Trek & Permit FAQ

Kedarnath Wildlife Division – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to Kedarnath Wildlife Division’s official booking portal. Below you’ll find quick answers to the questions we hear most often. If you can’t find what you need, feel free to reach out—our support details are at the end.

1. Bookings & Permits

Q1. How do I book a trek, permit, or activity?
All bookings are handled online at kedarnathwildlife.com. Choose your trek or activity, select preferred dates, fill in the traveller details, and complete the payment to receive an instant confirmation email.

Q2. What ID details do I need to provide?
During booking, simply enter the ID document number (Aadhaar, passport, or driver’s licence) for every participant. You do not need to upload or email a copy. On trek day, each traveller must carry the original physical ID; our forest staff will verify that the number matches the record stored in our system.

Q3. Can I book on behalf of friends or family?
Yes. You may submit details for multiple participants in a single booking, provided each traveller’s ID information is accurate and up to date.

Q4. Do I need to carry a printed ticket?
A digital copy on your phone is sufficient, but we recommend carrying a printed copy in case of network outages.

2. Payments

Q5. Which payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit/debit cards, UPI, and net‑banking through our secure Razorpay gateway.

Q6. Is my payment information secure?
Yes. Transactions are encrypted end‑to‑end, and we do not store your card data on our servers.

3. Cancellations & Refunds

Q7. How do I cancel my booking?

Open the confirmation email you received after booking.

Click the “Cancel My Booking” link inside the email.

Confirm the cancellation on the web page that opens.

Q8. What happens after I cancel?
You will receive a cancellation acknowledgement instantly. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5–7 working days.

Q9. Can I reschedule instead of cancelling?
We don’t currently support direct date changes. Please cancel your existing booking, wait for the refund confirmation, and create a new booking for your preferred dates.

4. Trek Rules & Wildlife Etiquette

Q10. What are the key rules inside the sanctuary?
Below are the Important Guidelines issued by the Kedarnath Wildlife Division. Compliance is mandatory:

  • Always carry this permit and a valid ID during your trek.
  • Follow all instructions from your trek leader and sanctuary officials.
  • Stay on designated trails and respect the natural environment.
  • Inform trek officials immediately if you feel unwell.
  • Do not litter – carry all your waste.
  • Respect local customs and wildlife throughout your journey.
  • This is a protected wildlife sanctuary – please abide by all forest laws and sanctuary guidelines.
  • Littering and improper disposal of plastic or waste is strictly prohibited.
  • Please use designated restrooms. Do not dispose of cigarettes, sanitary pads, bottles, or other waste in bio‑toilets. Use the dustbins provided.
  • Violation of the above is a punishable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – liable to a fine of Rs. 1,00,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 years.
  • The possession, use, or consumption of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited. Any violation will be dealt with under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and applicable forest laws.
  • Shri Rudranath Dham trek cut‑off: No trekker may start the trek after 2:00 PM; entry gates close at this time for your safety.
  • Chandrashila trek cut‑off: No trekker may start the trek after 2:00 PM; entry gates close at this time for your safety.
  • Help us preserve the sanctuary for future generations. Your cooperation ensures a safe and responsible trekking experience.
  • Note: This permit is subject to cancellation at the discretion of the DFO, Kedarnath Wildlife Division. All rights reserved.

5. Safety & Medical

Q12. Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Most trails require moderate fitness. High‑altitude routes (above 3,000 m) are recommended only for trekkers with prior experience.

Q13. Is there mobile network coverage?
Overall coverage is patchy. On the Sri Kedarnath Dham trek, only the Jio network works; BSNL and other providers have no signal. On other routes you may get intermittent Jio or BSNL connectivity, but always be prepared for long stretches with no network.

Q14. Are emergency services available?
Forest rangers and medical first‑aid stations are posted at key checkpoints. In case of emergency, contact the nearest ranger or call the helpline below.

6. Gear & Preparation

Q15. What should I pack?
Essentials include trekking shoes, layered clothing, rain jacket, reusable water bottle, basic medicines, a headlamp, and government ID.

Q16. Can I rent gear locally?
Yes. Trekking poles, ponchos, and sleeping bags are available for rent at Gopeshwar and Chopta.

7. Weather & Best Time to Visit

Q17. When is the trekking season?
April–June and September–November are the best months. Monsoon treks (July–August) are discouraged due to heavy rainfall and landslides; winter treks (December–March) operate only on select lower‑altitude trails.

8. Accommodation & Logistics

Q18. Do you provide accommodation?
We operate basic forest rest houses and eco‑camps on select routes. Availability is limited—book early.

Q19. Is there parking for private vehicles?

Yes. Secure parking is subject to availability. These facilities are run by private operators, and a local fee is payable directly on site.

9. Kids, Seniors & Pets

Q20. Can children join the trek?
Children aged 6 +  can join easy and moderate treks under parental supervision. High‑altitude treks are not recommended for kids below 12.

Q21. Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted inside the protected area to safeguard local wildlife.

10. Contact & Support

  • Emergency Contacts (24×7):
    • Aapda Control Room, Chamoli (Landline): +91 1372 251 437
    • Aapda Control Room, Chamoli (Mobile): +91 90681 87120
    • District Disaster Management Authority, Chamoli: +91 70557 53124
    • Forest Department Helpline: 1926
  • Office Address: District Forest Officer, Kedarnath Wildlife Division, Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand 246401

For urgent issues during a trek, call one of the emergency numbers above or contact the nearest forest ranger post.

Last updated: 21 April 2025