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🚩Kedarnath Trek Checkpoint Guide

Kedarnath Trek Checkpoint Guide 2026 – Every Stop from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

Complete Kedarnath trek checkpoint guide 2026. Every stop on the 18 km route — distances, altitudes, facilities, timings and what to do at each point. Package from ₹5000.

KEDARNATH TRIP BOOKING 2026 – TREK ROUTE FULLY PLANNED IN OUR ₹5000 PACKAGE

When you book our ₹5000 Kedarnath trip package, you receive a printed checkpoint-by-checkpoint route card. Every distance, every facility, every timing — mapped out before you take your first step from Gaurikund. No confusion, no wrong turns, no panic on the trail. Book now for the 2026 season.

KEDARNATH TREK CHECKPOINT GUIDE 2026 – EVERY STOP EXPLAINED IN DETAIL

The Kedarnath trek is 18 km one way from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath temple. For most pilgrims, especially first-timers, this trail can feel overwhelming without a clear, checkpoint-by-checkpoint understanding of the route. Knowing exactly what lies ahead — how far the next rest point is, where to eat, where the medical camp is, and which section is the steepest — transforms the trek from an anxiety-inducing physical challenge into a manageable, spiritually joyful journey.

This guide covers every single checkpoint on the Kedarnath trek route in 2026, including a major new development that no other guide covers in detail — the reopening of the historic 1,300-year-old Garud Chatti route that was destroyed in the 2013 floods and is being restored for the April 22, 2026 season opening.

THE BIG NEWS FOR 2026 – GARUD CHATTI ROUTE REOPENING

One of the most significant developments for Kedarnath trekkers in 2026 is the expected reopening of the ancient Garud Chatti route — the original pilgrimage path to Kedarnath that was used for over 1,300 years before the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand floods destroyed it.

What is the Garud Chatti route:

• - The Garud Chatti route runs from Gaurikund through Rambada and Garud Chatti to Kedarnath.

• - This is the original, traditional path walked by pilgrims for well over a millennium.

• - It is 15.3 km one way — approximately 1 km shorter than the post-2013 Linchauli route (16.3 km) currently in use.

• - The route follows a more direct line and is considered historically and spiritually more authentic.

Why it has been closed since 2013:

• - The 2013 Kedarnath disaster — one of the worst natural calamities in India's recent history — destroyed the Rambada bridge, which was the critical link on this route.

• - For 13 years, the trail was inaccessible. Pilgrims have been using the reconstructed Linchauli route exclusively.

What is happening in 2026:

• - The Rambada bridge has been rebuilt. Final utilities including drinking water points and toilet blocks are being installed.

• - The route is expected to be fully operational for the April 22, 2026 season opening.

• - Due to realignment in some sections, the Rambada to Kedarnath stretch has increased from 7 km to 8.6 km. But the overall Garud Chatti route at 15.3 km remains shorter than the Linchauli route.

• - Important: Pony service will continue to use the wider Linchauli route. The Garud Chatti route is for trekkers on foot only.

• - Important: The Garud Chatti route is recommended for physically fit trekkers. First-timers, elderly pilgrims, and those with health conditions should use the familiar, better-facilitated Linchauli route.

Which route should you take in 2026:

• - Linchauli route (current, 16.3 km): Better facilities, pony support, medical camps, more trekkers around you. Best for first-timers, families, elderly, and those using ponies or dolis.

• - Garud Chatti route (restored, 15.3 km): 1 km shorter, more authentic, historically significant. Best for fit, experienced trekkers who want the traditional path. Fewer facilities in 2026 (first season back).

CHECKPOINT 0 – GAURIKUND (TREK START, 0 KM, 1,982 METRES)

What Gaurikund is:

• - Gaurikund is the official starting point of the Kedarnath trek and the last point vehicles can reach.

• - It is located 5 km from Sonprayag by shared jeep (₹30 to ₹50 per person).

• - Altitude: 1,982 metres. This is where your body first begins adapting to the mountain.

What to do at Gaurikund before starting the trek:

• - Visit the Tapt Kund natural hot spring. This geothermal spring at Gaurikund is considered sacred — a ritual purification dip here before the Kedarnath trek is a deeply meaningful tradition. The hot water is a welcome contrast to the cold mountain air.

• - Visit the Gauri Devi temple beside the hot spring. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Gauri), this small ancient temple marks the mythological significance of Gaurikund.

