Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance By Road: Preparing For The Ultimate Spiritual Trip
Tourism in Kedarnath and Haridwar has been in the news recently for multiple reasons. For example, OYO, the leading hospitality technology company, plans to add 500 hotels in Haridwar.
Also, in December 2024, Haridwar had the first gyrocopter service in India with the aim of redefining adventure tourism in Uttarakhand and the country.
Again, IRCTC has started a Kedarnath helicopter tour service. Furthermore, in March 2025, the Union Cabinet announced a ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath.
Now, both these destinations are important in the landscape of spiritual tourism in India.
Also, thousands of people travel to Kedarnath from Haridwar every year. We want to focus on this area in this Dream and Travel Guide.
We will discuss the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance, the different modes of transportation, important stopovers, and everything else you need to know.
What Is The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance? What Is The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance Time?
The distance between Haridwar to Kedarnath by road is 239 km. It takes around 5 hours and 29 minutes to complete the journey by road.
Further, do you know how much distance between Haridwar to Kedarnath by air? The aerial distance between these two places is 123 km.
Also, the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance by walk is around 241 km. It takes around 59 hours to cover this distance on foot.
Devotees usually take buses or taxis to Gaurikund from Haridwar and Rishikesh and then start the Kedarnath Trek on foot. This 16-km route takes around 8 hours to cover on foot. You can even take palanquins and ponies on this route.
Moreover, the IRCTC Kedarnath Helicopter tour has been operating since 2023. You can now travel to Guptakashi, Phata, or Sirsi from Haridwar and then reach Kedarnath by air.
Again, with Karnaprayag-Saikot-Sonprayag-Kedarnath tentatively starting in October 2025, you will also be able to take a train to Sonprayag, which is less than 3 km from Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath Trek.
Also, once the Sonprayag to the Kedarnath ropeway facility starts, you can cover the distance (8-9 hours by road) in just 36 minutes.
What Is The Best Time For Traveling The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance?
April to June is the best time to visit Kedarnath. So, these months are ideal for planning a trip between Haridwar and Kedarnath.
Having said that, the Kedarnath Temple opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya (April- May) and remains open till Diwali in October/November. Every year, around 20 lakh people visit the Kedarnath Temple during these months.
So, you can travel the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance in any of these months. The table below will give you a better understanding of the weather conditions of Kedarnath in these months.
| Months | Highest Temperature (Degree Celsius) | Lowest Temperature(Degree Celsius) | Days of Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 5 | -3 | 22-23 |
| May | 8-9 | -1 to -2 | 14 |
| June | 10 to 11 | 2 to 3 | 15 |
| July | 12 | 5 to 6 | 27-28 |
| August | 12 to 14 | 7 | 28-31 |
| September | 12 to 14 | 4 to 5 | 24 |
| October | 8 | -1 to -2 | 2 |
| November | 5-7 | -4 | 8-12 |
How Can I Go To Kedarnath From Haridwar?
You can travel to Kedarnath from Haridwar by road, train, or air. Here are detailed overviews of the different modes of transportation.
How To Travel The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance By Road?
You can travel the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance (up to Gaurikund) by road by taking a bus, car, or shared jeep. Let’s check out the details.
How To Travel The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance By Bus?
Traveling by bus is the most economical and convenient option to get to Kedarnath from Haridwar.
Buses from Haridwar to Kedarnath stop at the bus stop opposite the Haridwar railway station. They run every 30 minutes, and ticket charges range between 250 and 350 rupees per person.
Further, you will get buses run by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam from Haridwar to Kedarnath during the Yatra Season.
Check out the table below for the details of Haridwar to Kedarnath buses run by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam for the upcoming (2025) Yatra season.
| Availability | Reporting Time | Reporting Place | Period | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Every Thursday | 1 day prior to the departure | Rahi Motel, Haridwar Contact No: 01334T228686, 01334-226430, 9568006661 | 8th May -16th October, 2025 | 27 |
Furthermore, if you want to know more details about the bus services or the Haridwar to Kedarnath tour packages, you can contact Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam at 91-135-6913000, 2746817, 2749308, and 2431793.
How To Travel From Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance By Car Or Jeep?
You will get cars and jeeps to Kedarnath from the Haridwar Station. Based on the type of vehicle you choose, the charges will be between INR 4000 and 6000.
Further, you can choose a shared cab option, which is available at a lower price.
