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Kedarnath – How to plan a trip [Complete Travel Guide]

Kedarnath is a divine Hindu settlement situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas, and is situated at an astounding height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of Mandakini River.

The Kedarnath temple lies amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is thronged by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year. Also, the Kedarnath trek is stunningly beautiful and quite eclectic, even in the trekking circuit.

Famous for the ancient shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, it offers a calm atmosphere with a beautifully painted backdrop thanks to the rhododendron woods, snow-covered mountains, and splendid sights of nature. An amalgamation of devoutness and adventure is what makes it incomparable. A MUST VISIT for one and all.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

About Kedarnath

Kedarnath literally means the Lord of the field, and it is so called because the “crop of liberation” grows here. While it is not certain who constructed the temple or when! One of the earliest references of Kedarnath is in the 7th or 8th century. It is also believed that Adi Shankara died near the sanctuary.

History & Mythology

It is believed that post the battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas went on a journey to Banaras in order to repent killing their own and seek blessings from the Lord. But, Shivji wanted to avoid meeting with the brothers, and thus, took solace in Guptakashi.

However, Pandavas were relinquishing in their search for the Lord and when they found him, Shivji decided to take the form of buffalo so that they couldn’t recognize him. Now, when Shivji saw the Pandavas approaching closer, he wanted to hide even further.

Thus, He took the decision to also become invisible by way of going underground. However, brother Bhīma tried hard to stop him from leaving by holding on to the legs and tail of the bull. Unfortunately, the Lord dived and evaporated at that place leaving behind his hump which is now worshipped at Kedarnath Temple.

It is however believed that through cosmic energy, the Pandavas were exempted from their sins and Shivji informed that from then onwards He would be present in Jyotirlinga form at Kedarnath.

Located in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is the most remote of all Chota Char Dham sites. Situated near the Chorabari Glacier – the source of the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is flanked by snow-capped peaks – most prominently the Kedarnath mountain (6,940 mts) and the Kedar Dome (6,831 mts). Located at a distance of 223 KM from Rishikesh, the town is built on a barren stretch of land on the shored of the river.

The town unfortunately suffered extensive destruction during 2013 due to flash floods caused by torrential rains in Uttarakhand. The temple magnificently survived the harsh calamities!

In line with the Himalayan weather, Kedarnath experiences cool summers while the winters are extremely difficult and harsh. Summer is ideal for all sight-seeing, temple visits and experiencing nearby attractions as well. The average temperature is around 17 degrees in the summer.

Monsoon months are difficult and the area has suffered extreme rainfall many times, particularly in 2013. Monsoon weather is around 12 degrees. Winters are cold, complex and inhabitable. The palki of Lord Kedarnath is transferred to its winter abode near Guptakashi – Ukhimath from November to April. Weather in this season is always in the negative!

Dheeraj Sharma

Best time to visit Kedarnath

Right at the beginning of the season in April till the onset of monsoons and post-monsoon till close of the season. Kedarnath has a cold climate for most part of the year and the best months to travel are May, June, September, October.

How to get there

Kedarnath is well connected with most of the important towns of Uttarakhand. The nearest road head to Kedarnath is about 18 KMs later, Gaurikund.

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the closest airport, at a distance of 238 KMs. The airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Taxis are easily available from the airport to Gaurikund.

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, at a distance of 216 KMs before Kedarnath on NH58. Further, Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are easily available to reach Gaurikund.

Prior to reaching Kedarnath, the last motorable point is Gaurikund. From there on out, you’ll be trekking for 16-odd-km. Gaurikund is connected with major destinations in North India. Buses and shared cabs are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh & Rudraprayag to Sonprayag, the last point until which private vehicles are allowed.

Buses to Rishikesh and Shrinagar are available from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate. From Sonprayag, there is a shared cab facility offered by the government, where the cab will drop you in Gaurikund for a fee.

Helicopter Options

You may even get a helicopter ride if you’re not into trekking (although I strongly recommend the trek!). The services are available from different helipads such as Guptkashi, Sersi, Phata etc.

What to do in Kedarnath

Given that Kedarnath is a religious destination, clearly the centermost attraction are places with mythological connotations.

Kedarnath Temple

Enveloped in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is among the 275 temples of Paadal Petra Sthalams (the most powerful Shiva temples in the world) and is also the most important among the Panch Kedars.

With fresh air synonymous with the hills and stunning views that you have to earn – you will lose all sense of time here! For thousands of year, this place has been worshipped and the energy of the region is that of positivity, hope and beliefs for the future.

Inside the temple, you’ll be greeted with a small hall with images of Parvati as well as the Pandavas. The hall is decorated with statues of Krishna, Pandavas, Draupadi, Virbhadra and many other deities! There is a conical rock inside the temple which is worshipped as the Sadashiva (forever Shiv).

Made from grey stones which are interlocked with the use of iron clamps – the temple is truly striking in the backdrop of Himalayas.

Gandhi Sarovar

Gandhi Sarovar is a small crystal clear lake, also known as Chorabari Tal. This is so because it is situated on the mouth of Chorabari Bamak glacier. Gandhi Sarovar lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak at an astounding altitude of 3,900mts above sea level. The lake comes after completed further 4 KMs trek from Kedarnath Temple.

Kalimath is a religious place located on the banks of Saraswati river. Located at a height of 1800 mts, Kalimath is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India. Kalimath lies on lap of nature offering salubrious and divine environment. Goddess Kali Temple is located in Kalimath. Legends believe that after killing Raktbeej, Kali Goddess went underneath the ground at this place!

Bhairav Temple

Bhairavnath Temple or Bhairon Baba Mandir is situated south of the Kedarnath temple on the eastern hill of the lofty Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Bhairav – the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with destruction and devastation. The temple offers some stunning views of the Himalayas and it is a beautiful portion of your journey to Kedarnath!

Gaurikund Temple

Gaurikund temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. According to myths and legends, this is the place where Goddess Parvati did penance involving ascetic and yoga practices to win over Shiva’s heart. It is believed that Lord Shiva admitted his love for the Goddess here and they then married at Triyuginarayan temple.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Adi Shankaracharya was a philosopher, credited with unifying and establishing the main thoughts in Hinduism. At the age 32, he decided to attain moksha at Kedarnath and merged under with the land near the Kedarnath Temple. The samadhi is situated right behind the temple.

What to do around Kedarnath

There is so much to explore around the Kedarnath Temple. So, remember to keep some time at hand to truly immerse yourself into the experience!

Vasuki Tal Lake

Vasuki Tal is a high glacial lake situated at an impressive altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level near Kedarnath Dham. One can spot Brahma Kamal and other Himalayan flowers blooming around the placid lake, making for some spectacular views.

Ideally, I would suggest you complete the route in the day time itself, and spend the night at Kedarnath! The trek distance from Kedarnath temple is 8 KMs, initial 3-4 KMs is easy before the ascend begins. The icy Vasuki Tal is just 900 meters downhill from Vasuki top.

Guptkashi is situated 47kms before the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath. It is located on the route to Kedarnath on a ridge on the west side of the Mandakini river valley at an elevation of 1,319mts above sea level.

Guptkashi is a religiously important town of Uttarakhand as it houses ancient temples like Vishwanath temple and Ardhnareshwar temple. A highly revered attraction, Manikarnika Kund is where two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meet.

Kedarnatha Trek

Kedarnatha trek is in one of the most significantly religious areas, especially in the Hindu Mythology. The Temple of Lord Kedarnatha (Shivji), which sits at the base of the summit, has stood the test of time and is revered amongst spiritual believers.

Millions of pilgrims move mountains to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the Hindu Deity each year. The temple itself lies at the base of the Kedarnath Peak, facing the Kedar Parvat. A beginner level trek, Kedarnath is especially beautiful in the winter months.

One of the most remarkable crests in the Himalayan region, both nature lovers and ardent trekkers tend to enjoy the experience.

Char Dham Yatra

The Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is the four abodes of holy shrines – Badrinath , Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri . All four of these temples are situated within the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The prominence of the Charm Dham Yatra is immense amongst Hindus.

Moreover, it is believed that every Hindu should do Char Dham Yatra at least once in their lifetime. The Great Reformer and Philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, gathered together these Holy Pilgrimage places into a spiritual circuit around the 8th century.

Generation followed generations and hundreds of thousands of devotees have kept up the tradition of covering these pilgrimage spots every year. Thus, it is very common to complete the circuit in one religious pilgrimage!

Best places to stay near Kedarnath

There is a huge government-run tented colony along with cottages as well as rooms run by GMVN. These are sufficient to home more than a thousand pilgrims and visitors. Also, there are hotels, guest houses, and Dharamshala as well.

A lot of folks have started taking the journey via helicopters and thus stay locations can be Phata, Rampur, Gaurikund, Sitapur etc.

Best places to eat

Unfortunately, the only option for decent food here is the food stalls and roadside dhabas. Food available is mostly north Indian cuisine. Of course, given the highly revered place in Hinduism that Kedarnath holds, it should come as no surprise that alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not served/ is prohibited.

Things to keep in mind

• As instructed by the Uttarakhand government, it is necessary for every traveler to do bio-metric registration. The facility is available online as well. Alternatively, you may also do the same at Sonprayag.
• You can easily find mules & porters to accompany you on your journey. Do remember to check the prices officially posted so as to avoid paying a larger sum
• Also, if you are hiring porters or mule owners – remember to check their official IDs
• It is always wise to avoid the hilly terrain in the monsoon season. Especially given the tragedy of 2013, and how badly Kedarnath was hit. If you are still heading there in the monsoon period – do check with officials and local authorities
• Photography is not allowed in the temple premises. Be mindful of the fact and abide by the rules of the temple authorities.

Tips when travelling to Kedarnath

• The trek is 16 KM long and will take you 6 hours, depending on your health
• Try to start your trek early in the morning to avoid the harshness of the afternoon sun
• Remember to eat a hearty (though not heavy) breakfast
• Drink water and stay hydrated. However, do remember to carry your own water bottles.

If connecting with nature and the Gods, rejuvenation and some adventure is on the cards for you on your next holiday – head on over to Kedarnath. This place will take you back to a time of simplicity and authenticity.

You will fall in love with the quaint life of the hills and revered by the sheer power of belief. If you have any questions regarding this beautiful wonderland – do comment below and I will be happy to answer any of your queries.

Happy travelling!

Shefali spends most of her time day dreaming about her next big vacation. A happy-go-lucky personality, she is an amalgamation of all the places she’s lived in and experienced! She is always confused as to where to call home, having lived in Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Mumbai, Hyderabad in India and Vancouver, Abbotsford in Canada. Her love for travel is only challenged by her love for reading and eating delicious food! In order to sustain her dreams, she brought out her inner geek, got an MBA and has a job in the corporate world crunching numbers. Do follow @notravelplans on Instagram for updates on her next great adventure.

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Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram . :)

Hi Shefali, Your article about Kedarnath is really good and contains all the necessary details to plan a trip there. However, I had one query – is it a good idea to plan the trip in the 1st or 2nd week of July this year? Actually I am having some other schedule in May, June and in September and October 2021. So, thinking of going there in July 1st or 2nd week.

July shall be fine to visit Kedarnath, just keep a check on the weather and usually, it shall be OK to visit before mid of July

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The Spiritual Adventurer’s Guide: A Detailed Kedarnath Itinerary

The journey to Kedarnath, nestled in the snow-clad peaks of the mighty Himalayas, isn’t just a physical voyage, but a deeply spiritual one. The immensity of the mountains makes one feel diminutive, reminding us of the vastness of creation. Let’s embark on this serene path, making the most out of our Kedarnath itinerary.

Discovering The Divine: Your Spiritual Journey to Kedarnath

Reaching kedarnath.

The first part of any Kedarnath itinerary should be figuring out how to reach Kedarnath. The holy town is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India and, due to its remote location, getting there requires a bit of effort but is totally worth it.

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 238 kilometers away. Once you land, you can hire a taxi to Gaurikund, which is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath. If you prefer railways, the nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, about 216 kilometers away from Gaurikund.

Next comes the 16-kilometer trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Remember, this is more than just a walk; it’s a spiritual journey . As you ascend, the path unravels stunning vistas of verdant valleys and snow-clad peaks, the beauty of which is absolutely mesmerizing.

“Crave more adventure tips? Follow us for regular updates”

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

An essential detail in your Kedarnath itinerary is deciding the best time to visit Kedarnath . Given its high altitude, the region experiences harsh winters, making it inaccessible from November to April. The most favorable time to embark on this spiritual journey is between May and June or after the monsoon season from September to early November.

Kedarnath Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered how to reach Kedarnath and the best time to visit Kedarnath, let’s delve into the specifics of the Kedarnath itinerary.

Day 1:Arrival

Arrive in Dehradun or Rishikesh, and take a moment to acclimatize and prep for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Dehradun/Rishikesh to Gaurikund

Travel to Gaurikund. Along the way, you’ll cross the holy cities of Rudraprayag and Devprayag, where you can witness the confluence of mighty rivers. Spend the night at Gaurikund and prepare for the trek.

Day 3: Trek to Kedarnath

Begin your trek from Gaurikund early in the morning. As you move higher, the scenery becomes increasingly picturesque. Reach Kedarnath by evening and absorb the spiritual energy of this serene place.

Day 4: Kedarnath

Visit the Kedarnath Temple early in the morning for the ‘Abhishekam’. Spend the day exploring the surrounding areas. Don’t miss the Gandhi Sarovar, a small lake about 3 kilometers from Kedarnath.

Day 5: Return to Gaurikund

After spending a soulful day in Kedarnath, descend back to Gaurikund. The journey downhill is just as spiritual as the climb, as you’ll be carrying the blessings of Kedarn

ath with you.

Day 6: Gaurikund to Dehradun/Rishikesh

Travel back to Dehradun or Rishikesh. This marks the end of your spiritual journey. Reflect on your experiences as you prepare to return to everyday life.

An Extended Journey in Kedarnath

If you want to immerse deeper into the spiritual and natural wonders of Kedarnath and its surroundings, consider extending your Kedarnath itinerary to include nearby destinations.

Day 7: Gaurikund to Triyuginarayan Temple

After descending from Kedarnath, visit the Triyuginarayan Temple. It’s believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tied the knot, making it a vital spiritual spot.

Day 8: Triyuginarayan to Ukhimath

Next, head to Ukhimath, the winter home of Lord Kedarnath. Spend the day exploring the area and overnight in Ukhimath.

Day 9: Ukhimath to Chopta-Tungnath

Drive to Chopta, also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, and from there, trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The panoramic views of the Himalayas from here are breathtaking.

Day 10: Chopta-Tungnath to Deoriatal

Take the trek to Deoriatal, a beautiful lake reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks. After spending a day in the lap of nature, return to Chopta for the night.

Day 11: Chopta to Rishikesh/Dehradun

Head back to Dehradun or Rishikesh, marking the end of your extended spiritual journey.

