Complete Checklist for Kedarnath Yatra | Kedarnath Yatra Checklist
Kedarnath Yatra is not only a religious journey but also a spiritual experience. But, travelling without a solid plan can make your journey difficult.
Hello, my name is Rajendra. I am a resident of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand and Shri Kedarnath Dham also comes in our district, which is located at a distance of about 80 to 90 kilometers from our home. So, based on my travel experience, I have prepared this checklist for you, in which I have shared my travel experience.
With this checklist, you can make your Kedarnath journey smooth, safe and memorable.
✅ 1. Necessary preparations before Kedarnath Yatra
| Sl. | Preparation details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Plan the trip - Date, budget, companion, reservation |
| 2 | Register online on kedarnath yatra registration Portal |
| 3 | Helicopter booking (if required) - Pawan Hans / Helicopter Service |
| 4 | Get health checkup - Fitness is essential for high altitude travel |
| 5 | Get travel insurance - Emergency Medical & Accident Cover |
✅ 2. Packing list for Kedarnath Yatra
Clothes
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Warm jacket / jumper
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Shoes (trekking ones) (very important)
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Gloves, hat, scarf
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Knee length pants
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Raincoat / umbrella in rainy season (very important)
Health and medicines
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If you take any regular medicine, then carry medicines in double quantity than the duration of your journey. Also keep the doctor's prescription.
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General medicines (headache, stomachache, nausea)
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Anti-altitude medicine (Diamox)
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Plaster, bandage
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Bring your current medication
Technology
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Mobile + Power bank (very important)
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Portable charger
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Water bottle (thermos is better)
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ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Driving License) (very important)
Food items
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Energy bars, biscuits, namkeen
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Water bottle
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Glucose powder/Electrolyte powder
✅ 3. Travel route and route planning
| Route | Distance | Time | Tips |
| Haridwar → Gaurikund | 220 km | 7-8 hours | Excellent road connectivity |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trekking) | 22 km | 6-8 hours | Helicopter option available |
| Kedarnath ←→ Chorabari Lake | 3 km | 2 hours | additional travel time |
✅ 4. Stay and darshan timings in Kedarnath
| Timings | Activities |
|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Bhootnath gate opening time |
| 5:30 AM | Morning Puja |
| 6:00 AM | Darshan starts |
| 2:00 PM | Midday Puja |
| 7:00 PM | Evening Puja |
| 9:00 PM | Temple closing time |
✅ 5. Money Planning
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Cash (ATM / POS machine is not available at some places) so keep cash.
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ATM card (but ATMs are limited)
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Budget for helicopter, horse, palanquin
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Separate budget for gifts and seva
✅ 6. Backpack and bags
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Main backpack: 40-50 liters capacity, with waterproof cover
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Small daypack: 15-20 liters, to carry essentials during the trek
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Waterproof pouch: for mobile, documents etc.
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Crossbody bag/waist pouch: for money, phone and small stuff
✅ 7. Weather and season wise packing tips
| Season | Temperature | Packing tips |
| Summer (May–June) | 5°C – 20°C | Light clothes, sunscreen, glasses |
| Monsoon (July–September) | 10°C – 25°C | Raincoat, boots, preparations for early snowfall |
| Autumn (October–November) | 0°C – 10°C | Very warm clothes, hat, gloves |
| Winter (December–April) | -5°C – 5°C | Heavy jacket, thermal, helmet, snow boots |
✅ 8. Documents for Kedarnath Yatra
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Aadhaar Card (photocopy and online)
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Mobile Number with OTP Access
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Health Certificate (if 60+ age)
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Helicopter Ticket (if booked)
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Hotel Booking Confirmation
✅ 9. Prevention of Altitude Sickness (AMS)
Kedarnath is located at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters, where the oxygen level is low. To avoid altitude sickness, take the following precautions:
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Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day
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Climb to the altitude slowly: Do not rush and give the body time to acclimatize
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Avoid heavy meals: Eat light and nutritious food
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Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can aggravate the symptoms of AMS
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Watch out for symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue - these can be early symptoms of AMS
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Medications: You can take medicines like Diamox on the advice of a doctor
✅ 10. Other important tips
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Take the help of a local guide (if you are going for the first time)
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Take the right shoes for trekking
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Enjoy the local food (but be careful while eating)
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Do not do photography in the temple
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Take minimum luggage, heavy load increases the difficulty in trekking
✅ 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there an ATM in Kedarnath? | Yes, but cash withdrawal is limited. It is better to carry cash. |
| Is Kedarnath Yatra safe for elderly? | Yes, but consult a doctor and opt for helicopter. |
| Can women travel alone? | Yes, security has been increased. Police registration is mandatory. |
✅ 12. Lastly – Blessings of the Yatra
Kedarnath is not only a temple but a blessing of nature. This checklist will always be with you to make your trip memorable.
❓ Now it’s your turn!
Have you visited Kedarnath?
Do you have any tips that can be useful for our readers?
Do let us know in the comments!