Kedarnath and Badrinath are two of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, nestled high in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, requires a trek or helicopter ride to reach, while Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is accessible by road. Both offer profound spiritual experiences amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
This guide will explain how to travel to these sacred destinations from Haridwar, covering distances, travel times, and various transport options.
Important Information for Pilgrims (2025 Season):
- Opening Dates (Tentative for 2025):
- Kedarnath: May 2, 2025
- Badrinath: May 4, 2025
- Closing Dates (Tentative for 2025):
- Kedarnath: October 23, 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
- Badrinath: November 6, 2025 (Vijayadashami)
- Mandatory Registration: All pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra (which includes Kedarnath and Badrinath) must register. Registration for 2025 typically began around March 20. You can register online through the official Uttarakhand Tourism Portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) or their “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” mobile app. Offline registration counters are also available in major towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, and Joshimath. Remember to carry a valid ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Driving License, Passport) and your mobile phone for registration.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Haridwar
Reaching Kedarnath requires first traveling by road to Gaurikund (the base camp) and then continuing your journey to the temple either by trekking or taking a helicopter.
Distance from Haridwar:
- Haridwar to Gaurikund (by Road): Approximately 220-250 kilometers.
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple (by Trek): Approximately 16-19 kilometers one way.
1. Road Journey to Gaurikund (The Starting Point of the Trek)
The road journey to Gaurikund is long but scenic, taking you deep into the mountains.
- Travel Time: Expect 8 to 10 hours by road, depending on traffic, road conditions, and how often you stop.
- Main Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
- Note on Sonprayag: Private vehicles usually go up to Sonprayag. From there, you’ll need to take a local shared jeep (about 5 km) to reach Gaurikund. These are easily available.
a. By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)
- Availability: Direct buses from Haridwar to Gaurikund are limited. It’s more common to find buses going to Guptkashi or Sonprayag.
- Journey Plan:
- Haridwar to Guptkashi/Sonprayag: Take a bus from Haridwar’s main bus stand. Both Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) and private buses operate on this route. Look for buses specifically heading towards Guptkashi or, ideally, Sonprayag. The bus journey to Guptkashi or Sonprayag can take around 8-9 hours.
- Guptkashi/Sonprayag to Gaurikund: From Guptkashi or Sonprayag, shared jeeps are readily available to take you the final few kilometers to Gaurikund. These are very affordable (e.g., ₹20-₹50 per person).
- Estimated Cost: Bus fares from Haridwar to Guptkashi/Sonprayag range from ₹600 to ₹1,200.
- Tip: Start your bus journey very early in the morning (e.g., 4-5 AM) from Haridwar. This helps you reach Sonprayag/Gaurikund by evening, giving you time to settle in before starting your trek the next day. During peak pilgrimage season, buses can be crowded, so consider booking in advance if possible.
b. By Taxi/Cab (Comfortable and Direct)
- Availability: Private taxis are easily available in Haridwar.
- Journey Time: A private taxi offers the fastest and most comfortable road journey to Sonprayag/Gaurikund, typically taking 8-9 hours. You can stop for breaks and photos as you wish.
- Estimated Cost: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Sonprayag can cost anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the type of car (sedan, SUV, etc.).
- Tip: This is a good option for groups or families. Always confirm the full fare, including tolls and driver allowances, before starting your trip. HillZet Taxi guarantees on-time pickups and drop-offs for the airport, and similar reliability can be expected for long-distance taxi services.
2. From Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple (The Final Stretch)
Once you reach Gaurikund, you have two main options to get to the Kedarnath Temple:
a. Trekking (Most Common Way)
- Distance: The trek is about 16-19 kilometers one way.
- Time: It typically takes 6-10 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how many stops you take.
- Difficulty: The trek is moderately challenging, with steep climbs and rocky paths.
- Important Points for Trekkers:
- Permit: You must obtain a permit from the Forest Department to trek beyond Gaurikund. These are usually available at Gaurikund or Sonprayag. The number of permits is limited daily during peak season.
- Accommodation on Trek: Basic guesthouses and ashrams are available at mid-points like Rambara and Lincholi, and near the temple in Kedarnath.
- Pony/Mule: If you prefer not to walk, ponies or mules can be hired from Gaurikund.
- Doli/Palki (Palanquin): Carried by porters, this is an option for those who cannot walk or ride a pony.
b. Helicopter Service
- Availability: Helicopter services are available from various helipads near Kedarnath, including Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. You would take road transport from Haridwar to these helipad towns.