Tips for Visiting Kedarnath

Regardless of how you choose to reach Kedarnath or the best time to visit Kedarnath, here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey:

• Acclimatization: Give yourself ample time to adjust to the high altitude. Drink plenty of water, and get enough rest.
• Physical Fitness: The journey involves trekking in high-altitude areas. Therefore, maintaining good physical health is essential. Prepare yourself with regular exercise before the trip.
• Packing: Pack light but don’t forget essential items like woolen clothing, waterproof shoes, raincoats, medicines, and a flashlight.
• Respect Local Customs: Kedarnath is a sacred place for Hindus. Always respect local customs and traditions.
• Be Environment-Friendly: As you enjoy the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, ensure you do not harm the environment in any way. Carry your waste with you and avoid using plastic.

Final Words

The journey to Kedarnath is a divine voyage that serves as a reminder of our place in this grand universe. As you plan your Kedarnath itinerary, remember it’s more than just about reaching a destination; it’s about the spiritual growth and the memories you’ll make along the way.

So, pack your bags, choose the best time to visit Kedarnath, understand how to reach Kedarnath, and set off on this incredible journey.

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A Solo Trip to Kedarnath #TravelAdventure2019

Well, this is a brief of the trip:

Day 1 (12th Sept):

Mumbai-Delhi Flight (02:20AM-04:35AM)

12017 New Delhi-Dehradun Shatabdi Express to Haridwar (06:35AM-11:25AM)

Haridwar-Rishikesh Bus from Haridwar Bus Depot (11:50AM-01:30PM)

Rishikesh-Srinagar Bus from Rishikesh bus depot (02:00PM-06:20PM)

Srinagar-Rudraprayg Bus (06:35PM-08:00PM)

Stay in Rudraprayag.

Day 2 (13th Sept):

Rudraprayag-Sonprayag Tempo Traveller (05:15AM-09:00AM)

Sonprayag-Gaurikund Maxx Cab (09:30AM-09:45AM)

Gaurikund-Kedarnath Temple Trek (10:00AM-06:30PM)

Stay at Kedarnath hotel

Day 3 (14th Sept):

Kedarnath-Gaurikund Trek (09:15AM-01:00PM)

Gaurikund-Sonprayag Maxx Cab (01:10PM-01:20PM)

Sonprayag-Srinagar Bus (01:15PM-09:50PM)

Stay at Gurudwara

Day 4 (15th Sept):

Srinagar-Rishikesh Bus (05:50AM-11:25AM)

Stay at Rishikesh.

Day 5 (16th Sept):

Rishikesh-New Delhi (07:35AM-02:35PM)

New Delhi-Mumbai Flight (09:00PM-11:05PM)

Home Sweet Home!!

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/bTtbKH1vMrs

> The actual story!!

I am a software developer by weekday and photographer by weekend kind of person. 30th August 2019 marked the last day of my previous company and my joining date was 19th September in the next firm. First two weeks were busy thanks to Ganesh festival around. But then the urge to travel somewhere kicked in and without any proper plan in place... there was actually no where to go.

11th September 2019

I was causally looking at a place called "Kedarkantha" for a trek in November. I realized that the Kedarnath was not so much far from the place where I was planning a trek to. Something within me told me to go to YouTube and search for the song "Qaafirana" from movie "Kedarnath" and after I saw that song, I was like I am going here.

Ok but when? "Tomorrow.."

And how? "umm..I don't know.."

Do my mom dad know? "NO.."

As I told my ambitious idea of travelling to Kedarnath at home, in the very next minute and like most of the families would do, I got a NO followed by a lecture about why it was a bad idea. There was a big misunderstanding too as they thought I was talking about Amarnath and with recent situations in Kashmir because of article 370, they clearly said a no to me. But I stayed firm on my idea and showed them videos of the entire trek. Slowly their no turned into a Yes with usual "tuze sunana nahi hai na humara..toh ja..bolke kuch fayda nahi".

Yes they were completely true in terms of thinking what might go wrong with their kid planning a sudden trip for very next day without knowing a thing about the entire travel from his home to Kedarnath. But with the past history of having gone on numerous self planned trips with friends, they were sure that I will pull it off.

In the very next hour, I researched everything I could about the trek and possible routes starting from Delhi or Dehradun. Seeing the prices of the flights to Dehradun, I sticked to the Delhi plan and got myself Spicejet ticket for just ₹2677. Yeah pretty cheap for a flight that was departing on the next day at 2AM from Mumbai. The current time while booking was 12PM of 11th September. Talking with other friends of friends, I came to know about a train from Delhi to Dehradun via Haridwar and that was the next ticket I booked for the next day travel. The train was scheduled to leave from New Delhi at 6:45AM. Everything was in order so far.

I pulled out my Quechua 60L bag. Stuffed in thermals, a jacket, a beanie, poncho, thermos, dryfruits and borrowed my friend's mirrorless camera so as to save weight and get my backpack in flight cabin. I had only taken one extra t-shirt and two pair of inner wear and that's it. I wish Quechua would have sponsored this trip as I was going to survive next 5 days on one pair of (againnn) Quechua hiking shirt and (one last time) Quechua hiking pant and trust me, they were awesome throughout the journey.

Quechua Backpack 60L: Link

Quechua Full Sleeve Hiking Shirt: Link

Quechua Hiking Pant: Link

I left home around 8PM so as to reach Mumbai International Airport early and enjoy the lounge food thanks to free access by Credit Card. My bag was nearly on verge of being thrown into check-in bags as it was more than 8Kgs, just a bit actually. But I managed to convince them to allow me to take it in cabin.

-Day 1: 12th September 2019-

The flight left Mumbai on time and landed too, on time at Delhi at around 4.15AM. I couldn't sleep in the flight because just when I was about to sleep (I guess we were flying above Jaipur), I saw lightning playing its own silent beats in the sky and that completely blew away my sleep. What followed was attempts to capture at least one good shot of the same. Take a look at it below:

As I landed in Delhi at T-3 Terminal at 4.15AM, I literally had to rush though the flight between the usual Indian queue of "I will get out of flight first before others for no reason" crowd to catch the very first metro of the day which was arriving at Indira Gandhi Metro Station just outside T-3 at 4:45AM. Thanks to Paytm, I saved precious time of buying a metro token(₹60) and I guess I was the only one who actually used e-token at that time as all others were in line to get the token.

I got down at New Delhi Metro Station and the New Delhi Railway station was barely 5 mins walk from there. I got refreshed at the AC Waiting room near Platform 16 which charges about ₹10 per person per hour and you need to provide your PNR number.

The Train Journey:

12017 Delhi-Dehradun Shatabdi was my next mode of commute from PF 16 and that saved me lot of walking time because this is the very first platform that you reach while coming from Metro and Waiting room is right above this one. The train was bang on time in terms of departing from Delhi and like every Shatabdi in India, I was flooded with food. Trust me veg cutlet has an advantage over egg omelette in case of quality of the breakfast served to you. But don't be so reliant on this and have proper food at Delhi Station. To list down all the items served to you, they go like this

1. 1L water bottle

2. Packaged lemonade

3. Breakfast has veg and non veg option. Cutlet or egg omelette is the only difference between these two. Both these options will have two brown bed slices, small Amul butter sachet, mixed fruit jam sachet and sauce sachet. The French fries which they provide hidden beneath the cutlet or omelette will be enough for you to feel hatred towards fries for quite a while as they get soggy and aren't even salty. Plus you get cooked mutter as well.

Bus search in Haridwar:

Train reached Haridwar on time at 11:30AM. Now the fight was to get a bus to Rishikesh. In Haridwar bus depot, which is just outside the railway station, it's very tricky to spot which bus goes where as buses come inside from one gate, barely stop for 5 mins and leave in this U shaped road around the depot. So you will have to keep watching the boards placed in front ongoing buses. Best part is, these buses have no particular color patterns to distinguish between a state transport or a private bus. I got into a bus heading to Rishikesh. Costed me about ₹40. During the journey, I also observed a tempo Traveller which had Ganesha idol being taken for Visarjan and that scene felt very good seeing the festival being celebrated even so far. I reached after 2 hours for a road distance worth of 1 hour max, thanks of traffic at 2 or 3 places.

Journey from Rishikesh onwards:

Now any State transport bus would drop at the same bus depot in Rishikesh which is really really picturesque. There is GMO(Garhwal Mandal Organization) bus stand right next to it and another private bus stand right next to GMO which has more frequent buses to other places.

I had set myself a target of reaching to Rudraprayag on the same day. As it was 2PM and all the buses to Rudraprayg (which is 6hrs away) had already left in morning, what I could only get was a bus going to Srinagar. Yes, you heard that right. There is a Srinagar in Uttarakhand too. I started at 2PM from Rishikesh and finally reached at 6.20PM with the hopes of getting atleast some mode of transport to go to Rudraprayag but the chance were slim. Luckily right where the current bus ended its journey in Srinagar, there was another bus for Rudraprayag, just about to leave. I thanked god and hopped onto this one. Finally I had reached Rudrapryag at 8PM after such staggering amount of travel in one day. I quickly got a room as well in "Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra Niwas" for ₹400. It was a really good clean room with double beds for a single person. Off season helps a lot :P. After surviving on dry fruits, laddus, a Maaza and water for the entire day, I finally treated myself with a home cooked dinner in a small restaurant called Mandakini right in front of the Niwas. Food was really good. It was finally the end of day for me!!

-Day 2: 13th September 2019-

The hike Day:

I had already inquired with the locals the previous day about the mode of commute and timings to reach Sonprayag. At 5AM, my next journey started in a Tempo Traveller. Rudraprayag to Sonprayag route is scenic till Gupt Kashi with river accompanying the road and make sure to seat on the left side to enjoy the views . From Gupt Kashi onwards till Sonprayag, it is one of the worst roads I have ever seen in my life after Ladakh as over here the vehicles get stuck thanks to mud and sludge formed by road widening work and landslides. It took us 4 hours to cover 75Kms to Sonprayag. After feasting on Parathas and energizing myself with Glucose Biscuits, I was prepared for the strenuous 17Kms trek to the top. From Sonprayag you have to take a maxi cab to go to Gaurikund which is the base of the trek and that's the only mode of commute allowed. You cannot take any other vehicle to Gaurikund. They charge ₹20 for a seat.

Considering I had significant trekking experience in Sahyadris in Maharashtra, I was at least optimistic about reaching in daytime to the top. But after all, Himalyas are Himalayas and I was going to be tested like I have never been before. My hike started at 10AM (Ideally start at 5AM by staying at Sonprayag). The sun was perfectly covered under clouds so as to not sap much energy out of me. Hardly 1.5Kms must have passed and I stared feeling the gravity of the hike. I had to take a break. I put entire electrol powder within my thermos, filled it with the amazing tap water service provided by Uttarakhand government along the route and quickly gulped few sips. After waiting for few mins, I started again. I felt much better now as my body was starting to get acclimatized.

Always remember one simple rule when you hike: Take it slow, take short controlled breaths, rest if needed and keep having few sips of water after regular intervals.

Following the same mantra, I reached Rambara, a place where you witness the 2013 destruction up close. Over here, you need to cross a river bridge and start the hike on the mountain on the other side. Your real struggle starts from here onwards as so far you have gained quite some altitude and now the hike has becomes much more steeper. I literally halted after every turn of the zig zag shaped hike path. I knew my 8kg bag was the real culprit but honestly there was nothing in it as extra to keep in the Cloak rooms available at Sonprayag. The drinking water from tap which was at regular temperature at the base, has turned freezing cold now.

Lunch and next journey!

Around 2:30PM, I finally decided to have lunch which was again laddus and dry fruits from my bag as I badly wanted to reduce the weight as much as I can. There was no network coverage so far after I had left Bhimbali (7kms from Gaurikund base).

Talking about the major locations during this hike, you first reach Jungal Chatti which is 3kms from base, Bhimbali which is 7kms from base, Linchauli which is 11kms from base and finally Kedarnath base which is just 1kms from Temple. All of these places have staying rooms and medical facility available and you aren't charged for availing the medical facility. You can grab a few electrol powder packets too over here.

After lunch, as I started my hike again, I witnessed the might Himalayas peeking through clouds for the very first time and the view was stunning:

The clouds had started covering the valley and the mountain which I had crossed earlier now looked like this:

I had finally reached Kedarnath temple area at 6:15PM. Cold was starting to kick in as so far my body was constantly in warm state because of hike. I managed to get a room for ₹300 right at about 100mts from Temple and I just dropped on the bed. The altitude and exhaustion had started playing its effects on me. I couldn't even drink more than 3 sips of the tea. After engulfing myself into blanket and taking a short nap, I heard the evening aarti bells and against my will, dragged myself out and went to attend the daily aarti which takes place at 7PM. Hearing the sound of aarti faintly being echoed among those mountains made me feel much better. I got a chance twice to visit the Kedarnath after the aarti and I came back to room.

I just wasn't able to eat anything. I was feeling feverish and pukish. Somehow I managed to drink the soup served by the hotel owner (that small glass of soup costed ₹50) and I went off to sleep.

-Day 3: 14th September 2019-

I woke up around 5AM and realized that I have a bad headache. I again went back to sleep and finally at around 5:45AM, took myself out to take pictures of the first light of day. It was one of the best views I had seen after so long time in the company of such divine place. Take a look at these photos:

I hiked to the Shankaracharya Gufa on the other side of Mountain as well. The views from that place was phenomenal. Seeing the sunlight slowly make its way through valley was the most surreal experience of my life.

I wanted to go to Vasuki Taal as well which is 6-7hrs trek one way from Kedarnath but considering the date boundaries of my job and my already non acclimatized state, I had to drop the idea.

Time had come to say bye to this heavenly place. I badly wanted to take a helicopter to go down but they charge ₹4.2k for one person and there was a waiting list. Today was a very clear day with white patches of clouds here and there. Take a look at this shot:

While hiking down, I was taking all the off roads which were like a short cut, not at all exposed to valley but without any proper walking base like that of hike path. I only took about 4hrs to come down after starting at 9.15AM from Kedarnath and took halt only thrice.

Srinagar..in Uttarakhand though!

After reaching Sonprayag via Maxi Cab, I got a bus going to Srinagar via Rudrapayag. I decided to go till Srinagar knowing that its going to be late by the time I reach. A local female professor who was travelling with me from Rishikesh to Srinagar while coming had told me about a Gurudwara in Srinagar which I should look out for a stay. I had that at the back of my mind and that was the place where I ultimately rested for the day after reaching around at 9:15PM. I had survived the day on Milky bars, remaining laddus and dry fruits as the bus didn't take any halts.

The Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib doesn't charge you at all if you are travelling solo or are comfortable to sleep on a shared area which has multiple beds in open but covered area. After getting refreshed, I enjoyed the langar for the dinner and was off to sleep. I had already inquired about a bus which generally leaves around 5AM in the morning to Rishikesh.

