If you are planning to ride from Rishikesh to Kedarnath or Badrinath on a rented bike, the first thing to understand is that these are multi-day Himalayan trips that require the right vehicle, enough days in hand, and a little advance preparation. We rent two bikes that are genuinely suited to Char Dham routes — the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on rent and the TVS Apache 160 on rent. The Honda Activa is not given out for these long hill routes. This post covers how to rent and what to plan; for the detailed road guide see our Rishikesh to Kedarnath by bike route guide.
Which Bike for Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Both the Hunter 350 and the Apache 160 can handle the Char Dham highway. Here is the honest difference:
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — 350cc, ~30 kmpl, 5-speed geared. More comfortable for a long day in the saddle, especially with a pillion and luggage. The engine pulls strongly at altitude.
- TVS Apache RTR 160 — 160cc, ~35 kmpl, 5-speed geared. Lighter and more fuel-efficient, easier to manoeuvre on narrow stretches. A good choice for a solo confident rider or a shorter trip.
We do not give the Honda Activa 125 for Chopta, Kedarnath or Badrinath. The Activa is an automatic scooty built for town and short hill runs — it is not the right vehicle for the sustained climbs on these routes.
How Many Days Should You Book?
Kedarnath is about 220 km from Rishikesh to Sonprayag/Gaurikund (private vehicles stop at Sonprayag; a shuttle covers the last 5 km to Gaurikund), and then a 16 km trek to the temple. Badrinath is further still, passing through Rudraprayag (143 km from Rishikesh, roughly 5–6 hours by bike) and then on to Joshimath and Badrinath.
Plan rest days. Riding 8–10 hours every day through mountain roads is exhausting and not safe. Kedarnath is not a one-day ride: getting to Sonprayag takes most of two riding days, the trek needs a day up and a day down, and the ride back takes as long again. Adding Badrinath adds several more days. From day 4 onward, our daily rate drops by 10%, which makes a longer booking easier on the budget. For 30 or more days, the discount is 30%.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will quote you the exact long-route price — these trips cost more than town rates.
Yatra Registration Is Required
The Uttarakhand government requires pilgrims to register on the official Char Dham Yatra portal before visiting Kedarnath or Badrinath. Complete this online before you ride — registration may be required at checkpoints on the route. We cannot do this for you; please check the official portal and register in advance.
Documents, Deposit and Helmets
Bring your original driving licence and Aadhaar. Foreign riders need a passport and an International Driving Permit with their home-country licence. At pickup you pay the rent for the full booking period plus a refundable deposit of ₹1,000 per vehicle. We also take a ₹500 advance at the time of booking to hold your dates. Both helmets — rider and pillion — are included free.
Fuel Planning on the Route
Fuel up in towns along the way. The bike leaves our shop with starter petrol enough to reach the pump about 500 m away — fill up there before heading out. On the Char Dham highway there are petrol stations in larger towns, but gaps between them can be long, especially beyond Rudraprayag. Do not rely on finding a pump whenever you need one; fill up whenever you see one.
Temple Closure: Plan Your Dates
Kedarnath temple closes for winter on Bhai Dooj — in 2026 that is 11 November. Badrinath also closes for winter in November. Check the official closing announcement for exact dates before you finalise your ride. Festival and peak-season dates cost more to rent — ask for the exact price when you message us.
Return Timing
On the last day of your rental, return the bike by 8 PM. After that, a late fee of ₹100 per hour applies. If you are riding back from Rudraprayag or further, start early enough to reach Rishikesh well before evening. See also our post on Rishikesh to Rudraprayag by bike for the road breakdown, and bike rent in Rudraprayag for that stretch of the ride. Pick-up and return are at our shop in Shyampur, Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Activa to Kedarnath?
No. We do not give the Activa for long hill routes such as Kedarnath, Chopta or Badrinath. These routes require a geared bike. Choose the Hunter 350 or the Apache 160.
How much does a long-route rental cost?
More than our from-rates. Around Rishikesh the Apache starts from ₹800/day and the Hunter from ₹1000/day; long hill routes, weekends and peak season are priced higher, and 10% comes off from day 4. Send us your dates and route on WhatsApp and we will give you the exact trip price.
Do I need to register for the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. The Uttarakhand government requires pilgrims to register on the official Char Dham Yatra portal. Complete registration before your ride — checkpoints on the route may ask for it.
What is the deposit amount?
A refundable deposit of ₹1,000 per vehicle is collected at pickup, along with the rent. A ₹500 advance is taken at booking to hold your dates. The deposit is refunded when you return the bike.
