Kedarnath Yatra with Parents: Pony, Palki, Helicopter and Days Needed

How to plan Kedarnath with elderly parents: helicopter vs pony vs palki, how many days, registration, rest stops and what to pack.

PilgrimageKedarnath, UttarakhandBy Ashish GoyalUpdated 12 November 2026
KedarnathPhoto by Akshay syal on Unsplash

Kedarnath Yatra with parents can be planned with helicopter, pony, or palki options, considering the difficulty level of the trek and the number of days required. The trek is around 14 kilometers uphill from Gaurikund, and senior citizens may find it challenging. It is essential to plan the trip according to the physical abilities of the elderly parents.

At a glance

  • 4-6 days are needed for the Kedarnath Yatra
  • Best time to visit is from May to June and September to October
  • Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
  • Walking level is moderate to difficult
  • Book accommodations and transportation in advance

How many days do you need in Kedarnath?

The number of days required for the Kedarnath Yatra depends on the mode of transportation and the physical abilities of the elderly parents. Generally, 4-6 days are sufficient for the trip.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are clear. It is essential to avoid the monsoon season, as the roads may be closed due to landslides.

5-day Kedarnath plan

  1. Day 1 · Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun. Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund. Check-in to a hotel and rest for the day.
  2. Day 2 · Day 2: Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Start the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath early in the morning. Take regular breaks and hire a pony or palki if needed. Reach the temple in the evening and attend the aarti.
  3. Day 3 · Day 3: Kedarnath. Spend the day exploring the temple and the surrounding areas. Take a stroll around the lake and visit the nearby shrines.
  4. Day 4 · Day 4: Kedarnath to Gaurikund. Start the trek back to Gaurikund early in the morning. Take regular breaks and hire a pony or palki if needed. Reach Gaurikund in the evening and check-in to a hotel.
  5. Day 5 · Day 5: Departure from Dehradun. Hire a taxi or take a bus from Gaurikund to Dehradun. Depart from Jolly Grant Airport.

How to reach Kedarnath

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 240 kilometers from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek.

Getting around

There are several options to reach the Kedarnath temple from Gaurikund, including pony, palki, and helicopter. The helicopter service is available from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sitapur.

Seasons in Kedarnath

The seasons in Kedarnath vary, and it is essential to be prepared for the weather conditions.

MonthWeatherTemperature
May-JunePleasant15-25°C
July-AugustRainy10-20°C
September-OctoberPleasant10-20°C

Kedarnath with parents and elders

It is essential to consider the physical abilities of the elderly parents while planning the trip. The trek can be challenging, and it is recommended to take regular breaks and hire a pony or palki if needed.

Trip options

There are several trip options available, including helicopter, pony, and palki.

Mode of TransportTimeCost
Helicopter1 hour7000-10000 INR
Pony4-5 hours2000-5000 INR
Palki4-5 hours5000-10000 INR

Good to know

It is essential to register for the Kedarnath Yatra in advance and obtain a biometric card. The registration can be done online or offline.

Questions people ask

Is Kedarnath trek difficult for senior citizens?

Yes, the Kedarnath trek can be challenging for senior citizens, and it is recommended to take regular breaks and hire a pony or palki if needed.

How many days are needed for Kedarnath Yatra?

Generally, 4-6 days are sufficient for the Kedarnath Yatra, depending on the mode of transportation and the physical abilities of the elderly parents.

What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are clear.

How to reach Kedarnath?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 240 kilometers from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek.

What are the options for getting around in Kedarnath?

There are several options to reach the Kedarnath temple from Gaurikund, including pony, palki, and helicopter.

How to register for Kedarnath Yatra?

The registration for Kedarnath Yatra can be done online or offline, and it is essential to obtain a biometric card.

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