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: Haridwar & Rishikesh
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 Rishikesh & Haridwar.
How to Reach Do Dham Yatra
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, located about 35 km from Rishikesh. Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
From Dehradun or Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to Guptkashi, Sonprayag, or directly to Badrinath.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are:
- Haridwar Junction (HW) - Well-connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.
- Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) - 25 km from Haridwar, but with limited train connectivity.
Recommended Trains from Delhi to Haridwar:
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express - Train No: 12017 (Departure: 6:45 AM, Arrival: 11:30 AM)
- Mussoorie Express - Train No: 14041 (Overnight Train, Departure: 10:25 PM, Arrival: 5:45 AM)
By Road
Regular buses run from **Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate** to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Guptkashi. From there, you can take a shared taxi or private vehicle.
Suggested Route:
- **Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh (Bus/Train)**
- **Haridwar/Rishikesh → Guptkashi/Sonprayag (Shared Taxi/Bus)**
- **Sonprayag → Gaurikund (Shared Jeep, 5 km)**
- **Gaurikund → Kedarnath (16 km Trek or Helicopter Service)**
- **Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath (Taxi/Bus, 200 km)**
Note:
- Helicopter services are available from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi for Kedarnath.
- Private taxis are the best option for a comfortable journey.
- Government buses from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Badrinath and Sonprayag are available but limited.
- Pilgrims should register for the yatra before traveling (mandatory as per Uttarakhand Govt. guidelines).
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
