Kolkata to Kedarnath: Dreaming of a spiritual journey to Kedarnath from Kolkata? Imagine starting from the bustling city of Kolkata and arriving at the serene Himalayas, where faith meets nature’s marvels. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a traveler seeking tranquility, this guide will help you plan your journey, covering all aspects from distance to travel options, ticket prices, and tour plans.
Kolkata to Kedarnath Distance
The distance from Kolkata to Kedarnath depends on the mode of transport:
- By Road: Approximately 1,600 km, taking around 30-35 hours of travel.
- By Train: About 1,300 km to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by a road journey to Gaurikund.
- By Flight: The aerial distance is around 1,140 km to Dehradun, the nearest airport.
Each mode of transport offers a unique experience, and the best choice depends on your preference for speed, comfort, or adventure.
How to Travel from Kolkata to Kedarnath
1. By Train
Traveling by train is cost-effective and comfortable. Haridwar or Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath. From there, buses or taxis take you to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek.
- Trains from Kolkata:
- Howrah-Haridwar Express
- Howrah-Dehradun Express
- Train ticket prices:
- Sleeper Class: ₹500-₹700
- AC 3 Tier: ₹1,200-₹1,800
From Haridwar or Rishikesh, the road journey to Gaurikund takes around 7-9 hours.
2. By Flight
The quickest way to reach Kedarnath is by taking a flight from Kolkata to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund.
- Flight ticket prices: ₹5,000-₹10,000 (one-way).
- Airlines operating on this route: Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet.
- Travel time: Around 2.5 hours to Dehradun, followed by a 7-9 hour road journey.
3. By Road
A road trip from Kolkata to Kedarnath is an adventurous and scenic journey. You’ll pass through cities like Varanasi, Kanpur, and Haridwar.
- Distance by road: Around 1,600 km.
- Route map: Kolkata → Varanasi → Lucknow → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Gaurikund → Kedarnath.
- Travel time: 30-35 hours by car or 2-3 days by bus with stops.
Tour Packages from Kolkata to Kedarnath
To make your journey hassle-free, you can opt for tour packages. These typically include transport, accommodation, meals, and guided visits.
- Cost of tour packages: ₹15,000-₹30,000 per person.
- Packages often cover stops at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other nearby attractions.
Sample Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly or take a train from Kolkata to Haridwar. Explore local attractions like Har Ki Pauri.
Day 2: Travel to Gaurikund via Rishikesh, stopping at Devprayag and Rudraprayag.
Day 3: Trek or take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath. Visit Kedarnath Temple.
Day 4: Return to Gaurikund and travel back to Haridwar.
Day 5: Head back to Kolkata.
Cost Breakdown
Here’s an approximate cost for your trip:
- Train tickets: ₹500-₹2,500 (one way).
- Flight tickets: ₹5,000-₹10,000 (one way).
- Road transport (Haridwar to Gaurikund): ₹2,000-₹4,000.
- Accommodation: ₹500-₹2,000 per night.
- Helicopter ride to Kedarnath: ₹7,000 (approx one way).
Total cost: depending on the mode of travel and accommodation choices.
Things to Know Before You Travel
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. Avoid monsoon season due to landslides.
- Weather: Kedarnath can get chilly even in summer. Pack warm clothes.
- Trek Details: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km. Ponies and palanquins are available for hire.
- Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. Book tickets in advance.
Kolkata to Kedarnath is a journey of faith, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you choose to travel by train, flight, or road, each step of the way offers unique experiences. Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and immerse yourself in the divine charm of Kedarnath.
Start your spiritual adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
The trek is 16 km and takes 6-8 hours.
2. Can I travel directly by train from Kolkata to Kedarnath?
No, you’ll need to take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then travel by road to Gaurikund.
3. What is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, about 240 km from Kedarnath.
4. What is the best mode of transport from Kolkata to Kedarnath?
Flights are the fastest, but trains are more budget-friendly. Choose based on your priorities.
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