Sitapur

Sitapur is a small but vital base village on the road to Kedarnath, lying just short of Gaurikund where the motorable route ends and the trek to the shrine begins. During the yatra season it swells with pilgrims, vehicles and the constant movement of those preparing for, or returning from, the climb to Kedarnath.

With its cluster of lodges, dhabas and parking areas, Sitapur serves as a key staging and overnight point, easing the pressure on tiny Gaurikund just up the road. Many pilgrims rest here before setting off early for the long trek to the temple.

Set deep in the Mandakini valley amid steep forested slopes, the village offers a quiet mountain pause and a practical foothold on one of India's most demanding and revered pilgrimage routes, easily combined with Sonprayag, Gaurikund and Guptkashi.

May–June and September–October, in line with the Kedarnath yatra. The route closes in winter and is risky in the monsoon.