Daily Bus Service to Kedarnath from Haridwar by GMOU & Himgiri
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations! A highly revered site, it draws pilgrims in the range of tens of thousands every year. To reach here, most devotees begin their journey from Haridwar, a hub for the Chardham circuit. And to avail an affordable travel, many opt for bus trips. And there are two main bus services to Kedarnath from Haridwar, namely, GMOU and Himgiri. They both provide safe and reliable services and are highly sought-after! Read on to find all about the daily bus service to Kedarnath from Haridwar.
The Route from Haridwar to Kedarnath
When you take a bus from Haridwar en route to Kedarnath, it can only drop you up to Sonprayag, the last point up to which vehicles can go. Beyond it, you have to take shared jeeps to reach Gaurikund – a 5 km distance. From here on, you can trek or take a Palki service to reach the Kedarnath shrine (about 16 km).
Here’s the route map:
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
The total distance from Haridwar to Sonprayag is about 240 km and takes about 10-12 hours (trekking time excluded).
About Daily Bus Service to Kedarnath from Haridwar
There are two main bus services that you can rely on for your Haridwar departure:
GMOU (Garhwal Motor Owners Union) Operator
GMOU is a trusted, government-run operator that mainly has bus operations in the Garhwal region. They are known for daily bus services, economic prices, and skilled drivers who are familiar with mountain terrain.
Himgiri Bus Service
Unlike GMOU, Himgiri is a private operator that runs buses along the pilgrimage routes in Uttarakhand. From standard to semi-deluxe buses, they provide it all! The bus operator prides itself on timely departures and good seating.
Why Choose GMOU/Himgiri Buses?
- They are budget-friendly and can lead you to your destination safely without costing you a fortune.
- They are highly frequent, especially during the peak season. In fact, GMOU runs its buses on a daily basis once the pilgrimage season begins.
- You get basic seating which is comfortable enough for the whole trip.
- They provide you with the assurance of timely and reliable services.
Bus Amenities
Although the buses are basic and not deluxe or anything fancy, you can still expect features like:
- Push-back or standard seating, depending on the bus
- Luggage space under the bus
- Music or Bhajans are played during the journey
- Regular rest stops for enjoying food
A word of advice! As the buses are not luxurious, don’t expect them to provide you with services like travel pillow or snacks. Carry your own essentials like water, tissues, power banks, etc.
How to Book Tickets?
Offline Booking
- You can get your tickets near Haridwar Bus Stand itself, as there’s a GMOU bus counter established there.
- Come early as the tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Online Booking
- The online booking is available only for the Himgiri buses. GMOU buses only allow walk-in bookings.
- You can book via local travel agents or private portals.
- Himgiri services are also listed on the RedBus or Yatra websites.
Haridwar-Kedarnath Bus Schedule
This everyday service between Haridwar – Kedarnath will leave at the following times:
| GMOU Bus Service | |
|---|---|
| Departure Time – 5:15 am | Reach Gaurikund – 12 noon |
| Himgiri Bus Service | |
|---|---|
| Departure time – 7:10 am | Reach Gaurikund – 2:00 PM |
NOTE:
- This Kedarnath bus service is only available for the Char Dham season i.e. from April to October.
- The bus service from Sonprayag to Ukhimath, however, is available throughout the year.
Travel Tips for Passengers
Keep in mind the following for a smooth and safe journey:
- As the buses are in high demand, they quickly fill up, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. Make sure you reach the bus stand early, probably around 4:30 AM.
- As the weather is quite cold in the hilly areas, make sure you pack all the warm clothes. In addition, also carry essentials like ID proof, torch, and medicines.
- As the journey is long, it’s wise to keep snacks and food with you as well as a water bottle.
- Pre-book your hotel in Guptkashi or Sonprayag beforehand.
- Avoid eating heavy meals.
Bus Services Resumed after a Long Time!
After the devastating floods in 2013 destroyed all the existing routes to Kedarnath, the travel to the Dham came to a halt. However, four years later, in 2017, the bus service was resumed. The GMOU, along with Himgiri bus services, began a direct bus service to Kedarnath starting from Haridwar. These two will run at separate timings, offering a broader window to the devotees for travel.
Conclusion
The bus ride with GMOU and Himgiri has considerably reduced the travel hassles for the pilgrims. With their comfortable seating and timely & reliable services, they have emerged as a top mode of transport. Moreover, with their pocket-friendly rates, bus service to Kedarnath from Haridwar is widely considered as a dependable option. Whether you’re going solo or traveling in a big family group, they serve as a fine choice for the pilgrimage!
