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Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance, Packages, Bus & Taxi – 2025 Complete Guide
This definitive guide covers the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance, best routes, updated bus timings & fares, comfortable taxi options, and customizable tour packages. We've also included a practical itinerary, costs, checklists, weather tips, and a large FAQ section to answer every common question for your Kedarnath Yatra.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance & Best Routes
From Haridwar, road travel generally proceeds via Rishikesh and then through scenic mountain highways to Sonprayag/Gaurikund, the gateway for the 16 km trek to Kedarnath. The approximate breakdown is:
Distance Snapshot
- Haridwar to Gaurikund (by road): ~238 km
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath (trek): ~16 km
- Total: ~254 km
*Road time varies with weather, traffic, and seasonal yatra regulations.
Popular Route
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek)
This route balances road quality, facilities, and scenic stops at confluences of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Driving Conditions
- Mountain roads with bends; plan experienced drivers.
- Check daily green corridor / gate timings in peak season.
- Monsoon (Jul–Aug): potential for landslides; keep buffer time.
Key Distances Between Waypoints
| Segment | Approx. Distance | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar → Rishikesh | 25 km | 45–60 min | Plain road, urban traffic |
| Rishikesh → Devprayag | 70 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Hilly drive, river views |
| Devprayag → Srinagar | 35 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Tea & fuel stops available |
| Srinagar → Rudraprayag | 33 km | 1–1.25 hrs | Confluence town, supplies |
| Rudraprayag → Guptkashi | 47 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Hotels & ATMs en route |
| Guptkashi → Sonprayag | 30 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Gate checks in season |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund | 5 km | 15–25 min | Local shuttle only |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek) | 16 km | 6–10 hrs | Pony, doli & porter options |
Haridwar to Kedarnath Bus – Timings, Fares & Tips
State transport and private buses connect Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag (or nearby), making bus travel the most economical option for solo and budget travellers.
Typical Bus Details
| Type | Frequency | Departure Window | To | Approx. Fare (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government (UTC) | Daily (seasonal) | 05:00–08:30 | Sonprayag / Guptkashi | ₹500–₹800 |
| Private | Daily (seasonal) | Early morning | Guptkashi / Sonprayag | ₹600–₹1,000 |
- Boarding: Haridwar ISBT / Rishikesh Bus Stand
- Booking: On-counter, local agents, or operator websites (season dependent)
- Seat Choice: Window seats are scenic; keep motion sickness meds if needed
Haridwar to Kedarnath Taxi – Comfort & Flexibility
For families and groups, a dedicated taxi is the most comfortable way to travel. Rates vary by vehicle type, season, and inclusions (tolls, parking, driver night charges).
Indicative Taxi Pricing (Round Trip)
| Vehicle | Seats | Approx. Fare (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | 4 | ₹7,000–₹9,000 | Couples, small families |
| SUV (Ertiga/Innova) | 6–7 | ₹10,000–₹13,500 | Comfort, luggage space |
| Tempo Traveller | 12–17 | ₹18,000–₹22,000 | Groups & yatras |
- Drop-Off: Taxis go up to Sonprayag; shuttle to Gaurikund is via local jeeps.
- Driver Expertise: Choose mountain-experienced drivers for safety.
- Night Halt: Many travellers halt at Guptkashi/Phata for better acclimatization.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Packages – Customisable Options
Our packages are designed for comfort, darshan convenience, and transparent pricing. Choose from short trips focused on Kedarnath to extended Do Dham options with Badrinath.
2 Nights / 3 Days – Kedarnath Darshan
- Haridwar → Guptkashi (stay)
- Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (stay)
- Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Haridwar
Starts at: ₹6,999 per person
3 Nights / 4 Days – Relaxed Kedarnath
- Haridwar → Guptkashi (stay)
- Guptkashi → Kedarnath (stay)
- Kedarnath → Guptkashi (stay)
- Guptkashi → Haridwar
Starts at: ₹8,499 per person
Do Dham Yatra – Kedarnath & Badrinath
- Haridwar → Guptkashi/Kedarnath
- Kedarnath → Joshimath
- Joshimath → Badrinath
- Badrinath → Haridwar
Starts at: ₹12,999 per person
Inclusions vary by package: transport, hotels, meals, assistance. Exclusions typically include pony/doli/porter charges and personal expenses.
Suggested Itineraries (Haridwar → Kedarnath)
2N/3D Express Darshan Plan
- Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi (7–8 hrs). Evening aarti; rest & acclimatize.
- Day 2: Early drive to Sonprayag → Gaurikund. Trek/pony/doli to Kedarnath. Evening darshan and night stay (subject to availability).
- Day 3: Morning darshan; descend to Gaurikund. Drive back to Haridwar.
3N/4D Comfortable Plan
- Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi. Overnight stay.
- Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Night stay near the temple.
- Day 3: Descend to Gaurikund; back to Guptkashi for rest.
- Day 4: Return to Haridwar.