• - Eat a solid breakfast if you have not already. Dhabas at Gaurikund serve paratha, poha, upma, and dal. A full stomach before an 18 km uphill trek is not optional.

• - Fill your water bottle. Drinking water is available at Gaurikund and at multiple points on the route. Carry at least 1.5 to 2 litres.

• - Book your pony or doli at the official prepaid government counter if you need one. Do not approach operators outside the counter.

• - Check the time. If it is past 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM, walk at a fast but steady pace. Avoid starting after 8:00 AM — reaching Kedarnath before dark becomes difficult.

• - Leave non-essential luggage at the cloak room (₹30 to ₹50 per bag per day). Carry only a day pack with essentials.

Facilities at Gaurikund: Tea stalls, dhabas, cloak rooms, pony and doli booking counters, ATM (check availability — unreliable in peak season), toilet blocks, medical screening post.

CHECKPOINT 1 – JUNGLE CHATTI (3 KM, APPROX 2,600 METRES)

What Jungle Chatti is:

• - The first major checkpoint on the Kedarnath trek, located 3 km from Gaurikund.

• - The name comes from the dense forest through which this section of the trail passes.

• - This is also where the new Garud Chatti route diverges from the Linchauli route for trekkers using the old path.

What the trail is like from Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti:

• - The first 3 km are the warmup section. The gradient is moderate — consistent uphill but manageable.

• - The path passes through rhododendron and oak forest with the Mandakini river audible below.

• - In spring (May), rhododendrons bloom in vivid red along the lower sections of the trail.

• - In September and October, the forest is lush green from the monsoon. Waterfalls appear frequently.

• - The paved stone steps and path in this section are in good condition.

Time to reach Jungle Chatti from Gaurikund: 45 minutes to 1 hour for average pace trekkers.

What to do at Jungle Chatti:

• - Take your first proper rest break here — 10 to 15 minutes. Drink water. Eat an energy snack. Check your pulse and breathing. If you are already breathing very heavily or feel dizzy, sit for longer.

• - Buy chai or biscuits from the stalls (₹15 to ₹25 per chai). The warmth helps at altitude.

• - Do not stop here for a full meal. Save that for Bheembali at 6 km.

• - Check your shoes and socks. Blisters are most likely to develop in the first 3 km. If your shoes feel tight or rubbing, adjust now rather than at 10 km.

Facilities at Jungle Chatti: Tea stalls, basic snack shops, toilets, SDRF post.

CHECKPOINT 2 – BHEEMBALI (6 KM, APPROX 2,850 METRES)

What Bheembali is:

• - The 6 km mark and the most important midpoint facility stop on the Kedarnath trek.

• - Named after the Pandava Bheem who is said to have stopped here during the legendary journey.

• - Altitude increases noticeably here — first symptoms of altitude discomfort may appear at this point for some trekkers.

What the trail is like from Jungle Chatti to Bheembali:

• - The gradient increases steadily from Jungle Chatti. This section is noticeably steeper than the first 3 km.

• - The forest begins to thin and the valley opens up. On a clear day, the first distant views of snow-covered peaks appear.

• - This section has several stream crossings with bridges. The streams are fed by glacial melt and are ice cold — refreshing to splash on your face.

• - The paved path continues but has more uneven sections. Watch your footing.

Time from Jungle Chatti to Bheembali: 1 to 1.5 hours for average pace.

What to do at Bheembali:

• - This is where you eat a proper meal. Sit down for 20 to 30 minutes. Dal rice, khichdi, Maggi, and roti are available at dhabas here. Cost: ₹80 to ₹150 per plate.

• - Check your health. The government medical camp at Bheembali has staff for basic checks — blood pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and pulse. If your SpO2 drops below 90%, the medical staff will advise you. Normal SpO2 at this altitude is 88 to 94% depending on your fitness.

• - Refill your water bottle. Clean drinking water is available here.

• - If you booked a pony, your pony will stop and rest here too. Check that the animal is not overloaded or visibly distressed — animal welfare checkpoints are stationed at Bheembali.

• - Do not rush out of Bheembali. The section from Bheembali to Lincholi is the steepest and most demanding on the entire route. Leave Bheembali feeling rested and fuelled.

Facilities at Bheembali: Government medical camp (first aid, oxygen, SpO2 check), dhabas, tea stalls, toilets, SDRF post, animal welfare checkpoint, drinking water point.

CHECKPOINT 3 – LINCHOLI (9 KM, APPROX 3,100 METRES)

What Lincholi is:

• - The halfway point of the Kedarnath trek. 9 km from Gaurikund, 9 km to Kedarnath.

