- Rishikesh pickup → full tour → Rishikesh drop
- Private car with mountain-experienced driver
- Fuel, parking, tolls, and driver charges
- Verified hotels with breakfast & dinner
- On-tour support; Darshan help for seniors (on request)
Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar is a 4-day pilgrimage covering about 500 km by road (from Haridwar) and a 16 km one way trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The route follows Haridwar – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Kedarnath – Rishikesh – Haridwar.
Travel Vaidya offers All-inclusive packages start from ₹20,000 per person, which covers a private car for the entire tour, hotel and dharamshala stays, breakfast and dinner, tolls, parking, fuel and driver TA/DA. Guests only pay extra for lunch, helicopter, or pony/palki charges. These packages are especially preferred by couples, families with children and senior citizens.
Haridwar is one of the best-connected gateways for Kedarnath Yatra. The city has smooth highway connectivity from New Delhi, and frequent trains run from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Puri, and Varanasi, making it easy for pilgrims from all parts of India. Most taxi and cab services for Kedarnath and Char Dham tours also start from Haridwar, giving travelers flexible options.
From here, the journey to Sonprayag is about 240 km (8 hours by road), followed by the 16–17 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. With plenty of hotels for pre- and post-yatra stays, Haridwar is especially suitable for families with children and senior citizens.
Haridwar to Kedarnath distance is about 250 km by road plus a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The drive takes 8–10 hours, passing through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag before reaching Sonprayag by evening. From Sonprayag, a shuttle (local taxi) covers the 5 km distance to Gaurikund (trek start point). The 16 km trek to Kedarnath is usually started the next morning.
Haridwar to Kedarnath distance is about 250 km by road plus a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The drive takes 8–10 hours, passing through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag before reaching Sonprayag by evening. From Sonprayag, a shuttle (local taxi) covers the 5 km distance to Gaurikund (trek start point). The 16 km trek to Kedarnath is usually started the next morning.
Travel Tips:
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar → Rishikesh | 20 Km | 40 min |
| Rishikesh → Devprayag | 70 Km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Devprayag → Srinagar | 35 Km | 1 hr |
| Srinagar → Rudraprayag | 33 Km | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Rudraprayag → Guptkashi | 45 Km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Guptkashi → Sonprayag | 28 Km | 45 min |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund (local taxi) |
5 Km | 15 min |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek) |
16 Km | 7–9 hrs |
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath involves a road trip of about 240 km till Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek to reach the temple. Most pilgrims choose the road route, while those looking for a faster way prefer helicopter services from nearby helipads in Dehradun, Guptkashi, or Phata.
By Road (Private Car or Taxi)
By Bus
By Shared Jeep / Tempo Traveller
Trek from Gaurikund
By Helicopter (Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi, Dehradun)
Hiring a taxi from Haridwar to Kedarnath is the most convenient option for families and senior citizens. Taxis provide flexibility, comfortable travel, and doorstep pick-up for the yatra. The route covers about 240 km by road till Sonprayag, followed by a short shuttle to Gaurikund and then the trek to Kedarnath. Below are the approximate taxi fares:
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Fare (Round Trip) |
| Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | 2-3 persons | ₹12,000 – ₹16,000 |
| SUV (Ertiga) | 4-6 persons | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 |
| SUV (Innova Crysta) | 5-6 persons | ₹24,000 – ₹28,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 8-12 persons | ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 |
The trek to Kedarnath starts only after reaching Gaurikund, the last road-head. From Haridwar, pilgrims travel by road through the Char Dham highway till Sonprayag, then shift to a government shuttle to reach Gaurikund. From here, the 16 km uphill trek to Kedarnath begins. This is the traditional and only way to access the temple by foot.
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Haridwar to Gaurikund (Road Journey)
Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Trek Route)
Trekking Options
Pilgrims who don’t want to travel the full road route or trek 16 km from Gaurikund often choose helicopter services for Kedarnath. There are mainly two types of helicopter rides available:
Base: Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun (about 50 km from Haridwar).
Flight Duration: 45–60 minutes to Kedarnath.
Cost: ₹95,000 – ₹1,15,000 per person (round trip).
Schedule: Early morning departures (from 5:00 AM onwards).
Tour Type: Same-day return. Passengers depart in the morning, complete darshan, and return to Dehradun by late afternoon.
