Haridwar is a sacred city in Uttarakhand. It is the starting point for many pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,583 meters. The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath is a mix of road and trek. Many devotees take this trip for spiritual reasons. The beauty of the mountains and rivers makes the journey peaceful. It is important to plan well to make the trip smooth and safe.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance
The distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath is about 250 km. The route consists of two main parts: a road journey up to Gaurikund and a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
Haridwar to Gaurikund by road covers about 230 km. The journey passes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag before reaching Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to Kedarnath Temple.
Due to the mountainous terrain, travel time can vary. By road, it takes about 7-8 hours to reach Gaurikund, and the trek takes another 6-8 hours. Weather and road conditions play an important role in travel time. Helicopter services are available for those who want to avoid trekking. Despite the long journey, the spiritual energy and scenic views make the pilgrimage truly rewarding.
How to Travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath
There are multiple ways to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath. The most common route is by road up to Gaurikund, followed by a trek to Kedarnath.
- By Bus – Government and private buses run between Haridwar and Gaurikund. The journey takes around 9 hours. Buses are affordable but less comfortable compared to taxis.
- By Taxi – Private taxis and shared cabs are available. Taxis are more convenient as they allow you to stop at scenic spots. The cost varies depending on the season.
- By Train – No direct train runs from Haridwar to Kedarnath. However, you can take a train to Rishikesh or Dehradun and continue by road.
- By Helicopter – Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and other helipads. This is the fastest way to reach Kedarnath, taking only 10-15 minutes.
- By Bike or Car – Some pilgrims prefer to drive or ride bikes. The roads are challenging, so experienced drivers should take this option.
From Gaurikund, pilgrims must trek to Kedarnath. Ponies, palkis, and helicopter rides are available for those unable to walk.
Kedarnath Trek Guide
The Kedarnath trek starts from Gaurikund. It is a well-maintained path, but it is steep and challenging. The trek passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Some important stops include:
- Jungle Chatti (4 km from Gaurikund)
- Bheembali (6 km from Gaurikund)
- Linchauli (11 km from Gaurikund)
Trekking in high altitude can be difficult. It is important to take breaks, stay hydrated, and walk at a steady pace.
For those who need assistance, ponies and palanquins are available. Government rest camps provide food and shelter. It is advisable to carry warm clothes, raincoats, and first-aid kits. Weather can change suddenly, so prepare for rain and cold temperatures.
Spiritual & Cultural Significance of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is a major part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Adi Shankaracharya later renovated it in the 8th century.
Kedarnath is a place of deep spiritual power. Many believe that visiting this temple washes away sins. Devotees feel a strong connection to Lord Shiva here. The temple is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, which adds to its divine beauty.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Kedarnath despite harsh weather. The temple opens in April or May and closes in November. During winter, the idol is moved to Ukhimath.
The rituals at Kedarnath include morning and evening prayers. The temple priests follow ancient traditions. The sound of bells and chants fills the air. Many visitors meditate here to feel peace and spiritual energy.
Important Places on the Way
The journey from Haridwar to Kedarnath passes through many important places. Each has spiritual and natural beauty.
- Rishikesh – Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is famous for its ashrams, temples, and the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Devprayag – This is the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, which form the Ganga. The town is known for its spiritual energy and ancient temples.
- Rudraprayag – The meeting point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It has the famous Rudranath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Guptkashi – This town has the Vishwanath Temple, similar to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. It also has the Ardhnarishwar Temple.
- Sonprayag – The last road point before Gaurikund. Pilgrims take local taxis from here to Gaurikund. It is the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers.
- Gaurikund – The starting point of the trek. It has the Gauri Temple, where Goddess Parvati is believed to have meditated to marry Lord Shiva.
- Bheembali & Linchauli – These are key resting points during the trek. They have shelters, food stalls, and medical facilities.
- Kedarnath Base Camp – The last stop before reaching the temple. It offers a stunning view of the Kedarnath peak and glacier.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October. The temple opens in late April or early May after winter ends. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies. July and August are rainy months, making trekking dangerous due to landslides. From November to April, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall.
For a comfortable journey, check the weather forecast before traveling. Avoid the monsoon season. September and October offer fewer crowds and clear views of the mountains.
Distance Chart from Other Cities
- Delhi to Kedarnath – 450 km
- Dehradun to Kedarnath – 275 km
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath – 225 km
- Mumbai to Kedarnath – 1,800 km
- Kolkata to Kedarnath – 1,600 km
- Chennai to Kedarnath – 2,300 km
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It takes around 10-12 hours by road plus 6-8 hours of trekking.
Yes, helicopter services are available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi.
The trek is steep but manageable with proper preparation.
May to June and September to October.
Yes, food stalls and rest camps are available on the way.