Where to stay in Kedarnath: quick answer
Stay in Guptkashi for proper hotels and an easy start, Sonprayag or Gaurikund for the shortest morning, and Phata or Sersi if you are flying by helicopter. Stays at Kedarnath itself are very limited.
| Comfort, meals and the helipads | Guptkashi. The best hotels on the route, about 30 km from Sonprayag, with a helicopter base nearby. |
|---|---|
| The shortest pre-dawn start | Sonprayag. Budget rooms at the last motorable point. |
| Starting the trek at first light | Gaurikund. Simple lodges right where the climb begins. |
| Flying to the temple | Phata and Sersi (helipad bases). Close to the helicopter services. |
| Staying at the temple | Kedarnath itself. Very limited tents, huts and lodges; book well ahead. |
Page updated November 2026. Rates, timings and access change, so confirm before you book. About Travelyne
Where to stay in Kedarnath: the short guide
Kedarnath is a pilgrimage and a high-altitude trek rather than an ordinary town, so hotels sit along the road leading to it, and only a limited number of stays exist at the temple itself, at about 3,583 m. Most pilgrims base themselves in Guptkashi, the best option for proper hotels and meals, about 30 km from Sonprayag and close to the helicopter bases at Phata and Sersi, and start the climb early the next morning.
Sonprayag and Gaurikund have simpler, cheaper rooms right at the start of the trek, handy for a pre-dawn departure. Vehicles cannot go beyond Sonprayag, and shared jeeps cover the short stretch to Gaurikund. Yatra registration is mandatory for everyone, including helicopter passengers, and rooms fill quickly in the main season, so book your hotel as early as your dates are fixed.
Best areas to stay in Kedarnath
Guptkashi
The best base for proper hotels and meals, about 30 km from Sonprayag, with a helicopter base nearby.
Sonprayag
Budget-friendly rooms at the last motorable point, handy for an early start.
Gaurikund
Simple lodges at the start of the trek, right where the climb begins.
Phata and Sersi (helipad bases)
Stays near the helicopter bases for those flying to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath itself
Very limited tents, huts and lodges at the temple, in high demand and best booked well ahead.
Getting to Kedarnath: Rishikesh, Dehradun airport, Sonprayag and the trek
The nearest major railhead is Rishikesh, around 210 to 220 km from Gaurikund, with Haridwar and Dehradun as other gateways. Most pilgrims travel by road through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi, a drive of roughly eight to nine hours to the trek start.
The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant (DED), roughly six to seven hours by road from Gaurikund, with flights from Delhi and other cities. Helicopter services to Kedarnath operate from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi in season and are booked online in advance.
Vehicles stop at Sonprayag, and shared jeeps run the short distance to Gaurikund, where the 16 to 18 km trek begins. Ponies, palkis and porters are available for those who cannot walk the whole way. The route is moderately difficult at altitude, so acclimatise and start early.
Find the right kind of hotel in Kedarnath
Hotels in Guptkashi
The most comfortable hotels and meals, with easy access to the helipads.
Budget lodges at Sonprayag and Gaurikund
Simple rooms close to the trek start.
Helipad-base hotels
Stays near Phata and Sersi for helicopter travellers.
Tents and huts at Kedarnath
Limited accommodation at the temple, in very high demand.
Family-friendly stays
Guptkashi hotels with more space, good for resting before and after the trek.
Dharamshalas
Basic pilgrim lodgings along the route, the cheapest option.
Hotels for every budget in Kedarnath
Budget lodges and dharamshalas
Sonprayag, Gaurikund and simple lodges. Basic rooms; prices rise in peak weeks.
Mid-range hotels in Guptkashi
Comfortable rooms with hot water and meals, with better access to the helipads.
Premium and tented stays
A few higher-end stays and tented options, mostly booked well ahead.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Kedarnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, high in the Garhwal Himalaya at about 3,583 m.
- The Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek: The 16 to 18 km walk, past Jungle Chatti, Bheembali and Linchauli.
- Helicopter ride: A short flight from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi for those who cannot trek.
- Bhairavnath Temple: A temple on a hill near Kedarnath, a short climb from the main shrine.
- Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal: Higher-altitude spots for fit, experienced trekkers with extra time.
- Guptkashi temples: The Vishwanath and Ardhanarishwar temples in Guptkashi.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: A temple associated with the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, reached from Sonprayag.
- Chopta and Tungnath: Alpine meadows and a high Shiva temple nearby, a popular add-on trip.
A 3-day plan for Kedarnath
Day 1: Travel to Guptkashi
Reach Guptkashi from Haridwar or Rishikesh, a long road day, and rest and acclimatise. Check that your yatra registration and any helicopter booking are in order.
Day 2: Trek or fly to Kedarnath
Drive to Sonprayag early, take a shared jeep to Gaurikund and start the 16 to 18 km trek, or fly from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi. Complete darshan and stay the night if you have a room.
Day 3: Return and rest
Come back down to Gaurikund and Guptkashi, and rest before the long drive back toward Haridwar or Rishikesh.
When to visit Kedarnath
| May to June | The yatra season opens in May; clear days but heavy crowds, with cold nights and snow near the temple. |
|---|---|
| September to mid-October | Post-monsoon clear weather and fewer crowds; the temple closes around Bhai Dooj. |
| July to August | Monsoon brings heavy rain, landslides and road closures; travel is often disrupted. |
Good to know before you book
- Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, including those going by helicopter, and you can be stopped at the checkpoints near Sonprayag without it.
- The temple is open only from around May to October or November, with the opening date announced each year, so check before you plan.
- Rooms near the route are limited and fill quickly, so book hotels and helicopter tickets as early as possible.
- Weather changes fast at altitude and landslides can block roads, so keep buffer days and start the trek very early.
Hotel price snapshot for Kedarnath
Based on live price checks made on Travelyne. Indicative only: rates change daily and depend on dates and room type.
See live prices for Kedarnath
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in KedarnathFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay for the Kedarnath yatra?
Guptkashi for the best hotels and meals, Sonprayag or Gaurikund for budget rooms at the trek start, or Phata and Sersi if you are flying by helicopter. Stays at Kedarnath itself are limited.
Is registration compulsory for Kedarnath?
Yes. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, including those travelling by helicopter, and you can be stopped at the checkpoints near Sonprayag without it.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
About 16 to 18 km from Gaurikund, usually 6 to 8 hours on foot. Ponies, palkis and helicopters are alternatives.
What is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Dehradun (Jolly Grant, DED), roughly six to seven hours by road from Gaurikund. Helicopters fly from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi.
When is Kedarnath open?
Roughly May to October or November. The opening date is announced each year around Maha Shivratri and the temple closes around Bhai Dooj.
How many days do you need for Kedarnath?
Plan three to four days from Haridwar or Rishikesh: a day to reach Guptkashi, the trek and darshan, and the return.