How To Reach Ukhimath?

To reach Ukhimath, the most common method is by road. Ukhimath is 180 km from Rishikesh (6-7 hours) and 200 km from Haridwar (7-8 hours). The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the station or airport, you must hire a taxi or take a bus. There is no direct train or commercial airport in Ukhimath. It serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath at the Omkareshwar Temple.

As someone who has spent over a decade in the folds of these mountains, I can tell you that Ukhimath is not just another stop on the map. It is the very soul of the Kedarnath region. While Guptkashi bustles with the logistics of the Yatra, and Chopta dazzles with its meadows, Ukhimath remains the spiritual heart, the ancient ‘Gaddi Sthal’ (winter seat) where Lord Kedarnath himself resides for six months.

Especially now, in early November 2025, this town is the center of the universe for devotees. The sacred doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath has just completed its journey from the main temple, and the Kapat (doors) of the Omkareshwar Temple are now open for the winter puja. The air here is not just cold; it’s thick with devotion, chants, and the ringing of temple bells.

Why Ukhimath? Understanding Your Destination

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Reaching Ukhimath is a pilgrimage in itself. The town is famous for three primary reasons, and your journey will be shaped by which of these calls to you.

1. The Spiritual Heart (The Winter Seat): Ukhimath’s main identity is as the Gaddi Sthal (throne) for Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheshwar. From November to April, when the main temples are buried in snow, the deities are worshipped right here at the ancient Omkareshwar Temple. The town’s original name, ‘Ushamath’, comes from the legend of the wedding of Usha (daughter of Banasur) and Aniruddha (grandson of Lord Krishna), which is said to have taken place here.

2. The Trekker’s Gateway (The Hub): For adventurers, Ukhimath is the perfect, quiet base camp. It is the crossroads for some of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand:

   • Chopta & Tungnath: The “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” (Chopta) and the highest Shiva temple in the world (Tungnath) are just a 45-50 km drive away.

   • Deoria Tal: A stunning high-altitude lake with mesmerizing reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks. The trek for Deoria Tal starts from the nearby village of Sari.

   • Madhyamaheshwar (The Second Kedar): The trek to the ‘navel’ of Lord Shiva often begins with Ukhimath as the starting point.

3. The Kedarnath Yatra Base (The Logistics): During the main Yatra season (May-October), pilgrims often ask me where to stay. While Guptkashi and Phata are busy with helicopter bookings, I often recommend Ukhimath. It is just a 15-20 minute drive (13-17 km) from Guptkashi, yet it’s quieter, more spiritual, and offers a more authentic Garhwali experience.

How To Go Ukhimath by Road (The Definitive Guide)

This is the most common, most reliable, and most scenic way to reach Ukhimath. The roads in Uttarakhand, especially the main NH-7 (formerly NH-58), are well-maintained, and the journey is a spectacular experience.

The Primary Route: From Rishikesh/Haridwar (180-200 km)

This is the classic pilgrimage route, following the holy rivers into the mountains. The entire journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and how many stops you make for chai and photos.

Rishikesh to Devprayag (Approx. 74 km) You leave the plains and enter the Shivalik hills. The road winds along the turquoise Ganga. Your first major spiritual stop is Devprayag, the sacred confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to officially form the Holy Ganga.

Devprayag to Srinagar (Approx. 34 km) From Devprayag, you follow the Alaknanda River. Srinagar is the largest town in the Garhwal region and a good place to stop for a quick lunch or to withdraw cash from an ATM.

Srinagar to Rudraprayag (Approx. 33 km) This is another crucial stop. Rudraprayag is the district headquarters and the site of another holy confluence: the Alaknanda (coming from Badrinath) and the Mandakini (coming from Kedarnath). You will now leave the Alaknanda and follow the Mandakini valley.

Rudraprayag to Ukhimath (Approx. 45 km) This is the final and most beautiful leg. You will continue on the main Kedarnath highway (NH-107) towards Guptkashi. A few kilometers after the town of Kund, you will see a clear sign directing you to take a left turn, up a steep, winding road. This 10-12 km ascent takes you through dense forests and small villages, finally opening up to the main Ukhimath town, with the Omkareshwar temple at its center.

Your Travel Options by Road

You have four main choices for this road journey.

1. By Public Bus (The Budget Way)

• How: Several Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private buses leave from the Rishikesh and Haridwar bus stands every morning.

• Expert Tip: You must be early. Almost all buses for Ukhimath, Guptkashi, or Kund leave between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM. It is extremely difficult to find a bus in the afternoon. Look for buses heading to “Guptkashi” or “Sonprayag” and ask the conductor to drop you at the Ukhimath turn-off (near Kund), from where you can easily get a local shared jeep.

• Pros: Extremely cheap (₹300-₹500).

• Cons: Slowest option (8-10 hours), less comfortable, fixed schedule.

2. By Shared Taxi (The Local Way)

• How: This is the most common way for locals. These are typically Tata Sumos or Maxx jeeps. You won’t find a direct jeep. You will have to “break” your journey.

