🕉️ Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra – 7 Days
“A Divine Journey to the Abode of Lord Shiva and Vishnu”
The Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra, also known as the “Do Dham Yatra,” is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this yatra is a journey of devotion, spirituality, and natural grandeur. It combines the holy shrines of Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath, devoted to Lord Vishnu, forming a celestial circuit that draws millions of devotees each year.
This 7-day pilgrimage through lofty snow-clad mountains, serene river valleys, and ancient temples is not just a travel experience but a soul-liberating expedition that deepens one’s connection with divinity.
🌄 Overview of the Do Dham Yatra
The Kedarnath Temple stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters near the Mandakini River, while the Badrinath Temple is located at 3,133 meters on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Both temples have immense mythological and spiritual significance and form two of the four holy shrines of the Char Dham Yatra.
The yatra commences from Haridwar or Rishikesh and passes through scenic towns like Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Rudraprayag, and Joshimath. Each stop en route is steeped in legends and offers magnificent views of the Himalayas, gushing rivers, and lush valleys.
📅 7-Day Detailed Itinerary – Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra
📍 Day 1: Haridwar / Rishikesh to Guptkashi (220 km / 8-9 hrs)
Begin your journey from the holy city of Haridwar or Rishikesh, both renowned as gateways to the Char Dham. After a morning dip in the sacred Ganga, drive towards Guptkashi through picturesque Himalayan roads. En route, witness the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag, forming the mighty Ganga.
By evening, reach Guptkashi—a serene town blessed with the ancient Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
🏡 Suggested Stay Options:
- Mid-range lodges and Himalayan-view resorts
- Pilgrim rest houses and GMVN tourist bungalows
📍 Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (35 km drive + 19 km trek)
After an early breakfast, drive to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the base point of the Kedarnath trek. From here, begin your 19 km uphill trek through rugged trails lined with pine forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The journey, though challenging, is spiritually uplifting as you chant “Har Har Mahadev” with fellow pilgrims.
By late afternoon or evening, reach the sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple, built in massive stone architecture surrounded by the Himalayas, stands as a testament to devotion and endurance.
🏡 Stay Options:
- Government-managed camps and GMVN guesthouses
- Private tent accommodations near Kedarnath base
📍 Day 3: Kedarnath Darshan and Return to Guptkashi
Wake up early to attend the Rudrabhishek Aarti at dawn—an experience filled with serenity and divine vibrations. After darshan, begin your descent back to Gaurikund. En route, enjoy scenic mountain views and the tranquil melody of the Mandakini River.
Drive back to Guptkashi for an overnight stay and rest after the divine trek.
📍 Day 4: Guptkashi to Badrinath (190 km / 8 hrs)
After breakfast, drive towards Badrinath, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu. The route passes through Chopta, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Stop at Nandprayag and Karnaprayag, the confluence points of sacred rivers.
By evening, arrive in Badrinath, located along the Alaknanda River. Take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring believed to cleanse the soul before temple darshan. Attend the Aarti at Badrinath Temple in the evening—a mesmerizing experience with the temple glowing against snow-clad peaks.
🏡 Stay Options:
- Luxury and mid-range hotels near the temple
- Pilgrim lodges and dharamshalas managed by GMVN
📍 Day 5: Badrinath Darshan & Local Sightseeing
Early morning, visit Badrinath Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the sanctum, the black stone idol of Lord Badri Narayan radiates immense spiritual energy.
🌿 Important Places to Visit Around Badrinath:
- Tapt Kund: Sacred hot water spring near the temple entrance.
- Brahma Kapal: A platform where devotees perform ancestral rituals.
- Charan Paduka: The footprint of Lord Vishnu imprinted on a rock.
- Mana Village: The last Indian village near the Indo-Tibet border.
- Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa: Ancient caves where Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata.
- Bheem Pul: A natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to be placed by Bheem.
Overnight stay in Badrinath surrounded by Himalayan tranquility.