-Day 4: 15th September 2019-

When I got up at 4,15AM in the morning, I was astonished to see so many people up and helping to prepare the langar for today. I had the best tea in last 4 days and departed for the bus stand. The bus stand was actually nothing but an area at the side of road where a bus is standing with driver shouting 'Rishikesh', 'Rishikesh', 'Rishikesh' after every 5-10mins. I had already seen the road on the map and reserved myself a left window seat which ultimately gave me this beautiful shots of Ganges:

and also of this beautiful village called ' Bachhali khal '

I missed the opportunity to book same day late night Vistara flight back to Mumbai which was available for 2.9k only so I had no other option but to stay in Rishikesh where I reached at 11:30AM, after 6.5hrs. From Rishikesh bus depot, I had to take a shared rick to Ram Jhula then walk nearly 1.5kms to finally reach this amazing place called ' Skyard Rishikesh ' which is like a hostel with bunker beds. I paid only ₹260 for one bunker bed in AC dorm. I took care of my next day travel bookings like my Flight back to Mumbai from Delhi (₹3.3k) at 9PM and 7:30AM bus from Rishikesh to Delhi (₹776). Later, I went out for a stroll nearby and visited 'Little Buddha Cafe' which was hardly 2-3 mins from the stay location. This place has a beautiful view of the Ganges and you can enjoy various cousins over here. It's slightly on the expensive side and you will meet lot of foreigners over here. I spent the evening experinceing the evening Ganga Aarti at a temple near Laxman Jhula.

If you planning on to take a few souvenirs home, then you will find lot of shops near Laxman Jhula. I ended my day with dinner at Skyard terrace with view of Ganges and interacted with few foreigners. It was very nice interaction and everyone had different motive to come to this place with many having spiritual aspect in common.

-Day 5: 16th September 2019-

For the first time in entire trip, rain decided to show up and I finally had to use the poncho while going to Rishikesh Bus stand at around 6AM. Now talking about the rickshaw stand at Laxman Jhula, the thing is that for a single person, from Laxman Jhula to Rishikesh bus depot(5KMs), rickshawalas will charge ₹250 if they don't get any other person to share the fare with you. So just walk a few meters towards the main highway and you will reach another rickshaw stand where you have better chances of getting either shared auto or at least a bus. I got two more people and managed to pay only ₹50 as my share thanks to initial bargaining done by them. There are stalls at the bus depot and nearby to have breakfast or a tea and the morning scenes with mountains in the backdrop at this bus depot will leave its nostalgia forever.

The UPSRTC bus to Delhi left on time at 7:30AM and thanks to it being a Volvo, I finally had the smoothest ride after past few bumpy days. The bus journey ended at ISBT Kashmere Gate at 2.15PM and as there was still plenty of time for my flight which was at 9:00PM, I decided to first visit Chandni Chowk and feast on Chhole Kulche. I took Violet Metro Line just outside the bus depot and got down at 'Lal Quila' from where Chandni Chowk is hardly walking distance. I had tough time walking though the road leading to this place as there was renovation work going on. You can also visit Parathawala Galli in Chandni Chowk too appease your hunger with variety of Parathas.

Then I again got into Violet Line Metro at got down "Central Secretariat" and visited the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Finally I called it off with my Delhi Darshan trip and got into Yellow line at the same "Central Secretariat" station (this station has interchange of metro line) and finally my metro rides too, ended at New Delhi Metro Station.

The New Delhi Metro station has baggage check-in facility available at the Metro Station itself. Air India and Vistara have their counters as far as I remember. This saves you from the hassle of carrying you luggage all the way to the airport. The airport express metro line(Orange line) dropped me at 'IGI Airport Station' as I had Air India and it flies from T-3 Terminal which is mainly the International terminal. If you have domestic terminal flight then you can get down at "Delhi Aerocity" station and take the feeder buses available at the station which will drop you to the terminal.

As I had one more lounge access left on my card, I visited 'Plaza Premium Lounge' in 'Lounges-B' section which has entrance from the ground floor. I found this lounge lot better in terms of occupancy and ambiance as compared to same lounge in first floor under section 'Lounges-A'. There was no delay in the flight schedule and for the first time I actually flew in a plane which had international seating space of 3-3-3 meaning 3 seats on left and right side and 3 in middle. The flight was headed for Newark in USA after a halt in Mumbai. Wish I would have been allowed to continue :P

So finally, here are some of the things I learnt from this trip:

1. Always carry one small foldable bag with you so that if you have to push your huge backpack in common storage space of bus or at the top of cab or tempo traveller, you still have a small bag with essentials like food, water and medications if any.

2. Don't think much about "What If and How". I know its not everyone's game to just get up and go on an completely unplanned trip very next day that too so far, but yeah if you can plan one with days in advance, and if can pull it off, trust me that the confidence and self belief that you will get will stay with you for a very very long time. I always wanted to have one such trip. And after having done it, I can firmly say that sometimes things are only difficult till you do it. All it takes is that one step. During most of the time of this trip, I didn't knew what my next day is going to be like but I knew my end goal and had the strong willingness to reach there so I always spent my last half hour of each day thinking about different travel information I got from locals, seeing maps and I used to make rough plan. Rest automatically fell in place.

3. It challenged me to know myself much better and challenged my comfort zones every day in ways like never before and it will for you as well, in some way, have meaningful and lasting impact if you happen to taken one such solo trip because seriously guys, life begins when you leave your comfort zones.

If you want to connect with me, then do visit my Instagram page and drop a Message. If you like my work then please do Follow back on Instagram and YouTube.

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/kaustubhnerurkar/

Hope you have your solo travel stories to tell the world very soon :)

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Further Reads

A Guide for Kedarnath Trek

The Kedarnath Yatra Trek stands as a revered pilgrimage route, traversing the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to reach the divine destination of Kedarnath Temple . This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the journey, providing intricate details to ensure pilgrims embark on a spiritually enriching and safe adventure.

Table of Contents

How to Reach Kedarnath

Here are the ways to reach Kedarnath with distances using different modes of transportation:

• Buses are available from major cities like Haridwar , Rishikesh , and Dehradun to Gaurikund , the nearest road point to Kedarnath.
• The distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath spans approximately 16 kilometers.
• From Gaurikund, you have to trek or hire a pony or palanquin to reach Kedarnath.
• Taxis can be hired from cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund.
• Taxis can also be hired for the complete journey from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to Kedarnath, but certain stretches may not be accessible by vehicle.

By Helicopter

• Helicopter services are available from Phata , Sersi, or Guptkashi to Kedarnath.
• The distance covered by helicopter varies depending on the starting point, but it significantly reduces travel time.
• This is the quickest but most expensive option.
• You can drive to Gaurikund, which serves as the nearest road point to Kedarnath.
• The distance from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund varies, but it’s approximately 220 kilometers from Haridwar.
• Beyond Gaurikund, vehicles are not permitted, and you’ll have to trek or use alternative modes of transport to reach Kedarnath.
• The road conditions may vary, so it’s advisable to check beforehand and ensure your vehicle is suitable for mountainous terrain.

Kedarnath Route from Delhi

Embarking on the journey from Delhi, travelers have multiple transportation options:

By Road (Self-Drive or Taxi)

• Start from Delhi and head towards Haridwar or Rishikesh via NH334 or NH44.
• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, continue towards Rudraprayag via NH7.
• From Rudraprayag, take the route towards Augustmuni and then continue towards Guptkashi.
• From Guptkashi, proceed to Gaurikund, which is the nearest road point to Kedarnath.
• Park your vehicle at Gaurikund and commence the trek to Kedarnath or arrange for alternative transportation like ponies or palanquins.
• Take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.
• From Dehradun, drive to the helipad at Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi (depending on the helicopter service you choose).
• Board the helicopter from the respective helipad for Kedarnath.

By Train and Road

• Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, follow the road route mentioned above.

Kedarnath Trek Distance

The Kedarnath trek spans approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to the sacred Kedarnath Temple. This picturesque route winds through stunning landscapes of meadows, forests, and streams, offering pilgrims a blend of physical challenge and spiritual fulfillment. Along the way, resting points and settlements provide essential amenities, making the journey both memorable and rewarding.

Kedarnath Distance Chart

Understanding the distances between major cities aids in planning a seamless journey:

• Delhi to Haridwar: 206km
• Haridwar to Rishikesh: 24km
• Rishikesh to Devprayag: 72km
• Devprayag to Srinagar: 34km
• Srinagar to Rudraprayag: 33km
• Rudraprayag to Gaurikund: Approximately 74km
• Dehradun to Kedarnath (by air 109km) (by helicopter): Approximately 40 minutes
• Delhi to Dehradun: Approximately 250km
• Delhi to Rishikesh: Approximately 235km
• Delhi to Rudraprayag: Approximately 370km
• Delhi to Gaurikund: Approximately 445km

Route Map of the Kedarnath Trek

The trekking route to Kedarnath spans approximately 16 km, meandering through picturesque landscapes and quaint Himalayan villages. Post the 2013 flood catastrophe, a new route was established, ensuring safety and accessibility for pilgrims.

Stops along the Route

Start Point: Gaurikund

• Gaurikund serves as the initial point of the trek, bustling with pilgrims and essential facilities.

Jungle Chatti

• Approximately 6 km from Gaurikund, Jungle Chatti offers a serene stopover amidst verdant landscapes.
• Continuing the journey, trekkers reach Bheembali, a quaint village nestled in the Himalayas, about 4 km from Jungle Chatti.
• After traversing through lush forests and captivating vistas, Linchauli, situated 3 km from Bheembali, provides a refreshing respite.

Kedarnath Base Camp

• Progressing further, trekkers arrive at the Kedarnath Base Camp, a crucial resting point before the final ascent to the revered Kedarnath Temple. This segment covers approximately 4 km.

Kedarnath Temple

• Culminating the trek, pilgrims reach the iconic Kedarnath Temple, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, completing the approximate 1 km stretch from the base camp.

Facilities at Kedarnath Trek

Essential facilities along the trek ensure pilgrims’ safety and comfort throughout the journey:

• Accommodation : Tented campsites offer shelter and rest for weary travelers.
• Transportation : Palki/Dandi, Kandi, and Mule/Ponies services facilitate transportation of pilgrims and luggage.
• Food and Water : Small eateries and shops provide nourishment and hydration along the trail.
• Medical Assistance : Basic medical facilities at Kedarnath Base Camp offer aid to pilgrims in need.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Choosing the right time to embark on the Kedarnath Yatra is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience:

Ideal Months : May to June and September to October offer pleasant weather conditions, avoiding the monsoon season’s risks of landslides and heavy rainfall.

Kedarnath Trek Itinerary

A well-planned itinerary ensures a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience:

• Day 1 : Departure from Delhi, reaching Gaurikund by evening for an overnight stay.
• Day 2 : Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, visiting the temple and exploring the surroundings before retiring for the night.
• Day 3 : Return trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, followed by the journey back to Delhi.

Trekking Tips & Things to Carry

Essential tips and items to carry ensure pilgrims are well-prepared for the trek:

• Medical Check-up : Undergo a thorough medical examination before embarking on the trek.
• Essential Gear : Trekking shoes, warm clothing, water bottles, snacks, and first-aid kits are indispensable.
• Hydration and Rest : Stay hydrated and pace oneself to avoid exhaustion and altitude-related issues.
• Environmental Responsibility : Respect nature, follow designated trails, and adhere to local guidelines to preserve the pristine Himalayan ecosystem.

Addressing common queries helps pilgrims plan their journey effectively:

• Transportation Options : Information on transportation modes and availability.
• Accommodation Facilities : Details about accommodation options and booking procedures.
• Trekking Difficulty : Insights into the trek’s physical challenges and preparation required.
• Weather Conditions : Advice on weather forecasts and precautions to take during the journey.
• Pilgrimage Rituals : Guidance on performing rituals and customs at Kedarnath Temple.

The Kedarnath Trek stands as a sacred odyssey through the Himalayan wilderness, offering pilgrims a transformative journey of faith and self-discovery. With meticulous planning, preparation, and adherence to safety guidelines, every pilgrim can embark on a memorable expedition to the divine abode of Lord Shiva.

Suggested Tour:

• Badri Kedar Yatra Package from Delhi
• Do Dham Yatra Package by Car
• Badrinath Kedarnath Helicopter Tour
• Kedarnath Dham Yatra from Delhi
• Panch Kedar Yatra Package
• Kedarnath Yatra with Chopta Trek
• Kedarnath Tour Package from Haridwar

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A complete itinerary for your 3 days in Kedarnath

• Kedarnath, situated in Uttarakhand's Himalayan range, is a revered pilgrimage site known for its ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, avoiding the harsh winter and monsoon seasons.
• To reach Kedarnath, one can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then take a helicopter or drive to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, a 20-kilometer trek leads to Kedarnath. Alternatively, one can reach Sonprayag by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar and then trek or hire a pony or palanquin for the onward journey.

Best Time to Visit

How to reach, where to stay.

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Passing Ports

Planning a trip to Kedarnath? Here’s everything you need to know

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit all of us, we travelled in the third week of October 2020, a trip to Kedarnath via Rishikesh. Corona was posing a huge threat and we were fully aware of it. However, we did quite a bit of reading and understood that Uttarakhand was one of those safe states to travel to. We also learnt that Rishikesh and Kedarnath were less crowded than usual.

Before you read any further, if the pandemic situation is still the same as October 2020, kindly read this to know how we planned our entire trip to Rishikesh and Kedarnath and stayed careful.

Best time to plan a trip to Kedarnath

Every year, on the day of Shivratri, the priests will announce the date of opening and closing the temple. While the temple opens sometime in April, it closes on the day of Bhai Dooj. The remaining six months, Kedarnath faces heavy snow fall during the winter, making it impossible for people to visit.

Locals told us that beginning of September or just before closing is the right time to visit Kedarnath as the crowd will be lesser. We, however, would suggest October second or third week as the weather is just perfect.

Minimum number of days for a trip to Kedarnath

A trip to Kedarnath requires a minimum of 5 days from either Dehradun or Rishikesh. That’s because the Jolly Grant Airport, the nearest airport to Kedarnath is almost in between Dehradun and Rishikesh, thus serving as a good starting point for a trip to Kedarnath.

Day One: Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh

From Jolly Grant Airport (keeping COVID-19 in mind), we did not want to take public transport after exiting. On a regular day, this would have been the cheapest way to reach Rishikesh. The pre-paid taxis from the Airport could cost anywhere around Rs. 900 – 1200, depending on the location of the hotel/hostel. We walked a few metres away from the airport and saw a few taxi guys who were offering lesser rates to get to Rishikesh. We negotiated and took a taxi for Rs. 700 to Blue Jay Hostels (hostel review coming up soon!).

It takes about 40 minutes to cover approximately 20 km to reach Rishikesh.

Mostly the first day will depend on when you reach, check-in etc. However, walking to Laxman Jhula and dinner at one of the famous cafes/restaurants could be a great way to start soaking oneself in this small holy yet hippie town.

Day Two: Rishikesh to Sonprayag

Start at 9 AM from Rishikesh so there is ample time to reach Sonprayag. The usual route to Sonprayag will be via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni/Augustmuni and Phata.

This route is about 215 km long and takes 9-11 hours to reach the destination. The construction along the route and the narrow roads leads to traffic jam in each and every corner. Sometimes, because of blasting and road construction, the Devprayag route may be closed. This detour of 30-40 km will add another 2-3 hours of journey time (via Tehri Garhwal).

