New Delhi To Rishikesh
If you are planning a spiritual journey to the holy town of Kedarnath, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, then you must be familiar with the challenges that you may face in reaching there. Kedarnath is one of the Chota Char Dham shrines and is believed to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The town is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making it a challenging and thrilling journey for pilgrims.
Traditionally, the route to Kedarnath from Rishikesh used to be via Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni, and Ukhimath. However, now, there is Rishikesh to Kedarnath new road that has made the journey more accessible and convenient for the pilgrims. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the new road from Rishikesh to Kedarnath.
Getting to Rishikesh from New Delhi
Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. Rishikesh is located at a distance of approximately 240 kilometers from New Delhi and can be reached via road, rail, and air.
By Road: Rishikesh is well connected to New Delhi by road. You can take a taxi or a bus from new Delhi to Rishikesh . The journey takes around 6–7 hours, depending on the traffic.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Rishikesh is Haridwar Junction, which is located at a distance of approximately 25 kilometers. You can take a train from New Delhi to Haridwar Junction and then take a taxi or a bus to Rishikesh.
By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located at a distance of approximately 20 kilometers. There are daily flights from New Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Rishikesh.There is no direct flights from Delhi to Rishikesh .
Rishikesh to Kedarnath New Road
The new road from Rishikesh to Kedarnath is a 150-kilometer stretch that has been built to make the journey to Kedarnath more accessible and convenient for the pilgrims. The road is well-maintained and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas throughout the journey.
The new road starts from Rishikesh and passes through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni, Tilwara, and Gaurikund, before finally reaching Kedarnath. The road is open from April to November and is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
The journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath via the new road takes around 8–9 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The road is narrow and winding, and there are several hairpin bends along the way, which makes it a challenging and thrilling journey.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from April to November, when the weather is pleasant and the road is open. The monsoon season starts in July and continues till September, and during this time, the road can become slippery and dangerous. It is advisable to avoid traveling during the monsoon season.
