Varanasi to Kedarnath Complete Travel Guide 2026
📅 Updated: July 2026 · ⏱️ 6 min read · ✍️ By Kumar Raj
🕉️ Kashi to Kedarnath: This is a journey between two of Lord Shiva's most sacred abodes — Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath) and Kedarnath (the Jyotirlinga in the Himalayas). Many pilgrims complete Kashi darshan first, then head to Kedarnath. At ~1,000 km, direct trains take 18-20 hours. Plan for 5-6 days minimum.
🚂 Varanasi to Haridwar Trains
Varanasi Junction (BSB), also known as Varanasi Cantt, has direct trains to Haridwar. No need to change at any station.
Best Trains from Varanasi to Haridwar
| Train | Departure | Duration | Class | Fare |
|---|
| Doon Express (13009) | ~8:30 AM | ~20 hrs | General | ₹250-300 |
| Doon Express (13009) | ~8:30 AM | ~20 hrs | Sleeper | ₹450 |
| Doon Express (13009) | ~8:30 AM | ~20 hrs | 3AC | ₹1,100 |
| Gangasutlej Express (13307) | ~4:30 AM | ~20 hrs | General | ₹250-300 |
Our recommendation: Take the Doon Express (8:30 AM, Sleeper ₹450). Board in the morning, travel through the day across UP, and reach Haridwar by early next morning. Book 3-4 weeks ahead on IRCTC.
Which Station in Varanasi?
- Varanasi Junction / Cantt (BSB): The main station. All Haridwar trains depart from here. Located in the city center — easily accessible from Assi Ghat, Godowlia, and Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Manduadih (MUV): Some trains also stop here. Check your ticket — most Haridwar trains are from BSB.
Before You Leave Varanasi
- Get Kashi Vishwanath darshan first: Many pilgrims visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple before heading to Kedarnath. It's considered auspicious to complete both Shiva darshans in one trip.
- Carry Banarasi snacks: Kachori-sabzi, jalebi, and namkeen from Varanasi's famous shops travel well on the train.
- Buy Gangajal: If you're visiting Kashi Vishwanath, carry a small bottle of Gangajal to offer at Kedarnath. It's a beautiful tradition.
🚌 Haridwar to Kedarnath — The Mountain Journey
| Route | Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|
| Haridwar → Rishikesh | Public Bus | 45 min | ₹70-100 |
| Rishikesh → Sonprayag | Bus / Shared Taxi | 8-10 hrs | ₹800-1,600 |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund | Shared Jeep | 20 min | ₹60-80 |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Trek (16 km) | 5-8 hrs | Free |
💰 Total Budget: Varanasi to Kedarnath (Round Trip)
| Item | Basic (General) | Comfort (Sleeper/3AC) |
|---|
| Varanasi ↔ Haridwar | ₹500-600 | ₹900-2,200 |
| Bus/Jeep (round trip) | ₹1,860-2,360 | ₹2,580-3,560 |
| Food (5-6 days) | ₹1,500-1,800 | ₹2,000-2,500 |
| Stay (1 night) | ₹600-1,000 | ₹2,000-3,500 |
| Miscellaneous | ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 |
| TOTAL | ₹6,460-7,760 | ₹10,480-14,760 |
🧮 Get Your Exact Varanasi to Kedarnath Budget
Select travelers, days, add-ons. From Kashi to the Himalayas — all costs calculated.
Calculate My Budget →
⚠️ Varanasi-Specific Tips
- Combine Kashi Vishwanath + Kedarnath: Many pilgrims do both in one trip. Visit Kashi Vishwanath in the morning, board the Doon Express by 8:30 AM — perfect same-day plan.
- Gangajal offering: Carry Gangajal from Varanasi to offer at Kedarnath. It's a meaningful tradition connecting the two sacred sites.
- Travel light from Varanasi: You'll trek 16 km. Leave heavy luggage at Varanasi station's cloakroom (₹20-30/day) if you're returning.
- Varanasi to Prayagraj connection: If trains from Varanasi are full, take a 2-hour train to Prayagraj (Allahabad) — more Haridwar-bound trains depart from there.
🕉️ Kashi to Kedarnath — Two Jyotirlingas, One Journey
Free, honest budget planner. The sacred connection between Shiva's two homes.
Plan My Yatra →
?? Explore More Travel Guides