How To Travel The Haridwar To Kedarnath Distance By Train? How Many Distance Haridwar To Kedarnath By Train?
Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, which is approximately 220 km away.
Traveling from Haridwar to Kedarnath will be much easier once the Rishikesh to Karnprayag railway line becomes operational (expected to start by the end of 2025). Further, the Karnaprayag-Saikot-Sonprayag-Kedarnath is expected to be operational around that time.
Then, you will be able to reach Sonprayag from Haridwar entirely by train. The distance from Sonprayag to Gaurikund is less than 3 km.
However, for now, you can take a train from Haridwar to Rishikesh and then travel to Gaurikund by road. Here are the details of the Haridwar to Rishikesh train.
| Haridwar to Rishikesh Train | Availability | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BME RKSH Express (14888) | Everyday | 08:20 AM | 09:40 AM | SL: 145 3A: 505 2A: 710 |
| Hemkunt Express (14610) | Everyday | 07:10 AM | 08:32 AM | SL: 145 3E: 505 3A: 505 2A: 710 |
| SGNR RKSH EXP (14815) | Everyday | 01:35 PM | 03:10 PM | SL: 145 3A: 505 2A: 710 |
How To Travel To Kedarnath From Haridwar By Air?
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the airport closest to Haridwar and Kedarnath.
However, if you want to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath by air, you have to first travel to Guptkashi, Sirsi or Phata by road.
Then, you can take a helicopter to reach Kedarnath. This tour is operated by IRCTC. Further, the booking for Heliyatra for 2025 will begin on 10th May.
You can book the helicopter tickets by visiting the www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in website. However, make sure that you register for the Char Dham Yatra before that on the registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in portal.
Furthermore, here are the details of the helicopter tour prices (round trip) from Guptkashi, Sirsi and Phata.
| Helicopter tour prices | Prices |
|---|---|
| Phata-Kedarnath-Phata | INR 6063 |
| Sirsi-Kedarnath-Sirsi | INR 6061 |
| Guptkasi-Kedarnath-Guptkashi | INR 8533 |
Moreover, you can travel to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from Haridwar by road and then take a chartered helicopter tour to Kedarnath as part of the Char Dham Tours. These special charter services cost INR 120000 to 225000 per person.
Once again, once the ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath starts, traveling to this holy site by air will be more thrilling and convenient. You can then cover the journey of 8-9 hours in just 36 minutes.
What Are The Highlights Of Traveling The Haridwar To Kedarnath Journey?
Now, you know about the Kedarnath to Haridwar distance and the different modes of transportation.
It’s time to learn about the best attractions on the route.
- Pawan Dham, Haridwar
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Motichur Gate
- Valley View Point, Srinagar
- Rudraprayag View Point, Rudraprayag
- Chopta Meadows, Chopta
- Deoria Tal, Sari
What Are The Best Places To Eat Between The Haridwar To Kedarnath Journey?
If you are traveling from Haridwar to Kedarnath, you must have your food at the Kedarnath Bhandara. It is a community dining hall that offers food to pilgrims free of cost.
Rajasthani Langar is another community dining facility for pilgrims.
Moreover, you can try authentic Himalayan delicacies at Pahadi Kitchen, located at Kedarnath Road, Sonprayag, Uttarakhand. This hotel is open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 074540 86838.
What’s So Special About The Haridwar To Kedarnath Journey?
Roughly translated as the Gateway to God, Haridwar is the kaleidoscope of religious practices and culture in India. The ashramas and temples here take you back to a different era.
Further, Kedarnath is a powerful pilgrimage site as one of the Panch Kedars and 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is filled with beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas, quaint towns, and beautiful valleys.
Further, the Har Har Mahadev chant, coming from hearts filled with devotion to Lord Shiva, makes the journey one of a kind.
You have to live the experience to believe it.
Haridwar To Kedarnath Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance and travel.
Can Kedarnath Be Done In 2 Days?
No, you cannot complete a Kedarnath trip in two days. You need at least 3 days for the trip.
- On day 1, you can trek from Gaurikund and watch the evening aarti at the Kedarnath Temple for a surreal experience.
- On day 2, you can watch the mesmerizing sunrise and attend morning prayers, pujas, and aarti. You can also trek to the Bhairavnath Temple and explore places of attraction such as Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal.
- On day 3, you can trek back to Gaurikund from Kedarnath and take a bath in the hot springs. Then, you can plan your journey back to Haridwar by road.
