🗓️ Last updated: May 2026 · Author: Shiv Ganga Travels, Haridwar (15 seasons operating Kedarnath packages)
2026 Rate Summary
🐴 Pony (one way)
₹5,500–7,000
Gaurikund to Kedarnath
🪑 Palki/Doli (one way)
₹7,500–10,000
4 porters, palanquin
🎒 Pitthu/Kandi (one way)
₹1,500–2,500
Porter carries you in basket
🐴 Pony (return)
₹9,000–12,000
Round trip both ways
📍 Booking
Offline only
Gaurikund prepaid counter
⏰ Best time to book
4:30–5:30 AM
Before queues form
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16km at altitudes between 1,980m and 3,583m. Not everyone can or should walk it — and the good news is you don't have to. Pony, palki (palanquin), and pitthu (porter-carried basket) services have been operating this route for generations. Below are the 2026 official government-regulated rates, how to book, and what every pilgrim needs to know before reaching Gaurikund.
Complete Rate Table — Kedarnath 2026 (All Services)
| Service | From | One-way rate | Round-trip rate | Best for | Book at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐴 Pony (Ghoda/Khachhar) | Gaurikund | ₹5,500–7,000 | ₹9,000–12,000 | Most pilgrims, all ages | Gaurikund prepaid counter |
| 🐴 Pony | Jungle Chatti (6km in) | ₹3,500–4,500 | ₹6,000–8,000 | Those who walk first 6km | Jungle Chatti counter |
| 🪑 Palki / Doli | Gaurikund | ₹7,500–10,000 | ₹14,000–18,000 | Elderly, those with joint pain | Gaurikund govt. counter |
| 🎒 Pitthu / Kandi | Gaurikund | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹3,000–4,500 | Budget option, lighter pilgrims | Directly from provider |
| 🎒 Pitthu / Kandi | Jungle Chatti | ₹1,000–1,800 | ₹2,000–3,500 | Those who walk to Jungle Chatti | Available on route |
| 🚁 Helicopter | Phata/Sirsi/Guptkashi | ₹7,500–9,500 | ₹7,500–9,500 (incl. return) | Fastest, senior citizens | IRCTC heliyatra.irctc.co.in |
Note: Rates are government-regulated but subject to slight revision before season opening. Verify at the Gaurikund counter on arrival. 2025 rates were ₹3,500–4,500 one way — 2026 rates reflect seasonal inflation.
How to Book — Step by Step
Step 1 — Arrive at Gaurikund before 5 AM
The prepaid booking counter at Gaurikund opens around 4 AM. Pilgrims start queuing well before that. If you arrive after 7 AM in peak season (May–June), pony availability gets limited and prices may creep up from unlicensed providers. Stay at Sonprayag or Rampur the night before and take the shared jeep to Gaurikund (₹50, 5km, runs from 3 AM).
Step 2 — Use the government prepaid counter only
The official prepaid booking counter (UCDDMB — Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board) is the ONLY place to book at official rates. You receive a receipt with the service provider's ID, contact number, and the fixed price. This is your protection against overcharging and ensures accountability if anything goes wrong during the trek.
Step 3 — Palki: book the night before at Sonprayag
Palki (4-porter palanquin) is in higher demand than pony. If you need palki, ask at your hotel in Sonprayag or Rampur the evening before if they have a confirmed palki arrangement. Some hotels can pre-arrange through registered operators. Otherwise, arrive at the Gaurikund counter by 4 AM.
Step 4 — Pitthu: can be arranged on-route
Pitthu (basket/kandi) carriers are available at multiple points along the trek — Gaurikund, Jungle Chatti (6km), Bhimbali (9km). If you start walking and find the trek too difficult at any point, a pitthu carrier will be available to assist. Agree the price BEFORE starting — the on-route rate should match government guidelines.
Step 5 — Carry your booking receipt throughout
Keep the prepaid booking receipt safe. If a provider demands extra money during the trek, show the receipt. If they insist, note their ID number and complain at the Kedarnath police post. Overcharging is a serious offence with financial penalties for providers.
Pony vs Palki vs Pitthu — Which Should You Choose?
🐴 Pony
Most popular✓Fastest option (4–5 hrs vs 6–8 hrs walking)
✓Suitable for most fitness levels
✓More comfortable on long stretches
✓Available from multiple start points
✓Choose if: you have basic balance and are comfortable on animals
🪑 Palki / Doli
Best for elderly✓No physical effort required at all
✓4 trained porters, stable and secure
✓Takes 6–7 hours (slower than pony)
✓Weight limit — typically 80–90kg
✓Choose if: you cannot ride a pony or have significant mobility limitations
🎒 Pitthu / Kandi
Budget option✓Most affordable carrier service
✓Porter carries you in a wicker basket
✓Takes 6–8 hours
✓Weight limit approximately 70–80kg
✓Choose if: budget is tight and pony/palki unavailable
🚁 Helicopter
Fastest — 30 min✓30 minutes vs 5–7 hours
✓5kg luggage limit strictly enforced
✓Book via IRCTC only (not agents)
✓Need Yatra Registration Number first
✓Choose if: limited time, senior citizens, or health restrictions
⚠️ Fraud Warning — Protect Yourself
Common scams at Kedarnath — know them before you arrive
❌ No online booking exists — EVER
Any website or app claiming online pony/palki booking for Kedarnath is fraudulent. As of 2026, ALL bookings are offline only at the Gaurikund prepaid counter. Do not pay anyone in advance.
❌ Touts demanding higher rates on the trail
If someone approaches you on the trek route offering pony or palki at a price different from the receipt you received at Gaurikund, refuse. They are unlicensed operators. Only providers booked from the prepaid counter are legitimate.
❌ VIP pony / "faster route" upsell
There is no "VIP pony" or "express route" to Kedarnath. The 16km route is the same for everyone. Any provider claiming a special faster path and charging extra is lying.
❌ Abandonment mid-route
Rare but reported — a provider abandons a pilgrim midway claiming illness or exhaustion, demanding extra payment. If this happens, complain at the nearest police check-post on the route (there are 4 between Gaurikund and Kedarnath).
📞 Complaints: DM Rudraprayag helpline — 01364-233626 · Kedarnath police post — available on route
Practical Tips for Pony / Palki at Kedarnath
💡 Night travel is banned
Uttarakhand Police prohibits pony, palki, and foot traffic between 5 PM and 5 AM on the Kedarnath route. Plan your ascent to reach Kedarnath well before 3 PM (when the temple also closes for afternoon prayers).
💡 Start early for less crowd on the path
The trail is narrow in sections. Ponies going up and coming down share the same path. Starting at 5–6 AM means less congestion. Peak congestion is 8 AM–12 PM when day-trippers arrive.
💡 Pack light if using pony
Most pony providers include one small bag per passenger. Your main luggage can be left at your Gaurikund or Sonprayag hotel. Take only the essentials: ID, medicines, warm layer, water.
💡 Download BSNL SIM before coming
BSNL is the only network that works reliably on the Kedarnath trek route and at the temple. Jio works at Gaurikund. Airtel and Vi typically do not work above Sonprayag. If you need to contact your operator during the trek, BSNL is essential.
💡 Altitude acclimatisation before the trek
Kedarnath is at 3,583m. Even if you are on a pony, your body is still at altitude. Spend at least one night in Sonprayag or Guptkashi (1,319m) before ascending. Symptoms of AMS (altitude mountain sickness) can affect anyone regardless of fitness.
Planning Your Kedarnath Yatra?
Our Kedarnath packages include pony coordination, VIP darshan arrangement, Gaurikund hotel, and 24hr WhatsApp support throughout the trek.