Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance, Route, Travel Tips & Accommodation

The sacred journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath Temple is one of India’s most revered pilgrimages. Set amid the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is not only a powerful spiritual destination but also an adventurous mountain journey.
This guide covers Haridwar to Kedarnath distance, routes, trekking options, helicopter services, travel tips, and where to stay—so you can plan smoothly.

📏 Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance

• Road distance (Haridwar → Gaurikund): ~252 km

• Travel time by road: ~7–9 hours (depending on traffic & weather)

• Aerial distance: ~123 km

Kedarnath is accessible only up to Gaurikund by road. From there, pilgrims must trek or take alternative services.

🗺️ Haridwar to Kedarnath Route (Road + Trek)

🚗 By Road (Most Common)

Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag → Gaurikund

• Haridwar is well-connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Rishikesh

• Buses, shared taxis, and private cabs are easily available

🥾 Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek

• Trek distance: ~16 km

• Options: On foot, pony/mule, palanquin (dandi), or helicopter

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep sections)

Suggested Read:  Sonprayag to Kedaranth: Tips to avoid crowd

🚁 Kedarnath by Helicopter

For pilgrims short on time or unable to trek, helicopter services offer a convenient option.

Helicopter bases include:

• Dehradun

• Guptkashi

• Phata

• Sirsi

• Approx. cost: ₹6,000–₹8,000 (one way, season dependent)

• Experience: Spectacular aerial views of Mandakini Valley & snow peaks

Advance booking via official portals is strongly recommended.

Suggested Read: Kedaranth Trekking Route and Time

Kedarnath Temple Trail Uttarakhand

💡 Useful Travel Tips (Haridwar to Kedarnath)

• Start your journey early in the morning

• Avoid pony rides from Sonprayag—begin from Gaurikund instead

• If allergic to horses/mules, choose helicopter services

• Carry warm clothes, raincoat, and sturdy shoes

• Weather changes rapidly—be prepared for rain or cold even in summer

🏍️ Reaching Gaurikund & Beyond

• Motorbikes and cars are allowed up to Gaurikund

• From Gaurikund, the trek begins toward Kedarnath

• The trail is steep, winding, and physically demanding—pace yourself

🛏️ Accommodation Options Near Kedarnath

🏔️ At Kedarnath

• Limited rooms near the temple

• GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouse is highly sought-after

• Temporary government camps operate during Char Dham Yatra

🏘️ Nearby Towns (Best Options)

• Guptkashi

• Gaurikund

• Sitapur, Rampur, Ukhimath

These towns offer budget hotels, lodges, and scenic stays along the Mandakini River—ideal for overnight halts.

Suggested Read- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: A step by step guide 

🗓️ Best Time to Travel Haridwar to Kedarnath

• Ideal season: May–June & September–October

• Temple closed: Winter months (Nov–April) due to heavy snowfall

• Avoid: Peak monsoon (July–August) because of landslides

🏁 Conclusion

The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is a blend of devotion, endurance, and Himalayan beauty. Understanding the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance, choosing the right travel mode, preparing for weather changes, and booking accommodation in advance can make your pilgrimage smooth and fulfilling.

Whether you trek through sacred trails or soar above valleys by helicopter, the divine presence of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath makes every effort worthwhile.

Suggested Read – Sonprayag to Gaurikund: Tips to travel 

GMVN Facility and Booking Challenges:

A chance to stay at the GMVN facility located near the temple is a fortunate opportunity. However, securing a booking can be a challenge, as it tends to be fully booked due to its popularity.

Traveler’s Insights and Precautions:

• Pony Ride Pointers: Avoid opting for a pony ride from Sonprayag, as it adds unnecessary hours to your travel time. It’s advisable to travel further to Gaurikund for a more efficient choice.
• Allergies and Helicopter Solution: If you have allergies to horses or mules, the helicopter becomes a favorable option to avoid potential discomfort.
• Early Start and Timing: Commence your journey from Gaurikund at the earliest feasible time to ensure reaching the temple by afternoon, allowing for a descent before sunset. A late start might lead to inconvenience, particularly when trying to reach Sonprayag from Gaurikund, as transport modes become congested.
• Weather Preparedness: Be equipped with a jacket and raincoat, as the unpredictable weather in the region can transition from rain to sun to hailstorm in a short span.

Accommodation Options:

While accommodations within Kedarnath itself are limited, nearby towns like Guptakashi, Gaurikund, Sitapur, Rampur, and Ukimath provide a range of lodging choices. During the Char Dham Yatra season, temporary camps open, providing overnight shelter for pilgrims before they resume their ascent.

The government has taken measures to expand these camps, accommodating up to 4000 pilgrims. For a scenic stay, picturesque spots along the banks of the River Mandakini or in Guptakashi offer budget-friendly hotels, ideal for one-night stops before your onward journey.

Conclusion

Embark on road trip from Haridwar to Kedarnath, experiencing both the adventure and serenity that this sacred destination offers. Plan your Haridwar to Kedarnath distance route wisely, choose your mode of transport from Haridwar to Kedarnath, and find a comfortable place to rest, all while basking in the divine aura of Lord Shiva’s abode at Kedarnath temple..

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