Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath , Badrinath & Tungnath)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer: May to June
- Monsoon: July to August (Rainy Season, Landslides Possible)
- Autumn: September to October (Best Time)
Temperature:
- Day: 5°C to 20°C
- Night: -5°C to 5°C
Pickup Point: Delhi
Trekking Distance: 16 km (One way to Kedarnath)
Do Dham Yatra
The Do Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, India, covering two of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism: Kedarnath (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). It is one of the most popular spiritual journeys, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a deeply spiritual experience.
Do Dham Yatra in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, India
The Do Dham Yatra typically refers to a pilgrimage tour in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where devotees visit two of the most revered Hindu temples, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Kedarnath Temple
- Located in the Garhwal Himalayan range, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is believed to be built by the Pandavas.
- Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
- Devotees undertake a trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to reach the temple, though helicopter services are available.
- The temple is open for a limited period each year due to extreme weather conditions.
Tungnath Temple
- Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet).
- It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is over 1,000 years old.
- The trek to Tungnath is approximately 5 kilometers from Chopta and is surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
- After visiting Tungnath, trekkers often proceed to Chandrashila Peak, offering panoramic Himalayan views.
Badrinath Temple
- Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River.
- Believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century AD.
- Situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Easily accessible by road from Joshimath, which is well-connected by road and around 45 kilometers away.
Overview of Do Dham Yatra
- Considered highly auspicious among Hindus, particularly for spiritual rejuvenation.
- The yatra takes several days, covering both temples with scenic mountain routes.
- Involves rituals like prayers, pujas, and dips in holy waters and hot springs.
- Accommodation facilities are available in nearby towns and villages.
Best Time for Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath, Tungnath & Badrinath)
- Summer Season (May to June): Best time for comfortable travel with open trekking routes. Expect high pilgrim traffic.
- Autumn Season (September to October): Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for a peaceful pilgrimage.
- Pilgrimage Season (Opening & Closing Months): April-May & October-November are highly auspicious, but weather conditions can be unpredictable.
- Winter Season (November to April): The temples are closed due to heavy snowfall.
- 🚗 10:00 PM: Depart from Delhi via private vehicle/bus.
- ☕ 10:00 AM: Reach Devprayag, quick stop for refreshments.
- 🍽️ 1:00 PM: Lunch break at Rudraprayag.
- 🏨 4:00 PM: Reach Guptkashi, check-in at a hotel & rest.
- 🛒 7:00 PM: Evening at leisure, explore local markets.
- 🚗 6:00 AM: Drive to Sonprayag, take a shared jeep to Gaurikund.
- 🚶 10:00 AM: Start Kedarnath trek (20 km, 6-8 hrs).
- 🛕 5:00 PM: Reach Kedarnath Temple, attend evening aarti.
- 🌙 Stay: Kedarnath (hotel).
- 🛕 4:30 AM: Attend morning aarti at Kedarnath.
- 🚶 6:00 AM: Trek down to Gaurikund, drive to Guptkashi.
- 🏨 2:00 PM: Reach Guptkashi, check-in at hotel.
- 🌅 Evening: Rest and explore the local area.
- 🌙 Stay: Guptkashi hotel.
- 🚗 6:00 AM: Depart for Chopta (3-4 hrs drive).
- 🚶 9:00 AM: Start Tungnath trek (3.5 km).
- 🛕 11:00 AM: Reach Tungnath Temple (World’s Highest Shiva Temple).
- 🏔️ 12:00 PM: Continue to Chandrashila Peak (1.5 km, 360° Himalayan views).
- 🍽️ 2:00 PM: Descend to Chopta & have lunch.
- 🏡 4:00 PM: Drive to Sari village, check-in at a guesthouse.
- 🌙 Stay: Sari village.
- 🚗 6:00 AM: Depart for Joshimath via Ukhimath & Chamoli.
- 🗺️ 11:00 AM: Reach Joshimath, quick break & sightseeing.
- 🚗 1:00 PM: Depart for Badrinath.
- 🛕 3:00 PM: Visit Badrinath Temple, take a dip in Tapt Kund.
- 🌄 5:00 PM: Explore Mana Village (first village of India).
- 🌙 Stay: Badrinath hotel.
- 🚗 6:00 AM: Depart for Rudraprayag via Joshimath & Karnaprayag.
- 🌊 12:00 PM: Reach Rudraprayag, visit Sangam Point (Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers).
- 🚗 3:00 PM: Drive to Srinagar, check-in at hotel.
- 🌅 Evening: Rest & explore the local market.
- 🚗 6:00 AM: Depart for Delhi via Rishikesh & Haridwar.
- 🍽️ 8:00 AM: Breakfast stop at Devprayag.
- 🍽️ 1:00 PM: Lunch stop at Rishikesh.
- 🏡 8:00 PM: Reach Delhi by night.
How to Reach Delhi
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is one of the busiest airports in India, well-connected to major domestic and international destinations.
Regular flights operate from cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, and international hubs worldwide.
By Train
Delhi has multiple major railway stations:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) - Centrally located and serves trains from all major cities.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) - Well-connected with southern and central India.
- Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) - Primarily serves eastern and northern states.
Recommended Trains to Delhi:
- Rajdhani Express - Premium trains from Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and other metros.
- Shatabdi Express - High-speed day trains from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Bhopal.
- Duronto Express - Non-stop express trains from select cities.
By Road
Delhi has an extensive road network with highways connecting it to major cities.
Suggested Routes:
- **Jaipur → Delhi** (280 km via NH48, 5-6 hours)
- **Chandigarh → Delhi** (250 km via NH44, 4-5 hours)
- **Agra → Delhi** (230 km via Yamuna Expressway, 3-4 hours)
- **Lucknow → Delhi** (550 km via Agra-Lucknow Expressway & Yamuna Expressway, 7-8 hours)
Regular buses operate from **ISBT Kashmere Gate**, **ISBT Anand Vihar**, and **ISBT Sarai Kale Khan** to nearby states.
- Delhi Metro connects key areas of the city and nearby regions like Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad.
- Private taxis and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are available for easy travel.
- Delhi's traffic can be heavy during peak hours—plan accordingly.
Inclusions
- Accommodation (Hotel)
- Welcome refreshment
- Two times meals (Veg): Breakfast, and Dinner
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder
- Mountaineering qualified & professional guide and support staff
- Morning Tea & Evening Tea with snacks
- Guide Charges
- Hot drinking water
- Trek completion certificate (Approved by Outside Explorers)
- Dry fruits, chocolates, biscuits, toffees provided during the trek
Exclusions
- Porter/mule for personal bags
- Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
- Any charges for video cameras or still cameras
- Charges for soft drinks or any other beverages
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, or telephone calls
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather, or roadblocks
- Food during transit
- Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges