haridwar is UBL YRNL SPL (07363); it is the only direct train between these two cities. It runs a weekly schedule on Tuesday. Alternatively, you can take an indirect train via Panvel (a major city in Maharashtra) or via Delhi.
How to go to Kedarnath from Pune by flight?
To reach Kedarnath from Pune by air requires taking a flight from Pune to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), then continuing to Gaurikund by road, and the final stretch is a 16 km trek leading to the Kedarnath temple, which you can cover on foot, pony/Palki, or Helicopter from Phata/Sirsi/Guptkashi.
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