Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra. The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath covers approximately 240 km by road to Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek to the temple. Total travel time, excluding the trek, is 9 to 11 hours by road.
This is not a day trip. The standard itinerary is two to three days -- one day of travel to Gaurikund or Guptkashi, one day for the trek up and darshan, and one day for the return.
The temple is open from May through early November each year. The Kapat (doors) close before winter, typically in late October or early November.
The Route: Haridwar to Kedarnath Step by Step
The road journey goes via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi before reaching Sonprayag and Gaurikund -- the trailhead for the Kedarnath trek.
Route: Haridwar > Rishikesh > Devprayag > Rudraprayag > Guptkashi > Phata > Sersi > Sitapur > Sonprayag > Gaurikund > Kedarnath (trek)
Segment distances:
| Segment | Distance |
|---|---|
| Haridwar to Rishikesh | 28 km |
| Rishikesh to Devprayag | 69 km |
| Devprayag to Rudraprayag | 65 km |
| Rudraprayag to Guptkashi | 44 km |
| Guptkashi to Sonprayag | ~26 km |
| Sonprayag to Gaurikund | 5 km |
| Haridwar to Gaurikund (total) | ~234 to 240 km |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath (trek) | 16 km |
The road follows the Alaknanda and Mandakini river valleys through the Garhwal Himalayas. The stretch from Rudraprayag to Guptkashi is particularly scenic but also narrows significantly. Allow extra time if travelling during the Char Dham season (May to June) when traffic on this corridor is heavy.
For everything about the full Char Dham circuit from Haridwar, including route options and planning advice, see our Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar guide.
Haridwar to Kedarnath by Bus
Buses for the Kedarnath route depart from Haridwar Bus Stand (ISBT) on Railway Road, with the earliest departures from around 4:00 AM.
There is no single direct bus from Haridwar all the way to Gaurikund. The practical approach:
- Take a bus from Haridwar to Rishikesh or Rudraprayag (frequent services throughout the day)
- From Rudraprayag or Guptkashi, switch to a local bus or shared taxi toward Sonprayag
- From Sonprayag, shared taxis run the final 5 km to Gaurikund
Note: Private vehicles are not permitted beyond Sonprayag. All travellers must use shared taxis or government vehicles for the Sonprayag to Gaurikund leg.
The bus route is the most economical option but the longest. Expect 10 to 12 hours of travel, with transfers. An overnight stay at Guptkashi, Sitapur or Sonprayag before the trek is strongly recommended regardless of your mode of transport.
For booking intercity buses, check AbhiBus for available services on this corridor.
Haridwar to Kedarnath by Taxi
A private taxi from Haridwar to Gaurikund (or to Guptkashi for an overnight stop) is the most comfortable road option for families and groups.
Approximate fares (one-way, Haridwar to Gaurikund):
| Vehicle | Seats | Approximate Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | 4 | Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 |
| Sedan | 4 | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000 |
| SUV (Innova, Ertiga) | 6-7 | Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 8,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 9-12 | Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 11,000 |
Tolls are extra. During peak Char Dham season (May and June), demand is extremely high -- book your taxi at least a week in advance. For the hill sections and the full 240 km distance, an SUV is far more comfortable than a hatchback for a family.
The return journey from Gaurikund to Haridwar is typically done over two legs -- Gaurikund to Guptkashi on day one of the return, then Guptkashi to Haridwar on day two.
Haridwar to Kedarnath by Helicopter
Helicopter is the fastest way to Kedarnath, bypassing the 16 km trek entirely. Helipads at Phata, Sersi, Sitapur and Sonprayag offer flights to the Kedarnath helipad near the temple. Flight time from any of these helipads is 7 to 10 minutes.
Approximate helicopter fares (one-way per person):
| Helipad | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|
| Phata | Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 8,500 |
| Sersi | Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 8,000 |
| Guptkashi | Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 9,000 |
Helicopter slots are in very high demand during the May-June season. Book well in advance through the Uttarakhand Tourism helicopter booking portal or through registered operators. The IRCTC Char Dham Yatra package also includes helicopter options -- check IRCTC for current availability.
Important: Helicopter services are weather-dependent and can be cancelled or delayed at short notice due to cloud cover or wind at altitude. Always have a backup plan for the trek.
The Trek: Gaurikund to Kedarnath
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km and gains significant elevation. Most trekkers take 6 to 8 hours for the ascent.
Trek options:
- On foot: 16 km, 6 to 8 hours ascending. Well-marked trail, busy during peak season.
- Pony (ghoda): Available at Gaurikund. Carries you most of the way. Rates are regulated by the government -- confirm current rates at the official counter.
- Palki (palanquin/doli): Carried by four porters. Suitable for elderly or those unable to walk. Rates regulated.
- Helicopter: From Phata, Sersi or Sonprayag helipads (see above)
On the trail:
- The route has chai stalls, rest points and toilet facilities at intervals
- Carry water, snacks and warm clothing -- temperature drops sharply above Gaurikund
- The final stretch before the temple is the steepest section of the climb
- Mules and palkis share the trail, so trekkers should keep to the left
Kedarnath Registration
All pilgrims must register for the Kedarnath Yatra before commencing the trek. Registration is done online through the Devasthanam Board or at registration counters at Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar card recommended). Registration is free. Check the official Uttarakhand government portal for current requirements before travel, as registration rules are updated each season.
When to Go: Kedarnath Season
May to June: The temple opens in May (typically on Akshaya Tritiya or a nearby auspicious date). This is the busiest period. Crowds are significant, particularly in May. Weather is cool and stable.
September to October: The best window for most travellers. The monsoon has eased, the trail is cleaner, crowds are thinner than in May and June, and the skies are clearer for mountain views. October is particularly recommended.
Avoid July to August (Monsoon): Landslides, road closures and unsafe trail conditions are common. This period should be avoided for Kedarnath travel.
Temple closes in November: The Kapat (doors) of Kedarnath temple close each year before winter, typically in late October or early November on an auspicious date announced in advance. If travelling in late October or November, confirm the Kapat closing date for the current season before booking anything.
For the best overall season to plan Uttarakhand pilgrimage travel from Haridwar, see the Best Time to Visit Haridwar guide.
Recommended Itinerary: Haridwar to Kedarnath
Day 1: Depart Haridwar early (5:00 to 6:00 AM). Drive to Guptkashi or Sitapur (approximately 7 to 8 hours). Night halt.
Day 2: Drive from Guptkashi to Sonprayag, then shared taxi to Gaurikund. Begin trek by 6:00 AM. Reach Kedarnath by early afternoon. Darshan at the temple. Night halt at Kedarnath (guesthouses and camps available near the temple).
Day 3: Morning darshan at sunrise if desired. Begin descent to Gaurikund. Drive back to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
This three-day itinerary is the minimum comfortable version. Travellers with more time should add a day at Rudraprayag or Guptkashi to reduce the daily driving distance.
Where to Stay Before You Leave
Most Kedarnath yatra groups start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh after Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri the previous evening. Baromas Retreat is in Bahadrabad -- 13 km and around 40 minutes from Har Ki Pauri -- and sits directly on the highway north. It is a practical base the night before an early-morning departure toward Kedarnath.
For everything to see and do in Haridwar before the yatra, the Haridwar first-timer guide covers the ghats, aarti timings and what to expect.