Interesting things about Devbhoomi

• Devprayag is a confluence of two rivers – Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. River Saraswathi which originates underground also joins the other two rivers. This confluence forms the river Ganga or Ganges.

• Dhari Devi Temple between Srinagar and Rudraprayag. This temple is located on the banks of Alaknanda. The people believe that Dhari Devi is the guardian of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. The authorities tried to remove the idol of Dhari Devi idol from the original place twice, once in the 1800s and once in 2013. The locals say that this has only resulted in natural calamities. The 2013 flood in Kedarnath washed away many villages and people. The country witnessed one of the worst natural disasters and some of the wounds are still fresh.

Other than traffic, lunch and tea, we never really stopped. We reached Sonprayag at around 7 pm, covering a distance of approximately 210 km in 10 hours. Yes, the roads were that bad. We checked in to GMVN Sonprayag and luckily got the entire dorm for ourselves.

Day Three: Sonprayag – Phata – Kedarnath

Start at 9 am to Triyugi Narayan Temple. It’s a 10 km drive with stunning views. This temple has a fascinating history and there’s an amazing vibe about the whole place.

Goes without saying, do not miss this temple during your Kedarnath trip 🙂

Kedarnath by Walk / Mules / Helicopters

Kedarnath by walk: The walk to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. Private vehicles and taxies are stopped at a check-point in Sonprayag post which there are SUVs which take us to Gaurikund. The walking distance between Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 18 km (although it is mentioned as 16.5 km). The time to cover the distance is anywhere between 6 and 12 hours depending on one’s fitness level. So starting early in the morning will help in reaching Kedarnath before the night sets in.

Walking down took us exactly 5 hours. We started at 10 AM and reached Gaurikund at 3 PM. We booked a full taxi for ourselves for Rs. 300. Else you will have to share the drive with 8-10 other people which was a big no for us at these times.

Kedarnath on mules: You can go up in mules from multiple points. Costs differ from time to time, and also from the point you wish to take. Food, water and restrooms are all available along the way.

Kedarnath via helicopter: You can book helicopters in advance. We booked the 12 to 3 pm slot on Pawan Hans and took off from Phata. The helicopter took us from Phata to Kedarnath in exactly takes 9 minutes. You can also book the Prasad at the helicopter base.

Visiting the Kedarnath Temple

Once we landed in Kedarnath, we walked a bit and checked-in at Swargrohini Cottages. We reached on time to see the afternoon aarti before they shut the temple. Police ensured no one roams without a mask. If you have time to spare, you can also visit the Bhairavnath Temple, which is on the eastern direction.

If you are a single traveller, you can also stay in the Rudra Cave which is on the western side. Enjoy the evening aarti which starts at 6 pm and takes place for about an hour. The next morning, at around 5:30 am (please check sunrise time), catch the first rays of the sun hitting the mountains behind the temple. Such sights are magnificent.

You will see long queues to enter the temple. We, however, suggest that you enter the temple after 8 am when the crowds are much lesser. Lesser time in the queue and also more time inside the temple. Win-win, no? 🙂

The stone behind the temple is something you shouldn’t miss. During the 2013 floods, the stone diverted the gushing water to the sides of the temple, saving those who went inside to take refuge. The flood also destroyed the Samadhi of Adi Shankara. You can ask the pandits there to see the idol (we weren’t able to).

Important things to note when planning your trip to Kedarnath

• E-Pass: Please ensure you have taken two e-passes, 1. Uttarakhand on Smart Dehradun Portal and 2. Individual E Pass for the Char Dham, in this case, for Kedarnath.
• Commute : We didn’t see any public transport from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. This could be because of the COVID-19 restrictions. It would be best to hire a taxi or go by your own transport (bike/car).
• Food : There are many small roadside shops and few big tea shops, restaurants that you find on the highways. In Rishikesh, there are many nice Ganga facing cafes/restaurants such as Little Buddha Cafe, Freedom Cafe, VJ’s Pizza and many more. In Kedarnath, you have a lot of options closer to the temple. We recommend Tiwari Hotel & Restaurant.
• ATM’s : Withdraw cash in advance as ATM’s are few in number. Please note, mostly or only cash accepted. Very few places accept Digital payments.
• Water : Mostly, natural water, wherever available can be refilled. Less plastic, remember? 🙂
• Helicopter: There are multiple services. Book your helicopter to Kedarnath .
• Weather : November to March is heavy snow season, April to June is summer, July to August is usually the rainy season and winter sets in from September.

We had a wonderful darshan and once we came back, we self quarantined ourselves at home and we suggest you do that too. We are glad our trip was safe from the Coronavirus.

We can now safely say, “thank god we took this trip”, and if you are going, stay safe and travel safer!

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Kedarnath Trek - A Complete Travel Guide & Tips

Introduction

The best time to visit, the trek itinerary, highlights of the journey, things to keep in mind, things to carry, frequently asked questions (faqs), what is required for kedarnath trekking.

The Kedarnath trek is of moderate difficulty and would require you to carry: A 20-30L capacity rucksack, warm clothes ( jackets , windcheater, and thermal wear), accessories like head gear, gloves, and muffler, personal medical kit and rain cover.

How difficult is the Kedarnath trek?

It is quite easy to cover the Kedarnath Trek, especially since there are multiple transport options available there to make it smoother.

How long is Kedarnath trek?

The Kedarnath Trek covers a distance of 16km and takes almost 6 hours to complete.  

Which month is best for Kedarnath?

April-June is the best month to undertake the Kedarnath Trek as the days are quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25°C with cool breezes.

Kedarnath Trek – A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Where is Kedarnath?

Kedarnath (3,553 metres, approximately) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It lies just below the base of the mighty Kedarnath peak (6,940 metres), and is the First Kedar to be visited in case you are staying true to the sequence of the Panch Kedar circuit. The other four being Madhmaheshwar , Tungnath , Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar .

I want to drive there myself. What is the motorable route?

Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Kund – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund

Distance from Haridwar to Gaurikund: 237 km

The motorable road ends at Gaurikund, but you’ll need to park your vehicle at Sonprayag. No private vehicles or even taxis from outside are allowed to go beyond Sonprayag . The only option is to board one of the shared taxis that specifically run from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. This more than sorts it out in case you are driving here yourself.

The road is more or less well-maintained except for a few patches that fall under the landslide zone. Road from Guptkashi to Sonprayag is patchy at best.

I want to opt for public transport.

• Take a bus or shared taxi (Max) from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag
• Take a shared taxi (Max) from Sonprayag to Gaurikund

Buses, both local and of Uttarakhand State Transport, and shared taxis start plying from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag as early as 4 am.

That being said, you should know that all the local buses take their own sweet time and multiple halts. All the buses and taxis will drop you at Sonprayag. After this, there is no other choice but to board another shared taxi to Gaurikund.

It should cost one person 1000-1200 bucks, Haridwar to Haridwar.

How long is the trek? How is the trek route like? Do I need a guide? Is there any Medical Aid available?

Gaurikund – Rambara Bridge – Jungle Chatti – Lancholi – Base Camp – Kedarnath (16 km)

It is a well laid out trek all the way through, paved and pretty straight forward.

From Gaurikund to Rambara Bridge (about 7 km) it is gradual yet easy ascent.

It is a steep, gradual ascent after crossing the bridge at Rambara, all the way to the base camp, where it flattens. The last 1 km or so is an easy walk to the temple.

You do not need a guide. Horses, Mules, Palanquins, and Porters are available at Gaurikund. It’s better to book them at Gaurikund itself; you will find many at several points on trek too but they will ask for a price higher than the altitude you will be standing at.

Medical and First Aid facilities are available at several places including Lancholi and Base Camp. There even is a small government hospital just 200 metres from the temple. And police check posts on several points.

Where to stay, eat, and how much will it cost?

There are many Lodges, Ashrams, Guest Houses, and Camps running from Gaurikund to Base Camp that provide cheap accommodation, both private and government run, including GMVN Lodges at Lancholi and Base Camp . The prices can vary from INR 500 per room to INR 2000 , depending on the rush of pilgrims. While the rates shoot up in May-June (peak season), they also go drastically low in the months of September-October (the best time to do this trek).

However, don’t expect anything in terms of luxury; expect basic rooms, warm quilts, simple but good food. There are plenty of tea/coffee shops on the way that also offer food. Expect to pay around INR 100 for a hearty meal for one person .

Is it possible to do Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Gaurikund in one day?

Yes. It depends on your fitness. We had set out at around 2 am and were back by 5 pm the same day, from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and back. Approximately 35 kilometres in 15 hours, which includes 4 hours of wait in the queue outside the temple (it was May). I’ve been told time and again this is a small feat. I am not proud of it. We were behind schedule and had to make up for it. I don’t like to test my speed against distance. Time to me is mostly irrelevant. I like to walk easy. Sit in silence. Maybe lie down. Take a gander at the grandeur. Look into the soul of these mountains. Feel a beat or two. Click a few pictures. Start again. Repeat again. Must we tie self-made accomplishments to places such as these?

This is the gist of it. If you have any further queries, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me through Facebook or Instagram . I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Stay safe, travel responsibly!

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Very crisp and adequately informative.

Thanks, Papia. 🙂

Hey Bro, Thanks for this description..!!

Thanks for reading, bro.

Hi Mohit..Beautifully written! To the point! I was planning this trek in September this year..Had a couple of doubts…If I start at say 5 in morning from Sonprayag..Take a shared taxi to Gaurikund. how long does the shared taxi take from Sonprayag to Gaurikund? If I start at 5 from Sonprayag, what time can I expect to start the trek from Gaurikund? I plan to reach the temple by say afternoon and stay overnight..Is there any place I can book on the spot to stay overnight and begin my descent the next day? I’ll be traveling solo! Thanks!

Hi Jatin. Thank you for reading! 🙂

• The distance from Sonprayag to Gaurikund is approximately 4 km. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to reach Gaurikund. However, this will be a shared taxi and it will not start until it can accommodate all the passengers it has the capacity to. So, I’d say add another few minutes. That being said, September is not the peak season; there shouldn’t be any hassles.

You can start the trek from Gaurikund the moment you reach there.

There are plenty of Lodges, Dharamshalas, and Guest Houses around the temple. Finding a room, on the spot, will be no trouble at all.

All the best! 🙂

Hi Mohit. This is an apt description for anyone who wants to go to Kedarnath. I’m planning to go in early October. Just had a couple of queries. Is it better to take a shared taxi from Rishikesh to Sonprayag? Rather than a bus which might halt at every place and as you said will take own sweet time to reach. Don’t mind paying a little extra for taxis if required. Also, apart from the registration for the yatra which can be done online is there any other registration or fitness certificate required before starting the trek? Thanks!

Hi, Rakesh. Thank you for reading. Shared taxis are relatively faster but almost always cramped. Buses are more breathable. Personally, I prefer buses. No fitness certificate is required.

A very detailed guide to Kedarnath trek, Mohit! I read your blog very carefully to understand your experience and other important things about Kedarnath like how will it cost. Thank you for sharing this article I will visit this place with my friends and family.

Thank you for reading, Manoj. 🙂

Very succinct and a treat to read. I loved the combination of pictures clubbed with crisp text for an amazing experience. Great work brother. Can I have a few of these pictures for one of my videos.

Thank you for appreciating. 🙂

The colour tone is just just just awesome.

Thank you for appreciating.

Hi mohit We r planning to go in d month of may .. I ve one clarification.. 1.Can we start trek around 12 pm? Bec we ll reach gowrikunda @11am. 2. Can we stay middle of d trek. Is any accommodation on d middle?

• You can start anytime.
• Please refer to ‘Where to Stay, Eat, and how much will it cost’ section on the post. All the best.

Hello Mohit , For an ordinary people is easy trek or very diffcult?

Hi. The trek itself is not difficult. It might seem a little long and tiring. But should be manageable as long as you take it easy. All the best.

Dear Mohit – All guides are so well written – Every thing at one place – I have saved all these for my preparations when I go

Thank you! Glad I could be of help. All the best.

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Kedarnath Dham

Kedarnath  is a holy Hindu town located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand in India . It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas. Kedarnath is situated at an astonishing height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of Mandakini River. 

The Kedarnath temple lies amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year.

Get Kedarnath Travel Guide, Kedarnath Dham 2024 Tips

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• Kedarnath Travel Guide

Kedarnath temple is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand  and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India . The historical name of this region is " K edar Khand ".

Visit to Kedarnath Dham is considered to be very auspicious and most important in the Char Dham Yatra circuit . 

Kedarnath is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks, making it the most remote site among all four Char Dham Shrines. The scenic beauty of Kedarnath town attracts lots of tourists from all over the world. You will find it quite crowded during the summer season (May and June). 

The extreme weather condition of Kedarnath prompts the temple to remain open from the end of April to the beginning of November. 4G network is now available at Kedarnath by Jio, Airtel, and BSNL.

Kedarnath Temple Opening 2024

Kedarnath Dham Temple will be opened on 10 May 2024 at 7 am. Keep checking this page for more updates regarding opening of Kedarnath Dham.

The opening date of Kedarnath temple is announced on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The 'Badrinath - Kedarnath Samiti' announce the opening dates of Kedarnath Dham along with Badrinath ,  Gangotri   Yamunotri dham .

Pilgrims coming to Char Dham need to register on the online portal of Uttarakhand Tourism Department.

Kedarnath Doli Yatra Program (Tentative)

• Day 1 :  The Panchmukhi Doli of Kedarnath Ji will start its journey from Omkareshwar Temple of Ukhimath . It will reach Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi and will have overnight stay there.
• Day 2:  The Kedarnath Doli will reach Phata from Guptkashi. It will stay overnight at Phata.
• Day 3: The Kedarnath Doli will leave for Gaurikund from Phata. It will stay overnight at Gaurikund.
• Day 4   The Doli journey will start from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath Dham via Junglechatti, Bhimbali, Rambada, Lincholi, and Rudra Point.
• Day 5 - Kedarnath Opening Day :  The Kedarnath Temple Kapat will be opened for pilgrims in the early hours. The opening will take place amid vedic chants and rituals at 6.20 am.

Kedarnath Temple Closing date for 2024:   The closing date of Kedarnath Temple will be 03 Nov 2024 on the occassion of Bhai Dooj. Last year Kedarnath was closed for winters on 15 Nov 2023 amidst the vedic rituals.

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Kedarnath Travel News

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to commence on May 10, and even before its initiation, a record-breaking number of devotees have registered. According to the tourism department report, 494,129 registrations have been recorded for  Kedarnath , 414,260 for Badrinath , 265,110 for  Gangotri , 243,982 for  Yamunotri , and 21,804 for Hemkund Sahib .

Tickets for helicopter bookings will become available on April 20, 2024, at 12:00 hours on the IRCTC Heli Yatra website. The journey period spans from May 10, 2024, to June 20, 2024, and later from September 15, 2024, to October 31, 2024, after the monsoon season. For guidance on booking a helicopter to Kedarnath, refer to the Kedarnath Helicopter booking guide .

Around 6 inch snowfall recorded in Harsil on 02 Mar 2024. There has been snowfall in Harsil along with Char Dham in Uttarakhand and other high altitude. Though the Badrinath temple is closed for winters, the opening date of Badrinath has been announced .

