The Do Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage to the high Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. Famed for its spiritual importance and stunning mountain scenery, this journey blends devotion, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage.
Starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh, the route travels through lush Garhwal valleys to Guptkashi, the base for the Kedarnath trek. Pilgrims then trek or ride to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, set against a dramatic backdrop of snow peaks.
The yatra continues to Badrinath, the sacred temple of Lord Vishnu on the Alaknanda River. A visit to Mana Village, India’s last village before the Indo-China border, adds cultural insight. Covering around 800 km by road and 32 km of trekking, this pilgrimage is ideal for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers alike.
Key Highlights
- Region: Uttarakhand, India — Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, Garhwal Himalayas
- Duration: 5 days, including road travel and trekking
- Grade: Moderate — suitable for individuals with good fitness and readiness for high-altitude walking
- Trail Length: Approximately 800 kilometers (road travel) + 32 kilometers (trekking round-trip to Kedarnath)
- Highest Point: Kedarnath Temple — approx. 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level
- Trail Type: Road journey with a high-altitude trek to Kedarnath; all transport and trekking routes return via the same path
- Rail Head: Haridwar and Rishikesh — major railway stations with excellent connectivity
- Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — approx. 1 hour from Rishikesh and 1.5 hours from Haridwar
- Base Camp: Guptkashi (~1,319 meters) — a scenic town serving as the base for Kedarnath trek preparations
- Best Season: May to June and September to October — pleasant weather, open temples, and clear mountain views
- Snow: Snowfields and icy patches may be encountered near Kedarnath in early May and late October
Itinerary
Arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh and proceed by road to Guptkashi, a scenic town near Kedarnath.
Drive to Sonprayag and continue onward to Gaurikund. From here, begin the trek to Kedarnath (or opt for other transport options such as ponies or palanquins). Stay overnight in Kedarnath.
In the morning, have darshan at the sacred Kedarnath Temple. In the afternoon, start the return journey to Sonprayag and continue back to Guptkashi.
Drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath, enjoying the stunning Himalayan views along the way. Stay overnight in Badrinath.
In the morning, visit the revered Badrinath Temple for darshan. Later, explore Mana Village, the last settlement before the Indo-China border. Begin your return journey towards Haridwar or Rishikesh.
