Surat to Kedarnath distance is one of the most common questions asked by travelers and devotees who wish to visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. Surat, known as the “Diamond City of India,” is located in Gujarat, while Kedarnath is nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Both destinations are far apart, and reaching Kedarnath from Surat requires careful planning, multiple transport options, and a combination of road and air travel.
In this guide, we will cover the actual distance, travel routes, transportation options, and the best tips for making your journey comfortable.
Surat to Kedarnath Distance Overview
The approximate Surat to Kedarnath distance is around 1,700 kilometers by road. However, since Kedarnath is not directly connected by rail or road up to the temple, travelers need to reach Gaurikund first. Gaurikund is the last motorable point, from where a 16 km trek (or pony, palki, or helicopter service) leads to the Kedarnath Temple.
Here’s a quick overview in a table format:
| Route Option | Approximate Distance | Travel Mode | Travel Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surat → Kedarnath by Road | ~1700 km + 16 km trek | Car/Bus + Trek | 36–40 hours (road) + 6–7 hours trek | Long journey, requires stopovers |
| Surat → Kedarnath by Train | Surat to Haridwar (~1300 km) + road to Gaurikund (~230 km) + trek (16 km) | Train + Road + Trek | 30–35 hours (train & road) + 6–7 hours trek | Budget-friendly option |
| Surat → Kedarnath by Flight | Surat to Dehradun (~1200 km by air) + road to Gaurikund (~230 km) + trek (16 km) | Flight + Road + Trek | 5–6 hours flight + 8–9 hours road + trek | Fastest and most comfortable |
| Helicopter Option | From Phata/Guptkashi to Kedarnath (~8–10 minutes) | Helicopter | Saves trekking time | Requires advance booking |
Best Travel Routes from Surat to Kedarnath
Since there is no direct connectivity, you have to combine different modes of travel. Let’s look at the most common options:
1. Surat to Kedarnath by Road
- Start from Surat and drive towards Delhi via NH48.
- From Delhi, take the route via Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Gaurikund.
- After reaching Gaurikund, you need to trek 16 km to Kedarnath Temple.
- Road travel takes around 2–3 days depending on stopovers.
2. Surat to Kedarnath by Train
- Take a train from Surat to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Popular trains include:
- Bandra Terminus–Haridwar Express
- Surat–Dehradun Express (via New Delhi)
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh, hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Gaurikund.
- Trek or opt for mule/palki services from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
3. Surat to Kedarnath by Flight
- Nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- You can book a direct flight from Surat to Dehradun (or via Delhi if direct is not available).
- From Dehradun, hire a cab or bus to reach Gaurikund.
- Trek or use a helicopter from nearby helipads such as Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi.
Travel Time and Cost Estimates
- By Road (Car/Bus): Around ₹8,000–₹12,000 depending on vehicle and stops. Takes 3–4 days one way.
- By Train + Road: Train fares range from ₹700 to ₹2,500. Road travel to Gaurikund costs around ₹3,000–₹5,000. Total journey 2–3 days.
- By Flight + Road: Airfare ranges from ₹4,000–₹10,000. Road trip from Dehradun adds another ₹3,000–₹6,000. One-way journey can be completed in 2 days.
- By Helicopter: Phata to Kedarnath helicopter ticket costs around ₹6,500 per person (round trip). Saves trekking time.
Tips for Travelers from Surat to Kedarnath
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October are ideal months. Monsoon season (July–August) should be avoided due to landslides.
- Fitness Preparation: The trek is steep and requires stamina. Practice walking daily before the trip.
- Advance Bookings: Hotels, helicopter tickets, and Yatra registration must be booked in advance due to high demand.
- Clothing: Carry warm clothes, rain protection, sturdy trekking shoes, and essential medicines.
- Stopovers Recommended: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi are good stopovers for rest and acclimatization.
Why Visit Kedarnath from Surat?
Many devotees from Gujarat, especially Surat, travel to Kedarnath every year as part of the Char Dham Yatra. The journey may be long, but the spiritual reward of visiting Lord Shiva’s sacred shrine surrounded by snow-capped peaks is incomparable. For tourists, it’s not just a pilgrimage but also an adventurous Himalayan experience.
Also read: Air India Express Launches ‘Namaste World’ Sale with Fares Starting at ₹1,499
Conclusion
The Surat to Kedarnath distance may seem long and challenging, but with proper planning, it becomes a memorable spiritual journey. Whether you choose road, train, or flight, the combination of travel modes ensures that every devotee from Surat can reach Kedarnath comfortably. The trek or helicopter ride adds to the divine charm of the yatra, making it one of the most unforgettable pilgrimages in India.
If you are planning to visit, book your tickets early, stay updated with weather reports, and prepare yourself physically and mentally for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.