Syalsaur, Uttarakhand | Kedarnath, Hills, Best Time to Visit, GVMN

Syalsaur, Kedarnath Overview

Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, a tributary of the Alokananda River, Syalsaur is about 160 km from Haridwar at an elevation of about 820 masl. A quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, Syalsaur is a budding tourist attraction that is presently saved from overcrowding footfall. Part of the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, in Northern India, this small village is also a haven for bird lovers.

The greenery and the liveliness present in the region urges you to spend a few nights here, specially if on your way to Kedarnath or Badrinath. The region is not very crowded and noisy except for the gushing sound of the river closeby. The GMVN Guest House here is the best accommodation for visiting tourists.

GVMN Tourist Rest House

Syalsaur also has the GMVN Tourist Rest House sponsored by the Government. An affordable option, the rest house is a fully equipped wooden cottage located right next to the Mandakini river.

The GMVN Tourist Rest House consists of 14 Deluxe Non-AC rooms and 4 Deluxe AC rooms attached with individual geysers as well. With an engaging and serene location in the vicinity, the rest house is quite hospitable and serves good food too. However, the restaurant here is completely vegetarian.

Best Time to Visit Syalsaur

October to April is the best time to visit Syalsaur as the weather is chilly and nature is at its best. Thus, allowing more exploration opportunities. However, we recommend you to avoid the monsoons, as transportation and even accommodation may be inconvenient. You can otherwise kayak in the Mandakini river during the other months.

How to Reach Syalsaur

The best option to reach Syalsaur is via road. You can easily book a car from Haridwar to Syalsaur while visiting Kedarnath or Badrinath. You may also choose to travel 206 km from Dehradun or 165 km from Rishikesh to reach Syalsaur. A well-connected roadway, hired cabs or personal cars is the best way to reach Syalsaur.

Facts & Tips

One of the major highlights of Syalsaur, the Mandakini River is mostly a calm water body that swells only during the monsoons.
Syalsaur Camping: A significant source for nearby inhabitants, the river banks is also a fantastic nature-camping spot.
Chaukhamba Peak: Sunrise at the snow-capped Chaukhamba peak is a mesmerising sight.

Places to Visit in/near Syalsaur

Mandakini River

Mandakini River lives up to its name as it is quite calm and conducive for rafting and kayaking. With aggressive monsoon and possible floods, the river is best when explored during the dry season when you can camp by its banks along with your favourite songs by the bonfire!

Chopta

Located around 47 KM from Syalsaur, Chopta is a famous campsite. Also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Chopta is best when visited during the winters. The winter atmosphere brings in snow-capped lush green meadows along with the surrounding scenery.

Tungnath

Tungnath is another 1000-year-old Shaiva shrine situated below the Chandrashila peak, which is the valley that divides Mandakini from Alakananda and is a major trekking destination. Visitors usually make a pit-stop at the village before moving on to Tungnath.