Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath & Badrinath)
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
Highest Altitude: 3,583m (Kedarnath)
Pickup Point: Haridwar / Rishikesh
Total Distance: 800+ km (Round Trip)
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.
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.
Short Itinerary of Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath & Badrinath)
- Day 01: Pickup at Haridwar/Rishikesh (6:30 AM) → Drive to Sonprayag → Check-in at hotels.
- Day 02: Trek to Kedarnath via Gaurikund → Visit Kedarnath Temple → Overnight stay at camps.
- Day 03: Morning Aarti at Kedarnath → Trek back to Sonprayag.
- Day 04: Drive from Sonprayag to Rudraprayag via Pandukeshwar and Badrinath → Visit Badrinath Temple → Overnight stay in Badrinath.
- Day 05: Explore Badrinath Dham, Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Bhimpool → Drive to Joshimath → Overnight stay in Joshimath.
- Day 06: Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh/Haridwar → End of services (6:00 PM).
Best Time for Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath & 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.
- 🚗 Travel from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi / Sonprayag (6:30 AM departure).
- 🏔️ Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayan landscapes.
- 🛏️ Check-in at the hotel in Sonprayag and rest.
- 🚶 Trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (via Gaurikund).
- 🏔️ Pass through lush forests, rocky terrain, and scenic meadows.
- 🛕 Visit Kedarnath Temple upon arrival.
- 🛏️ Overnight stay at camp/hotel near Kedarnath Temple.
- 🛕 Attend morning Aarti at Kedarnath Temple.
- 🚶 Trek back to Sonprayag via the same route.
- 🏔️ Visit Bhairav Temple for a stunning panoramic view.
- 🚗 Scenic drive from Guptkashi to Sonprayag to Badrinath.
- 🏔️ Visit Pandukeshwar, a historical site linked to the Pandavas.
- 🛕 Explore Badrinath Temple and seek blessings.
- 🛏️ Overnight stay in Badrinath.
- 🛕 Visit Badrinath Temple for morning darshan.
- 🏔️ Explore Mana Village (last Indian village near Tibet).
- 🗿 Visit Vyas Gufa & Bhim Pul.
- 🚗 Drive back to Joshimath for an overnight stay.
- 🚗 Drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh via NH 58.
- 🏔️ Enjoy stunning views of Devprayag & the Ganges confluence.
- 🛑 Trip ends upon arrival at Haridwar/Rishikesh by 6 PM.
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
- Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
- Porter or mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
- 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
🏔️ Things to Carry for This Trek
🧳 Essentials
- 🆔 Government ID (Aadhar, Passport, etc.)
- 📄 Permits & Trek Bookings
- 💵💳 Cash (Limited ATMs in Remote Areas)
- 📍 Trek Map & Itinerary
🎒 Backpack & Gear
- 🎒 Backpack (50-60L) with Rain Cover
- 🥾 Good Quality Trekking Shoes
- 🦯 Trekking Pole
- ⛺ Sleeping Bag (if required)
- 🔦 Headlamp / Torch with Extra Batteries
🧥 Clothing & Accessories
- 🧥 Waterproof Jacket / Windcheater
- 🩳 Quick-Dry T-shirts & Trek Pants
- 🧤 Woolen Gloves, Socks & Cap
- 🕶️ UV Protection Sunglasses
- 🩲 Thermal Innerwear (for high-altitude treks)
🛠️ First Aid & Personal Care
- 💊 Basic First Aid Kit & Personal Medicines
- 🧴 Sunscreen & Lip Balm (SPF 50+)
- 🚿 Wet Wipes & Sanitizer
- 🦟 Mosquito & Insect Repellent
📱 Electronics & Miscellaneous
- 📱🔌 Phone & Charger
- 🔋 Power Bank
- 📸 Camera / GoPro (optional)
- 🍫 Dry Fruits, Energy Bars & Snacks
- 🚰 Water Bottles / Hydration Pack
When is the best time to visit Do Dham Yatra?
Summer (May - June): Best time for comfortable travel.
Monsoon (July - September): Risk of landslides; travel with caution.
Autumn (September - October): Ideal weather, clear views, and fewer crowds.
How long does the Do Dham Yatra take?
What is the trekking distance for Kedarnath?
Is the Do Dham Yatra difficult?
What should I pack for the Do Dham Yatra?
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Can senior citizens and children undertake this Yatra?
What are the temple timings for Kedarnath & Badrinath?
