Do Dham Yatra Packages - Kedarnath and Badrinath

Destinations Covered: Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu).

Biometric Registration
Mandatory for All Pilgrims:
Locations: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Guptkashi, Sonprayag.
Process: Physical registration or online via the official Uttarakhand tourism portal.

Ideal Duration: 5–7 days.

Trek to Kedarnath:
Distance: 16 km from Gaurikund.
Facilities: Ponies, palkis, and battery-operated vehicles available.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

Best Time to Visit
Summer (May-June): Pleasant weather, ideal for travel.
Post-Monsoon (September-October): Clear skies, cooler temperatures.
Monsoon (July-August): Landslides and heavy rains; not recommended.
Winter (November-April): Temples closed due to heavy snowfall. The Do Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage to two of the most revered shrines in India: Kedarnath and Badrinath. Located in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, these shrines are part of the Char Dham Yatra and hold immense significance in Hindu spirituality. Hindu philosophy considers the Do Dham Yatra an essential step toward moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The journey to these high-altitude temples, often through challenging terrains, symbolizes the inner journey of the soul toward enlightenment and the divine.

The yatra represents a spiritual journey where pilgrims seek to overcome the ego and surrender themselves to the divine. Kedarnath symbolizes destruction of negative karma (Lord Shiva as the destroyer), while Badrinath represents sustenance and spiritual wisdom (Lord Vishnu as the preserver).

Kedarnath

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is believed to have been established by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war to seek forgiveness for their sins. The shrine also holds importance in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which includes Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. The temple’s origins are linked to Adi Shankaracharya, who revived the site in the 8th century and is believed to have attained Samadhi near the shrine.
Location: Nestled at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Rudraprayag district.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October. The temple remains closed during winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Accessibility:

• By Road: The nearest road point is Sonprayag. From there, a 5 km journey to Gaurikund is required by a local shuttle. Pilgrims must trek 16 km to reach Kedarnath. Ponies, palkis, and helicopter services are available.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km from Gaurikund).
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (216 km from Gaurikund).

Badrinath

Revered as the abode of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is part of both the Char Dham Yatra (including Yamunotri and Gangotri) and the Chota Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand. The site is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana, and is considered a place where Lord Vishnu meditated under a Badri tree (jujube tree) for thousands of years.
Location: Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) in the Chamoli district.
Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October. The temple closes during winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Accessibility:

• By Road: Badrinath is accessible by road, and the nearest major towns are Joshimath (45 km) and Rishikesh (294 km).
• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (311 km).
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (294 km).

Key Attractions Along Do Dham Yatra Route

Kedarnath:

• Gandhi Sarovar: A glacial lake with breathtaking views.
• Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, protector of the Kedarnath valley.

Badrinath:

• Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring near the temple.
• Mana Village: The last Indian village near the Indo-China border.
• Vasudhara Falls: A scenic waterfall near Mana.

En Route:

• Devprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
• Rudraprayag: The meeting point of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• Joshimath: A hub of spirituality and base for skiing in Auli.

Best Time for Do Dham Yatra

May-June: Pleasant and ideal for travel, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rains can cause landslides; travel is discouraged during this period.
September-October: Cool and clear weather with post-monsoon greenery.
Winter (November-April): Temples are closed, and the region experiences heavy snowfall.

Must Know

Permits: Biometric registration is mandatory for the yatra, available at Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other designated points.
Health: Be prepared for high-altitude conditions; carry essential medicines and stay hydrated.
Clothing: Warm layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes are essential.
Connectivity: Limited network in higher altitudes; ensure offline maps and essential downloads.
Accommodation: Basic lodges and guesthouses available en route.
Food: Vegetarian meals are widely available. (Read More)