Introduction
A journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is a transformative beginning of spiritual awakening, leading to one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple.
The Haridwar to Kedarnath route is popular among pilgrims, as it includes scenic road travel and a final trek towards the temple. The Haridwar to Kedarnath distance by road is around 240 km, with a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
Many pilgrims choose this route, but some are unaware of the distance and travel aspects. To address these issues, we provide a complete guide on how to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar.
Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance
The distance between Haridwar and Kedarnath is around 230-40 km by road, followed by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The drive distance can take around 8-10 hours or be split into 2-3 days, with an overnight stay usually in Guptkashi or Sonprayag, then the Kedarnath trek.
Here is a short overview of the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance, travel time & route:
- Total Distance: 235-250 km by road (from Haridwar to Gaurikund) + 16 km trek
- Travel time: 7-8 hours road travel + 6-8 hours for trek
- Best route: Follows the primary NH-7 route passing via Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Note: Check the comprehensive Kedarnath Temple Distance Chart from major cities and towns.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Haridwar?
To reach Kedarnath from Haridwar, you must complete a road journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund (the last motorable point) via taxi or bus, followed by a trek on foot or a shuttle helicopter service from nearby helipads: Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
Haridwar to Kedarnath By Road
The Haridwar to Kedarnath road map is a primary and popular route, covering a road distance of around 240 km, followed by a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. It follows the direct primary route, NH-7.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly way to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath and operate early from around 5:30 AM onwards. Haridwar to Kedarnath by bus involves travelling in stages: firstly, a road trip to the base point Gaurikund, then an uphill trek of around 16 km to reach the temple.
- Distance: 235-240 km by road
- Travel time: 8-10 hours
- Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Haridwar to Kedarnath bus timing: Depart from Haridwar early in the morning from 4:30 AM to 9:00 AM, aiming to reach the base camp before dark.
- Haridwar to Kedarnath bus ticket price: Ranges from ₹500 to ₹900 per person, depending on the service provider (government or private) and season (higher in peak season).
- Operators: Govt. operators (UTC buses) and private operators, such as Devbhoomi Travels and GMOU.
Onward journey
One of the most important things to know is that long distances are runs to Sonprayag. From there, travellers must take a government shuttle taxi for the final stretch of around 5 km to reach Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund, head on the trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple. The trek can be covered on foot or via pony/palki.
Taxi Services from Haridwar to Kedarnath
Haridwar to Kedarnath taxi or car is a convenient option, offering comfort for families with senior citizens or young children.
It provides a doorstep facility with ease and comfort. Devotees can easily hire a taxi or cab from the taxi stand at Haridwar or book one via an online booking app.
Haridwar to Kedarnath taxi fare:
The cost of a taxi from Haridwar to the Kedarnath base camp (Gaurikund) depends on vehicle type (Sedan or SUV) and service type (one-way or round trip). Generally, a one-way sedan taxi fare from Haridwar to Kedarnath ranges between 6,000 and 12,000, and can vary by season and service provider
Key details about Haridwar to Kedarnath by car/taxi
- Service providers: On-site services & online apps, like Triveni cabs, CabBazar
- Timing: Operates early in the morning from Haridwar
- Drop-off point: Sonprayag (last point for private vehicle)
- Onward travel: From Gaurikund, take a shuttle taxi to reach Gaurikund. Then head on a trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
Haridwar to Kedarnath by train
Train is an economical mode of travel to reach Kedarnath. But it is not possible to complete the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance by train, as there is no direct connectivity to the temple itself.
Pilgrims can take a train to Haridwar Junction, the nearest railhead, which is around 240 km away, and enjoy good connectivity to all major Indian cities.
From the railway station, pilgrims can take a private taxi or a local bus to Sonprayag, then continue to Gaurikund, and finally trek the final stretch to the Kedarnath Temple.
Haridwar To Kedarnath Route Map
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath by road follows a single route, the NH-7, passing many hilly stopovers and scenic towns.
Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
Here is the complete breakdown of the Haridwar to Kedarnath road map into segments, along with major stopover points to understand the route:
Haridwar to Rishikesh (20-25 km)
- Distance & Time: 25 km
- Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Road Conditions: Roads are good and smooth, offering great connectivity.
- Highlights: Lush green mountain peaks and suspension bridge-like Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula.
Rishikesh to Devprayag
- Distance: 70 km
- Travel Time: 2-3 hours
- Road Conditions: Good, but they involve taking sharp turns. The actual hilly journey starts from here.
- Highlights: Witness the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi rivers
Devprayag to Rudraprayag
- Distance: 70 km
- Travel Time: 2-3 hours
- Road Conditions: Hilly and narrow, demand careful driving, and avoid night driving.
