Haridwar is a sacred city in Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is a major gateway for pilgrims heading to the holy Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath. These two temples are among the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and attract thousands of devotees every year.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath and Badrinath. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and helicopter options, along with practical travel tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Haridwar to Kedarnath and Badrinath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and popular way to start your journey from Haridwar. However, trains do not go directly to Kedarnath or Badrinath, so you will combine train travel with road transport.

• Haridwar Railway Station is well connected to major cities like Delhi and Dehradun, with frequent trains offering affordable fares and clean facilities for pilgrims.

• From Haridwar, you can take a train to Rishikesh (about 20 km), which is the nearest railhead to the mountain routes leading to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC or at the station counters; booking early during pilgrimage seasons is advised to avoid last-minute rush.

• Trains are generally punctual but expect crowding during festivals like Char Dham Yatra season and summer holidays.

• Rishikesh station offers easy access to buses and taxis that connect to the road journey towards Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Bus

Buses are a cost-effective and widely used option for traveling from Haridwar to the foothills near Kedarnath and Badrinath. State-run and private buses operate regularly.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs direct buses from Haridwar to Joshimath, the base town for Badrinath, covering about 230 km in 8–10 hours via NH 7 and NH 58.

• For Kedarnath, buses run from Haridwar to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the last motorable points before the trek, with a journey time of around 10–12 hours including stops.

• Buses depart early morning from Haridwar ISBT and can be crowded during peak pilgrimage months, so booking tickets a day in advance is recommended.

• Road conditions vary; expect narrow mountain roads with hairpin bends, toll plazas, and occasional monsoon delays between July and September.

• Food stalls and rest stops are available en route, especially near Rishikesh and Devprayag, but carry water and snacks for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Haridwar to Kedarnath and Badrinath offers flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or groups who prefer to travel at their own pace.

• The route to Badrinath via Haridwar–Rishikesh–Joshimath covers approximately 230 km and takes around 8–10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• For Kedarnath, the drive is to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, about 210 km from Haridwar, followed by a trek or helicopter ride to the temple.

• Use NH 7 and NH 58 highways; these are well maintained but expect narrow stretches and toll plazas near Devprayag and Rudraprayag.

• Self-drive vehicles should be suitable for hilly terrain; ensure brakes and tires are checked, especially during monsoon or winter seasons.

• Parking is limited near Gaurikund and Joshimath; plan to park at designated lots and use local transport or taxis for the final leg.

Helicopter

Helicopter services provide the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kedarnath and Badrinath, especially for pilgrims with limited time or mobility issues.

• Helicopter rides operate from Phata or Guptkashi helipads near Haridwar to Kedarnath, reducing a multi-hour trek to a 15–20 minute flight.

• For Badrinath, helicopter services are available from Dehradun or Phata to the temple area, cutting down long road travel.

• Bookings can be made online through Uttarakhand Tourism or at local counters; fares vary widely depending on demand and season.

• Flights are weather dependent and may be canceled during heavy rain, fog, or strong winds, especially in monsoon and winter months.

• Helipads have basic facilities; plan for last-mile transport from helipad to temple or accommodation.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Haridwar to Kedarnath and Badrinath, helping you navigate the journey with ease.

• Book your train ticket from your city to Haridwar early through IRCTC to ensure availability and avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Haridwar, take a local train or taxi to Rishikesh to start your mountain route; Rishikesh is a major transit point with good connectivity.

• Reserve bus or taxi tickets from Rishikesh to Joshimath (for Badrinath) or Sonprayag/Gaurikund (for Kedarnath) a day before departure to secure seats during busy seasons.

• Pack light and carry trekking essentials if you plan to walk from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is about 16 km uphill; arrange for ponies or palanquins if needed.

• If opting for helicopter rides, book your seats online at least a week in advance and check weather updates regularly for smooth travel.

• On arrival at Kedarnath or Badrinath, use local taxis or shared vehicles to reach your accommodation; prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola or Uber may not be available in remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water en route to prevent stomach issues common in hilly areas during pilgrimages.

• Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry rain gear, especially if traveling during monsoon season when trails can be slippery and wet.

• Book your bus and helicopter tickets through official Uttarakhand Tourism portals or trusted agents to avoid scams and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or shared jeeps from stations and bus depots to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar to you.

• Pack light but include warm clothes as temperatures drop significantly in the mountains, even during summer mornings and evenings.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms when ascending quickly; take breaks and stay hydrated to acclimatize properly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath and Badrinath is during the summer months and early autumn when weather is clear and roads are accessible. The pilgrimage season usually runs from May to October.

Winter months bring heavy snowfall and road closures, making travel difficult and unsafe. Monsoon season can cause landslides and delays, so plan carefully if traveling between July and September.

• Avoid peak festival periods like Char Dham opening and closing dates when roads and accommodations are crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Summer months (May to June) offer pleasant weather but expect large crowds; start early in the day to avoid traffic jams on mountain roads.

• Monsoon rains cause slippery roads and occasional landslides; check weather forecasts and local advisories before traveling.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon fog and ensure ample daylight for mountain travel.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kedarnath, you will find a small town with basic facilities focused on pilgrims. The temple area is accessible only by foot or pony from Gaurikund, so be prepared for a short trek or arrange local transport.

Local commute options include pony rides, palanquins carried by porters, and shared taxis up to Gaurikund. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to dharamshalas near the temple, with simple food options available.

Arrival at Badrinath & What to Expect

Badrinath town is more developed with better road access and facilities. The temple is close to the main town, making it easy to reach by taxi or shared jeep from Joshimath.

Local transport includes shared taxis and private cabs; prepaid taxi counters are available at Joshimath. Accommodation options vary from budget lodges to mid-range hotels, with several restaurants serving vegetarian meals.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kedarnath and Badrinath from Haridwar depends on your budget, time, and physical ability. Trains combined with buses or taxis offer a budget-friendly option, while self-drive provides flexibility. Helicopters are best for those seeking speed and convenience.

Plan your travel well in advance, especially during pilgrimage seasons, and keep an eye on weather conditions. With proper preparation and local knowledge, your journey from Haridwar to these sacred Himalayan temples can be smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling.