The most affordable way to see Kedarnath and Badrinath: book a single seat on a group coach from Haridwar, share the road with fellow pilgrims, and let us handle hotels, meals and the route.
On a bus yatra you do not hire a vehicle; you buy a seat. A group of pilgrims, many of whom have never met, travels together on a fixed date in a coach or large Tempo Traveller, staying in the same budget hotels and following one shared timetable. Because the cost of the vehicle, driver and fuel is split across many people, the price per head drops far below that of a private car.
Our Do Dham bus tour runs from Haridwar to Haridwar in 5 nights and 6 days, on set departure dates through the season. It suits solo travellers, couples on a tight budget, retired pilgrims who enjoy company, and anyone who prefers someone else to handle every detail. If you want flexibility instead, a private car is the better fit.
2027 estimates. Bus seat and package prices depend on the departure date and hotels; the Tempo Traveller price is per vehicle and excludes hotels and meals.
Choose the bus if cost matters most, you are travelling alone or as a couple, and you are happy with a fixed timetable.
Choose a private car if you have elders, want to stop when you like, or need to fit around IRCTC helicopter dates.
Choose your own Tempo Traveller if your family or society group already has ten to twelve people; see Char Dham by Tempo Traveller.
What travelling by coach is really like
Mountain roads in Garhwal are narrow and winding, and a coach moves more slowly than a car, especially on the climb past Rudraprayag and the ridge road at Ukhimath. Drivers on this route are hill specialists who know where to pause and how to handle oncoming traffic. Expect each hill day to be an hour or two longer than in a private car, with fixed halts for tea and meals rather than stops on request.
The upside is company. Pilgrims share bhajans on the road, help each other on the trek and swap stories over dinner. For many solo travellers and elderly couples this companionship is the best part of the yatra. Seats near the front are the most comfortable on the bends; early bookers get first choice. If you would rather travel only with your own family, compare our Do Dham package from Haridwar or the Kedarnath–Badrinath tour from Haridwar.
Bus itinerary: Haridwar to Haridwar
Day 1
Departure from Haridwar
200 km8–9 hours by coachNight: Guptkashi
The group gathers at the meeting point in Haridwar early in the morning, and our team checks registrations and seat numbers before boarding. The coach climbs past Rishikesh to Devprayag and stops for lunch at Rudraprayag. Coaches are slower than cars on the bends, so expect to reach Guptkashi around dusk. Rooms are allotted on arrival.
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Day 2
Sonprayag and the Kedarnath trek
30 km + 16 kmFull dayNight: Kedarnath
The coach drops the group at Sonprayag parking, the closest point for large vehicles. From there it is the shared jeep to Gaurikund and the 16 km trail. Everyone climbs at their own pace, by foot, pony or palki, and meets at the hotel near the temple. Anyone with IRCTC shuttle tickets flies and rejoins the group at Kedarnath.
Day 3
Darshan and return to the coach
16 km + 30 kmFull dayNight: Guptkashi
Early darshan, then a fixed meeting time at Sonprayag in the afternoon. Since the coach cannot leave until everyone is back, keep an eye on the clock during the descent. The group returns to Guptkashi for dinner.
Day 4
Guptkashi to Badrinath
200 km9–10 hours by coachNight: Badrinath
The longest coach day, crossing Ukhimath and the Chopta forests to the Alaknanda. Regular halts for tea and lunch break the journey. The coach reaches Badrinath in the evening, with time for the Tapt Kund if the group arrives early.
Day 5
Badrinath darshan and Mana
About 160 km7–8 hoursNight: Rudraprayag / Srinagar
Morning darshan, then a short visit to Mana village. The group sets off down the valley around midday, stopping at the Prayag confluences on the way. Overnight in Rudraprayag or Srinagar Garhwal.
Day 6
Return to Haridwar
About 165 km7–8 hoursNight: Tour ends
The coach descends past Devprayag and Rishikesh and reaches Haridwar in the afternoon. The tour ends at the original meeting point. Book onward trains for the evening or the next day.
Coming from Delhi? Join the bus in Haridwar by taking a morning train or bus from Delhi the day before. Ask us about a Haridwar hotel night on arrival.
What your seat includes
Included
Seat in a coach or large Tempo Traveller from Haridwar and back
5 nights in budget hotels on twin, triple or quad sharing
Breakfast and dinner
Fuel, tolls, parking and permits
Help with yatra registration
Phone support throughout
Not included
Travel to Haridwar
Helicopter, pony, palki or pithoo
Sonprayag–Gaurikund shared jeep
Lunch, snacks and bottled water
Puja and VIP darshan
Single room supplement
Extra nights due to landslides
Exact inclusions and hotel list are confirmed for each departure. Solo travellers share rooms with same-gender pilgrims unless they choose a single room at extra cost.
Tips for travelling on a group bus
Pack light: one medium bag plus a small day pack; luggage space is shared.
Keep to time: the whole group waits for latecomers, especially at Sonprayag.
Motion sickness: sit near the front and carry tablets; hill bends are constant.
What is the cheapest way to do Kedarnath and Badrinath?
A seat in our group coach from Haridwar, estimated from ₹9,500 per seat for 2027 with budget hotels and two meals a day. Compare with the cheapest Char Dham package if you want all four shrines.
Does the bus go to Gaurikund?
No. Large vehicles stop at Sonprayag. From there a shared jeep runs 5 km to Gaurikund, where the trek begins. The jeep fare is paid on the spot.
Can a solo woman join the bus yatra?
Yes. Many solo travellers join group departures. Rooms are shared with other women travellers, or you can ask for a single room at extra cost.
Are there departures in October?
Yes, departures run in the post-monsoon season as well as May–June. Ask for the current list.
What if I am slow on the Kedarnath trek?
You climb at your own pace and the group meets at the Kedarnath hotel. On the way down, a pony is a good option if you are worried about reaching Sonprayag by the meeting time.
Can my family book the whole bus?
Yes. A private group coach or Tempo Traveller can be arranged for families and societies on dates of your choice. Vehicle prices are quoted separately.
