Turn-by-Turn Route — Haridwar to Gaurikund
Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti the evening before. Biometric registration at tourist centre.
Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula. Minor fuel/snack stop. Avoid peak hour traffic (8–10 AM) through Rishikesh town.
Sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers — the Ganga officially begins here. 15–20 min photo stop recommended.
Larger town. Good for fuel, breakfast, ATM. Last major ATM before Sonprayag. Fill up here.
Mandakini-Alaknanda confluence. Route splits: NH7 straight ahead for Kedarnath, NH58 right for Badrinath.
Small valley towns. Scenic riverside driving. Kund area has a Shiva temple worth a brief stop.
Primary base for Kedarnath. Hotels, restaurants, ATM, medical shop. Vishwanath temple here. Most packages stay overnight at Guptkashi.
MANDATORY POLICE CHECKPOINT. Vehicles stopped here — only registered yatris proceed. One-way timings enforced. Jeeps/share autos to Gaurikund from here (5km, ₹30–50 per person).
END OF ROAD. Private vehicles not allowed beyond Sonprayag during peak hours. From Gaurikund: 16km trek or pony/palki to Kedarnath. Helicopter from Phata/Sersi helipad (pre-book via IRCTC).
The Sonprayag Checkpoint — What Pilgrims Don't Know
Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5km) operates as a timed one-way road enforced by Uttarakhand Police during peak season. Vehicles queue at Sonprayag and are released in batches. During peak May–June, this queue can add 45 minutes to 2 hours to your journey.
- Arrive at Sonprayag before 9 AM to avoid peak queue
- Private vehicles are NOT allowed beyond Sonprayag during yatra peak hours (Shiv Ganga Travels vehicles have operator registration and handle this)
- Shared jeeps from Sonprayag to Gaurikund cost ₹30–50 per person
- At Gaurikund, trek starts or helicopter pony booking available
From Gaurikund to Kedarnath — 3 Options
Most spiritually rewarding. Stone-paved path. Rest stops with tea every 2–3km. Start by 5 AM.
Hire at Gaurikund — registered ponywallas only. Return pony adds ₹3,000–5,000.
Book at irctc.co.in — mandatory 2026. Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi helipads. Very popular — book 60+ days ahead.
Book Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar
Shiv Ganga Travels handles all Sonprayag permits, vehicle registration, and Kedarnath logistics. +91-7817996730