Best For: NRIs, premium travelers, senior citizens, or those with very limited time.
Base Locations: Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi — all accessible by road from Haridwar.
Flight Duration: 8–10 minutes one way.
Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per person (round trip).
Booking: Only via the official HeliYatra website.
Demand: Extremely high during peak yatra months (May–June, Sept–Oct). Many pilgrims fail to get confirmed tickets.
Alternate Options: Those unable to secure heli seats often continue the journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath by pony, palki, or trekking.
Advance booking is crucial — private charters should be booked weeks in advance, while government heli tickets often sell out instantly.
Weather dependency — flights operate only in clear weather, cancellations are common.
Morning flights are safer — operations usually start early and are less likely to be disrupted by afternoon cloud cover.
Kedarnath Temple runs from late April/early May till Diwali (October–November). The peak travel months are May, June, September, and October when the weather and route conditions are most favorable.
April – Early May: Temple opens, weather is very cold, snow near temple, night temperature close to zero. Suitable only for those ready for harsh cold.
May – June (Peak Season): Most popular months. Clear roads, manageable trek, daytime 10–15°C, nights 2–5°C. Best for families and senior citizens, but very crowded.
July – August (Monsoon): Heavy rains, frequent landslides, unsafe trekking paths. Travel not advised.
September – October (Peak Season): Post-monsoon months with clear skies, comfortable weather, and lighter crowds than May–June. Highly suitable for families and elderly.
Late October – November: Temple closes after Diwali. Very cold, nights below freezing. Travel possible but tough conditions.
Key Takeaways
Best Months: May, June, September, October.
Avoid: July and August (monsoon).
Families & Seniors: Choose May–June or September–October.
Advance Booking: Essential in peak season due to high demand.
Pilgrims should be aware of the darshan hours and daily aarti schedule at Kedarnath Temple so they can plan their visit properly.
Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Morning Aarti (Abhishek Aarti): Starts around 4:00 AM. Devotees can attend by special booking.
Evening Aarti (Shayan Aarti): Around 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM before temple closes for the night.
⚠️ Timings may shift slightly depending on season and daylight. During peak yatra months, queues are long, so reaching early morning or late evening is advised for smoother darshan.
Every pilgrim is required to complete biometric registration before starting the Kedarnath Yatra. Without registration, entry is not allowed beyond Rishikesh/Haridwar checkpoints.
Modes: Online (Char Dham Yatra official website) or Offline (registration counters at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, Sonprayag).
Requirement: Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License).
Why Mandatory: Helps government track pilgrims for safety and disaster management.
Yatra Control Room / Disaster Helpline: 1070, 1077
Police Helpline: 100
Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 108
GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Enquiry: +91-135-2746817
Sonprayag / Gaurikund Help Desk: Available at local check posts during yatra season
Base Camps with First Aid: Guptkashi, Sitapur, Sonprayag, Gaurikund
En-route Medical Posts: Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli
Kedarnath Temple Area: Emergency camp and government doctors available during yatra months
⚠️ Senior citizens and those with heart, asthma, or blood pressure conditions should get a fitness certificate before attempting the trek.
Weather in Kedarnath is unpredictable, it can be warm during the day and freezing at night. Since the temple is located at a high altitude with limited facilities, packing the right things can make a big difference. Keep your luggage light but don’t miss out on essentials. Here’s a practical list for a safe and comfortable yatra.
Highlights of This Tour
Travel Vaidya offers all-inclusive tours from Rishikesh to Kedarnath including private taxi, skilled drivers, comfortable hotel stays with breakfast & dinner along with local expertise and darshan assistance.
Stay in clean, affordable hotels with basic amenities, offering a safe and simple place to rest before continuing the yatra. Best suited for pilgrims seeking a value-for-money option. Price starts from ₹20,000 per adult.
Enjoy mid-range hotels with larger rooms, better meals, and added comfort. Many properties feature scenic views of the hills or rivers, making this a good choice for families and senior travelers. Price starts from ₹24,000 per adult.
