Why Renting a Bike is Better Than a Taxi for Kedarnath Dham
History, Legends and Pilgrimage Importance of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath’s history is deeply connected to Hindu stories. It is said that after the Mahabharata war, the five Pandava brothers wanted to wash away their sins by finding Lord Shiva. According to the local belief, Shiva changed himself into a bull to hide from them. Bhima, one of the Pandavas, recognized the bull as Shiva, but when he tried to catch it, Shiva disappeared into the ground, leaving different parts of the bull’s body in five places in the Himalayas. The hump of the bull appeared at Kedarnath, and the Pandavas built a temple there to worship Shiva. These five temples (Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar) are together called the Panch Kedar. Kedarnath is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva and the first stop of the Char Dham pilgrimage in North India.
The present stone temple was rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Since then, it has been an important holy place. Pilgrims believe that visiting Kedarnath before the other Char Dhams (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath) brings good fortune. After completing the Panch Kedar, they usually visit Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu) to finish the yatra. The temple’s faraway location and tough journey have made it even more special and spiritually important.
Where is Kedarnath Located?
Kedarnath is a holy town high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, at 3,583 meters above sea level. It is in Rudraprayag district, on the banks of the Mandakini River, about 223 km from Rishikesh. Kedarnath is one of the four Char Dham temples of Uttarakhand and also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva, so it attracts pilgrims from across India. Because it is in a remote area, people can reach it only by walking (a trek of about 16 km from Gaurikund) or by helicopter. By road, the last place where vehicles can go is Sonprayag (near Gaurikund), around 212 km from Rishikesh. Most visitors start their journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar, travel by road to Sonprayag/Gaurikund, and then begin the mountain walk.
Interesting Facts about the Kedarnath Temple
- Elevation: At 3,583 m (11,755 ft) Kedarnath is higher than most temples in India.
- Jyotirlinga: It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva – indeed the highest of the 12.
- Seasonal Opening: Due to heavy snow, Kedarnath Temple is open only April–November each year. In winter the Shiva linga is carried down to Ukhimath (Chopta) for worship.
- Survived 2013 Floods: The 2013 flash floods devastated the Kedarnath valley, but the temple itself was miraculously spared major damage. A huge rock is credited with shielding the sanctum.
- Golden Sanctum: In October 2022, the temple’s inner sanctum was plated with 550 layers of gold, giving Kedarnath a new golden sheen. This restoration was completed under ASI supervision
Road Conditions from Rishikesh to Sonprayag
The road from Rishikesh to Sonprayag (the last point before the Kedarnath trek) goes through steep Himalayan mountains. Most of the road is paved and suitable for cars and bikes, but some parts can be slow. Because of the Char Dham Highway project (NH-58 work), there can be roadblocks or diversions. Landslides often happen in the monsoon, especially near Tilwara and Sonprayag, which may cause short closures. In normal weather, the 212–223 km journey takes about 8–10 hours by car or bike. (Note: vehicles must be parked at Sonprayag, as private vehicles cannot go beyond the gate to Gaurikund.) It’s better to start early because the mountain roads are narrow and traffic is common. As one guide said, “the road from Rishikesh is mostly fine for driving. Narrow parts near Tilwara and Sonprayag may get blocked during rains.” In reality, traffic and road work often make the trip longer.
Complete New Trek Route Map to Kedarnath
The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund to the temple is about 16–17 km long and was changed after the 2013 floods. From Gaurikund, pilgrims first reach the Rambara Bridge area (around 7 km), then pass stops like Jungal Chatti and Bheembali. After that, the trek goes another 4 km to Linchauli, then 3–4 km more to the Kedarnath Base Camp (this is the last point for horses and porters). From Base Camp, it’s another 2–3 km walk to the temple. The route follows the Mandakini river valley and has rest huts, drinking water taps, and medical help spots. Trekkers should carry warm clothes and water, but horses, ponies, and palkis (carried seats) are available for hire. For those who don’t want to trek, there are also helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun.
Why Renting a Bike Beats Taking a Taxi for Kedarnath
- Cost-Effective: Renting a bike in Rishikesh is much cheaper than hiring a private taxi or shared cab. Daily bike rental rates start around ₹1000–₹1500 for basic scooters or motorcycles (even adventure bikes ₹800/day). In contrast, a one-way private car/taxi from Rishikesh to Sonprayag can cost several thousand rupees. For budget travelers, splitting a bike rental or taking one bike is often far more economical.
