Haridwar, a prominent pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, is the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra, including the Holly Gaurikund. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or an adventure lover, the journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund offers an experience of a lifetime. In this guide, we’ll provide all the essential information to make your trip from Haridwar to Gaurikund seamless and memorable.
About Haridwar and Gaurikund
Haridwar, located on the banks of the holy Ganges River, is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. It is known for its ghats, temples, and the famous Ganga Aarti. Gaurikund, on the other hand, serves as the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This village is named after Goddess Parvati (Gauri), and it is believed that she meditated here to win Lord Shiva’s affection.
Haridwar to Gaurikund distance
The distance from Haridwar to Gaurikund is approximately 230 km. The journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours by road, depending on the weather and road conditions.
Best Time to Travel from Haridwar to Gaurikund
The best time to travel from Haridwar to Gaurikund is between May and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes to Kedarnath are open. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to September) as the region is prone to landslides.
Modes of Transportation to reach Gaurikund from Haridwar
1. By Road
The most convenient way to travel from Haridwar to Gaurikund is by road. Here are the options.
1. Private Car or Taxi
Hiring a private car or taxi is the most comfortable option. You can hire a taxi from Haridwar and enjoy a hassle-free journey with stops at scenic spots along the way.
2. Bus
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operates regular buses from Haridwar to Sonprayag, which is around 5 kilometers from Gaurikund. From Sonprayag, you can take a local jeep or shared taxi to reach Gaurikund.
2. By Train
There are no direct trains from Haridwar to Gaurikund. However, you can take a train from Haridwar to Rishikesh or Dehradun and then proceed by road.
3. By Flight
The nearest airport to Gaurikund is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund. The distance from Dehradun to Gaurikund is about 240 kilometers, and it takes around 9 to 10 hours by road.
Route map for Haridwar to Gaurikund
Here’s a detailed route map for the journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund.
The distance between Haridwar and Phata is approximately 220 kilometers by road. The journey usually takes around 8-10 hours
1. Haridwar to Rishikesh distance (25 km)
Start your journey from Haridwar and head towards Rishikesh. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
2. Rishikesh to Devprayag distance (74 km)
From Rishikesh, continue on NH 58 to reach Devprayag. This segment takes around 2.5 hours.
3. Devprayag to Srinagar distance (34 km)
Proceed to Srinagar, which is approximately 1.5 hours from Devprayag.
4. Srinagar to Rudraprayag distance (33 km)
Drive to Rudraprayag, taking another 1.5 hours.
5. Rudraprayag to Guptkashi distance (45 km)
From Rudraprayag, head to Guptkashi, which takes about 2 hours.
6. Guptkashi to Sonprayag distance (31 km)
The journey from Guptkashi to Sonprayag takes around 1.5 hours.
7. Sonprayag to Gaurikund distance (5 km)
Finally, take a local jeep or shared taxi from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. This last stretch takes about 30 minutes.
Tips for the Journey
1.Acclimatize: Spend a day acclimatizing in Haridwar or Rishikesh to adjust to the altitude.
2.Pack Wisely: Carry warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable trekking shoes.
3.Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the trek.
4.Check Road Conditions: Verify the road conditions before starting your journey, especially during the monsoon season.
Bus option from Haridwar to Gaurikund
Yes, there are bus services from Haridwar to Gaurikund, but they typically operate only up to Sonprayag, which is about 5 kilometers from Gaurikund. From Sonprayag, you can take a local jeep or shared taxi to reach Gaurikund.
Bus Options from Haridwar to Sonprayag
1. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC)
UTC operates regular buses from Haridwar to Sonprayag. These buses are usually state-run and offer a budget-friendly option for travelers. You can check the UTC website or visit the Haridwar bus station for the latest schedules and ticket bookings.
2. Private Bus Operators
There are also private bus operators that provide services from Haridwar to Sonprayag. These buses might offer more comfortable seating options and can be booked through various online travel portals or at travel agencies in Haridwar.
Taxi fare from Haridwar to Gaurikund
The taxi fare from Haridwar to Gaurikund can vary depending on the type of vehicle, Sedan (e.g., Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze)
- One-way trip: ₹6,000 to ₹7,000
- Round trip: ₹9,000 to ₹10,000
- Bus fare from Haridwar to Gaurikund
Bus fare from Haridwar to Gaurikund
- Ordinary Bus: ₹300 – ₹500
- Semi-Deluxe/Deluxe Bus: ₹500 – ₹800
- Volvo/AC Bus: ₹800 – ₹1,200
Helicopter fare to kedarnath temple
On average, the cost per person for a one-way helicopter ride from Phata (nearest helipad to Kedarnath) to Kedarnath is around ₹3,000 to ₹4,500. The round trip fare can range from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 per person.
Is one day enough for Kedarnath
One day is generally not enough for a complete visit to Kedarnath, especially considering the trekking distance and the time required for a proper darshan (viewing of the god) at the Kedarnath Temple Here Why.
1. Travel Time
The journey to Kedarnath involves reaching Gaurikund, which is the base point for the trek to Kedarnath. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, it takes approximately 8-10 hours by road to reach Gaurikund.
2. Trek Duration
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 19 kilometers and takes around 6-8 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace.
3. Darshan and Exploration
Once you reach Kedarnath, you’ll need time for darshan at the temple and to explore the surroundings.
4. Altitude and Acclimatization
Kedarnath is at a high altitude (3,583 meters or 11,755 feet), and acclimatization can be necessary for some travelers.
Recommended Itinerary for kedarnath Yatra
Day 1
- Start early from Haridwar/Rishikesh to reach Gaurikund.
- If possible, begin the trek to Kedarnath in the early afternoon to reach before nightfall.
- Stay overnight in Kedarnath.
Day 2
- Early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple.
- Spend some time exploring the area.
- Begin the trek back to Gaurikund.
- Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
This itinerary allows for a more comfortable and enriching experience, ensuring you have enough time for travel, darshan, and acclimatization.
Summary
The journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund is an incredible experience, filled with spiritual significance and natural beauty. Whether you’re on the trek to Kedarnath or simply exploring the region, this travel guide will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip. Make sure to respect the local customs and environment, and have a safe journey
By following these tips and using this guide, you’ll ensure a memorable and enriching journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund. Happy travels!
Haridwar Travel Guide
