Do Dham Yatra 2025 | Kedarnath | Badrinath । Travel Guide

The Do Dham Yatra consists of visiting Kedarnath (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu) – two of the most sacred temples in Hinduism, both nestled in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This journey is spiritually enriching and physically challenging, requiring good preparation.

Kedarnath Dham, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is open only for six months (May to November) due to extreme weather conditions.

1. How to Reach Kedarnath

By Air:
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km from Kedarnath base Gaurikund).
• From the airport, hire a taxi or bus to reach Gaurikund via Rishikesh.

By Train:
• Nearest Railway Stations: Rishikesh and Haridwar.
• Buses and taxis are available from both stations to reach Sonprayag.

By Road:
• You can drive or take a bus up to Sonprayag.
• From Sonprayag, shared taxi take you to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek.

2. Trek to Kedarnath
• Distance: 20 to 22 km (Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple)
• Mode: On foot, by pony/mule, palanquin (palki), or helicopter.
• Trek route is steep and moderately difficult; proper fitness is advised.

3. Helicopter Service
• Available from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi, and Sitapur.
• Pre-booking is essential (via IRCTC or official portals).
• Carry ID proof and medical fitness certificate.

4. Registration for Kedarnath Yatra
• Mandatory for all pilgrims.
• Can be done online at https://registrationandtouristcare.uk... or offline at registration centers.
• Requires valid photo ID and mobile number.

5. Accommodation Options
• GMVN guesthouses, private hotels, and tents available in Kedarnath, Gaurikund, and nearby locations.
• Booking in advance is recommended during peak season (May–June, Sept–Oct).
• Basic facilities like blankets, food, and medical aid are available.

6. Best Time to Visit
• May to June and September to mid-November.
• Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to landslides and bad weather.

7. Things to Carry
• Warm clothes, raincoat, trekking shoes, torch, power bank, water bottle, dry fruits/snacks, medicines.
• Medical certificate (especially for elderly or people with health conditions).
• Valid ID proof.

8. Important Tips
• Start early in the morning to complete the trek in daylight.
• Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
• Respect local customs and the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
• Use eco-friendly products; avoid littering.

9. Nearby Attractions
• Bhairavnath Temple (1 km trek from Kedarnath temple)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (wedding site of Lord Shiva and Parvati)
• Vasuki Tal (high-altitude lake, trekking required)
• Guptkashi and Sonprayag – scenic spiritual towns on the way


Badrinath town in Chamoli district
Altitude: 3,300 meters (10,827 feet)

How to Reach:
• By road from Kedarnath via Chopta or via Rudraprayag–Joshimath–Badrinath route

Nearby Stops:
• Joshimath (overnight halt often required)
• Mana Village (last Indian village)
• Tapt Kund, Vyas Gufa etc.

5. Accommodation Options
• Available in all major stops: Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Kedarnath, Joshimath, Badrinath
• Ranges from budget lodges to government-run GMVN rest houses

6. Things to Carry
• Valid ID proof, printed registration slip, warm clothes, trekking shoes, torch, umbrella/raincoat, medicines, water bottle, dry snacks
• Power bank, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items

7. Safety Tips
• Acclimatize to high altitudes; don’t rush the trek
• Stay hydrated and eat light
• Consult your doctor if you have asthma, heart, or breathing issues
• Follow local guidelines and weather alerts

8. Suggested Itinerary (7 Days)

Day 1: Arrival at Haridwar / Rishikesh
Day 2: Drive to Guptkashi / Sitapur
Day 3: Trek to Kedarnath and night stay
Day 4: Return to Sonprayag and drive to Pipalkoti / Joshimath
Day 5: Visit Badrinath temple, explore Mana village
Day 6: Return to Rudraprayag / Rishikesh
Day 7: Departure from Rishikesh / Haridwar

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