We all know that Haridwar is the Gateway to the complete Char Dham Yatra where travelling from Haridwar to Kedarnath is not just a physical journey, it’s a pilgrimage that runs through the heart of the Gharwal Himalayas. For centuries millions of pilgrims like you have been coming here to seek solace and blessings from Lord Shiva at Kedarnath Temple situated at the foot of the towering mountains. Kedarnath has an aura of divinity and views that are unbeatable. As you start this spiritual journey it’s important for you to know the distance, time and the best way to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar so that your journey is smooth.
Once you start reading this blog, you will find all the travel information you need to plan your trip. Distance and time, routes, places to visit and best time to visit. Whether you want to travel by car, Tempo Traveller, train or bus we will break down all the options for you so that you have all the information to make your journey smooth.
Maybe you would have heard that Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in India and as mentioned earlier Haridwar serves as your essential starting point for the Char Dham Yatra. This marks the beginning of your sacred pilgrimage to Kedarnath. Haridwar is also the place where the holiest Ganges River descends from the Himalayas into the plains. After reaching Haridwar the first place that you have to visit is the holy Har Ki Pauri, where you can take a dip in the Ganges and seek divine blessings.
Kedarnath is among the most sacred pilgrimage sites for everyone, primarily known for the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple’s remote location adds to its mystical allure. While Kedarnath remains covered in snow for much of the year, the Kedarnath Trek is a favourite among both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Your journey to Kedarnath is about much more than just reaching the temple; it’s about connecting with the divine and immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere that envelops this sacred region.
You will cover a distance of approximately 230 to 252 km (143 to 156 miles) from Haridwar to Kedarnath by road. However, it is important to note that the road does not extend all the way to the temple. It’s a mix of both driving and trekking. You can take your vehicles up to the last point of the motorable road which is Gaurikund. From Gaurikund you will have to trek 16 km to reach Kedarnath temple.
Several factors determine how much time it will take you to reach from Haridwar to Kedarnath like the route you take, weather conditions and the stops you make. But if we take an average time to drive from Haridwar to Gaurikund can take 8 to 9 hours. From Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek will take 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace and weather.
If you want to do the whole journey in one day then the total time will be 14 to 16 hours. Or you can break your journey into two days and stay overnight in Gaurikund and then trek to Kedarnath next day. This will be a more relaxed journey especially considering the physical trek.
Let’s first look at the complete route map to reach Kedarnath by car from Haridwar. This is the most common and best possible route that is generally preferred by pilgrims.
Haridwar — Rishikesh — Devprayag — Srinagar — Agastamuni — Guptkashi — Sonprayag — Gaurikund — Kedarnath
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is via NH 34, NH 7 and NH 107 which is the shortest, fastest and most convenient route for you as a traveller. The distance is approximately 239 km and the road is a mix of smooth highways and hill roads and then a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The entire road journey will take around 8 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Starting from Haridwar you will pass through Rishikesh. Then the route will take you to Devprayag a sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Then you will pass through Srinagar a bustling town and picturesque villages like Agastamuni and Guptkashi. Sonprayag is your last motorable point and from there, a 16 km trek will take you to Kedarnath Temple.
The most exciting and toughest part of the journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. This 16 km trek takes you through forests, steep climbs and mountain scenery. It’s not a very difficult trek but you need to be moderately fit. It will take around 6 to 8 hours to do the complete trekking but of course, it will depend on your pace, fitness level and stops.
The trail to Kedarnath is well marked and you will find many rest stops and small eateries on the way. You can also find many Ponies and palanquins which is very helpful for those who can not do the trekking. The trek is physically challenging but once you reach there the divine vibe and the surroundings will make you forget all your tiredness. Mandakini River and stunning views of the snow-capped peaks will be waiting for you as you approach the temple.
Road: The initial part of the journey from Haridwar to Rishikesh and Rishikesh to Devprayag is good with wide and smooth roads. As you enter the mountains (Devprayag to Srinagar and Guptkashi to Sonprayag) the roads become narrower and more winding. Slight landslides or debris can block the road during the rainy season (especially monsoon) so travel with caution and check the live traffic updates.
Traffic: This route has very less traffic except during peak season, weekends or when weather conditions like rain or snowfall make the road visibility and driving difficult. During winter the road to Sonprayag may get blocked due to snow so always check the weather forecast before you start your journey. Traffic can be heavy during religious festivals when there is more pilgrim footfall.
For any pilgrims, the best time to visit Kedarnath is May to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C perfect for trekking and outdoor activities. Kedarnath Temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya in May and closes after Diwali in November. Avoid July and August as it rains heavily and landslides can be dangerous. In winter the temple is closed due to snowfall and the deity is moved to Ukhimath for worship. The peak season coincides with the opening of other Char Dhams so it’s a great opportunity to cover all the Char Dhams. Plan your trip early to book your stay and enjoy the Himalayan beauty!