Snowfall was reported on Monday in regions such as Kedarnath Dham, including Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Chandrashila, etc. Additionally, light snowfall was observed in tourist spots like Chopta, Dugalbitta and in Deoriatal. 

The phenomenon extended to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham, Harshil Valley, and other high-altitude areas of Uttarkashi. Despite the snowfall, road movements remained unaffected at present.

This year in 2023, a record of 19.61 lakh pilgrims reached Kedarnath Dham. Badri Kedar Temple Committee has earned a revenue of Rs 70 crore in the last six months of the yatra season. The footfall is the highest that has been recorded till now.

All temples governed by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, including the Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, will observe closure at 4 pm on Saturday due to the lunar eclipse.

The Badrinath and Kedarnath temples are scheduled to reopen during the brahma muhurta after the morning purification puja on Sunday.

Other affiliated shrines affected by the closure include the Shri Narasingh Temple in Joshimath , Second Kedar Madmaheshwar , Third Kedar Tungnath , Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath , and Yoga Badri .

Activities in Kedarnath

Pilgrimage – Perched at an altitude of 3,500 meters, Kedarnath is one of the most revered Hindu shrines and thousands of pilgrims partake in arduous pilgrimage every year. The shrine sleeps under a thick blanket of snow during winters. 

Trekking   – Kedarnath temple is located 19  km from Gaurikund , the nearest town with road connectivity. Thus, one has to trek 16 kms to the Kedarnath shrine making it a wonderful trekking experience. You can also extend your treks to Chorabari Tal , Vasuki Tal and Bhairon mandi in Kedarnath

Camping in Kedarnath – Since there is only little accommodation at Kedarnath, tourists and pilgrims can also set up tents near the town and enjoy the natural beauty that envelops the town as well as the towering Kedarnath peak in the background.

Kedarnath Travel Tips

• One can also find mules and porters for hire; Check the official price chart before hiring. 
• For safety, reason do check the ID Cards issued to Porters and Mule Owners.
• When traveling in monsoons, check with local authorities, tour guides or tour operators about the weather and road conditions before you actually start your journey.
• Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple due to religious reasons. It would be wise to abide by the rules set up by temple authorities.
• Weekends/Long weekends are so crowded, Weekdays are not so crowded. Also the temple closed on Mid-November.
• After mid-October the night temperature will drop into minus, so carry enough woollens, plus avoid going around DIwali, its the most crowded time. Go 10-15 days before Diwali.

Staying in Kedarnath

You will find a big Govt tented colony consisted of Tents, Cottage, and rooms just before Kedarnath is operated by GMVN , which are sufficient to accommodate more than a thousand pilgrims and tourists. There are many hotels and lodges around the temple since Kedarnath is a small place. You can find a room upon reaching there.

All the stays and food is extremely basic, the geyser is a big luxury, so don't expect running hot water or room service, you're getting to sleep on a bed at that height is enough in itself.

Nowadays, many tourists take Helicopters to Kedarnath for a day's visit and come back from Kedarnath the same day. They generally stay in these locations: Phata , Rampur,   Gaurikund , Sitapur , Sonprayag , Guptkasthi , etc. For more details check hotels in Kedarnath.

How To Reach Kedarnath By Public Transport

Reach Rishikesh from wherever you are, From Rishikesh, you can take the direct shared cab/bus till Guptkashi, or do multiple shared cabs from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag then Rudraprayag to Guptkashi.

From Guptkashi, another shared cab or one of the less frequent buses till Sonprayag, spend the night at Sonprayag, then early morning leave for Gaurikund (roundhead) and start your 16 km trek from there.

Alternatively, you can also stay at Gaurikund overnight but stay options seem better in Sonprayag.

Also, if you are coming by your own vehicle, you can only take it till Sonprayag, there's a huge parking area available. Also, if you are coming from your own vehicle, Rishikesh to Rudraprayag main road is currently blocked, so take Rishikesh to Tehri to Srinagar to Rudraprayag route.

Kedarnath Food Guide

Apart from few roadside dhabas and tea stalls there are not many good eating options at Kedarnath. The local restaurants serve north Indian vegetarian food. Due to being a revered religious place, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited at Kedarnath.

History of Kedarnath

According to Mahabharata, the Pandavas had built the Kedarnath Temple where they pleased Lord Shiva with their penance. The temple was revived by the great Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8 th century CE, when he visited the place with his four disciples. Sadly, the temple was hit by the catastrophic floods of 2013, which engulfed hundreds innocent lives.

Mythology about Kedarnath

There is a famous Hindu mythology related to the origin of Kedarnath temple, which states that after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas went on an anonymous journey to beg mercy from Lord Shiva. After failing multiple times, Bhima was able to find Lord Shiva, who had incarnated as a bull to hide from the Pandavas. 

Bhima tried to catch it and hit its hind part with his mace. The injured bull then immersed in the earth and its body parts appeared indifferent places. It is believed that the hind part of the bull appeared at Kedarnath, from which a ' Jyotirlinga ' or light flickered and Lord Shiva appeared in his divine avatar. 

It is said that after taking the blessings of the cosmic light, the Pandavas were exempted of their sins and Lord Shiva told them, “from now onwards, I will be present here as a triangular shaped Jyotir Linga and by paying obeisance at Kedarnath, the devotees would attain piety". From then onwards, a triangular shaped rock is worshiped in the ' Garbhagriha ' or the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The other four parts of Lord Shiva fell at Tungnath , Rudranath , Madhmaheshwar and Kapleshwar . Kedarnath along with these four are also described as Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Ropeway

15 May 2022 : The state government has approved construction of a ropeway to Kedarnath Temple . The DPR for Kedarnath Temple Ropeway has been prepared and it has estimated a cost of Rs. 1100 crores for the construction of Kedarnath Ropeway .

Day To Day Travel Guide for your Journey To Kedarnath Dham

If you are a traveler/pilgrim who wants to visit Kedarnath and don't know much about  how to do Kedarnath Dham then this travel guide is going to help you a lot to plan your Kedarnath Trip. 

Day 0: Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is one of the famous cities of north India and Uttarakhand. The city is well connected with rail routes, inter-state & national bus routes. In case if you are coming via flight then Jollygrant airport is just 20km or 35 minutes route. Try to complete this Journey in the night only so you can reach to Rishikesh in the sharp morning to start your road route to Kedarnath.

Day 1: Rishikesh To Sonprayag or Gaurikund (211 km / 8 hours by road).

From Rishikesh Bus terminal, you can catch public transport like buses or Tata Sumos to Sonprayag . Direct buses to Sonprayag are hard to get but try for Guptkashi which is well settled in the last town before Kedarnath and daily bus service is also available from major cities of Uttarakhand to Guptkashi. However, you can also get a bus to Rudraprayag and then Rudraprayag to Guptkashi. From Guptkashi you can complete your further journey to Sonprayag via sharable Jeeps or Tata Sumo. Below is the road  route from Rishikesh to Sonprayag:  Rishikesh - Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Guptkashi - Sonprayag

Bio-metric registration at Sonprayag

As instructed by the Uttarakhand government, it is necessary for every traveler to do bio-metric registration. This registration facility is also available online on the Uttarakhand tourism site or visit  How to do Char dham bio-metric registration online . However, if you missed that you can complete this process by reaching Sonprayag. You have to carry your ADHAR CARD with yourself for this registration. 

Below are the facilities you can found at Sonprayag :

• Bio-metric registrations of pilgrimage or travelers for Kedarnath Dham yatra or for char Dham yatra .
• Accommodation facility is from budget to deluxe hotels are available in Sonprayag.
• Parking facility is also available in Sonprayag in case if you are coming from your personal vehicle.
• Shuttle service to Gauri Kund , which are actually sharable jeeps.

Sonprayag to Gaurikund shuttle service & night stay at Gaurikund :

Please keep this in mind that Sonprayag is the last point for all kinds of vehicle. You can't travel by using your personal vehicle or by public transport. A huge parking facility is available at Sonprayag for all kinds of Vehicle on the bank of Mandakini river . You have to complete the further 5km journey by using shuttle service or through jeeps between Sonprayag and Gaurikund. The charge of shuttle service is 20 rupees per person. 

After reaching Gaurikund you can ask any hotel owner for a room. The charge of the room varies on the hotel to hotel or on season respectively. Least amount you can pay for a hotel room in the month of May and June is 500.

Day 2 :  Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km trek / 5 - 6 hours).

You can reach Kedarnath only after a trek of 16 km through a paved road from Gaurikund. You can take a horse or ponies to climb up the steep path. 

Below are few trekking tips for  your journey to Kedarnath temple :

• Try to start your trek early in the morning to avoid harsh sunlight of noon. 
• Don't try to walk empty stomach it can make your journey even harder.
• Carry umbrella/raincoat because the weather in the valley can be change dramatically.
• Walk with good grip shoes and try to carry only necessary things in your bag cause heavy bag can slower your speed in the trek and etc load can hurt your back.
• Carry water bottles but don't through it anywhere, respect nature.
• Keep your eyes on trekking route most of the time cause sometimes ponies coming back from the temple can hit you or can cause serious injury.

You will probably reach to Kedarnath valley post noon or around 3 pm if you have started your journey at 8 am int he morning. Search for a hotel room for your night stay. Maybe you have to share your room with others if you are traveling alone or if you have enough money then you can book the whole room for yourself or for your family. In the evening you can do photography in the valley and can enjoy the temple atmosphere. 

You can talk with other travelers from where they have come and about their journey to give some relief to your mind from the tiredness of trek. Walking around the temple and savoring the view of snow-capped Himalayas will surely gonna help to make this day the best day of your life. Eat your dinner & go to bed on time to give rest your body or to get prepare for next day journey. 

After the flash flood of 2013 which greatly affected the Kedarnath region, it has been restored and work is being done by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) to revive Kedarnath to its former glory. the new trekking path to Kedarnath is now from the right side of the valley which can be reached by crossing a bridge at Rambada, though Rambada is now completely destroyed. The NIM has set up sheds after every kilometer so that pilgrims can rest during the trek.

Day 3 :  Kedarnath Temple to Sonprayag via Gaurikund (16 km trek / 5 - 6 hours).

Try to wake up early in the morning. Take a bath and pay your obeisance at Kedarnath temple . From standing in the temple row to darshan, it will hardly take your 3 hours to complete this process. Prashad shops are available around the Kedarnath temple. After this, you can also visit the Baba Bhairav temple , which is situated on a hilltop near Kedarnath. It is around 600 meters far from the temple.

eUttaranchal Tip 1:  If you want to visit Bhairavnath temple in Kedarnath then do this after checking out from your hotel room cause there is a small shortcut route from Bhairav temple to another side which will surely be going to save your time while coming back to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.

You can hire ponies/horse or Palki or can complete the further distance by simply trekking. It takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Gaurikund from where you have to take shuttle service to Sonprayag.

eUttaranchal Tip 2 :  If you have reached at Sonprayag around 2 to 3 pm then do travel to Guptkashi (30 km by road / 1.5 hours). It will save your 2 hours for the next day trip and is going to save you from morning traffic too.

Day 4 :  Guptkashi to Rishikesh ( 184 kms /  7 hours).

Say goodbye to this beautiful town of Uttarakhand. The journey will take 7 to 8 hours of your time. It is recommended to start your journey in the sharp morning so you can reach Rishikesh on time to catch night buses or trains.

Easy way to visit Kedarnath Temple

If you are unable to do a hard trekking of more than 16 kms to reach Kedarnath temple then you have to take the help of a pony to reach there. They charge around 2500 to 3000 rs for one side but there is an easy way to reach kedarnath temple here it is.

• Book your hotel to Phata which is close to Kedarnath
• Book a Helicopter service to Kedarnath from Phata which charge around 7000 Rs. of both side almost like the rate of pony but  it will save your time and efforts to reach Kedarnath.
• Do the darshan and reach at Kedarnath Helipad to come back to Phata .
• In-case if you have low budget then book Helicopter from Sersi, it will cost you around 2500 for one side & come back through trekking route because walking to down is easier than climbing.

Kedarnath 2024 News & Latest Travel Updates

Heli service to Kedarnath Dham will be started from October 9. On October 6, the DGCA team will inspect the Sirsa , Phata and Guptkashi helipads.

The maximum limit of devotees visiting the Kedarnath temple situated in Uttarakhand has been increased upto 3000 per day.

Char Dham Yatra Guide

• Char Dham Tour Packages - Char Dham Hotels - Char Dham Car Rentals 
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• Do Dham Same Day Heli Tour  

Char Dham Destinations 

• Badrinath :: Badrinath Tours - Badrinath Hotels  - Badrinath Taxi Fare
• Kedarnath :: Kedarnath Tours - Kedarnath Hotels  - Kedarnath Taxi Hire
• Gangotri :: Gangotri Tours - Gangotri Hotels  - Gangotri Taxi Cost
• Yamunotri :: Yamunotri Tours - Yamunotri Hotels  - Yamunotri Taxi Fare

Kedarnath Photo Gallery

• Kedarnath Weather

Check out the Kedarnath weather report for May

Kedarnath Weather in May

The minimun and maximum temperature in May in Kedarnath is 0 ° C and 5 ° C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in May and you would feel cold throughout the day. Light Woolen clothes are recommended for Kedarnath in May.

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What is Kedarnath famous for?

Kedarnath is famous among tourist as Kedarnath Temple, Char Dham Yatra, Trekking, Himalayas, Pilgrimage, Panch Kedar, Religious.

Kedarnath is recommended destination for Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.

Kedarnath is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Char Dham Route , Char Dham Yatra , Helipads , Panch Kedar , Pilgrimage , Religious , Shiva Temples , Temples , Trekking .

Kedarnath Highlights

• Highest Jyotrirlinga of Lord Shiva
• One of the Panch Kedar Dhams
• One of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Travel Update

Char Dham yatra will start from 10 May 2024, Bookings Now Open! Check Char Dham Tour Packages - Hotels in Badrinath - Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter - Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide  - Char Dham hotels

Char Dham Closing Dates:  Gangotri , Yamunotri and Kedarnath dhams are closed now. Badrinath temple will be closed 19 Nov. Check out Char Dham Yatra tours : Char Dham News . Char Dham Registration is compulsory for visiting Char Dham Temples. Check Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket booking guide .

Traveling to Uttarakhand?  Check out Uttarakhand Covid Stats , Uttarakhand Travel Guidelines  and Uttarakhand Travel News

Char Dham Update:  Gangotri , Yamunotri , Kedarnath and Badrinath are open for pilgrims. Check out Char Dham Yatra tours : Char Dham News . Char Dham Registration is compulsory for visiting Char Dham Temples. Check Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket booking guide .