• - A GMVN rest house is located here — the only mid-trek accommodation option if you cannot complete the trek in one day and need an emergency overnight stop.

• - At 3,100 metres, altitude effects become significantly more noticeable here. Pace slows for most trekkers. Breathing requires more conscious effort.

What the trail is like from Bheembali to Lincholi:

• - This is the steepest and most physically demanding section of the entire Kedarnath trek. Continuous uphill with very few flat stretches.

• - Oxygen levels drop noticeably as you cross 3,000 metres. Headaches begin for those susceptible to AMS. Breathlessness increases.

• - The landscape transforms from forested valley to high-altitude open terrain. The views become dramatic — wide open sky, rocky ridgelines, and glacier streams.

• - Mobile network: Jio and BSNL work moderately up to Bheembali but signal drops significantly at and above Lincholi. Do not rely on your phone for navigation above this point.

Time from Bheembali to Lincholi: 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to do at Lincholi:

• - Take a longer rest break here — 20 to 30 minutes. Sit, breathe slowly and deeply, drink water, and eat an energy snack.

• - Check your symptoms carefully. Headache, nausea, dizziness, or extreme fatigue at Lincholi can be early AMS. If symptoms are moderate to severe, do NOT push on to Kedarnath. Rest at the GMVN rest house for 2 to 3 hours. If symptoms do not improve, descend to Bheembali or Gaurikund.

• - If you have a portable oxygen can, this is the point to use it if you feel breathless beyond normal exertion levels.

• - Check with other trekkers around you. Shared experiences and group energy on the Kedarnath trail are powerful morale boosters when the trail gets tough.

Facilities at Lincholi: GMVN rest house (emergency overnight at ₹500 to ₹900 per room), dhabas, tea stalls, toilets, medical post, oxygen available.

CHECKPOINT 4 – BASE CAMP (14 KM, APPROX 3,400 METRES)

What the Base Camp area is:

• - The 14 km mark where the trail briefly flattens before the final climb to Kedarnath.

• - This is where the Kedarnath valley fully opens up ahead of you. Your first clear view of the Kedarnath temple in the distance is often visible from the Base Camp area on clear days.

• - Psychologically, this is the point where most trekkers find their second wind — the destination is visible and the end is near.

What the trail is like from Lincholi to Base Camp:

• - Less steep than the Lincholi section but altitude continues to climb. Body is working harder with less oxygen available.

• - The vegetation reduces to sparse alpine shrubs and glacial rock. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic and otherworldly.

• - The Mandakini glacier is visible to the north. The sound of glacial meltwater streams accompanies the final push.

Time from Lincholi to Base Camp: 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to do at Base Camp:

• - Eat a light snack. A full meal this close to the destination is unnecessary unless you are very hungry.

• - First aid and oxygen are available here. Emergency oxygen cans cost ₹300 to ₅00 at the Base Camp stalls.

• - Take photographs. The valley view from the Base Camp area — looking back down the trail and looking forward toward the temple — is spectacular.

• - Do not sit too long in the cold. The wind picks up significantly at 3,400 metres. Keep your body moving.

• - The final 4 km from Base Camp to the temple are gradual rather than steep. Most trekkers find this section more manageable than the Lincholi-to-Base-Camp stretch despite the higher altitude.

Facilities at Base Camp: First aid post, oxygen cans available, tea stalls, basic snacks, toilet facilities.

CHECKPOINT 5 – KEDARNATH TEMPLE (18 KM, 3,583 METRES)

Arriving at Kedarnath:

• - After 6 to 8 hours of walking, you arrive at the Kedarnath valley. The stone temple of Lord Kedarnath — ancient, massive, and silent against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks — appears as you crest the final rise.

• - Most pilgrims describe this first sight of the temple as an overwhelmingly emotional moment. Tears, spontaneous chanting of Har Har Mahadev, and a profound sense of having arrived somewhere sacred are all completely normal.

What to do on arrival:

• - Do not rush straight to the temple queue. Rest for 30 to 60 minutes in your accommodation or near the entrance.

• - Drink water and have a light meal. Your body has been under stress for 6 to 8 hours and needs recovery time.

• - Change into fresh, clean clothes if possible before temple entry. Kedarnath is a temple, not just a trekking destination. Dress respectfully.

• - If you plan to attend the evening aarti (7:00 PM), you have time to rest fully and then proceed to the temple.

