Kanwar Yatra 2026: Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri & Sultanganj to Augharnath Temple - Route and Travel Guide

This annually pilgrimage, throughout the month of Shravan, witnesses hordes of thousands of kanwariyas travelling on their feet from the Ganga and carrying holy water all across North India to Shiva temples. The Augharnath Temple is the largest one, and the journeys leading to the temple from respective sources like Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri or Sultanganj all boast of separate stories, distances and ordeals. Herein, lies the general distance and path of their walking journey and what to do when the need arises for one of them and another person has to arrange for a taxi:

What is the Kanwar Yatra and why the Augharnath Temple?

In simple terms, kanwariyas collected water form the Ganga. This is carried to a nearby Shiva temple placed upon a beautifully decorated wooden bamboo. The Augharnath Temple is a major Shiva temple located in Western UP.

During every Shravan many kanwariyas throng to this temple in large numbers and fill their kanwars with Ganga water and offer their water to Shiva in the Augharnath temple.

It is due to the significance of this temple and easy accessibility from Haridwar and Delhi that it turns into one of the busiest destinations during the month of Shravan. Need a cab to Haridwar before starting your Kanwar Yatra?

Popular Kanwar Yatra Routes to Augharnath Temple in 2026

Usually, the kanwariyas choose from among the given four sources depending upon the places of their origin, fitness level as well as the time in hand.

Distance and Walking Route from Haridwar (Har Ki Pauri) to Augharnath Temple:

This route is chosen by the majority of people from Delhi-NCR, Meerut, Western UP etc. The starting point of this route is at Har Ki Pauri at Haridwar where kanwars obtain the water to carry to the temple.

• It's about 110-125 km on foot, depending on the exact way you go.
• Most groups take 3 to 5 days, depending on how much they rest and how fast they walk.
• You go through Roorkee, Muzaffarnagar, and then into Meerut city for the temple.
• Along the way, there are camps run by the government and volunteers. They've got food, medical aid, and rest spots during busy Shravan days.

Since so many people walk this route, expect road closures and traffic changes on the main highways during the last two weeks of Shravan. If you're driving or getting a taxi for family, really check local traffic first.

Gaumukh and Gangotri to Haridwar: The Longer, High-Altitude Trail

Some Kanwariyas, a smaller but really dedicated bunch, like to go all the way back to where the Ganga river starts, up at the Gaumukh glacier near Gangotri in Uttarakhand. This path is way tougher and takes longer than starting from Haridwar.

• First, it's about 18 km of trekking through the Himalayas from Gaumukh to Gangotri. Most people do this in a day or two, stopping overnight at a place called Bhojwasa.
• Then, getting from Gangotri to Haridwar is a much longer trip, roughly 250 km by road. They usually grab a bus, share a taxi, or get a private car for this part, not walk it. Too much mountain stuff.
• Once they hit Haridwar, they join up with the regular walking route that heads to Augharnath Temple.

Because Gangotri is so high up and the roads there aren't great, plus weather can shut things down, a lot of pilgrims who start at Gaumukh end up taking a cab for the Gangotri-to-Haridwar bit, rather than trying to walk the whole thing.

Sultanganj to Deoghar Route: For Kanwariyas Travelling from Bihar

There's another really well-known route for Kanwariyas coming from Bihar and nearby Jharkhand. It goes from Sultanganj to Deoghar. People who try to do this whole stretch without stopping at all call it the Dak Bam or Dak Kanwar route.

• The distance is about 105 to 108 km. The Ganga river is actually flowing the 'correct' way at Sultanganj there, which is important.
• Regular walkers usually take 3 to 5 days, stopping at camps.
• But the Dak Bams try to bang it all out in one go, sometimes finishing in less than 24 hours.

I'm mentioning this route to Deoghar even though it's not Augharnath Temple because people still look for it for Kanwar trips. The main things to remember are timing, staying hydrated, and having a backup ride; it's the same for any route.

Traditional Walking Route: What Kanwariyas Should Expect on Foot

Most Kanwariyas feel like walking the main part of the yatra is actually part of the spiritual practice. So, they'll walk at least the core section. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to walk.