  • Route: Rishikesh -> Rudraprayag (take one jeep). Then, Rudraprayag -> Ukhimath (take another jeep).

• Pros: Faster than a bus, more authentic experience.

• Cons: Can be cramped (they fit 10-12 people), and you have to wait for the jeep to fill up at each stop.

3. By Private Taxi (The Recommended Way)

• How: This is the most comfortable and hassle-free option. You can hire a private cab from the taxi stands in Haridwar or Rishikesh, or pre-book one.

• Expert Tip: As a 10-year veteran, I always recommend this. Ask the driver to stop at Devprayag and Rudraprayag. The flexibility is worth the cost, especially if you are traveling with family or luggage.

• Pros: Fastest, safest, most comfortable. You can stop wherever you like.

• Cons: Most expensive (₹5,000 – ₹7,000 for a one-way drop).

4. By Self-Drive (The Adventurous Way)

• How: You can rent a car (with a “hill driving endorsement” on your license) and drive yourself.

• Expert Tips (Please Read):

  • Drive only in the daytime. The hills are dark and treacherous at night.

  • Fill your fuel tank in Rishikesh or Rudraprayag. Pumps are few and far between after that.

  • Honk at every blind turn. This is the number one rule of hill driving.

  • Give way to ascending traffic. It’s the law of the hills.

  • During monsoons, be aware of “Bouncing Rocks” (small falling stones) and landslide zones.

Roads from Other Key Locations

• Ukhimath to Guptkashi: A short 15-20 minute drive (13-17 km). They are like sister towns.

• UkhimTath to Chopta: A stunningly beautiful 1-1.5 hour drive (approx 45-50 km). Expert Note: This road can be blocked by heavy snow in peak winter (Jan-Feb).

• Ukhimath to Deoria Tal: You drive to Sari Village (about 30-40 minutes) and then trek 2.5 km.

How To Go Ukhimath By Train

Many pilgrims ask me, “How to go Ukhimath by train?” The answer is that you can’t reach Ukhimath directly by train, but you can get very close to the mountains.

The Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh

• Distance to Ukhimath: Approx. 180 km (6-7 hours by road).

• Details: Yog Nagari Rishikesh stations are the closest railheads. They have good connectivity with Delhi and other major cities. Once you arrive, you must proceed by road (as detailed in Section 1).

The Best Railway Station: Haridwar (HW)

• Distance to Ukhimath: Approx. 200 km (7-8 hours by road).

• Details: While Rishikesh is closer, I (and most experts) recommend Haridwar. Why? Connectivity. Haridwar is one of the largest railway hubs in North India. You will find direct trains from Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and almost every corner of the country. The frequency and options are far better.

• How to Proceed: Exit the Haridwar station, and you will find the main bus stand and taxi stand right outside. All road options to Ukhimath start here.

How To Go Ukhimath By Air

For those short on time or seeking more comfort, flying is a good option to start your journey.

The Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

• Distance to Ukhimath: Approx. 195-200 km (6-7 hours by road).

• Details: This is the only commercial airport in the Garhwal region. It is well-connected with daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major cities.

How to Proceed from Jolly Grant Airport (DED):

1. Direct Private Taxi (Fastest): As you exit the airport, you will find a prepaid taxi counter. You can hire a taxi to take you directly to Ukhimath. This is the fastest, most seamless, but also the most expensive option (₹6,000 – ₹8,000). We provide best taxi services in Uttarakhand. 

2. Taxi + Bus (Cheapest): Take a taxi from the airport to the Rishikesh ISBT (bus stand). This will cost you around ₹1,000. From there, follow the public bus instructions in Section 1. This is the most budget-friendly way if you fly in.

3. Book with a Tour Operator: A company (like Kedarnath Tourism) can arrange for a car to pick you up directly from your flight, which is often more reliable than haggling at the airport.

My Expert Tips from 10+ Years of Travel

• Best Time to Visit:

  • For Trekkers (Chopta/Deoria Tal): September to November. The skies are crystal clear, the views are spectacular, and the weather is perfect.

  • For Spiritual Seekers: November to March. This is when Lord Kedarnath is in Ukhimath. The town is quiet, draped in snow, and the spiritual energy of the Omkareshwar Temple is at its peak.

• Packing: You are in the high Himalayas. It is always cold at night.

  • Winter (Nov-Mar): Heavy woolens, thermal wear, down jackets, gloves, and caps are non-negotiable.

  • Summer (May-Jun): Light woolens for the day, a heavy jacket for the evening.

Let Us Guide You Home

Planning a journey into the high Himalayas can be overwhelming. You have to match bus timings, negotiate with taxi drivers, and find a good place to stay, all while dealing with uncertain weather.

At Kedarnath Tourism, we do more than just book trips; we craft sacred journeys. With our decade of on-ground experience, we can manage all the logistics for you. From arranging a reliable taxi from Haridwar, pre-booking a comfortable guesthouse in Ukhimath, to planning your day trips to Chopta and Deoria Tal, our team is here to ensure your pilgrimage is seamless, safe, and spiritually fulfilling.