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: 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.
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 hotel.
- Day 02: Trek to Kedarnath via Gaurikund → Visit Kedarnath Temple → Overnight stay at camps.
- Day 03: Morning Aarti at Kedarnath → Trek back to Sonprayag → Drive to Joshimath → Overnight stay in Joshimath.
- Day 04: Drive from Joshimath to Badrinath → Visit Badrinath Temple → Explore Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Bhimpool → Overnight stay in Badrinath.
- Day 05: Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar/Rishikesh → 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 Delhi to Guptkashi / Sonprayag
- 🏔️ Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayan landscapes.
- 🛏️ Check-in at the hotel in Sonprayag / Guptkashi 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 Gaurikund.
- 🚗 Drive from Sonprayag to Badrinath via Rudraprayag.
- 🛏️ Overnight stay in Badrinath.
- 🛕 Visit Badrinath Temple for morning darshan.
- 🏔️ Explore Mana Village (last Indian village near Tibet).
- 🗿 Visit Vyas Gufa & Bhim Pul.
- 🛏️ Overnight stay in Badrinath.
- 🚗 Early morning departure from Badrinath.
- 🏔️ Scenic drive through Rudraprayag and Devprayag.
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.
Note:
- 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.
🏔️ 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
