Planning a trip from Delhi to Kedarnath? The Kedarnath Temple, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most revered shrines in India. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While the temple is easily accessible by road, many travelers prefer to take the train to reach Kedarnath. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath by train.
Attention
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that Kedarnath is not directly accessible by train. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar, which is about 225 kilometers away. From Haridwar, you will have to take a taxi or a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 14 kilometers and can be done on foot or by pony.
Interest
Now that you’re aware of the logistics, let’s explore the different options available for traveling from Delhi to Haridwar.
Desire
The easiest way to reach Haridwar from Delhi is by train. Delhi is well-connected to Haridwar by a number of trains. Some of the popular trains that run between Delhi and Haridwar are:
- Shatabdi Express
- Jan Shatabdi Express
- Mussoorie Express
- Dehradun Express
Action
Out of these, the Shatabdi Express is the fastest and most comfortable option. The train departs from New Delhi Railway Station and reaches Haridwar in just over 4 hours. The train runs daily except for Thursdays. The Jan Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express are also good options, but they take longer to reach Haridwar.
Action
The train fare from Delhi to Haridwar depends on the class of travel. The Shatabdi Express offers both Chair Car and Executive Class. The Chair Car fare for a one-way trip is around INR 740, while the Executive Class fare is around INR 1500. The Jan Shatabdi Express and Mussoorie Express offer both AC and non-AC options, with fares ranging from INR 200 to INR 1000.
Interest
Once you reach Haridwar, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Gaurikund. The journey takes about 8-9 hours and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The taxi fare from Haridwar to Gaurikund is around INR 6000, while the bus fare is around INR 500.
Action
From Gaurikund, you can start your trek to Kedarnath. The trek is moderately difficult and takes about 6-7 hours. During the trek, you’ll pass through dense forests and scenic waterfalls. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin to carry you to Kedarnath. The pony/palanquin fare is around INR 3000-4000.
Action
Once you reach Kedarnath, you can explore the beautiful Kedarnath Temple. The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is open from 6 AM to 8 PM, and you can attend the morning and evening aarti to experience the divine energy.
Action
Before you plan your trip, it’s important to consider the weather conditions. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the trek is open. However, during the monsoon season (July-August), the trek is closed due to landslides and heavy rainfall. During the winter months (December-March), the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Action
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Kedarnath, there are a number of accommodation options available. The temple committee runs a number of guesthouses and lodges, with prices ranging from INR 300 to INR 1000. You can also find private guesthouses and campsites in Kedarnath, with prices ranging from INR 1000 to INR 3000.
Action
During your stay in Kedarnath, you can enjoy the local cuisine, which is simple yet delicious. Some of the popular dishes in Kedarnath are Aloo ke Gutke, Kachmauli, and Bal Mithai. You can also find a number of small eateries and dhabas in Kedarnath, serving hot tea and snacks.
Action
Before you leave Kedarnath, you can shop for some souvenirs to take back home. Some of the popular souvenirs in Kedarnath are Rudraksha beads, woolen shawls, and brass idols. You can find these items in the local shops and markets in Kedarnath.
Action
Finally, if you want to contribute to the local community, you can donate to the Kedarnath Charitable Trust. The trust runs a number of programs for the welfare of the local people, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. Your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of the people living in and around Kedarnath.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath by train is a convenient and comfortable option. While the journey involves a trek and some planning, the experience of visiting the Kedarnath Temple is truly rewarding. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Kedarnath. Happy travels!