Kedarnath Yatra By Car From Haridwar:

Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi (Approx. 8-9 hours)

Begin your journey from Haridwar in the early morning (5-6 am).

This drive covers around 210 km and takes about 8-9 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Drive through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag.

Devprayag is a beautiful spot to stop and witness the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which forms the Ganges River.

Have lunch along the way in towns like Srinagar or Rudraprayag, where there are basic but good food options.

Reach Guptkashi in the evening. It’s about 45 km from Sonprayag, the last point where private vehicles are allowed.

Stay overnight in Guptkashi. It has several hotels and guesthouses with amenities for pilgrims.

Day 2: Guptkashi to Sonprayag to Gaurikund, and Trek to Kedarnath

Start early (around 4-5 am) from Guptkashi to Sonprayag. It’s a short drive of about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

From Sonprayag, you’ll need to take a shared taxi to Gaurikund (5 km). Private vehicles aren’t permitted beyond Sonprayag.

Begin the 18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. The path is steep in places and can take 6-8 hours.

Along the way, you’ll find tea stalls, dhabas, and small shops where you can rest, refuel, and buy essentials.

Alternatively, you can hire a pony or a palki (palanquin) if you prefer not to trek the entire route. Helicopter services are also available with advance booking.

Check into your accommodation upon arrival. You can book at GMVN guesthouses or other lodges near the temple.

Attend the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at Kedarnath Temple if you arrive in time. The setting against the towering Kedarnath peak adds to the spiritual experience.

Day 3: Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Return to Guptkashi or Rishikesh

If you didn’t visit the temple on the previous day, attend the early morning darshan, which is less crowded and a serene experience.

Begin your return trek to Gaurikund. The downhill journey is generally quicker and can take around 4-5 hours.

From Gaurikund, take a shared taxi back to Sonprayag.

Retrieve your car from Sonprayag and decide whether to stay in Guptkashi for the night or continue the drive back to Haridwar (approximately 10-11 hours from Sonprayag).