• Pros might hike 25 to 35 km daily. First-timers should plan for shorter walks, maybe 15 to 20 km.
• You'll find rest camps, called shivirs, spread out pretty regularly along the main highway and connecting roads. They're usually set up during the Shravan festival with water, food, and basic first-aid.
• Your broken-in shoes and drinking water are way more important than speed, especially in humid Shravan.
• Traveling with others, like in a dak or dandi kanwar group, is safer than going solo, especially if you're walking at night.

Kanwar Yatra by Taxi: Cab Booking Guide for Families and Support Travel

Not every Kanwariya walks the whole way, even if they're with family. Some people grab a cab or taxi instead of walking all the way. It's pretty normal for families to mix walking with car travel. They'll drive some people, hang out with the luggage, or pick up stragglers. Booking a cab beforehand is really useful here.

Why Book a Cab During the Kanwar Mela

• Roads have diversions and one-way rules near Haridwar, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar when Shravan is busy. Trying to get a taxi last minute is a total gamble.
• Booking ahead lets you lock in your pickup spot, where you want to be dropped off near Augharnath Temple, and roughly what time you'll travel.
• You also avoid the price hikes that happen with on-the-spot bookings during the Mela.
• If you have older family members, kids, or anyone with health issues joining for part of the trip, a dependable cab is a much safer bet than the whole walk.

One-Way and Round-Trip Cabs for Kanwar Yatra

You can book a one-way taxi drop, like from Delhi or Meerut to Haridwar so you start walking fresh. Families can also book a ride back after a water ritual at Har Ki Pauri. Or get a taxi for several days, following the route and meeting pilgrims where planned. Check the vehicle size for Kanwar supplies and if the driver knows about seasonal road changes before booking, it cuts down on crap later.

When to Start Your Kanwar Yatra in 2026

Most Kanwariyas start walking in the first few days of the Shravan month. They want to get to their home temple, including Augharnath Temple, before Shivratri or the last Shravan Somwar. Starting earlier in the month, not the last week, usually means fewer people, more space at rest camps, and fewer road restrictions. It's something to think about if your travel dates are flexible.

Essential Tips for Kanwar Yatris and Travelling Families

• Check state government and local police advisories for route diversions before starting your journey, since these change year to year.
• Carry a printed or saved copy of emergency contact numbers, nearby hospitals, and shivir locations along your chosen route.
• If arranging a cab to meet a walking group midway, confirm mobile network coverage at the pickup point as some rural stretches have patchy signal during peak rush.
• Keep a change of clothes, basic first-aid, and rehydration salts on hand, whether you're walking or travelling by taxi in support.
• Book your return cab or taxi in advance for the days immediately after major Shravan Somwars, when demand peaks sharply.

Plan Your Kanwar Yatra Travel with CabBazar

For taxi booking or cab booking to Haridwar, Gangotri, or Sultanganj during the Kanwar Yatra season, CabBazar is a booking partner. One-way drops, round-trip cabs, and outstation taxi service are provided along the route, including drivers with knowledge of Shravan-season diversions, particularly near Har Ki Pauri and Augharnath Temple. Booking in advance can help avoid last-minute price hikes and ensure pickup and drop points as you head into the Kanwar Yatra 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

On the walking route to Kanwar Yatra, what is the distance from Haridwar to Augharnath Temple?

The walking path between Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and Augharnath Temple in Meerut typically spans between 110-125 km, depending on the pathway chosen and typically takes 3-5 days to complete walking.
Can I book a taxi to cover just a part of my Kanwar Yatra, rather than walking all of the way?

Yes, It is a common occurrence for pilgrims to walk through the central stretches and then take cabs or taxis for the connecting parts (especially on the relatively long distance from Gangotri to Haridwar or if there are accompanying relatives who aren't carrying the kanwar themselves).

Does the route between Sultanganj to Deoghar have any relation with Augharnath Temple?

No, the route from Sultanganj to Deoghar is to Baba Baidyanath Temple, and this is a different Kanwar path followed mainly by devotees from the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. This route is included since the nature of route planning and safety awareness for traveling is similar to the one for the route going to Augharnath Temple from Haridwar.

When is the best time to book cabs for the Kanwar Mela period?

It is recommended to book the cab at least a few days in advance and preferably before the first Shravan Somwar. Availability decreases, and prices rise at the rate of 20-30 percent per day over the last two weeks of Shravan due to the traffic diversions and high demand.