Experience top-category hotels with spacious rooms, prime locations, and upgraded services. Perfect for those who want maximum comfort and a hassle-free yatra. Price starts from ₹28,000 per adult.
| Category | 2 Pax | 4 Pax | 6 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹20,000 | ₹16,000 | ₹13,000 |
| Deluxe | ₹24,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Premium | ₹28,000 | ₹24,000 | ₹20,000 |
Guptkashi – Hotel Om Anandam (2 Nights)
Kedarnath – Private Dharamshala (1 Night)
Kedarnath stays are basic due to altitude. We book private rooms in Dharamshalas (no GMVN shared tents).
Guptkashi – New Mandakini Resort (2 Nights)
Kedarnath – Private Dharamshala (1 Night)
Kedarnath stays are basic due to altitude. We book private rooms in Dharamshalas (no GMVN shared tents).
Guptkashi – The Village Retreat (2 Nights)
Kedarnath – Private Dharamshala (1 Night)
Kedarnath stays are basic due to altitude. We book private rooms in Dharamshalas (no GMVN shared tents).
We’ll meet you at Rishikesh railway station and head straight towards Sitapur. The drive takes about 7–8 hours via Srinagar (Dhari Devi Temple). Reach by evening, check into the hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Early morning you leave for Sonprayag, then a short local taxi to Gaurikund. From here your 17 km trek to Kedarnath starts.By evening you’ll be at the temple. Join the darshan and evening aarti, then stay overnight near the temple.
Early morning you can go for darshan again if you missed earlier and visit nearby places. After that, trek back down to Gaurikund, take the local taxi to Sonprayag, and drive back to Sitapur. Dinner and night stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Rishikesh. Take a short break at Devprayag. By evening you’ll be back in Rishikesh for drop-off.
Booking your Kedarnath Yatra package with Travel Vaidya is simple and transparent. We offer customized tours starting from Rishikesh with private transport, hotel stays, meals, and assistance throughout the journey.
Choose Your Package: Select between Budget, Deluxe, or Premium plans depending on hotel and transport preferences.
Share Your Travel Dates: Confirm the number of travelers, travel dates, and any special requirements (senior citizens, kids, or helicopter option).
Get a Customized Itinerary: Our team prepares a day-wise plan with stay options at Guptkashi, Sitapur, or Sonprayag.
Confirm Your Booking: Make an advance payment to lock in hotels and transport.
Receive Your Travel Vouchers: All booking details, driver info, and hotel confirmations are shared before your journey.
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By road, it takes around 2 days to reach Kedarnath, followed by an 18 km trek from Gaurikund. A helicopter tour completes it in a single day. Travel duration depends on road conditions, weather, and crowd levels.
You can travel by bus, taxi, or private car to Gaurikund. From there, you must trek, hire a pony/palki, or opt for a helicopter service from nearby helipads like Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi.
The Haridwar to Kedarnath road distance is covered via well-paved but mountainous roads. During the monsoon season (July–August), landslides may cause disruptions.
There are no direct buses to Kedarnath. Buses run to Sonprayag, from where you take a shared taxi to Gaurikund, then continue on foot or via other transport options.
The ideal time for the Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar is May–June and September–October. Monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rainfall and landslides, while winters (November–April) see heavy snowfall and temple closure.
The 16 km trek is moderate to difficult, with steep inclines. It takes 5–7 hours. Ponies, palkis, and helicopter services are available.
Yes, you can hire private taxis or shared cabs to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, a local shared taxi takes you to Gaurikund.
Yes, but it can be physically demanding. Seniors and children can opt for helicopters, ponies, or palkis instead of trekking
Summer (May–June): Pleasant, 10–20°C.
Monsoon (July–August): Heavy rains, landslides.
Autumn (Sept–Oct): Cool, 5–15°C.
Winter (Nov–April): Snowbound, temple closed.
There are no direct helicopters from Haridwar. However, services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. Kedarnath helicopter charges start from ₹5,500–₹7,000 per person (one-way) from Phata. For a complete tour package from Dehradun, prices start from ₹2,30,000 per person.
Accommodation options are available in Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund. Limited stays are available at Kedarnath. Booking in advance is advisable.
Key stops include Rishikesh, Devprayag (Ganga confluence), Rudraprayag, Guptkashi (Vishwanath Temple), and Triyuginarayan Temple.
Yes, Yatra registration is mandatory and can be done online or at registration counters in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Sonprayag
Yes, primary health centers are in Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Kedarnath. Medical aid posts are also available along the trek.
Yes, primary health centers are in Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Kedarnath. Medical aid posts are also available along the trek.