Kedarnath

Depart Kathmandu early by tourist bus or private vehicle via Narayanghat highway. Reach Sunauli/Bhairahawa border crossing by afternoon. Complete Indian immigration formalities. Cross into Sunauli (India) and board an overnight bus to Gorakhpur or Varanasi.  Distance: ~280 km · ~7–8 hrs. drive  Overnight bus from border to Gorakhpur (~3 hrs.)

Take an early morning train from Gorakhpur to Haridwar (Gorakhpur–Haridwar Express or Anand Vihar trains). Arrive Haridwar by afternoon. Check into hotel. Evening, attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri — a beautiful welcome to the yatra spirit.  Train: ~7–9 hrs · Book in advance via IRCTC  Alternatively, take an overnight bus from Gorakhpur direct to Haridwar

Depart Haridwar by 5–6 AM via shared taxi or private cab. Drive through Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptakashi (~230 km, 8–9 hrs, mountain roads). Check in at hotel in Guptakashi. Visit Vishwanath Temple in the evening. Guptakashi is your acclimatization base before the trek.  Shared taxi: ₹500–600/person · Private cab: ₹3,500–4,500

Short drive to Sonprayag (20 km, 1 hr). Complete your mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration here if not done online. Board government shuttle from Sonprayag to Gaurikund (6 km, ₹30/person). Gaurikund is the trek base. Rest, prepare gear, have an early dinner. Sleep by 8 PM.  Registration: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free, mandatory)  Stay at Gaurikund for early start next day

Wake up at 3:30–4:00 AM. Begin the 16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund (1,982 m) to Kedarnath (3,583 m). Key stops: Jungle Chatti (4 km), Bheembali (7 km), Lincholi (9 km), Base Camp (14 km). Arrive Kedarnath by noon or early afternoon. Rest, then attend Evening Aarti at the ancient temple.  Trek: ~6–8 hrs (fit), 9–11 hrs (moderate pace)  Pony: ₹3,000–3,500 · Palki (doli): ₹7,000–9,000 · Helicopter from Phata: ₹10,164 RT

Wake at 4:00 AM for the special Abhishek / Morning Darshan — enter the Garbhagriha and see the sacred Shivalinga. After darshan and breakfast, begin trek down to Sonprayag/Sitapur (takes 4–5 hrs downhill). Much easier than ascent. Stay overnight at Sitapur or return to Guptakashi.  Tip: Keep a light day pack for the climb; leave heavy luggage at Gaurikund lockers

Drive back to Rishikesh or Haridwar (8–9 hrs). Rest, recover sore legs. You may visit Rishikesh for the iconic Laxman Jhula bridge, rafting (if energy allows), Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Board morning train or bus from Haridwar to Gorakhpur (~8 hrs). Overnight or same-day bus from Gorakhpur to Sunauli border (~3 hrs). Cross into Nepal at Bhairahawa/Sunauli and catch a bus to Kathmandu.

Return to Kathmandu. Your yatra is complete — rest and visit family. Many pilgrims visit Pashupatinath Temple upon return to complete the spiritual circle.