SM
Operations Manager & Content Lead, Shiv Ganga Travels
🗓️ Last updated: May 30, 2026 · Verified for current season
Distance (road)
218km from Haridwar
Trek distance
16km one way
Daily limit
15,000–17,000 pilgrims
Package from
₹6,499/person
Trek time
5–7 hrs ascending
Significance of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is not merely a temple — it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (primordial pillars of light) of Lord Shiva and one of the four dhams in the Char Dham circuit. Situated at 3,583m in the Rudraprayag district, it sits in the shadow of the Kedarnath peak (6,940m) with the Mandakini river originating from the Chorabari glacier above. The temple was built (or rebuilt after earlier construction) by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. It survived the catastrophic 2013 floods when a massive boulder deflected the floodwaters, protecting the main temple structure — an event widely considered miraculous.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan Kedarnath Yatra 2026
1
Complete Biometric Registration
Register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free). Upload Aadhaar details and download your yatra card. Pilgrims 55+ upload medical fitness certificate. Shiv Ganga Travels handles this for all package pilgrims.
Registration Guide →2
Book Your Package
Packages from Haridwar start at ₹6,499 per person for 3N/4D. Price includes vehicle, hotels at Guptkashi, meals, guide, and darshan assistance. Book 30–60 days ahead for May–June.
View Packages →3
Decide: Trek, Pony, or Helicopter
Trek (16km, 5–7 hrs) — most rewarding and free. Pony (₹3,000–5,000 one way) — for 60+ or knee problems. Helicopter (₹7,000–9,000 one way) — book via IRCTC, mandatory 2026 rule.
Helicopter Booking Guide →4
Plan Your Darshan Timing
Arrive at Kedarnath by 7–9 AM for shortest queue. Mahabhishek at 4 AM (advance booking ₹3,100) is the deepest experience. Shringaar Aarti at 7:30 PM is unmissable — arrive by 7 PM.
Darshan Timings →5
Pack for High Altitude
Thermal inners (mandatory — nights 0–5°C even in June), fleece, windproof jacket, warm cap, gloves, trekking boots, ORS sachets, personal medicines for 2 extra days, headtorch for 5 AM trek start.
Packing List →Complete Cost Breakdown — Kedarnath Yatra 2026
| Expense | Budget | Standard | Notes |
|---|
| Package (3N/4D from Haridwar) | ₹6,499 | ₹9,999–12,000 | Includes vehicle, hotels, meals, guide |
| Kedarnath trek | Free | Free | No cost — walk yourself |
| Pony (instead of trek) | ₹3,000–5,000 | ₹3,000–5,000 | Per person, one way. Negotiable. |
| Helicopter (one way) | ₹7,000–9,000 | ₹7,000–9,000 | Via IRCTC booking only |
| Mahabhishek puja | ₹3,100 | ₹3,100 | At 4 AM, advance booking |
| Rudrabhishek puja | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | 6–8 AM, temple counter |
| General darshan | Free | Free | Standard queue |
| Prasad / personal expenses | ₹500–2,000 | ₹500–2,000 | Per person |
| Registration | Free | Free | registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in |
| Total estimated (trek) | ₹7,000–9,000 | ₹10,500–15,000 | Package + puja + personal |
| Total estimated (helicopter) | ₹14,000–18,000 | ₹17,000–22,000 | Package + helicopter both ways |
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Direct operator · No agent commission · 15 years on these routes
Book Kedarnath Yatra 2026 — Direct from Haridwar
15 years · 50,000+ pilgrims · Direct operator · Zero commission · +91-7817996730
Complete Kedarnath Reference
🙏Plan Your Yatra — Shiv Ganga Travels, Haridwar · Est. 2010
Don't just read about Char Dham Yatra — experience it.
Thousands of pilgrims have trusted us from Haridwar since 2010. We handle everything — registration, hotels, vehicles, pony bookings, and 24×7 support on-route. All you carry is your devotion.
✅No Hidden Costs
All-inclusive price
📞24×7 Support
On-route helpline
🏆Est. 2010
15 years on these routes
Packages from ₹19,500 per person · All-inclusive · Haridwar pickup