Kedarnath Trek Guide: Physical Fitness, Permits & Altitude Tips

The Kedarnath Trek is a 16 KM long trek that passes through quaint villages, glacial streams and snow capped mountains and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Each year thousands of devotees from across India and the world embark on this trek to reach the ancient Kedarnath Temple. 

The temple, tucked between the Garhwal Himalayan range, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and is said to have been established by the Pandavas.

The trek to Kedarnath is for everyone, with all of the basic facilities available along the trek and near the temple, the trek is suitable for beginners. Still it is important to keep a few things in mind and prepare before embarking on this beautiful trek.

Overview of the Kedarnath Trek Route

The Kedarnath Temple Trek starts from Gaurikund. From here the temple is about 16 KM away and it would take you around 6 to 8 hours to reach it. Here is a breakdown of the trek.

Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (~4 km): The starting of the trek is comfortable and pleasant. You will walk on a wide and well maintained trail surrounded by dense forest and parallel to it you will find the clear and cold water of the glacial river Mandakini. Next to the trek there are plenty of stalls and shops that serve hot tea and snacks, this will help you in regaining your energy.

Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (~3 km): The route becomes steeper and a little challenging with a mix of stone steps and narrow trail. The increase in elevation causes the Oxygen levels to drop slightly. These challenges of the trek come with the beautiful scenic views of the waterfalls and the himalayan peaks.

Bheembali to Lincholi (~4 km): This segment of the trek is of moderate to high difficulty. The steep and rocky trail requires caution and patience to complete. Lincholi is where you halt to regain strength, the place has medical facilities, food stalls and tents, making it a good place to rest for a while.

Lincholi to Kedarnath Base Camp (~4 km): You move closer to your destination and the otherworldly beauty of high Himalayas begins to reveal itself gradually. The surreal scene of the snow capped peaks under the clear blue sky is just what you need to re energize your body and mind. The base camp is equipped with accommodation, food and emergency services.

Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple (~1 km): This is the final part of the journey, the path is short and steep. As you move closer to the Kedarnath Temple, the snow capped peaks slowly start to appear in their full form with the majestic temple in between.

Required Permits and Registration Process

Yatra Registration: It is mandatory to register yourself for the Char Dham Yatra on the Chardham Registration Portal or at any of the registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag etc. Registration is free of cost.

Documents needed for registration - Aadhar Card or other valid ID and Passport-size photo.

Health Check (at Gaurikund or Sonprayag): A simple medical check is often done before starting the trek to Kedarnath to ensure that the trekker is fit for the high-altitude conditions. The health check is issued by local authorities.

The test would include blood pressure and oxygen level check along with basic fitness check.

Travel Insurance: It is recommended that you get travel insurance to cover the costs in case of any emergency. Some online portals offer optional insurance during registration.

How to Train for the Kedarnath Trek

If you want to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable trek to Kedarnath you must train for it Physically as well as Mentally.

Here is a four week plan that you must follow to prepare for the physical challenges:

Activity Type

Jogging- 5 KM in 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times/week, Cardiovascular Strength

Stairs Climb- 15 to 30 minutes, 3 times/week, Training for Uphill trek

Squats- 3 sets x 15 reps, 3 to 4 times/week, Strengthen quads, glutes

Calf Raises- 3 sets × 20 reps, 3 times/week, Strengthen ankles and lower legs

Plank- 3 sets × 30–60 seconds, 3 times/week, Core stability and balance

Yoga and Stretching- 20–30 minutes, 3–4 times/week, Breathing and mobility

One-Leg Stand- 3 sets × 30 seconds per leg, 3 times/week, Stabilize ankles and improve balance

Mental Preparation for the trek is as important as Physical one should prepare oneself for the remote Kedarnath Temple Trek far away from the comforts of modern life. The trek goes through thick forests and snow capped mountains where the temperature is cold and weather is unpredictable. One must be prepared to face any challenges.

Understanding the Altitude: How High Will You Go?

The Kedarnath Yatra takes you to the high himalayan ranges that are perpetually covered in snow and situated at a great height. The trek that begins from Gaurikund which is at 6,500 feet ends at the Kedarnath Temple at an altitude of 11,755 feet, this huge gain in altitude can cause you Altitude Sickness. The oxygen levels at such height drop by nearly 60% making hydration and rest essential. Altitude sickness is real and you can avoid it through proper preparation.

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Kedarnath Trek

Here are the tips one must follow to altitude sickness while trekking in Kedarnath:

Ascend Slowly: Walk steady and do not rush, your body is not always prepared for the sudden decrease in the oxygen levels. The slower you go the better you acclimatize

Stay Hydrated: 3 to 4 Liters of water intake is a must to be hydrated for this long journey.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: It is never a good Idea to smoke or drink in high altitude places as this impairs your body's ability to adjust to high altitude.

Eat Light and Energy Rich Foods: Heavy meals can make you lazy and can even cause digestion problems. Light meals and quick healthy snacks are your best friends.

Know The Symptoms: You must watch out for early signs of altitude sickness like- headache,dizziness,nausea,fatigue,shortness of breath, don't ignore them and inform your trek partners about them. Climb down if the symptoms persist.

Take Regular Breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks during the trek. 30 to 45 minute breaks would help you acclimate and re energise.

Best Time to Do the Kedarnath Trek for Optimal Safety

To make the best of Kedarnath trekking experience you must choose the right time to visit the trek. The time to avoid trekking to Kedarnath is the monsoon season, if you exclude these months of heavy raining that causes roadblocks and landslides, you are left with two windows in which you can experience the Kedarnath Temple trek.

May to Mid June (Pre-Monsoon)- This season comes with pleasant and clear weather and a cool temperature ranging from 10°C to 15°C. The trail is dry and stable, perfectly ideal for trekking. This is the peak pilgrimage season and sees the most people.

September to Mid-October (Post-Monsoon)- This season welcomes you with crisp air and clear skies, the monsoon rain clears up the atmosphere and there is greenery around you. There is also better visibility and fewer crowds. The cold weather nearing winter does require you to wear warm clothes.

What to Pack for the Kedarnath Trek

With the right gear the trek to Kedarnath becomes comfortable and enjoyable. Without them you may find yourself facing various difficulties. Here is what you should pack for your Kedarnath Trek

Backpack (25–40L) + rain cover

Water bottles (2L) or hydration pack

Headlamp or torch + power bank

Trekking pole (optional)

Thermal wear + fleece jacket

Waterproof jacket or poncho

Quick-dry T-shirts + trekking pants

Woolen cap, gloves, and socks

Comfortable trekking shoes + slippers

Basic first aid kit + personal medicines

Sunscreen, lip balm, sanitizer

Wet wipes, toilet paper

Energy bars, dry fruits

Sunglasses, lightweight towel

Zip-lock bags for waterproofing

Prepare Well and Embrace the Spiritual Journey

Kedarnath trek is no ordinary trek; it is a spiritual Journey that sees hundreds and thousands of devotees each year climbing up to reach the ancient Kedarnath Temple. The trek goes from thick jungles to snow capped mountains, on the way you get to see the Mandakini river rolling down making its own journey to reach the plains. 

The Kedarnath Yatra has been at the centre of India's spirituality for thousands of years and by embarking on the same journey you get to walk on the footprints of the devotees that came before you. The journey to Kedarnath is truly spiritual and you must prepare well and embrace this journey to this ancient temple.