Best time to travel from Ahmedabad
Gujarat's summer holidays (May) are the busiest period, and many groups travel then. Diwali vacation is another favourite. Kedarnath usually closes on Bhai Dooj, so Diwali-week trips need careful timing.
Ahmedabad has a direct overnight train to Haridwar and Rishikesh, the Yoga Express. That makes it one of the few far-away cities where rail travel to the yatra start point needs no change of train.
Gujarati family groups often travel in large numbers, with grandparents, children and extended family. They usually want pure vegetarian or Jain food. Jain meals (no onion or garlic) are possible in Haridwar and Rishikesh, but less so in the hills, so tell us about this when you book.
| Mode | Route | Time | Approx. fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Ahmedabad (AMD) → Dehradun (DED) The fastest option. Direct flights have operated on this route, so check current schedules. | About 2 hrs (direct when operating) | ₹4,000–10,000 |
| Train | Ahmedabad → Haridwar / Rishikesh (Yoga Express) Direct with no change, and very popular with Gujarati family groups. | About 26–30 hrs | ₹700–2,800 |
| Train | Ahmedabad → Delhi → Haridwar Faster than the direct train if you take a Rajdhani to Delhi. | About 14–16 hrs + 5 hrs | ₹1,200–4,000 |
Fares are approximate one-way, per-person estimates for the yatra season and change with booking date. Check current schedules on IRCTC and airline websites before booking.
Getting there
On the Yoga Express, board in Ahmedabad and reach Haridwar the next day. Rest overnight and start for Barkot the following morning. Flight travellers land at Dehradun and stay in Rishikesh before starting.
Day 1
About 210 km (7–8 hrs) via Mussoorie or Vikasnagar into the Yamuna valley.
Day 2
Drive to Janki Chatti, about 6 km trek (pony or palki available) to Yamunotri temple, return to Barkot.
Day 3
About 100 km. Evening visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple, Uttarkashi.
Day 4
Day trip to Gangotri via Harsil (about 100 km each way), return to Uttarkashi.
Day 5
Long drive (8–9 hrs) via Tehri and Srinagar to the Kedarnath base.
Day 6
Sonprayag → Gaurikund, then the 16–18 km trek to Kedarnath. Night stay at Kedarnath.
Day 7
Morning darshan, trek down to Gaurikund, drive back to the hotel.
Day 8
Via Chamoli and Joshimath. Evening darshan and Tapt Kund.
Day 9
Morning visit to Mana village, then descend towards Rudraprayag.
Day 10
Via Devprayag, the confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi form the Ganga.
Going home
Finish in Haridwar and board the return train, or fly back from Dehradun the next morning.
Gujarat's summer holidays (May) are the busiest period, and many groups travel then. Diwali vacation is another favourite. Kedarnath usually closes on Bhai Dooj, so Diwali-week trips need careful timing.
Your total has two parts: the Ahmedabad → Dehradun journey (see the fares above), and the Uttarakhand package covering vehicle, stays and meals for the circuit. The package cost depends on group size, hotel category and season, not on your home city.
Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Rajkot, Anand, Mehsana, Nadiad
Yes. The Yoga Express runs directly from Ahmedabad to Haridwar and Rishikesh. It takes about a day and a night.
Haridwar and Rishikesh have Gujarati and Jain bhojanalayas. In the hills, food is mostly simple North Indian vegetarian. Tell us your requirements and we will plan meals where possible.
Yes. Vadodara travellers can use the same trains or Vadodara airport. Rajkot and Saurashtra travellers usually connect via Ahmedabad.
11–12 days door to door with flights, or 12–13 days on the direct train.
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