Bus Services: If you are on budget then you can opt for state-run buses and private buses which are available from Haridwar to Kedarnath at very frequent intervals. The buses go to Rishikesh and Sonprayag. From Sonprayag you will have to take a short ride to Gaurikund.
By Train: There is no railway station in Kedarnath. If you love the train journey, you can take a train from Haridwar to Rishikesh. The distance from Haridwar to Rishikesh is 25 km and the train journey takes around 1 hour. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Gaurikund, from where the trek starts.
The Haridwar-Rishikesh route is well connected, frequent trains are running between the two stations.
By Helicopter: If you are the one who wants a faster and more luxurious option then you can book a helicopter service which is available from Phata, Sersi and Gauchar to Kedarnath. Helicopter ride reduces travel time significantly and takes around 8-10 minutes from Phata to Kedarnath. This is best if you can’t trek or want to maximize your time in Kedarnath.
Helicopter services are limited during certain seasons due to weather conditions and you should book your seats in advance. But this is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the temple.
If you are planning to explore the scenic beauty and spiritual sites around Haridwar to Kedarnath with your family or friends, renting a Tempo Traveller in Haridwar is an ideal option. This spacious vehicle offers a comfortable ride, ample seating, and modern amenities, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey.
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is not just about reaching the destination – it’s a spiritual and scenic experience with historical landmarks, temples and natural wonders. Let’s take a look at the major attractions along the way:
Spiritual hub and Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar is a peaceful start to your journey. Don’t miss the Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple both of which are on top of hills and can be reached by cable car.
World famous for yoga and spirituality. As you pass through this peaceful town don’t miss the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, the iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga. The peaceful atmosphere of ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and the holy vibes of the Triveni Ghat make Rishikesh a must-visit. Adventure seekers can also indulge in river rafting or bungee jumping.
A town of great spiritual importance where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga. The scenery at this confluence is breathtaking and a visit to the Raghunath Temple is a must.
A cultural and historical hub. The largest town in Garhwal and with views of Alaknanda river. Srinagar is the base for many treks and excursions in Uttarakhand. While here visit Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Small town named after the sage Agastya who is said to have meditated here. Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple on the banks of the Mandakini River is a must-visit for its peace and mythological importance.
Guptkashi is one of the most important spiritual stops on the way to Kedarnath. Guptkashi has Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple which symbolizes the union of Shiva and Parvati. According to mythology, this is where Lord Shiva hid from the Pandavas. Guptkashi is also famous for Manikarnika Kund where you can see the confluence of two holy streams.
As you near Kedarnath you will reach Sonprayag the last major town before Gaurikund. Located at the confluence of Mandakini and Basant river Sonprayag is considered as a sacred place for purification rituals. Many pilgrims halt here to prepare for the trek ahead. Sonprayag also has basic facilities like lodges, shops and eateries for the travellers.
A small town of great spiritual importance as it is said to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva’s heart. Gauri Temple is a popular spot for devotees. Gaurikund also has hot water springs which are sacred and believed to have medicinal properties.
While Kedarnath Temple is the main attraction, there are many more places around Kedarnath that will make this journey truly special. Here are some must-visit places around Kedarnath:
Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most important temples in Hinduism and is part of the Char Dham Yatra. Originally built by Pandavas and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. During the 2013 floods, a big boulder behind the temple is believed to have divinely guided and saved the temple from destruction.
Just behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher and theologian who revived Hinduism and created the Char Dham Yatra. According to legend Adi Shankaracharya attained nirvana here at the age of 32 after completing his divine mission of spiritual awakening.
3 km from Kedarnath is the Chorabari Lake also known as Gandhi Sarovar. A glacial lake situated in the midst of the Himalayas. It is believed to be the meditation spot of Lord Shiva before he united with Goddess Parvati. The lake is named Gandhi Sarovar because a part of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes was immersed there.
Vasuki Tal is a beautiful glacial lake located 8 km from Kedarnath. This high-altitude lake at 4150 meters is surrounded by towering peaks including Vasuki Parbat. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took a bath in this lake when he visited Kedarnath. The trek to Vasuki Tal is tough and involves steep climb so it’s a must for adventure enthusiasts.
Situated on a hill just behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Bhairavnath Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav who is the protector of Kedarnath Valley. The temple offers great views of the Himalayas and Kedarnath town below. According to mythology Lord Bhairav guards the Kedarnath Temple during winter months when the temple is closed so that no evil forces can disturb the sacred place.
Address - Kedarnath Rd, Guptkashi, Semkwerala, Uttarakhand 246439
Contact - 070554 25555
Address - Kedar Hill Resort Road, Sonprayag, Trijuginarayan, Uttarakhand 246471
Contact - 095363 88868
Address - P.O, NH-107, Kedarnath Road, Sitapur, Rampur, Uttarakhand 246471
Contact - 082658 30866
Address - Rampur, Nyalsu, Uttarakhand 246471
Contact - 097592 90329
Address - NH-58, Village-Sitapur, PO-Rampur, District-Rudraprayag, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246471
Contact - 093188 03777
