The holy town of Kedarnath, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is not just a spiritual destination but also a journey of faith, endurance, and nature’s unparalleled beauty. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers set out on this divine yatra, and for most, the journey begins from Haridwar – the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
Planning a trip to Kedarnath from Haridwar? Wondering how much it’ll cost? You’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll break down the complete budget for a Kedarnath trip from Haridwar, covering all major expenses: transportation, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous costs.
Trip Overview
- Starting Point: Haridwar
- Destination: Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
- Ideal Duration: 4–5 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to October
- Travel Type: Budget/Moderate
Route from Haridwar to Kedarnath
The route from Haridwar to Kedarnath involves both road travel and trekking:
- Haridwar to Sonprayag (via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi) – by bus or taxi
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund – by local shuttle
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple – 16 km trek
1. Transport Costs
A. Haridwar to Sonprayag
- By Bus: ₹500 – ₹700 (one way, approx. 10–12 hrs)
- By Shared Taxi: ₹800 – ₹1,200 (one way)
- Private Taxi (4–6 pax): ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 (split among group)
Most budget travelers prefer buses or shared jeeps. It’s advisable to leave early morning to reach Sonprayag by evening.
B. Sonprayag to Gaurikund
- Local Shuttle/Jeep: ₹30 – ₹50
Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag, so everyone must use local shuttle services to reach Gaurikund.
C. Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
You can choose between:
- Trekking: Free (16 km one way; medium difficulty)
- Pony: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 (one way)
- Palanquin/Dandi/Kandi: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
- Helicopter: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 (one way; subject to weather)
Budget Tip: If you’re fit and want to experience the Himalayan landscape, trekking is the most budget-friendly and fulfilling option.
2. Accommodation Costs
A. Haridwar (Optional Night Stay)
- Budget Hotels/Dharamshalas: ₹300 – ₹800
- Mid-range Hotels: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800
If you arrive in Haridwar a day earlier, consider resting overnight before starting your journey.
Sonprayag / Gaurikund
- Lodges/Guesthouses: ₹400 – ₹1,000
- Shared Rooms (Dharamshalas): ₹200 – ₹500
C. Kedarnath
- GMVN Guest Houses / Tents: ₹300 – ₹1,500
- Dharamshalas (basic bedding): ₹200 – ₹500
Note: It gets very cold in Kedarnath, even in summer. Book GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) accommodation in advance during peak season.
Food Expenses
You’ll find small eateries, langars (community kitchens), and local restaurants along the way:
- Tea & Snacks: ₹10 – ₹30
- Simple Meals (Thali): ₹80 – ₹150
- Breakfast (Aloo Puri/Paratha): ₹40 – ₹60
- Mid-range Meals (in Haridwar/Rudraprayag): ₹150 – ₹300
Budget Tip: Langars at Gaurikund and Kedarnath offer free or donation-based meals to pilgrims.
Pro Tips for Budget Travel to Kedarnath
- Book early during peak months (May–June) as prices soar and accommodations fill quickly.
- Avoid helicopter unless needed for elderly or health reasons – it’s expensive and weather-dependent.
- Travel in a group to split costs of taxis, rooms, and guides.
- Carry warm clothes, torchlight, power bank, and basic medicines.
- Use public transport wherever possible for major savings.
- Start trek early in the morning to avoid rush and reach Kedarnath before sunset.