Complete Guide to Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra
Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most significant Yatras for Hindus. Every year, lakhs of devout pilgrims embark on this Do Dham Yatra and earn spiritual merits! Both these Dhams are part of the Chhota Dham circuit and hold immense significance in Hinduism. While Badrinath is also a part of the Bada Chardham circuit, Kedarnath is a Jyotirlinga and also one of the Panch Kedars! This multiplies their divinity fourfolds, making this special Do Dham Yatra a must-do, at least once in your lifetime. To make this pious tour an easy-peasy affair, we bring to you a complete guide to Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra package, discussing all the important tips!
Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra Planning Guide
In this Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra planning guide, we’ll discuss everything, ranging from food choices to the registration process to the routes to the sacred Do Dhams. Read on to find out more about this sacred tour.
1. Overview of Kedarnath and Badrinath Temples
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan regions, both the Kedarnath and Badrinath mesmerize visitors with their age-old yet magnificent architecture. The sacred shrines, in addition, have gorgeous backdrops, adorned with snowy peaks and verdant valleys! While Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Badrinath temple is the holy abode of Lord Vishnu.
Both the holy shrines are situated at lofty heights (Badrinath Temple: 3,133 metres and Kedarnath Temple: 3,583 metres), making the pilgrimage a hefty task. However, the Kedarnath Yatra is significantly tougher than that of Badrinath as it requires a whole 16 km trek. Badrinath, on the other hand, doesn’t require trekking.
Moreover, Badrinath also spoils pilgrims with a range of options in lodgings, while the Shiva Dham only has humble options of tents and Dharamshalas.
2. Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra Route
If you’re coming from a big city like Delhi/Mumbai or somewhere else, it’s best to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh first. Both of these places are very well connected by road and train, so you won’t have difficulty in reaching them. And from there, you’ll find plenty of buses and taxis going towards the sacred Dham. Here’s the route overview:
Route for Kedarnath
Haridwar/Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
From Gaurikund, there’s a 16-km trek towards the shrine. However, you can also opt for helicopter services and completely cut out the trekking from your Kedarnath Yatra!
Route for Badrinath
The Badrinath Dham is covered after the Kedarnath, and therefore, the journey to the Lord Vishnu’s abode starts from the Lord Shiva’s Dham. The route goes as follows:
Kedarnath → Sonprayag → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath
The whole Badrinath Yatra from Kedarnath to Joshimath is quite a long one and takes about 8-10 hours by road. However, from Joshimath, which is also the winter seat of Lord Vishnu, it’s just a 45 km drive to the Badrinath shrine – which takes about 2 hours by road.
3. Register for Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra
It’s mandatory to register for the Kedarnath Badrinath tour before you embark on the Do Dham Yatra. The registration process is easy and can be done via both online and offline methods.
Online Method:
· Firstly, visit the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.
· Fill in personal details like name, email, and phone number. Also, mark your preferred travel dates.
· Upload your ID proof, such as an Aadhaar card/Voter ID/Driver’s Licence.
· After successfully submitting your details, a unique Yatra e-pass will be generated.
· Print it and save it, as this will be used at multiple check-in gateways.
Offline Method:
· For offline registration, go to any counter available in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, or Joshimath.
· Collect a form from there and fill in your personal details.
· Also, carry a copy of your Aadhaar card or other Government-approved ID proof. Submit it to the staff member present there.
· Wait until they process all the information and hand you your Yatra e-pass. Keep it secure for future reference.
4. Best Time to Visit Kedarnath and Badrinath
The best time to set out for Do Dham Yatra is, hands down, in May & June and September & October. The months of May and June offer sunny afternoons with a very soothing climate – ideal for Darshans and sightseeing. And in September and October, you’ll be welcomed with pleasant weather, lush valleys, and clear skies! Moreover, those who want their pilgrimage rather less-crowded must visit during this time as it’s an off season. In addition, you’ll find the accommodation prices to be significantly reduced!
We also recommend avoiding the monsoon season (July-August) as there’s a huge risk of landslides.
5. Travel Options for Kedarnath and Badrinath
There are basically two modes of transport for reaching both the Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Here’s a route summary:
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Road: First of all, reach Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun. Now, hire a bus or taxi and reach Sonprayag. From there, you can easily find shared jeeps that will take you to Gaurikund. This is the starting point for the 16 km trek, straight up to the Kedarnath temple.
By Helicopter: You can board a helicopter to Kedarnath from helipads available at Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi, and Sirsi. The flight will take about 7-10 minutes and will drop you at the Kedarnath helipad, which is about 500 metres away from the shrine.
How to Reach Badrinath
By Road: You can get direct buses as well as taxis to Badrinath from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. They will drive you through Joshimath (just 45 km away from the Badrinath temple).
By Helicopter: You can get helicopter services to Badrinath from Dehradun. Moreover, you’ll also get to enjoy the VIP Darshan Pass – priority access to the temples!
6. Accommodation Options in Badrinath and Kedarnath
There’s a variety of lodgings in both Kedarnath and Badrinath. While the former offers only modest options, Badrinath, on the other hand, has a plethora of choices ranging from basic hotels to full-fledged resorts!
Kedarnath Stay Options
Budget Options: For people looking for pocket-friendly options, Kedarnath definitely doesn’t disappoint! From tents & campsites to government-run GMVN Guesthouses to Dharamshalas, you can get it all here!
Mid-range Hotels: If you want more comfort, then head to Guptkashi, Phata, or Sonprayag, as they have much better hotels!
Badrinath Stay Options
Budget Options: You can get Dharamshalas & Ashrams here at very low costs. Another plus point is that you can find them really close to the temple location.
Premium Options: If luxury is on your mind, then Joshimath will satisfy all your needs, as it has some really high-quality hotels.
It’s highly recommended that you book your hotels in advance as good ones get filled up pretty fast.
7. Food Options in Kedarnath & Badrinath
When it comes to food, both the Dhams will treat you with pure vegetarian fare, that too cooked without onion and garlic! You’ll find plenty of small eateries from where you can avail full lunch and dinner meals, consisting of dal, rice, roti, and sabzi. There’s also free food service available to pilgrims through Langars. These are usually run by community trusts and offer a delicious and nutritious diet.
In addition, you can also avail snacks like Maggi, pakoras, tea, and coffee.
8. Cost for Kedarnath & Badrinath Yatra
The combined cost of Badrinath and Kedarnath usually stacks up to INR 10,000 for budget travellers and reaches up to INR 25,000 for people travelling with mid-level to luxury budgets. These costs are generally inclusive of accommodation, food bills, helicopter fare, and local transfer charges.
The Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra is a highly spiritually-charged journey towards the abodes of the Gods and requires proper planning and preparation. Follow these simple planning tips and enjoy a hassle-free journey to the Do Dhams!