Rishikesh to Kedarnath — distance, route, and transport guide

Rishikesh to Sonprayag (the last town where private vehicles are allowed) is approximately 210 km by road. Sonprayag to Gaurikund is 5 km by shared jeep. From Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath temple is 16 km on the current Linchauli route (rerouted after the 2013 disaster; the original 14 km path was destroyed).

Total distance: roughly 231 km (210 km road + 5 km shared jeep + 16 km trek).

Travel time by road: 7-9 hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and season. The trek adds 6-8 hours uphill. Most travellers split this into two days — drive to Guptkashi or Sonprayag on Day 1, trek to Kedarnath on Day 2.

The road follows the Ganga valley to Devprayag, then the Alaknanda to Rudraprayag, and finally the Mandakini valley up to Sonprayag. All on NH-7 and NH-109.

Important: Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag during the yatra season (May-November). You must transfer to a government-regulated shared jeep at Sonprayag. The fare is approximately 30-50 rupees per person.

Taxi from Rishikesh

Hiring a private taxi is the most comfortable option. Fares for a one-way drop to Sonprayag (2026 season):

Fares vary by season, operator, and whether the booking is one-way or round-trip. Round-trip fares are typically 1.5-1.8 times the one-way rate. Your taxi will wait at Sonprayag while you trek to Kedarnath and back.

Bus from Rishikesh

There is no direct bus to Kedarnath — buses run to Sonprayag or Guptkashi. Key options:

GMOU and private operators run daily buses from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. The first departures are around 4:30-6:00 AM. Fares range from 650 to 1,200 rupees per person depending on the operator and bus type.

UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) runs buses on overlapping routes. Book online at utconline.uk.gov.in.

Journey time by bus is 8-10 hours, longer than by taxi due to stops.

Buses are non-AC. There are no Volvo or luxury buses on this route.

For budget travellers, the bus is roughly one-fifth the cost of a private taxi when travelling solo.

Helicopter to Kedarnath

Helicopter services skip the 16 km trek entirely. Flights operate from three helipads, all bookable via the IRCTC HeliYatra portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). 2026 government-fixed fares per person (one-way, before GST and convenience fee):

Add 300 rupees convenience fee plus 18 percent GST to each fare. Sirsi is the cheapest option — roughly half the price of Guptkashi.

Bookings for the 2026 season opened on 15 April at 6 PM IST for flights between 22 April and 15 June. Guptkashi slots sell out within hours. Book early and have your Char Dham registration completed beforehand — it is mandatory for helicopter booking.

Gaurikund (1,982 m) to Kedarnath (3,583 m): 16 km on the current Linchauli route, with approximately 1,600 m elevation gain.

The original trek route was 14 km but was destroyed in the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. The current path, reconstructed by the Border Roads Organisation, is 16 km via the Linchauli diversion. A restored version of the original Garud Chatti route (15.3 km) is expected to reopen in 2026, giving trekkers a slightly shorter alternative.

Key stops on the Linchauli route:

Jungle Chatti — 4 km from Gaurikund

Bheembali — 8 km

Linchauli — 11 km

Rudra Point — 14 km

Kedarnath temple — 16 km

Tea stalls and dhabas are spaced every 2-3 km. Medical aid posts operate during the yatra season.

Trek options and 2026 rates:

All pony and palki bookings are regulated through government prepaid counters. You receive a computerised slip with the animal number and operator details. Do not book from touts outside the counter.

Guptkashi (180 km from Rishikesh): The most popular overnight base. Hotels range from 800 to 2,500 rupees per night. The town has the Vishwanath temple, ATMs, medical shops, and restaurants. Stay here if you want a comfortable night before the trek.

Sitapur (200 km): A smaller, quieter alternative about 10 km before Sonprayag. Less crowded than Guptkashi with basic but clean guesthouses.

Sonprayag (210 km): The last motorable town. Accommodation is basic — dharamshalas and budget lodges (500-1,500 rupees). Best if you want an early start to the trek.

At Kedarnath (3,583 m): GMVN guest house, dharamshalas, and basic tent accommodation near the temple. Book the GMVN rooms through gmvnonline.com in advance. Expect 1,000-3,000 rupees per night during peak season.

You must register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before your journey. Kedarnath has a daily pilgrim cap (12,000 as of 2026). Your biometric-linked yatra pass is checked at Sonprayag — you cannot proceed to Gaurikund without it. Register at least 48 hours before your intended travel date.

How far is Rishikesh from Kedarnath?

How long does it take to reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh?

Is there a direct bus from Rishikesh to Kedarnath?

Can I fly directly from Rishikesh to Kedarnath by helicopter?

What is the Kedarnath trek distance from Gaurikund?

Is it safe to travel from Rishikesh to Kedarnath during monsoon?

How much does a pony cost from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?

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