The Ultimate Road Guide: Rishikesh to Karnaprayag
Most travelers zoom past Karnaprayag on their way to Badrinath, but the journey itself is spectacular. Whether you are driving your own car or taking a bus, this guide covers the 172 km stretch that connects the Yoga Capital to the City of Karna.
1. Distance & Time
- Total Distance: ~172 km (via NH-7, formerly NH-58).
- Driving Time: 5.5 to 7 hours.
- Note: The “All Weather Road” project has widened the lanes, significantly reducing travel time compared to 5 years ago. However, mountain traffic is unpredictable.
2. The Route Breakdown
The drive follows the Alaknanda River upstream. Here are the major milestones:
- Rishikesh: (0 km) – Start early (by 6:00 AM) to avoid traffic at Shivpuri.
- Devprayag: (74 km) – The birth of the Ganga. A great spot for a tea break.
- Srinagar: (105 km) – The largest town in Garhwal. Best for lunch and refueling.
- Rudraprayag: (137 km) – The busy junction where the Kedarnath road splits.
- Karnaprayag: (172 km) – Your destination.
3. Road Conditions & Safety (2025 Update)
Is the road safe? Generally, yes. The double-lane highway is smooth for 85% of the journey. However, you must be cautious at these specific zones:
- Sirobagad (Near Srinagar): Known as the “sinking zone.” This area is notorious for active landslides, even without rain. Drive quickly and do not stop for photos here.
- Atali Ganga (Near Kaudiyala): A prone zone for falling rocks during monsoons.
- Construction Zones: Watch for dust and diversions near the railway tunnel projects (Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line).
Pro Tip: Avoid night driving. The glare from oncoming trucks on blind curves makes it dangerous after 8:00 PM.
4. Best Places to Eat (Pit Stops)
Don’t settle for stale chips. Here is where the locals eat:
- Devprayag: Small Dhabas near the bridge offer fresh Aloo Parathas with a view of the Sangam.
- Srinagar: Vithal Restaurant (South Indian) and several Punjabi dhabas near the HNB Garhwal University area serve clean, hygienic meals.
- Rudraprayag Bypass: There are newer food courts coming up where you can get decent coffee and sandwiches.
5. Where to Stay?
If you reach late, don’t drive tired.
- Budget: Look for homestays in the main Karnaprayag market or there are many good stay options in Gauchar you can consider them also. Gauchar is just 10 Km before Karnaprayag.
- Comfort: The GMVN Tourist Rest House offers reliable rooms with the best views of the river.
Read Next: Once you arrive, use our Karnaprayag Sangam Guide to find the best parking spots and Aarti timings.