What Is The Cost Of Car From Haridwar To Kedarnath?
The cost of a car from Haridwar to Kedarnath depends on the type of vehicle you choose, your travel duration, fuel charges, booking platform, driver allowance, and the time of your visit.
Nevertheless, the charges will be around INR 4000-6000. You can also join the Uttarakhand Tourism Chardham Tour Packages from Haridwar.
For correspondence and queries, you can contact Mr. Sushil Nautiyal, the Regional Tourist Officer of Uttarakhand Tourism in Haridwar, at 01334 – 265304 / 265304 or +91 9412998518.
You can even join the Haridwar-Kedarnath-Badrinath round trip organized by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. Call them at 91-135-6913000, 2746817, 2749308 2431793. The upcoming Char Dham Yatra starts on 8th May 2025.
How Much Money Is Enough For Kedarnath Trip?
If you are traveling by public buses and staying at budget accommodations or small hotels, INR 7000-15000 will be enough for a person for a 3-4 day trip.
However, if you are traveling by private car and staying at luxury hotels and your travel plan includes the Kedarnath Helicopter shuttle tour, the travel cost will be around INR 20000-25000 per person for a 3-4 day trip.
Also, the mandatory registration for the Char Dham Yatra through the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is free. The Darshan at the temple also does not have any charges.
However, if you want to book a VIP Darshan, the charges will be INR 1100-5,100 per person, based on the crowd and the season of your visit.
Also, for the most organized and reasonable trip from Haridwar to Kedarnath, you can opt for the Chardham Tour Packages from Haridwar offered by Uttarakhand Tourism.
Once you visit the “Chardham Tour Packages from Haridwar” page on the Uttarakhand Tourism website, you will have to fill out a form stating your requirements. They will get back to you with the package details.
Is Kedarnath Reachable By Car?
No, you cannot reach Kedarnath by car. If you are traveling from Haridwar, you can take a car to Gaurikund, which is the last motorable point on the route.
Then, from Gaurikund, you have to trek for around 16 km to reach Kedarnath.
However, Kedarnath Yatra has now become more convenient with the launch of the IRCTC helicopter service from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi.
Is Road To Kedarnath Safe?
Yes, the road to Kedarnath is safe, and the religious or spiritual fervor is so high throughout the route that you don’t feel tired during the 16-km-long trekking journey.
However, Kedarnath, nestled in majestic mountain peaks, is at an altitude of 3586 meters. So, heavy snowfall and landslides are frequent in this region.
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Kedarnath?
May and June are the best months to visit Kedarnath. However, September to October or early November is also a pleasant season.
Attending the Diwali festival at Kedarnath is a one-of-a-kind experience. Further, the temple closes for winter on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali, and reopens on the day of Akshay Tritiya in April or May.
This year (2025), the Kaapat Opening Date for the Kedarnath Temple is 2nd May.
Does Mobile Work In Kedarnath?
Yes, mobile phones work in Kedarnath, with companies like Airtel, Reliance Jio, and BSNL offering 4G services through the trek route.
Further, last year, Reliance Jio announced that 5G connectivity will be available at Kedarnath and all other Char Dham sites. Again, 5G connectivity will be available in important towns connecting the routes.
So, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, Karnprayag, Joshimath, and Ukhimath are all set to get 5G connectivity.
However, during the Char Dham Yatra in 2024, the government of Uttarakhand banned the use of mobile phones within a 50-meter radius of the Kedarnath Temple.
Also, if you don’t follow this rule, you will have to pay penalties and fines.
Can We Go To Kedarnath Without Booking?
No, you cannot go to Kedarnath without a booking. Booking for the Char Dham Yatra through the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is mandatory.
In this context, you must note that the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has already started free e-registration for the Char Dham Yatra on 20 March 2025.
This is how you can make the booking for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra.
- Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in web portal and do online registration.
- You can also download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register for the Char Dham Yatra.
- Further, you can type Yatra and WhatsApp it to 8394833833.
- Moreover, you can call the toll-free number 0135-1364.
Moreover, Aadhar Card details are mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra registration.
What Is The Rishikesh To Kedarnath Distance?
The distance between Rishikesh and Kedarnath by road is 208 Km, including a road journey to Gaurikund and a 14-km trek to Kedarnath.
Moreover, the journey from Rishikesh to Gaurikund and the trek to the Kedarnath Temple will take around 12-16 hours.