- Highlights: Scenic drive along the riverside, witness the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Rudraprayag to Guptkashi
- Distance: 45 km
- Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Road Conditions: Moderately good. Provide the basic amenities of a stay, food, and medical service.
- Highlights: Guptkashi is a serene Himalayan town, famous for the Guptkashi Vishwanath temple and the sacred Manikarnika Kund.
Guptkashi to Sonprayag
Another scenic stretch, serving as a prominent stop point for a halt before the high-altitude trek.
- Distance: 32 km
- Travel Time: 1-2 hours
- Road Conditions: Narrow and sharp, but can be manageable via careful driving.
- Highlights: Serene and scenic environment, perfect for a break.
Sonprayag to Gaurikund
A restricted area for private vehicles due to the hilly and windy conditions.
- Distance: 5 km uphill drive
- Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
- Road Conditions: A controlled area under the government-operated shuttle service.
- Highlights: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and river valleys.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath
Your ultimate road journey ends at Gaurikund, and the trek to the Kedarnath Temple starts from here.
- Kedarnath trek distance: 16 km
- Time taken: 6-8 hours, depending on pace and fitness level.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
- En route facilities: Local eateries, a tea stall, a medical camp, and resting sheds.
- Stopover point: Jungle Chatti, Bheembali. Linchauli, Kedarnath base camp.
- Alternate options for trek: Helicopter ride, Pony/Palki/Porter service.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi
Overview: Start early from Haridwar and drive to Guptkashi via taxi or bus, covering approximately 200 km and taking around 8-10 hours. Check into your hotel and stay a night here.
Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Overview: Early morning drive to Sonprayag and then Gaurikund. From there, head on a trek to the Kedarnath Temple. Stay a night here to feel the divine energy of the shrine.
Day 3: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Overview: Get a darshan at the Kedarnath Temple and cover some nearby attractions. Trek down to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi.
Day 4: Guptkashi to Haridwar return
For your return journey, depart early from Guptkashi and reach Haridwar before dark via scenic drive.
Travel & Safety Tips
- Start early from Haridwar: Roads are busy during peak season, so to avoid the traffic, start your trip early.
- Kedarnath Yatra Registration: Make sure to complete the registration for Kedarnath first, as without it, you won’t be able to proceed beyond major checkpoints.
- Acclimatization: Take a necessary break and give your body time to adjust to the altitude. Acclimatize your body properly at lower altitudes.
- Book transport & stay in advance: If you travel in peak season, book your stays or opt for a Kedarnath yatra package for a hassle-free experience.
- Prepare physically & mentally: Travel with a flexible mindset, and prepare your body and mind well, as the journey may test your patience, endurance, and faith.
- Check the weather & roads: Before travelling, check that the roads are safe and accessible, and the weather is stable for travel, as it can fluctuate quickly in the mountains.
Final Thought
Visiting the Kedarnath Temple is about experiencing more than just travel. The transit hub of Uttarakhand, like Haridwar, serves as a prominent gateway to the shrine.
The Haridwar to Kedarnath route passes through the most scenic towns and spiritual destinations, including Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Gaurikund, and more, offering stunning views.
Covering the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance can be challenging, but spiritually rewarding and unforgettable with the right planning and mindset.
FAQs
How can I go from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
To reach Kedarnath from Haridwar, you must first travel by road to Gaurikund, approximately. 235-240 km away is the last motorable point for Kedarnath. From there, they head on a trek to reach the shrine. You can easily hire a private taxi or take a local bus to Sonprayag, then a shuttle taxi for the final road stretch, and then either trek on foot, via pony/palki, or helicopter.
Is a bus available from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
Yes, buses are available from Haridwar to Kedarnath, but they run only up to Sonprayag. From there, travelers must take a shuttle taxi to base camp, then trek to the Kedarnath Temple. Regular buses operate early in the morning, starting around 5:00 a.m., with fares ranging from ₹500 to ₹900 per person.
How much is a taxi from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
Generally, a taxi from Haridwar to Kedarnath (Gaurikund) costs around ₹4500 to ₹5500 one-way for a sedan, and ₹6000 to ₹9000 for an SUV, and can vary by season, service type (one-way or round trip), or service provider.
- SUV: ₹6,000 to ₹9,000
- Sedan: ₹4500 to ₹5500
How many hours from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
A Journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath can take around 8-10 hours by road to Gaurikund and 6-8 hours for the trek to the temple. It can be split over 3-4 days with travel, darshan, sightseeing, and necessary halts.
How much is the bus ticket from Haridwar to Gaurikund?
The cost of a bus ticket from Haridwar to Gaurikund (runs to Sonprayag) ranges from ₹500 to over ₹1000 per person, depending on bus type, season, and service provider (higher private or slightly lower government operators).
Comment (0)