Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India, especially among travelers coming from Delhi. However, planning the journey from Delhi to Kedarkantha often becomes confusing. There are multiple routes, different transport options and mixed information available online. Some people suggest trains, others recommend buses or flight, which makes first-time trekkers unsure about the best way to travel.
The biggest confusion usually comes from not knowing where the Kedarkantha trek actually starts and how far the base camp is from Dehradun. This complete travel guide is written to clear all doubts. It explains how to reach Kedarkantha from Delhi by train, bus or flight, the cost involved, total travel time and which option works best for most trekkers.
Where Does the Kedarkantha Trek Start? (Base Location Explained)
The Kedarkantha Trek officially starts from Sankri village in Uttarakhand. Sankri is the base camp and the last village that can be reached by road. All trek briefings, accommodation and arrangements begin from Sankri.
Reaching the base camp is the real challenge of the Kedarkantha trek. While Dehradun is well connected to Delhi, Sankri is located deep in the mountains. The road journey from Dehradun to Sankri is long and slow due to hilly terrain. Many first-time trekkers underestimate this distance.
Common mistakes made by beginners include starting late from Dehradun, not keeping buffer time and assuming that Sankri is close to the city. Proper planning for reaching the base camp ensures a smooth trekking experience.
How to Reach Kedarkantha from Delhi
Delhi to Dehradun is the first step of the journey. From Dehradun, travelers continue by road to Sankri.
Delhi to Dehradun by Train
Train travel is one of the most preferred and reliable options for reaching Dehradun from Delhi. Trains are budget-friendly, comfortable and less affected by weather conditions.
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi – Dehradun | 12017 | 06:45 AM | 12:55 PM | ₹956 – ₹1,456 |
| Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express | 12055 | 03:20 PM | 09:10 PM | ₹193 – ₹581 |
| Mussoorie Express | 14041 | 10:25 PM | 09:05 AM (next day) | ₹253 – ₹1,456 |
| Nanda Devi AC SF Express | 12401 | 11:50 PM | 05:45 AM (next day) | ₹656 – ₹1,441 |
Morning trains are ideal for travelers who want to reach Dehradun early and rest. Overnight trains are preferred by trekkers who plan to travel to Sankri the next morning.
Delhi to Dehradun by Bus
| Bus Type | Duration | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo / AC | 6 – 7 hours | ₹900 – ₹1,500 | Comfortable, recommended for solo travelers or groups |
| Ordinary / Non-AC | 8 – 10 hours | ₹400 – ₹600 | Economical, longer travel time |
Night buses are preferred for early morning arrival in Dehradun — this aligns with the trek schedule and onward travel to Sankri.
Delhi to Dehradun by Flight
Flights are the fastest way to reach Dehradun from Delhi.
- Travel Time: Around 1 hour
- Average One-way Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000
Flights save significant travel time but increase the overall cost. They are suitable for travelers who have limited time, are traveling on short notice or want to avoid long journeys. For most trekkers, trains and buses remain more economical and practical options.
Dehradun to Sankri
- Distance: 200 km
- Travel Time: 9 – 10 hours
| Transport Type | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Bus | 9 – 10 hours | ₹400 – ₹500 | Limited availability, book in advance |
| Private Taxi | 9 – 10 hours | ₹13,000 – ₹14,500 per vehicle | Ideal for families/groups, comfortable |
Road conditions are good but slow due to mountain terrain. Winter snowfall or landslides may delay travel.
Tip: Start early to reach Sankri before evening.
Total Travel Cost from Delhi to Kedarkantha Base Camp
| Route | Estimated Cost (Per Person) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train / Bus + Shared Taxi | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | Economical, reliable |
| Flight + Private Taxi | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Faster, but costlier |
- Total travel time: 18 – 24 hours
- Always keep at least one buffer day for delays due to weather or roads.
Self-Travel vs Booking the Kedarkantha Trek with Transport with Us
Self-travel requires booking trains or buses, arranging local transport from Dehradun to Sankri, and managing timings on your own. This can be challenging, especially for first-time trekkers or winter travelers.
Booking the Kedarkantha trek with transport offers better coordination, fixed schedules and reduced travel stress. This is why most trekkers prefer packages that include transportation along with the trek.
Book this trek with transport →
Final Travel Advice for Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi
Plan your journey, choose reliable transport options and always keep buffer time for mountain travel. Kedarkantha is a beginner-friendly trek, but reaching the base camp requires careful planning. With the right preparation, traveling from Delhi to Kedarkantha becomes smooth, safe and enjoyable.
Note: Train timings, fares and transport costs may vary slightly based on season, availability and operational changes.