- Freedom & Flexibility: On a rented bike you set your own pace. You can stop for tea and photos at scenic points (e.g. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, or riverside spots) without waiting on a driver’s schedule. As one travel blogger notes, bikes “allow travelers to explore the region at their own pace,” giving access to remote spots that other vehicles can’t reach. Cabs usually stick to the main route and timetable, whereas a bike lets you detour on spur roads or take breaks whenever you wish.
- Thrill & Adventure: For adventurous pilgrims or groups of friends, riding the hilly roads is part of the experience. A sturdy motorcycle (e.g. a Royal Enfield Himalayan) or rugged scooter handles the ghat roads well. The journey becomes a mini-adventure – feeling the mountain air and taking in panoramic views. In fact, guides specifically recommend biking to Kedarnath: “renting a bike is an excellent way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kedarnath…with the freedom to explore at their own pace”. (Solo travelers and couples often enjoy this thrill; large families might prefer a more sedate car ride)
- Avoid Taxi Hassles: Shared taxis in the Kedarnath region run on fixed schedules and can fill up quickly during peak season. In bad weather, shared cabs/buses can be delayed or cancelled. By contrast, a self-drive bike means you’re in control: you can ride out small traffic snarls or park when needed. Even narrow, rocky stretches are often easier on two wheels. As one Uttarakhand travel guide advises, small cars or sedans may struggle on these roads, whereas personal vehicles (like bikes or SUVs) with good ground clearance are “safer and more flexible” for the Kedarnath route.
- Local Rental Support – UK Diaries: In Rishikesh there are reputable rental shops geared to hill travel. UK Diaries is one such top-rated outfitter, offering well-maintained bikes for Char Dham tours. They emphasize safety and budget-friendly service; their website boasts over 7,000 satisfied customers in rafting and bike rentals. Renting from a place like UK Diaries means getting Himalayan-ready bikes (with good brakes and suspension) plus advice from local experts. With a reliable rental, you enjoy the freedom of two wheels while having backup support in Rishikesh.
UK Diaries: Rishikesh Bike Rental Service
Book your Kedarnath Bike Tour with UK Diaries and enjoy one of Uttarakhand’s most famous pilgrimages in an exciting way. The trip starts from Rishikesh, where riders travel through beautiful mountain roads, passing Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi while enjoying amazing views of rivers and snow-covered peaks. The ride goes up to Sonprayag, the last place where bikes can reach. From here, riders park their bikes and continue the holy walk to the Kedarnath Temple. On the way, you will see the joining of holy rivers, peaceful mountain villages, and thick pine forests. This tour mixes faith with adventure, as you ride on curvy mountain roads surrounded by the grand Garhwal Himalayas. With UK Diaries’ trusted bikes and local knowledge, your Kedarnath trip becomes smooth, safe, and memorable—bringing together the joy of biking with the blessings of the Char Dham journey.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to go to Kedarnath by bike?
Yes, you can ride a bike from Rishikesh to Sonprayag (around 212 km). From there, private vehicles are not allowed beyond the checkpoint. You need to park your bike at Sonprayag and continue to Gaurikund by local shuttle, followed by a trek (16 km) to Kedarnath Temple.
2. How long does it take to reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh on a bike?
On average, the ride from Rishikesh to Sonprayag takes 8–10 hours depending on road conditions, traffic, and stops along the way.
3. Is the road safe for bikers?
Yes, the route is mostly safe and motorable, but it involves steep mountain roads, sharp turns, and possible landslides during the monsoon. Riding experience in hill terrain is highly recommended.
4. Which bike is best for the Kedarnath trip?
For comfort and safety on Himalayan roads, Royal Enfield Classic, Himalayan, or a sturdy 200+ cc bike is best. Scooters are fine for experienced riders, but higher CC bikes handle uphill climbs better.
5. Can beginners ride to Kedarnath on a rented bike?
Beginners can attempt it, but only if they are confident in handling mountain roads. If you’re new to hill riding, it’s better to travel with an experienced rider.
6. Do I need permits to ride to Kedarnath?
No special permit is required for bikes up to Sonprayag. However, parking is regulated there, and you must take the local shuttle service to Gaurikund before starting the trek.
7. What’s the best time to go on a Kedarnath Bike Tour?
The temple is open from April/May to November. The best riding months are May–June and September–October, when the weather is clear and the roads are safer.
8. Why choose UK Diaries for Kedarnath Bike Rental?
UK Diaries provides well-maintained bikes, affordable rental plans, helmets, and local guidance. Their expertise in Uttarakhand’s terrain ensures a smooth and reliable biking experience.