📍 Day 6: Badrinath to Rudraprayag (155 km / 6 hrs)
After breakfast, begin the return journey toward Rudraprayag, another confluence point where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet. Visit the Koteswar Mahadev Temple and Rudranath Temple, both dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rudraprayag offers a soothing overnight stop amidst river valleys and pine forests.
🏡 Stay Options:
- Comfortable mid-range hotels and river-view resorts
- GMVN guesthouses and budget lodges
📍 Day 7: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh / Haridwar (165 km / 6 hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Rishikesh or Haridwar. En route, visit Devprayag—the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers forming the Ganges.
In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar. The sight of hundreds of floating lamps illuminating the Ganges marks a perfect ending to the divine journey.
🚗 How to Reach
By Air ✈️
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 240 km from Kedarnath and 315 km from Badrinath. From the airport, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach the respective base camps.
By Rail 🚉
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar (320 km from Badrinath) and Rishikesh (295 km from Badrinath). From here, private taxis and buses regularly operate towards the Garhwal region.
By Road 🛣️
Badrinath and Kedarnath are well-connected by motorable roads from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. State-run and private buses operate up to Joshimath and Sonprayag, from where further treks or helicopter rides continue.
📍 Major Distances
| Route | Distance |
|---|---|
| Haridwar – Guptkashi | 220 km |
| Guptkashi – Sonprayag | 30 km |
| Sonprayag – Kedarnath (Trek) | 19 km |
| Guptkashi – Badrinath | 190 km |
| Badrinath – Rudraprayag | 155 km |
| Rudraprayag – Haridwar | 165 km |
🕉️ Best Time to Visit
The Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra is open only during the summer months from May to October. The temples remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. The best months for pilgrimage are May–June and September–October, when the weather is clear and the mountain routes are safe.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon (July–August) as landslides and heavy rains can affect road connectivity.
🌿 Important Points to See
- Kedarnath Temple – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi – Behind the Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairav Temple – Guardian deity of Kedarnath
- Triyuginarayan Temple – Mythical wedding place of Shiva and Parvati
- Badrinath Temple – Shrine of Lord Vishnu
- Tapt Kund & Narad Kund – Sacred hot springs
- Mana Village – Last Indian village on Indo-China border
- Vyas Gufa & Bheem Pul – Associated with Mahabharata legends
🧘♂️ Tips for Pilgrims
- Carry woolen clothes, gloves, caps, and raincoats due to fluctuating weather.
- Acclimatize before the trek to prevent altitude sickness.
- Carry first-aid, dry fruits, glucose, and water bottles.
- Book helicopter or pony services in advance if needed.
- Respect the sanctity of temples—no photography inside.
- Follow instructions of local authorities and temple boards.
📜 Mythological Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva absolved the Pandavas of their sins at Kedarnath after the Kurukshetra war. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya.
At Badrinath, Lord Vishnu meditated in deep austerity while his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, took the form of a Badri tree to shelter him. Hence, the place is called Badrinath, symbolizing the divine union of compassion and salvation.
🌅 Poetic Tribute – “The Twin Paths of Salvation”
Two shrines in snow, two hearts of flame, Kedar and Badri, call by name. Through rocks and rivers, pilgrims tread, Where gods once walked, and sages led. In Shiva’s realm, the mountains bow, His frozen temple whispers now. While Vishnu rests by golden stream, Awakening hearts in mystic dream. The winds recite an ancient lore, Of faith, of hope, forevermore. The soul ascends, the world grows dim— For heaven begins where prayers brim.
🌍 Responsible Travel
Respect local culture and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Avoid single-use plastics, dispose of waste properly, and maintain the sanctity of rivers and temples. Responsible travel ensures the continuation of this divine journey for generations to come.
🌺 Conclusion
The Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra is not merely a pilgrimage; it is a spiritual awakening. Every curve of the mountain path whispers stories of faith, courage, and divine grace. The sight of the twin shrines amid towering peaks reminds every soul of the eternal truth—that God resides not only in temples but within us.
Embark on this 7-day journey with humility and devotion, and let the Himalayas reveal the silence where the heart meets the divine.