Ukhimath is a picturesque town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, deeply significant as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath (Omkareshwar Temple) and Madhyamaheshwar. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, it offers stunning views and serves as a base for treks to various holy sites and natural wonders. The journey from the spiritual plains of Haridwar to the serene mountains of Ukhimath is a long but rewarding one through Uttarakhand’s scenic landscapes.
Distance Between Haridwar and Ukhimath
The journey from Haridwar to Ukhimath covers a considerable distance, entirely by road through hilly terrain:
- By Road: Approximately 200-210 kilometers.
How to Reach Ukhimath from Haridwar
As Ukhimath is a high-altitude hill town, there are no direct train or air connections to the town itself. Road travel is the primary and only practical way to reach Ukhimath, offering both public and private transport options.
1. By Road (Primary and Only Direct Way)
Traveling by road is the most common and often the only direct method to reach Ukhimath from Haridwar. The route is scenic, passing through various towns and offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers.
- Journey Time: A direct road journey typically takes 7 to 10 hours, depending on the mode of transport, road conditions, and traffic, especially in the hilly sections. Google Maps and some bus operators suggest around 7 hours 40 minutes, but actual travel can be longer due to mountain roads and stops.
- Routes: The common route involves passing through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and then taking a diversion towards Ukhimath. The road is generally well-maintained up to Rudraprayag, after which the mountain roads to Ukhimath become more winding and narrow.
a. By Bus (Economical and Common)
Buses are a highly popular and economical way to travel from Haridwar to Ukhimath. Both government-run and private bus operators offer services on this route.
- Journey Time: Buses usually take longer than private cars, ranging from 7 hours 40 minutes to 10 hours or more, due to frequent stops and a more cautious driving pace on mountain roads.
- Operators: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs regular buses from Haridwar. Private operators like Garhwal Motor Owners Union Ltd. (GMOU) also provide services on this route.
- Types of Buses: Most buses are non-AC seater buses, designed for comfortable travel in hilly regions. Some routes might offer push-back seats.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are affordable, typically ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,000 per person.
- Pros: Very economical, direct service (though often with many stops), and a good way to experience the local journey.
- Cons: Long journey can be tiring, and comfort levels may vary. Buses can get crowded, especially during peak seasons.
- Tips: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar Bus Stand. It’s advisable to check timings and book tickets in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons (like Char Dham Yatra) or holidays, through online platforms like the UTC website, RedBus, MakeMyTrip, or Goibibo. Early morning departures are highly recommended to ensure arrival in Ukhimath before nightfall, as driving in the hills after dark can be challenging.
b. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Flexible)
Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable and flexible option, ideal for families, groups, or those who prefer a direct and personalized journey.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, privacy, the ability to stop for breaks or photos at scenic spots, and generally faster travel time than buses. HillZet Taxi guarantees on-time pickups and drop-offs for the airport (and similar punctuality can be expected for long-distance cab services).
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than bus travel.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Ukhimath can cost anywhere from ₹4,500 to ₹10,000 or more, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV, etc.) and the service provider. Rates can vary widely; some sources quote around ₹4,267 (Uber Intercity) for a one-way trip, while others suggest ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 for a local taxi. Always confirm all charges, including tolls and driver allowance, upfront.
- Tips: You can find local taxi stands near Haridwar Railway Station or major ghats. Many travel agencies in Haridwar specialize in Himalayan tours and can arrange reliable taxis. For long distances, choose a comfortable vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with mountain roads. Starting this journey early in the morning (e.g., 6-7 AM) is common to make the most of daylight and avoid potential evening traffic.
c. Shared Autos/Jeeps (For Parts of the Journey)
While direct shared autos or jeeps for the entire Haridwar to Ukhimath route are unlikely, you can find shared taxis or ‘Vikrams’ for segments of the journey. For instance, you can take a shared ride from Haridwar to Rishikesh, then find another shared vehicle to Rudraprayag, and then from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath.
- Pros: Extremely economical for short segments.
- Cons: Involves multiple changes, less comfortable, often crowded, and can be time-consuming due to waiting for vehicles to fill up. Not practical for the entire long distance directly.
- Tips: This option is best for budget travelers who are flexible with time and comfortable with frequent transfers. It requires patience and local inquiry.
2. By Train (No Direct Train)
There is no direct railway line or station in Ukhimath itself due to its mountainous terrain.
- Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station to Ukhimath is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH), which is about 165-180 kilometers away, or Haridwar Junction (HW) itself, connecting to major Indian cities.
- How it works: You would take a train from your origin to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From either of these stations, you would then need to switch to road transport (bus or taxi) to complete your journey to Ukhimath.
3. By Air (No Direct Flight)
Ukhimath does not have its own airport.
- Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is approximately 180-200 kilometers from Ukhimath.
- How it works: You can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from major Indian cities. From the airport, you would then need to hire a private taxi or take a bus (usually via Rishikesh/Haridwar/Rudraprayag) to reach Ukhimath. This option saves time on long-distance travel to Uttarakhand but still requires a significant road journey through the hills.
For your journey from Haridwar to Ukhimath, traveling by road is the only direct and practical option. Depending on your budget and comfort preferences, you can choose between direct buses for an economical trip or a private taxi for a more comfortable and flexible experience. Always remember to factor in the long travel time due to the mountainous terrain and start your journey early in the day.