Estimated Costs & Budget Planner
Actual costs vary by season, hotel grade, transport, and helicopter availability. The following table provides a planning baseline for a 2N/3D trip (per person estimation when travelling in a group of 4–6).
| Component | Budget | Comfort | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport (shared) | ₹2,000–₹3,000 | ₹3,500–₹5,000 | Bus is cheapest; taxi offers flexibility |
| Hotels (2 nights) | ₹1,800–₹2,800 | ₹3,500–₹5,500 | Rates surge in peak dates |
| Meals | ₹800–₹1,200 | ₹1,200–₹1,800 | Veg meals widely available |
| Pony/Doli/Porter (optional) | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | Depends on demand & weight |
| Misc & Buffer | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Permits, tips, rain gear, etc. |
| Total (approx.) | ₹7,100–₹12,000 | ₹13,200–₹21,300 | Per person |
Helicopter Options (Phata / Guptkashi / Sirsi)
Helicopter services operate seasonally from bases like Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. They shorten travel time and reduce the trekking load. Slots get booked early in peak season.
- Report early at the helipad; carry original ID used in booking.
- Weather can disrupt schedules; keep buffer time for darshan.
- Infants and seniors should follow airline/operator weight and health norms.
Travel Tips, Packing List & Safety
Best Time to Travel
- May–June: Peak season; pleasant but crowded.
- September–October: Clear skies, relatively fewer crowds.
- Monsoon (Jul–Aug): Expect rain and occasional disruptions; travel with caution.
Packing Checklist
- Warm layers, gloves, woollen cap, raincoat/poncho
- Good trekking shoes, extra socks
- Reusable water bottle, light snacks, ORS
- Small backpack, rain cover, waterproof pouches
- Personal medicines, motion sickness tablets
- Power bank, torch, ID proofs, copies of bookings
Health & Safety
- Acclimatize at Guptkashi/Phata if travelling with elders.
- Maintain steady pace on the trek; avoid overexertion.
- Hydrate frequently; avoid heavy meals before ascent.
- Follow local advisories and gate timing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the exact Haridwar to Kedarnath distance?
- Approximately 238 km by road to Gaurikund and another 16 km trek to the temple, totalling ~254 km.
- Can I reach Kedarnath without trekking?
- You must reach Gaurikund by road; from there, options include helicopter (subject to slot), pony, doli, or partial walking.
- What are the typical bus fares from Haridwar to Sonprayag?
- Government and private buses generally charge ₹500–₹1,000 depending on season and end point (Guptkashi/Sonprayag).
- How much does a taxi cost from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
- Round-trip estimates: Sedan ₹7,000–₹9,000; SUV ₹10,000–₹13,500; Tempo Traveller ₹18,000–₹22,000, subject to seasonal variation.
- Which month is best for Kedarnath darshan?
- May–June and September–October offer the best combination of weather and access.
- Is accommodation available near the Kedarnath temple?
- Yes, but limited. Book early for peak dates; alternatives include Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur.
- Are there medical facilities on the route?
- Basic first-aid and checkpoints are available en route; carry personal medicines and consult your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions.
- Is online yatra registration required?
- Seasonal regulations may require registration; carry ID proofs and permits as per official guidelines.
- Can senior citizens undertake the yatra?
- Yes, with adequate preparation. Consider the 3N/4D itinerary, pony/doli assistance, or helicopter subject to health advice.
- What are the food options?
- Vegetarian meals are widely available along the route, including simple thalis, tea/snack stalls, and dhabas.
- Is the trek difficult?
- Moderate; altitude, weather, and fitness affect difficulty. Start early, pace yourself, and carry essentials.
- Are there ATMs on the way?
- Limited ATMs in towns like Rudraprayag and Guptkashi; carry sufficient cash as backup.
- What about mobile network?
- Coverage improves in towns; can be patchy near Kedarnath. Download e-tickets and maps offline.
- What is the shuttle from Sonprayag to Gaurikund?
- Local jeeps ferry pilgrims between Sonprayag and Gaurikund since private vehicles usually halt at Sonprayag.
- Can I self-drive?
- Experienced hill drivers can, but road conditions and fatigue make hiring a driver advisable.
- How early should I start the trek?
- At sunrise for best daylight, cooler temperatures, and adequate buffer for darshan and return.
- Is luggage storage available?
- Check with your hotel at Guptkashi/Phata; carry only essentials on the trek.
- Do you offer customizable packages?
- Yes, we tailor transport, hotels, meals, and assistance as per your group size and dates. See packages.
Plan Your Haridwar to Kedarnath Yatra
From economical buses to comfortable taxis and customizable packages, Pilgrim Way Tours helps you complete your yarta with ease. Speak to our team for route guidance, latest advisories, and best-price options aligned with your dates.
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Disclaimer: Timings, fares, and regulations may vary seasonally. Always verify operational updates for buses, shuttles, and helicopter services before departure.