Outstation Cab Route
Ghaziabad to Kedarnath Taxi Service
Kedarnath is the one Char Dham temple the cab from Ghaziabad cannot reach directly — the road ends at Sonprayag or Gaurikund, and the final stretch to the temple is on foot or by helicopter.
Route Overview
Ghaziabad to Kedarnath by Road
The road from Ghaziabad runs via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to Rishikesh, then follows the Alaknanda valley through Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to Sonprayag, which is as far as any vehicle goes. From there, Gaurikund is a short local ride away, and the trek to the temple itself covers around 16 to 18 km of mountain path.
Most pilgrims split the trip into three parts: the drive to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the trek or helicopter to the temple, and the return. Combining a long mountain drive with the trek on the same day is exhausting — an overnight halt near Sonprayag before starting the climb works far better.
A helicopter service also operates from a few pads near Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi during the season, cutting the trek down to a short walk at either end, though seats need to be booked well ahead.
Travel Details
Distance, Time and Route Highlights
From Ghaziabad the cab joins the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway with a short approach, then follows the Alaknanda valley beyond Rishikesh through Rudraprayag and Guptkashi towards Sonprayag. This mountain stretch is slow going regardless of the vehicle, with switchbacks and occasional landslide-clearance delays.
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Route Stages
Ghaziabad to Kedarnath Route Stages
- Ghaziabad → Rishikesh — Via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and the Haridwar spur
- Rishikesh → Rudraprayag — Follows the Alaknanda valley; mountain driving begins here
- Rudraprayag → Guptkashi
- Guptkashi → Sonprayag — As far as the cab goes; the temple trek starts from here
Stops Along the Way
Places to Stop Between Ghaziabad and Kedarnath
- Haridwar (rest stop) — Common first halt after the expressway
- Rudraprayag (rest stop) — Common halt point where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet
- Guptkashi (rest stop) — Usual overnight halt before Sonprayag and the trek
Places to Visit
Top Attractions in Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple — One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this stone temple sits at the head of the Mandakini valley and is the focus of the entire journey, reached by a trek of roughly 16 to 18 km from Gaurikund or by helicopter for those who can't walk it. Its stone construction has endured centuries of severe mountain weather, including the 2013 floods that reshaped the surrounding valley.
- Triyuginarayan Temple — A short detour near Sonprayag leads to this temple, considered by many to be the site of Shiva and Parvati's wedding. A flame said to have burned since that event continues to be maintained inside, and visiting adds only a modest amount of extra distance to the trip.
- Vasuki Tal — Beyond the main temple lies this high-altitude lake, reached by an additional trek for pilgrims with time and stamina to spare. Considerably fewer people make it this far compared with Kedarnath itself, keeping the area quieter, though the higher altitude calls for proper acclimatisation first.
- Guptkashi — Many pilgrims stop overnight in this town before continuing on to Kedarnath, and its own Vishwanath temple draws visitors regardless of the main pilgrimage. Halting here instead of pushing straight through makes the onward journey to Gaurikund and the trek that follows noticeably easier to manage.
Good to Know
Best Time to Travel and Road Notes
Best season: The temple is open roughly from Akshaya Tritiya in April or May to Bhai Dooj in October or November. Confirm the current year's opening and closing dates before you travel, since they follow the Hindu calendar rather than a fixed date.
Road note: The trek itself is physically demanding, particularly for those not used to walking at altitude, and weather in the mountains can change quickly even in season. A helicopter booking is worth considering for elderly travellers or anyone short on time.
Cab Choices
Cab Options for Kedarnath
An Innova or similar SUV is the sensible choice for the mountain stretch beyond Rishikesh, since the road narrows and climbs steadily. A sedan can make the trip in good weather with a small group, but the higher ground clearance of an SUV is more reassuring.
- An Innova or similar SUV is the practical choice for the mountain roads involved, given the long climbing stretches.
- A Tempo Traveller works for larger family groups, though it moves more slowly on the narrower mountain sections.
- The same cab and driver are usually retained for the full multi-day trip, which simplifies coordination considerably.
- Drivers on this route are experienced with the yatra season's traffic and know when to start early to avoid the worst of it.
FAQs
Ghaziabad to Kedarnath Taxi FAQs
How long is the trek to Kedarnath temple?
The trek from Gaurikund covers around 16 to 18 km one way, gaining significant altitude along the way, and typically takes six to eight hours depending on fitness and pace. Most pilgrims plan an overnight halt at Kedarnath before the return trek.
Can we skip the trek and take a helicopter?
Yes, helicopter services operate from pads near Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi during the season, cutting the journey to the temple down to a short walk. Seats fill up quickly, so it's worth booking well ahead rather than on arrival.
How far does the cab actually go?
The road ends at Sonprayag, with Gaurikund a short local ride further. From there, the 16 to 18 km stretch to the temple is on foot or by helicopter — the cab and driver typically wait at Sonprayag for the return leg.
Is an overnight stay near Sonprayag necessary?
It's strongly recommended rather than compulsory. Combining a long mountain drive with a 16 to 18 km trek on the same day is exhausting, and starting the climb fresh the next morning is both safer and more comfortable.
When is Kedarnath temple open?
The temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya in April or May and closes around Bhai Dooj in October or November, following the Hindu calendar rather than fixed dates. Always confirm the specific dates for your travel year.
Is the mountain road to Sonprayag difficult?
It's a well-used pilgrimage road but climbs steadily with plenty of bends past Rudraprayag and Guptkashi. Landslide-related delays are possible, especially in the monsoon, so the driving day should be planned with extra time.
Which vehicle is recommended for this route?
An Innova or similar SUV handles the mountain stretch more comfortably than a sedan, particularly if the group includes elderly members. A sedan can manage in good weather with a small group, but an SUV helps on the climb.