Last Updated: 07 May 2024

Kedarnath overview

• Temperature in May 5 /0 °C
• Best time to visit Kedarnath May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,
• Located in Rudraprayag , Garhwal
• Recommended stay 2 days
• Railway Station Rishikesh, 228 kms
• Nearest Airport Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 248 kms
• Famous for Kedarnath Temple, Char Dham Yatra, Trekking, Himalayas, Pilgrimage, Panch Kedar, Religious

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A Complete Guide for Kedarnath Trek

Are you planning on taking the Kedarnath Yatra? If yes then make sure that you are equipped with the right knowledge about your destination which will take you through one of the most spiritual and holy pilgrimages of 16 kms to this holy temple. This guide will allow you to enjoy the Yatra journey in complete comfort and allow you to have a tranquil experience. Here is a detailed guide to a journey of a lifetime that will make your Yatra even more easy and joyous.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Road (up till Sonprayag):

In case you are planning to reach Kedarnath via a road journey then you will be required to book a taxi or bus service that are run privately by the GMOU ltd. In order to reach Kedarnath Dham from Delhi you will be required to first reach till Dehradun either by road, train or by air. From Dehradun you will be making your way to Haridwar and from this holy city you will be taking the route heading for the path leading to the Kedarnath trek.

Here is a brief route map that you will be taking on your journey to Kedarnath from Delhi:

New Delhi – Haridwar (206 km) – Rishikesh (24 km) – Devprayag (74 km) – Srinagar (34 km) – Rudraprayag (33 km) – Gaurikund (via Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Phata  – Sitapur – Sonprayag 74 km) – Kedarnath by trek (16 km)

You can also make your way to Kedarnath Dham by taking a direct bus from the bus stand at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi that will drop you to Gaurikund. These services are run on a regular basis by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation. Once you reach Gaurikund you will be completing the journey on foot via trekking up to the main temple of Kedarnath.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Air:

In case you decide on taking up the Kedarnath Dham yatra journey by air then you have the option of availing the Kedarnath helicopter yatra service. This service can be undertaken from Dehradun, Haridwar as well as Rishikesh.

From Dehradun – You will be traveling till Sahastradhara helipad at Dehradun from where the chopper service will drop you till your final destination within 40 minutes.

From Haridwar / Rishikesh – I case you decide on traveling to Kedarnath from the holy cities of Rishikesh / Haridwar via a helicopter journey then you will be traveling from Haridwar / Rishikesh to Phata via a taxi service which will be covering a distance of almost 200 kms.

How to Reach Kedarnath via Trekking:

Once you make your way till Sonprayag you will be required to travel in a shared cab that charges Rs. 20/- per person and is one of the cheapest ways of traveling. This shared cab will take you to Gaurikund and once you debark at Gaurikund your trekking journey to Kedarnath will commence and given below are the detailed directions for Kedarnath trek.

Trekking Distance for Kedarnath:

The trekking journey to Kedarnath is an overall distance of 16 kms that starts from Gaurikund and concludes at Kedarnath Dham. The trekking routes had changed and rebuilt ever since the sudden and devastating flash flood disaster had hit this region in 2013.

Here is a Detailed Route Map of the Trekking Journey to Kedarnath:

The 16 kms of the trekking journey to Kedarnath Dham commences from Gauri Kund. Earlier, prior to the disastrous flood, the trekking route had made its way through Rambara which was well developed with strong fencing and properly facilitated routes. However, now the government has made changes in this route leading up to Kedarnath Dham by creating a new trekking trail and now the old trekking route is now completely erased.

Given Below is the New Trekking Route for Kedarnath Dham:

• Reach Gaurikund via taxi from Sonprayag (approx. 6 kms)
• Gaurikund – Jungle Chatti via Rambara bridge (4 km)
• Jungle Chatti – Bheembali (3 km)
• Bheembali – Linchauli (4 km)
• Linchauli – Kedarnath base camp (4 km)
• Kedarnath base camp – Kedarnath temple (1 km)

Important Features of Kedarnath Trek:

The 16 kms of trekking distance that leads up to Kedarnath temple requires the pilgrim to be tough and a good level of physical fitness, therefore, prior to commencing the trekking journey each pilgrim should get themselves properly checked up and get to know if you are eligible to complete this trekking journey or not. The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund starts at 4 am early in the morning and goes on till 1:30 pm in the afternoon and these timings are fixed since Kedarnath Dham is located inside the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary and this is the reason why pilgrims are not allowed to trek any time after this. After the said time no pilgrims are allowed to leave. Since this trekking journey is high altitude and it is advised to the pilgrims who are suffering from respiratory problem should consult the doctor prior to taking up the trekking journey.

Facilities at Kedarnath Trek:

The Kedarnath trek is equipped with a number of facilities and services like Palki or Doli, Kandi, and mules or ponies that serve as alternate methods of travelling to main Kedarnath Dham. People can book these services at various booking counters at Gaurikund or Sonprayag. The cost for the services differ with distance covered for example – a Palki service from Gaurikund to Kedarnath will cost around Rs.4,450/-, a kandi service will cost you around Rs.3,350/- and a pony journey will cost you around Rs. 4,100/-. Amidst this entire trekking journey there are various proper services available in the form of tented accommodation, clean drinking water as well as small shops, restaurants and Dhabas. Helicopter services are also available from the helipad at Kedarnath to the helipad at Phata and others.

Things to Remember Prior to Going on Your Trek to Kedarnath:

• Prior to going on Kedarnath trek you should get a complete medical checkup done.
• People suffering from respiratory disorders and high BP problems should not go on this trekking journey to Kedarnath Dham.
• In case you decide on travelling to the Dham via a Kandi, pony or a palki then make sure that all your bookings are done way before hand at the booking counter present in Gaurikund or Sonprayag.
• The pilgrims are permitted to trek only between 4 am and 1:30 pm as per the government rules.
• In case you have some time constraints and you won’t be able to cover the entire trekking route then you can take the services of palki or ponies to get to your destination. You also have the option of staying in camps or tented accommodation that are present along the trekking routes of Jungle Chatti, Bheembali and Linchauli for the night and you can start your journey, early in the morning next day.

Trekking Tips and Guide

• Gaurikund is the place from where you can hire a palanquin or a pony service to kedarnath which can be availed by paying a fixed rate to the porters directly which will cut down on your walking journey. If you hire some alternative travel options form someone other than the government approved ones then make sure that they are registered with a government number.
• Per pony only up to 10 kgs of travel luggage is permitted and in the same way only 5 kgs of luggage is allowed in Helicopter services in kedarnath. This is done to regulate the weight distribution and make the journey eventually a comfortable experience for you.
• Remember that the temple is situated at a height of 11,000-12,000 feet above sea level and it is not a good idea for people suffering from respiratory or heart diseases to make the journey due to low oxygen levels in the air there. You can choose to make yourself fit for the journey by practicing pranayama, breathing exercises, yoga or other forms of physical activity to prepare yourself for these difficult conditions.
• At all costs avoid wearing sarees for the journey since it will definitely cause a hindrance to your holy journey. You can choose to wear salwar kameez along with a good pair of sneakers and spots shoes which will make your walking comfortable and you will be able to cover larger distances this way.
• Remember while trekking to Kedarnath not to tire you out or exert yourself too much. Do not lose your breath while walking and halt if you think that you are experiencing shortness of breath. To deal with this you should practice the famous breathing of Anulom Vilom on a daily basis till the commencement of the journey.
• You will definitely get hungry on your way which can be dealt with if you are carrying some packaged food items or dry fruits along with you. The routes are also lined with food stalls and eateries from where you can acquire drinking bottled water.

Overall Experience

Honestly speaking, the trekking journey will be extremely testing if you are not physically prepared for the journey. You should work out every half n hour at least 3 to 4 months before the commencement of the journey. But if you are in shape and love nature then your Kedarnath yatra experience will be extremely rejuvenating. For me, the journey was fairly difficult and it in fact reminded me to work out a little bit every day. The facilities here were helpful for the pilgrims and the routes were also well built that ensured I was kept safe and secure throughout the journey.

This trekking guide lets you analyze the entire trekking to Kedarnath situation and make your journey even more enjoyable and comfortable.

Suggested Tour

• Kedarnath Yatra Package from Haridwar
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How to Plan Kedarnath Itinerary?

Planning an itinerary for the Kedarnath Temple is crucial to ensure that you have enough time to complete the trek and explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here is a suggested Kedarnath itinerary that you can follow to plan your trip to Kedarnath temple.

Here is an ideal itinerary that you can use as a guideline:

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh

• Day 2: Drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Gaurikund (8-9 hours)
• Day 3: Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km, 6-7 hours)
• Day 4: Explore Kedarnath and acclimatization
• Day 5: Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (16 km, 4-5 hours)
• Day 6: Drive from Gaurikund to Haridwar or Rishikesh (8-9 hours)

However, you can adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and fitness level.

Things To Keep in Mind Before the Kedarnath Trip

Here are some tips to help you plan your Kedarnath itinerary:

• Take enough time to acclimatize
• Plan for extra days
• Hire a guide or porter
• Check for seasonal closures
• Be prepared for emergencies
• Check for accommodation availability
• Carry enough cash

Take enough time to acclimatize: It is important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Plan for a rest day at Kedarnath or on the way up to Gaurikund.

Plan for extra days: Unforeseen weather conditions or travel disruptions may cause delays. Plan for extra days to avoid rushing through the trek or missing your return journey.

Hire a guide or porter: If you are not an experienced trekker, consider hiring a guide or porter who can help you navigate the trail and carry your backpack.

Check for seasonal closures: The Kedarnath Trek is closed during the winter season (November to April) due to heavy snowfall. Plan your trek accordingly.

Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a satellite phone, emergency contact numbers, and a first aid kit in case of any emergencies.

Check for accommodation availability: There are several options for accommodation on the Kedarnath Trek, but they can fill up quickly during peak season. Book your accommodation in advance.

Carry enough cash: There are no ATMs on the Kedarnath Trek, so carry enough cash to cover your expenses.

Kedarnath itinerary Plan

Planning a trip to Kedarnath, one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, requires careful consideration of various factors such as travel time, weather conditions, accommodation options, and local transportation.

Kedarnath Trip Itinerary (Day 1-6)

Sure, here is a more detailed itinerary for the Kedarnath Yatra:

Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund

Day 3: gaurikund to kedarnath trek (visit kedarnath temple), day 4: kedarnath to gaurikund, day 5: gaurikund to haridwar or rishikesh.

• Day 6: Departure from Haridwar/Rishikesh
• Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by train or bus from Delhi or other nearby cities.
• Check into a hotel or guest house and rest for the day.
• Visit the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, which is a spiritual experience on the banks of the river Ganga.

Haridwar or Rishikesh is the closest major city to Kedarnath, and it is well-connected to other parts of India by train and road. You can take a train or bus from Delhi or any other major city to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh. Spend the day exploring the city and visiting popular attractions such as Har Ki Pauri, Triveni Ghat, and Laxman Jhula.

On the second day, start early in the morning and drive to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.

• The drive takes around 8-9 hours through scenic valleys and mountain roads.
• Check into a hotel or guest house in Sonprayag or Guptkashi and rest for the day.
• You can also explore the town and its surroundings.

It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Gaurikund from Haridwar or Rishikesh. From Gaurikund, you need to trek for around 16 km to reach Kedarnath. The trek is steep and can take anywhere between 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level. Upon reaching Kedarnath, check into your hotel and rest.

On the third day, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is accessible only by foot. After darshan, spend the day exploring the town, visiting local markets, and trying out the local cuisine.

• Have an early breakfast and start the drive to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath Trek.
• From Gaurikund, start the trek to Kedarnath, which is around 16 km and takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Must Read: Gaurikund To Kedarnath Trek Guide

• The trek takes you through a steep and narrow trail, passing through dense forests, waterfalls, and mountain streams.
• Reach Kedarnath by late afternoon or early evening and check into a hotel or guest house.
• Visit the Kedarnath temple in the evening and attend the evening puja ceremony.
• Wake up early in the morning and visit the Kedarnath temple for the morning puja ceremony.
• After breakfast, start the trek back to Gaurikund, which takes around 4-6 hours.
• From Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi and check into a hotel or guest house.
• Rest for the day or explore the town and its surroundings.

On the fourth day, trek back to Gaurikund. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or catching up on some rest.

• Have an early breakfast and start the drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
• Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by evening and check into a hotel or guest house.

Day 6: Departure from Haridwar or Rishikesh

On the last day, depart from Haridwar or Rishikesh to your next destination.

• Have breakfast and check out from the hotel or guest house.
• Catch a train or bus back to Delhi or other nearby cities.
• Your Kedarnath Trip ends here.

Note: This itinerary is only a suggestion, and you can modify it according to your preferences and requirements. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the weather conditions in the region, especially during the monsoon season, and plan accordingly.

Kedarnath itinerary (Distance from Major Cities)

Note: This distance is directly from the Kedarnath Temple including the Kedarnath Trek which comes after Gaurikund in Rudraprayag.

Click on Any Route below and you will redirect to a detailed Guide on that Route.

• ⦿ Dehradun To Kedarnath (266km) 
• ⦿ Haridwar To Kedarnath (252km)
• ⦿ Rishikesh To Kedarnath (22 7 km)
• ⦿ Delhi To Kedarnath (466km)
• ⦿ Mumbai To Kedarnath (1912km)
• ⦿ Chandigarh To Kedarnath (524km)
• ⦿ Jaipur To Kedarnath (758km)
• ⦿ Lucknow To Kedarnath (730km)
• ⦿ Ahmedabad To Kedarnath (1431km)
• ⦿ Banglore To Kedarnath (2558km)
• ⦿ Chennai To Kedarnath (2609km)
• ⦿ Kolkata To Kedarnath (1699km)
• ⦿ Pune To Kedarnath (1913km)
• ⦿ Hyderabad To Kedarnath (1685km)

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A Complete Guide for a Comfortable Kedarnath Trip

If you cannot find Lord Shiva anywhere else, they say, you will embrace Him at Kedara. One of the Char Dhams of the divine Himalayas, Kedarnath is a sacred pilgrim settlement in the Rudraprayag region of Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

It is most famous as the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva, and so, is flocked by tourists and devotees throughout the year. However, it is not an easy task to reach the Kedarnath shrine considering it is nestled at 3584 m above sea level.

So, if you are planning for a Kedarnath trip, this travel guide will be a valuable resource to make your travel safe, enriching, and comfortable, especially if you are over 50.

Table of Contents

The History of Kedarnath

The history of Kedarnath dates back thousands of years, with references to the temple town found in ancient Hindu scriptures. The Kedarnath Temple, built in the 8th century, is a marvel of stone and woodwork, with intricate carvings and a unique blend of architectural styles. Legend has it that the temple was established by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic as a penance for their sins.

Kedarnath also holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and is amongst the twelve Jyotirlingas, representing Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy. It is thus believed to be one of the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from far and wide who seek blessings and spiritual solace.

Beyond its spiritual allure, Kedarnath’s historical significance is intertwined with tales of resilience and restoration. The temple has witnessed destruction and reconstruction multiple times, with the latest restoration efforts after the devastating 2013 floods, showcasing the unwavering devotion and determination of the people.

Planning Your Kedarnath Trip

Embarking on a trip to Kedarnath requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. So, this Kedarnath tour guide will come in handy to plan your trip.

Best time to plan your Kedarnath trip

Kedarnath is covered in snow most of the year, so the best time to book Kedarnath tour packages is May and June, and then September and October. The Jyotirling remains closed from November to March (tentatively).