- Booking: Helicopter tickets are usually booked online through the official “Heliyatra” portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in) operated by IRCTC. It’s crucial to book these well in advance, as they sell out quickly and are dependent on weather conditions.
- Cost (Round Trip, tentative for 2025):
- Phata: Around ₹6,063
- Sirsi: Around ₹6,061
- Guptkashi: Around ₹8,533
- Tip: Helicopter services are a great option for saving time and effort, especially for those with limited mobility. Keep 1-2 buffer days in your itinerary as flights can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather.
B. How to Reach Badrinath from Haridwar
Badrinath is unique among the Char Dhams as it is directly accessible by road up to the temple town itself.
Distance from Haridwar:
- Haridwar to Badrinath (by Road): Approximately 310-320 kilometers.
1. By Road (Primary and Direct Way)
The journey to Badrinath is a long but scenic drive through the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Travel Time: Expect 9 to 11 hours by road, depending on traffic, road conditions, and breaks.
- Main Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath.
- The roads are generally well-maintained, but mountain roads are winding.
a. By Bus (Economical and Direct)
- Availability: Direct buses from Haridwar to Badrinath are quite common during the pilgrimage season.
- Operators: Uttarakhand Roadways (UTC) operates regular services, and various private bus operators also run buses on this route.
- Estimated Cost: Bus fares from Haridwar to Badrinath generally range from ₹800 to ₹1,500.
- Tips: Buses usually depart from the main Haridwar Bus Stand. Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as seats fill up quickly. Starting early in the morning (e.g., 4-6 AM) is highly recommended for such a long journey.
b. By Taxi/Cab (Comfortable and Flexible)
- Availability: Private taxis are easily available in Haridwar.
- Journey Time: A private taxi offers the most comfortable and flexible way to reach Badrinath, typically taking 9-11 hours. You have the flexibility to make stops as you wish.
- Estimated Cost: A one-way private taxi from Haridwar to Badrinath can cost anywhere from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 or more, depending on the car type.
- Tips: This option is ideal for those who prefer privacy and comfort, especially for families or groups. Always confirm all charges before starting your journey.
C. General Travel Tips for Kedarnath & Badrinath Pilgrimage
Nearest Railway Station (for both Kedarnath & Badrinath):
- Haridwar Junction (HW): This is the most common railway hub from where pilgrims begin their road journey into the mountains.
- Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH): Also a major station, about 20-30 km from Haridwar.
Nearest Airport (for both Kedarnath & Badrinath):
- Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun: This is the closest airport, located approximately 230-240 km from Gaurikund (for Kedarnath) and 310-320 km from Badrinath. From the airport, you would hire a taxi to begin your road journey.
Best Time to Visit (Char Dham Yatra Season):
- The ideal time for pilgrimage is May to June and September to October. The weather is generally pleasant during these months, with clear skies and good views.
- Avoid: The monsoon season (July-August) should generally be avoided due to the increased risk of landslides, road blockages, and challenging weather conditions.
Accommodation:
- You’ll find various accommodation options (guesthouses, hotels, dharamshalas) in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the towns along the routes (e.g., Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Joshimath, Badrinath). Basic accommodation is available near Kedarnath Temple. It’s highly recommended to book your stays in advance, especially during peak season.
Important Considerations for Your Journey:
- Road Conditions: Mountain roads are winding and can be challenging. Drive carefully or choose experienced drivers. Be prepared for potential delays due to traffic or weather.
- Altitude Sickness (AMS): Both Kedarnath and Badrinath are at high altitudes. Stay hydrated, walk at a steady pace (especially during the Kedarnath trek), and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness). If you have existing health conditions, consult your doctor before planning the trip.
- Medical Check-up: A medical check-up is advisable, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with pre-existing health issues.
- Essential Packing: Carry plenty of warm clothing (layers are best), rain gear (even outside monsoon), comfortable trekking shoes (for Kedarnath), basic first-aid kit, personal medications, sunscreen, and power banks for your devices.
- Mobile Network: Mobile network coverage can be unreliable in many remote mountain areas. BSNL and Jio generally offer better connectivity in the region compared to other providers.
Embarking on the pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath from Haridwar is a truly special and spiritual experience. By planning your journey carefully and being prepared for the mountain environment, you can have a safe and memorable trip.