• - If it is past 3:00 PM when you arrive, the temple will be closed for the afternoon. It reopens at 5:00 PM. Use this time to rest and eat.

Mobile network at Kedarnath:

• - Network is unstable and sometimes available only when standing outdoors.

• - BSNL works better than Jio at Kedarnath. Airtel and Vi are largely absent.

• - Carry your emergency contact numbers saved offline. Do not depend on connectivity at Kedarnath.

Facilities at Kedarnath: Temple, GMVN guesthouse (book in advance at gmvnl.in), private lodges and dharamshalas, tent camps, dhabas, medical camp, first aid, oxygen, toilets, SDRF post.

Mobile and camera rules inside the temple:

• - As per 2026 guidelines, mobile phones and cameras are banned inside the Kedarnath temple sanctum. Deposit them at the designated counters at the temple entrance before entering. Violation is taken seriously.

TREK TIMING GUIDE – HOW LONG EACH SECTION TAKES

These timings are for average pace trekkers — not race walkers, not leisurely strollers. If you are a fast trekker, reduce by 20%. If you are slow or taking frequent breaks, add 25%.

Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (3 km): 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (3 km): 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Bheembali to Lincholi (3 km): 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Steepest section.

Lincholi to Base Camp (5 km): 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

Base Camp to Kedarnath (4 km): 1 hour to 1.5 hours.

Total ascent time: 5.75 hours to 8 hours.

Total descent time: 4 hours to 5.5 hours.

Key rule: If you have not crossed Lincholi (9 km) by 12:00 PM noon, your chance of reaching Kedarnath before dark is at risk. The trek cut-off time is approximately 5:00 PM — you will not be allowed to start the trek from Gaurikund after 5:00 PM by the authorities.

WHAT TO DO AT EACH CHECKPOINT – QUICK REFERENCE

• At Gaurikund: Eat breakfast. Fill water. Book pony if needed. Tapt Kund dip. Leave by 6:00 AM maximum.

• At Jungle Chatti (3 km): Rest 10 minutes. Drink water. Adjust shoes if rubbing.

• At Bheembali (6 km): Full meal 20 to 30 minutes. Medical check if feeling off. Refill water.

• At Lincholi (9 km): Long rest 20 to 30 minutes. Assess your AMS symptoms honestly. Oxygen if breathless. If unwell — stop here or descend.

• At Base Camp (14 km): Light snack. Photograph the valley. Keep moving in the cold.

• At Kedarnath (18 km): Rest 30 to 60 minutes before temple. Change clothes. Eat. Attend evening aarti.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK – TREK CHECKPOINT FAQ

Q: What is the hardest section of the Kedarnath trek?

A: The section from Bheembali (6 km) to Lincholi (9 km) is the steepest and most demanding on the entire route. Continuous uphill gradient combined with increasing altitude makes this the section where most trekkers feel the greatest physical challenge.

Q: Is there food available throughout the Kedarnath trek?

A: Yes. Dhabas and tea stalls are available at every checkpoint — Gaurikund, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Lincholi, and Base Camp. Full meals are available at Gaurikund, Bheembali, and Lincholi. Light snacks and chai are available at all points.

Q: What is the Garud Chatti route to Kedarnath?

A: The Garud Chatti route is the original 1,300-year-old trekking path to Kedarnath that was destroyed in the 2013 floods. It is 15.3 km — approximately 1 km shorter than the current Linchauli route. The Rambada bridge has been rebuilt and the route is expected to reopen for the April 22, 2026 season opening. It is suitable for physically fit trekkers only. Ponies use the Linchauli route.

Q: Is there a medical camp on the Kedarnath trek?

A: Yes. Government medical camps are stationed at Sonprayag, Bheembali (6 km), Lincholi (9 km), and at Kedarnath. Basic health checks including SpO2 and blood pressure are conducted free of charge. Oxygen is available at Bheembali, Lincholi, and Base Camp.

Q: What time should I leave Gaurikund to complete the trek safely?

A: Leave Gaurikund by 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM at the latest. The official trek cut-off time is 5:00 PM — no new trekkers are allowed to start after this time. Leaving by 6:00 AM gives you a comfortable 8-hour window to reach Kedarnath even at a slow pace.

Q: Can I overnight at Lincholi on the Kedarnath trek?

A: Yes. The GMVN rest house at Lincholi provides emergency accommodation at ₹500 to ₹900 per room. This is useful if you start late, are feeling unwell, or if the weather deteriorates unexpectedly on the trail.