How to reach Kedarnath

The most convenient mode of transportation is by air. Book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and take a cab from there to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you can trek to Kedarnath if you are fit and walking in the mountains excites you.

If not, you can take helicopter services from Guptkashi, Sersi, and other spots. However, it doesn’t match the fun of trekking your way to the source of Mandakini, Kedarnath, because of all the waterfalls, springs, rhododendron forests, snow-covered peaks, and colourful meadows that you will get to see, soak, and touch.

The roads to Kedara are well-connected, so you can drive to Gaurikund. The closest railway station is in Rishikesh, at a distance of about 238 km.

Where to stay on your Kedarnath trip?

There are several accommodation options in the town but the best place to stay is Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) run by the Uttarakhand government.

You can also book a stay in private hotels, hostels, ashrams, dharamshalas, and homestays that dot the entire town of Kedarnath.

What to do on your Kedarnath trip?

While mythological connotations are the main attraction of visiting this pilgrimage town, our Kedarnath travel guide recommends a visit to the following places:

• Pay homage to the revered Kedarnath Temple of Lord Shiva. If possible, participate in the morning and evening aarti (prayer ceremonies) to experience the divinity of this temple.
• Visit Vasuki Tal and Gandhi Sarobar or Chorabari Tal to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the mighty Himalayas and fall in love with the scenic beauty of mother nature.
• Seek blessings at the Kali Temple of Kalimath, Bhairav Temple, and Gaurikund Temple and solace at the Shankaracharya Samadhi.
• Practice yoga or meditate amid the high spiritual energy that surrounds this entire town.
• Go for the Kedarkantha trek, which has its base at the Kedarnath Temple.
• Visit nearby destinations like Gaurikund, Guptkashi, Ukhimath, and Sonprayag.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture, try Garhwali cuisines, and explore the vibrant bazaar to take back souvenirs.

Some tips for your Kedarnath trip

• Pack warm clothing, sturdy footwear, a raincoat, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
• Carry sufficient cash as ATM facilities may be limited in the region.
• Remember to check the weather conditions and the opening and closing dates of the temple before planning your trip.
• Make advance bookings for accommodations in Kedarnath or nearby towns like Sonprayag or Gaurikund.
• Our Kedarnath tour guide suggests at least a week to enjoy the journey, stay, and visit the main attractions in the town.

If planned well, your Kedarnath trip can be a soul-stirring experience filled with spiritual blessings and nature’s wonder, and that is reason enough to book the best Kedarnath tour packages by Thomas Cook. You can visit the Thomas Cook website to check out their Uttarakhand tour packages.

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Kedarnath Tour Packages

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Mar 11, 2024: Kedarnath Dham is set to reopen its doors to devotees on 10th May 2024!

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Kedarnath Yatra Tour from Delhi by Cab

4 Nights / 5 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Guptakashi(2N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 15,500* per person

₹ 15,500*

per adult on twin sharing

Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package from Haridwar

5 Nights / 6 Days

Haridwar(0N) → Guptakashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 26,160* per person

₹ 26,160*

Spiritual Tour of Uttarakhand

7 Nights / 8 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Guptakashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 23,340* per person

₹ 23,340*

Divine Char Dhaam Yatra by Road

9 Nights / 10 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamountri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptakashi(2N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 52,000* per person

₹ 52,000*

Not sure which package to pick for Kedarnath?

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3 Days Tour Package in India: Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter

2 Nights / 3 Days

Dehradun(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Harsil(1N)

₹ 165,000* per person

₹ 165,000*

Holy Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package

1 Nights / 2 Days

Badrinath(0N) → Kedarnath(1N)

₹ 10,500* per person

₹ 10,500*

Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra from Delhi

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 49,140* per person

₹ 49,140*

Char Dham Darshan Tour Package

10 Nights / 11 Days

Haridwar(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Gangotri(2N) → Kedarnath(2N) → Pipalcotti(2N) → Rishikesh(2N)

₹ 40,670* per person

₹ 40,670*

Uttarakhand Religious Tour Package

Mumbai(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Badrinath(2N) → Devprayag(1N)

₹ 55,250* per person

₹ 55,250*

Kedarnath and Badrinath Darshan via Helicopter

Dehradun(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Joshimath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 45,000* per person

₹ 45,000*

Char Dham Yatra

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(2N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Sitapur(2N) → Pipalkoti(2N)

₹ 59,999* per person

₹ 59,999*

Religious Package - Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and Kedarnath

6 Nights / 7 Days

Rishikesh(2N) → Rudraprayag (1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Kedarnath (2N)

₹ 17,498* per person

₹ 17,498*

Chardham Yatra Special Tour Package

11 Nights / 12 Days

Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Govindghat(2N) → Badrinath(0N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 65,500* per person

₹ 65,500*

Badrinath-Kedarnath Yatra Tour Package

Haridwar(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Govindghat(1N)

₹ 20,500* per person

₹ 20,500*

Senior Friendly Char Dham Yatra Package

Haridwar(1N) → Badkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Govindghat(1N)

₹ 61,000* per person

₹ 61,000*

Haridwar Do Dham Tour Package

Haridwar(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Govindghat(2N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 22,500* per person

₹ 22,500*

Kedarkantha Trek Package

Dehradun(0N) → Sankri(5N)

₹ 16,450* per person

₹ 16,450*

Char Dham by Helicopter Luxury Package

Dehradun(1N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Gangotri(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Dehradun(0N)

₹ 177,000* per person

₹ 177,000*

Chardham Yatra Tour Package by Helicopter (5 Nights & 6 Days)

Dehradun(1N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Harsil(1N) → Gangotri(0N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N)

₹ 180,000* per person

₹ 180,000*

Char Dham Yatra Tour Package 9 Nights 10 Days from Bangalore

Bangalore(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 34,555* per person

₹ 34,555*

Char Dham Yatra Package by Helicopter - Ex Haridwar

Haridwar(0N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Gangotri(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Haridwar(1N)

Divine Char Dham Tour Package from Delhi by Road

Haridwar(2N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 68,000* per person

₹ 68,000*

Char Dham Yatra Package from Rishikesh

3 Nights / 4 Days

Rishikesh(0N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 18,000* per person

₹ 18,000*

Badrinath & Kedarnath by Helicopter Package from Dehradun

Dehradun(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(0N) → Gangotri(0N) → Yamunotri(0N)

₹ 125,000* per person

₹ 125,000*

Latest Reviews for Kedarnath

Would like to recommend safehands travels to everyone.

Asha's Trip to Guptkashi, Kedarnath

(Written on 09 Nov, 2023)

Chardham Yatra , Uttarakhand

Kalpana's Trip to Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Char Dham

(Written on 31 Oct, 2023)

Our trip to Himalyas was full of devotion & exiiment.We enjoyed our tour above the level of our expectations.

Sudarshan's Trip to Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Char Dham

(Written on 10 Oct, 2023)

Lalith super.. please go for this only

Karthik's Trip to Badrinath, Kedarnath

(Written on 01 Aug, 2023)

Chardhaam yatra

Amareswar's Trip to Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Char Dham

(Written on 27 Jul, 2023)

Chaar dhaam trip - uttarakhand

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(Written on 26 Jun, 2023)

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15 Essential Things to Carry on Your First Kedarnath Yatra

G oing on an expedition to Kedarnath is a special experience you’ll never forget. It’s a place of worship in the Himalayas and a beautiful part of nature. To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, you need to pack the right things. While planning your Kedarnath Yatra, consider exploring Kedarnath tour packages that offer comprehensive itineraries, guided treks, and logistical support to enhance your pilgrimage experience further. Here are 15 important items to bring to your first Kedarnath Yatra. They include practical items and things that will help you feel spiritual.

15 ESSENTIALS TO CARRY ON YOUR FIRST KEDARNATH YATRA

1. valid identification and travel documents.

Before setting off on your Kedarnath Yatra, ensure that you have all necessary identification and travel documents, including:

Government-issued ID:

For identification purposes, carry a valid government-issued ID such as an Aadhar card, passport, or driver’s license.

Yatra Permit:

Obtain a yatra permit, also known as a pilgrimage pass, from the Uttarakhand government, which is required to visit Kedarnath.

2. Backpack

If you’re planning to go on a trek or yatra trip, it’s important to have a comfortable backpack. You’ll need a backpack that can hold 70-80 liters and is waterproof. This will ensure that you have enough space to carry everything you need and that your belongings stay dry in case of rain. You can ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip by selecting the right backpack.

3. Comfortable Footwear

For a peaceful spiritual journey, it’s important to invest in comfortable footwear with a good grip for the uneven trekking paths.

4. Weather-appropriate Gear

The weather in Kedarnath can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying throughout the day. Pack weather-appropriate gear such as:

Warm Layers:

Remember to bring thermal wear, fleece jackets, and woolen socks to stay warm during chilly mornings and evenings.

It is always a good idea to carry a lightweight and waterproof jacket or poncho with you, especially during your outdoor activities, to protect yourself from unexpected rain showers.

5. Water and Snacks

To ensure that you stay healthy, hydrated, and energized during your trek to Kedarnath, it is advisable to carry a sufficient supply of water and snacks with you. A great option is to pack energy bars, which are rich in carbohydrates and protein, and nuts, which are high in healthy fats and protein. Dried fruits are also a great choice, as they provide a natural source of sugar and fiber. Reduce plastic waste and stay environmentally conscious by carrying a reusable water bottle. Refill it at designated water points along the trekking route to stay hydrated while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Photo courtesy of Canva

6. Personal Hygiene Essentials

It is important to prioritize personal hygiene and cleanliness while on your journey. To ensure that you have all the necessary items, make sure to pack essential toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper. These items will help you stay fresh and clean throughout your journey, even if you are away from the comforts of home. Don’t forget to include them in your packing list!

7. Flashlight or Headlamp

To ensure safety, it is important to carry a reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries when trekking to Kedarnath, especially during nighttime treks in dimly lit areas.

8. Portable Charger and Power Bank

Make sure you stay connected, capture memorable moments, and navigate using your electronic devices throughout your journey. Bring a portable charger and power bank to keep them powered up.

9. Spiritual Items

As you go on your spiritual pilgrimage to Kedarnath, consider carrying sacred items such as:

Prayer beads (mala):

Use prayer beads to recite mantras, chants, or prayers as you traverse the holy paths of Kedarnath.

Bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, or sweets to present at the Kedarnath Temple as a symbol of reverence and devotion.

10. Cash and ATM Cards

While there are ATMs and limited banking facilities available in nearby towns like Guptkashi and Gaurikund, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash for emergencies and small purchases along the way.

11. Medications and Prescriptions

Medical facilities are available in Kedarnath, but it is always wise to carry a basic first aid kit to be prepared for any minor injuries or accidents that may occur. The kit should contain essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect you against the harsh mountain climate and any potential insect bites.

Suppose you have any health issues that require medical attention or need to take medication on a regular basis. In that case, you must pack an adequate supply of prescription drugs for the duration of your trip.

In addition, it is wise to bring copies of your medical history and prescriptions to ensure easy access to this information in case of an emergency. This can help to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and treatment while away from home.

12. Neck Pillow

You may not sleep well on the provided pillows during your travels, so it’s recommended to bring a neck pillow that suits your needs.

13. Emergency Contact Information

It’s important to keep a list of emergency contacts with you at all times, including relatives, friends, local authorities, and tour operators. Store this information in your phone and keep a hard copy in your wallet as well.

14. Travel Insurance

When planning your Kedarnath Yatra, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance to prepare for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or loss of personal belongings.

15 Sunscreen

Don’t forget to keep your skin safe and healthy by always bringing sunscreen along!

As you prepare for your first Kedarnath Yatra, packing these essential items ensures that you’re well-equipped to embark on this sacred pilgrimage with comfort, safety, and reverence. Remember to respect Kedarnath’s natural environment, local customs, and spiritual significance, allowing yourself to immerse fully in the transformative experience that awaits amidst the Himalayan splendor.

Kedarnath Yatra 2024 | Complete Guide, Cost, Itinerary

Region: Uttarakhand

Base Camp: Gaurikund

Days: 4 Days

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 32 Km

Min Age: 8 Years+

Best Season: Summer and Autumn

Trek Description

Kedarnath located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the important Panch Kedar. At Kedarnath, the Hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped and other parts of Lord Shiva are worshipped in the other Panch Kedars.

Kedarnath holds religious and historical significance dating back thousands of years. It’s believed that Adi Guru Shankaracharya rediscovered the Kedarnath temple after it was buried under snow for centuries.

The journey to Kedarnath starts from Rishikesh. A typical itinerary is 3 nights and 4 days long which takes you to places such as Rishikesh , Guptakashi , Gaurikund , and Kedarnath .

The Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to open on May 12, 2024 , this year. The best time to do this trek is May, June, September, and October. Prior to your yatra, you will need to register yourself on the Char Dhaam portal.

The overall trek distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 16 km so the total distance is approximately 32 km. You may feel the trek distance to be more than 16 km. This is due to the altitude gain of 5,072 feet, requiring greater endurance.

Drive Distance : 185 km

Drive Time : 7-8 hours

Altitude : 4,530 ft

Our journey will start from Rishikesh early morning. The overall driving distance is 163 km and usually takes around 7-8 hours to complete, but it can take more time due to traffic in the peak season.

During our journey, we will follow along the river Ganga until Devprayag , then continue alongside the Alaknanda River , and finally drive alongside the Mandakini River in the last stretch.

Along the way, we will visit Dhari Devi Temple and the confluence points known as prayags, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Agastmuni, and Guptkashi.

Overnight stay will be in Guptkashi.

Trek Distance : 16 km

Trek Time : 7-8 hours

Altitude : 6,558 ft

Altitude Gain : 5,072 ft

Next morning drive from Guptkashi to Sonprayag . Driving distance is 30 km and will take 1-2 hours to complete. Once we reach Sonprayag, we will take a local taxi to Gaurikund, which is around 6 km away.

From Gaurikund the trek will start. The overall distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 16 km. Yatra path is well paved with stones and railing. Altitude gain is 5,072 feet which can lead to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Make sure to ascend slowly, keep enough water with you and snacks.

Along the trail, you will walk with other pilgrims and sadhus. There will be constant movement of mules on the trail. Make sure to give them the side and keep your distance.

By evening we will reach Kedarnath. Check into your accommodation, rest a bit and get ready to join the evening Arti.

Trek Time : 5-6 hours

Wake up early in the morning and get in the line to have Darshan. During peak season it can take hours before you get a chance for Darshan. After darshan, explore places like Kaal Bhairav Temple , Mandakni Ghat , Bhim Shilla , and Adi Shankaracharya S tatue.

Kedarnath Valley is surrounded by beautiful peaks, flora and fauna. Just behind Kedarnath, you will see Kedar Dome , Kedarnath Main , Chorabari Glacier, and Kedarnath Glacier . Near Kaal Bhairav Temple you will find meadows filled with wild flowers, particularly Bhringraj .

Soak in all the peace and spiritual aura of the valley. After your wonderful time, get ready to descend down. Make sure to keep enough water and snacks with you.

By evening we will be back to Gaurikund. Via local taxi, we will go to Sonprayag from Gaurikund and from there to Guptkashi. The night stay will be in Guptkashi.

Today, it’s time to return to Rishikesh. Our journey will take us back from the same route we came. By evening we will be back to Rishikesh and from there you can continue your journey and return home.

What’s Included?

Price inclusion.

• Transportation from Rishikesh and back to Rishikesh
• Stay on a triple, quad, or dormitory sharing basis
• Chardhaam registration and required permits

Price Exclusion

• Meals during the transportation
• 5% GST is not included
• Any items not mentioned in the inclusion
• Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek
• Any personal expenses

Things to Carry

• 40-50 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
• Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
• Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
• Personal Medical Kit
• 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
• 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
• 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
• 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
• 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
• 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
• 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
• 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
• 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
• Woollen Cap
• 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
• 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
• 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
• 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
• 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
• 1 Pair Of Floaters
• Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
• Toothbrush And Toothpaste
• Quick Dry Towel
• Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
• Moisturizer

How To Reach Kedarnath

Flight is the quickest and easiest means to reach Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Booking a flight to this destination is not a hard job, you can get a flight from most metro cities in India.

The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Several flight operators like Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara, and others operate flights to Jolly Grant Airport, which makes your transportation easy and comfortable.

It is recommended to book a flight at least a month before traveling since the last moment flight booking is comparatively higher than the standard price. If Dehardun flight charges are high then we recommend you take flights to Delhi. From there, you can take UTC, HRTC, buses, railway or hire a taxi to reach Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is one of the major cities in Uttarakhand and it is well-connected to other cities by train. So traveling here via train is another easiest way.

Your train transportation is served by the Yog Nagri Railway Station. You also can opt for Haridwar Railway Station and from there you can reach Rishikesh via bus or taxi.

A road trip is one of the most exciting journeys to reach Rishikesh and start the Dayara Bugyal Trek. It should not be any challenging matter since the city is connected with other major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur by National Highways.

It might be time-consuming but bus travel is affordable compared to another mode of transport.

Kedarnath is well connected with the road to Sonprayag. During peak seasons you will find multiple private buses from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Guptkashi or Sonprayag. Bus tickets range from INR 500-600. These are small buses and don’t have much leg space. Pack your bag in a way that you can sit comfortably.

Taxis are also available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Hardwar. The cost will depend on total number of seats sold.

Raithal is the point where we start our Dayara Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand. It is approximately 183 kilometers away from Dehradun, which takes around 6 to 7 hours by public transportation. To reach Raithal you have to reach Uttarkashi first. 

The bus to Uttarkashi leaves early in the morning around 5:30 am from Dehradun Hill station. You can also book your ticket online via the UTC portal. The average cost of the ticket is around 350 to 400 INR. Shared taxi option is also available. 

If you are traveling via taxi, you will be charged around 400 to 500. You can hire a taxi from Rispana Pul and Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can rent another taxi to Raithal from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand. You must pay 100 to 150 INR to hire the taxi.

Difficulty Level of Kedarnath

Kedarnath Yatra is in the moderate category. Trek distance and altitude gain make it a bit difficult. The overall trek distance is 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath with an altitude gain of 5,072 feet. Sudden altitude gain of this elevation poses a risk of AMS and Fatigue. Make sure you drink plenty of water, have enough snacks, and are in the best shape.

Physical fitness and endurance are much needed on this Yatra. Before planning your Yatra, train your body in the gym or via running and jogging.

It’s even better if you have done some high-altitude trek before.

Best Time to do Kedarnath

The best time for Kedarnath Yatra is in months of May, June, September, and October. During May and June, the weather is favorable with less rain and not-so-cold temperatures. But it’s also this time when you will find lot of crowd and rush.

If you prefer less crowded and peaceful times then the months of September and October are much suited. But also keep cold temperatures in mind in these months. If you are found with cold temperatures then you can consider Autumn months.

Off Season : Off season in Kedarnath is considered months of monsoon, i.e. End week of June to the First week of September. But these months are also dangerous due to heavy rain, landslides, cloud bursts, and flash floods.

More Info Regarding Kedarnath

After the events of the Mahabharata, Pandavas were in remorse. Their participation in the war led to the deaths of their kin, teachers, and countless others. Their sins hindered their path to Moksha.

Pandavas actions during the Mahabharata, including the use of deceitful tactics on the battlefield did not find favor with Lord Shiva, who is the protector of righteousness. Hence they were in pursuit of Lord Shiva to guide them and free them from their sins.

During their Yatra in the Himalayas, they reached a beautiful valley where they felt the presence of Shiva. Among the heard, Lord Shiva was in the form of a Bull. Bhim tried to approach the Bull but as soon as they touched, Lord Shiva disappeared into the earth.

Later parts of the Bull appeared in different parts of the Himalayas and became known as Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Valley is blessed with natural resources. As soon as you start your trek you get to see hundreds of wildflowers, water springs, and natural beauty.

You will come across flowers like Himalayan Balsam, Brahma Kamal, Juniper, Cyananthus Lobatus, Anaphalis Margaritacea, and The Himalayan Bistort.

Kedarnath Valley and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Black bear, Ibex, Monal, and Leopard. The constant movement of humans in and around the valley makes it hard for these animals to show themselves.

• Triyuginarayan Temple

Map of Trail

Kedarnath temple was built by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya.

Kedarnath temple is said to be more than 1,200 years old.

The two peaks visible from the Kedarnath valley are Kedar Peak and Kedar Dome.

The sacred river that flows through Kedarnath is Mandakini.

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2024 Summer Release: Airbnb introduces Icons—extraordinary experiences from the world’s greatest icons

Plus new features that make planning group trips easier than ever

Airbnb is introducing Icons, a new category of extraordinary experiences hosted by the greatest names in music, film, television, art, sports, and more. Icons let you step into worlds you’ve only ever dreamed of. Drift off in the Up house. Spend the night in the Ferrari Museum. Hang out with Kevin Hart. Today, we’re unveiling the first 11 Icons on Airbnb, with new experiences dropping around the world throughout the year.

“Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination—until now,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world. With Icons, we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth.”

Here are the first 11 Icons we are unveiling:

• Drift off in the Up house – Sleep inside one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic homes—and yes, it floats. You’ll explore Carl’s world in this detailed re-creation of his home, complete with more than 8,000 balloons, and located in the scenic red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico.
• Spend the night in the Ferrari Museum – Immerse yourself in the world of racing with a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy. You’ll sleep on a bed crafted from the same leather as Ferrari seats, take a lap with Scuderia Ferrari ambassador driver Marc Gené, and head to Emilia-Romagna’s premier race as a VIP. 
• Step into X-Men ’97 – Live like the X-Men as you stay in a 2D animated re-creation of Marvel Animation’s X-Mansion in Westchester, New York. You’ll discover your mutant abilities and even train in the Danger Room. 
• Go VIP with Kevin Hart – Kevin Hart is taking you inside his members-only Coramino Live Lounge for an A-list evening. You’ll join Kevin and his friends in this secret speakeasy, where they’ll treat you to a tequila tasting and live stand-up by the best comedians in the game.
• Wake up in the Musée d’Orsay – Stay in the Paris art museum’s iconic clock room, which has been transformed into a luxurious bedroom by Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Games torch and cauldron. From the terrace, you’ll witness the historic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games along the River Seine.
• Join a living room session with Doja Cat – Fresh off a tour performing on the world’s biggest stages, Doja is hosting you for a much more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable living room performance from the Grammy-winning artist, including her favorite songs and tracks from her latest album.
• Stay in Prince’s Purple Rain house – Prince purchased the Minneapolis, Minnesota home featured in the legendary film Purple Rain, but it’s never been available to the public until now. Explore the home and go crazy for rare and special tracks from Prince’s world in an exclusive studio session.
• Game with Khaby Lame – TikTok sensation Khaby Lame invites you to his hometown of Milan, Italy for an epic, overnight gaming experience. You’ll stay in a one-of-a-kind gaming loft that Khaby designed himself, where you’ll #learnfromkhaby and face off with him in a Fortnite Battle Royale. 
• Go on tour with Feid – Join the reggaeton superstar on his FERXXOCALIPSIS World Tour for an entire week. You’ll join the crew for rehearsals, ride along on the tour bus, and get backstage access for every show.
• Live like Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor – Janhvi Kapoor is inviting you into the legendary, never-before-seen Kapoor family home in Chennai, India. From learning her Bollywood beauty secrets to tasting her favorite southern Indian dishes, Janhvi will host you personally on this ultimate overnight stay.
• Make core memories with Inside Out 2 – In anticipation of the June 14 release of Disney and Pixar’s new movie Inside Out 2, you’re invited to an overnight stay at Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s emotions. Your host, Joy, will welcome you into her vibrant world to witness the emotions in action and help keep things in balance. 

Icons are featured in their own category right on the homepage. Most Icons are free, and all are priced under $100 USD per guest. A countdown displays the time until each Icon goes live, and guests can request to book through the app. The lucky guests who are selected will receive a digital golden ticket, and more than 4,000 tickets will be available in 2024 1 . 

New features for group trips

More than 80% of bookings on Airbnb are group trips, but the app wasn’t designed for groups. That’s why we’re introducing new features that make planning group trips easier than ever:

Shared wishlists

You can now easily share your wishlists with others on your trip, inviting them to add homes, write notes and vote on listings. When you share listings with others, the app creates a wishlist with these homes.

New Messages tab

A redesigned Messages tab now allows everyone on a trip to message with the host in a group thread. The simplified design consolidates all guest, host, and customer support messages in one place, making it easy to search across messages. Reactions allow guests and hosts to respond with emojis, and AI-suggested quick replies help hosts instantly answer common questions.

Trip invitations

Once you book a trip, you can invite others to join you with digital postcards of your destination, illustrated by artists from around the world. Everyone joining the trip will get all reservation details including the full address, Wi-Fi password, and check-in instructions.

Upgrades for Hosts

The 2024 Summer Release also includes upgrades for hosts based on their feedback. We’ve expanded the earnings dashboard with interactive performance charts and automated earnings reports. Our updated Listings tab gives hosts more control when creating and editing a photo tour to showcase their space. We’ve also added a simple way to quickly switch between the guest and host sides of the app.

Worldwide rollout starting today

Icons and new features for group trips are available starting today. Upgrades for hosts are available today by enrolling in Airbnb Early Access in the app.

For more information on the the latest upgrades, please visit  www.airbnb.com/release , and  check out all of the 2024 Summer Release highlights .

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

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An eclectic mix of the historical and modern, Moscow will seduce you with its intriguing line-up of awe-inspiring architectural landmarks, stunning cathedrals, world-class museums and art galleries.

Things To See & Do

Moscow’s Central Point

Suggested Time

A Premier Wildlife Education Centre

The Gorky Park

For cultural and leisure activities.

Zaryadye Park

A unique social plaza.

Hermitage Garden

A quiet recreation spot.

The Novodevichy Convent

A fascinating architectural monument.

State Historical Museum

Russia’s largest national museum.

Lenin's Mausoleum

A soviet masterpiece.

Grand Kremlin Palace

An imperial architectural marvel.

St Basils Cathedral

Stunning russian monument, best time to visit moscow, a summer destination, peak season, moderate season.

• What To Expect : Pleasant and comfortable weather, perfect for sightseeing.
• Things You'll Love : Blooming flowering meadows and colourful festivals.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

New Years Eve December

Orthodox Christmas January

Reindeer Herders Festival March

Russian Orthodox Easter Week April

Victory Day May

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Moscow marvels: a journey through timeless traditions and modern metropolis.

 Moscow , the capital of Russia , is a city that beautifully marries age-old traditions with modern sophistication. From the iconic Red Square and Kremlin to the contemporary skyscrapers of Moscow City, this city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and innovation. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe, Moscow has a lot to offer to its visitors.

Best Time To Visit In Moscow

Best Time To Visit In Moscow is between May and September when the weather is warm and the city is in full bloom. This is also the time when the city hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals. However, if you want to experience the true Russian winter, you can visit between December and February. The Moscow weather during this period can be quite chilly, but the snow-covered cityscape is a sight to behold.

How to Reach Moscow

Moscow is well connected to major cities around the world by air. The city's two main airports, Sheremetyevo International Airport and Domodedovo International Airport, serve numerous international airlines. Once in the city, you can use the efficient metro system, buses, or taxis to get around.

What are the Things to See and Do in Moscow?

From exploring the historic Red Square and Kremlin to visiting the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre and the State Tretyakov Gallery , there's plenty to see and do in Moscow. You can also take a stroll along the Moskva River, visit the vibrant Gorky Park, or shop at the famous GUM department store.

Places to Visit in Moscow

Moscow is home to a plethora of historical landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions. Some of the must-visit places include:

The Red Square and Kremlin: 

The Red Square  and Kremlin  is iconic landmarks are the heart and soul of Moscow. The Red Square is home to the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral, while the Kremlin houses several palaces and cathedrals.

The State Tretyakov Gallery: 

The State  Tretyakov Gallery museum is home to one of the largest collections of Russian fine art in the world.

 Gorky Park: 

Gorky Park is a popular park offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, biking, and ice skating in winter.

Restaurants In Moscow

Moscow's culinary scene is as diverse as its cultural heritage. From traditional Russian cuisine to international fare, the city's restaurants cater to all tastes.

White Rabbit: 

This upscale restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Russian cuisine, with stunning views of the city.

LavkaLavka: 

A farm-to-table restaurant that serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

 Cafe Pushkin:

A classic Russian restaurant set in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion.

Places to Stay in Moscow

Moscow offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow: 

This luxury hotel offers opulent rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and a spa.

Hotel Metropol Moscow: 

A historic hotel located near the Red Square, offering elegantly decorated rooms and a renowned restaurant.

Godzillas Hostel: 

A budget-friendly option located in the city centre, offering clean and comfortable rooms.

Food to Try in Moscow

When in Moscow, be sure to try traditional Russian dishes like Borscht (beetroot soup), Pelmeni (dumplings), and Blini (pancakes). Also, don't miss out on tasting the famous Russian vodka.

Things to Buy in Moscow

From traditional Russian souvenirs like Matryoshka dolls and Fabergé eggs to high-end fashion and jewellery, Moscow offers a unique shopping experience. The GUM department store and Arbat Street are popular shopping destinations.

Moscow Overview

In conclusion, Moscow is a city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or a foodie, Moscow has something to offer you. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this fascinating city.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Moscow

How is the weather of moscow in peak season.

The weather of Moscow in peak season is pleasant and comfortable weather, perfect for sightseeing. It means you can easily plan a trip in this season for maximum fun during this season.

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Moscow?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Moscow’s Central Point, A Premier Wildlife Education Centre, and For Cultural and Leisure Activities when you are in Moscow to make a funfilled vacay.

What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Moscow?

In the peak season months March, April, May, June, July and August you will experience pleasant and comfortable weather, perfect for sightseeing wherein around moderate season i.e. September and October you will enjoy the red and golden hues of autumn and lesser crowds. Whatever that suits your calendar, Moscow awaits you for a good time.

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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

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