Route and distance
Badrinath to Kedarnath involves a road journey followed by a trek. The road section from Badrinath to Sonprayag is approximately 232 km, taking 7–9 hours. From Sonprayag, a shared jeep covers 5 km to Gaurikund, and then it is a 16 km trek to Kedarnath temple.
This is the reverse of the more common Kedarnath-to-Badrinath sequence (which follows the traditional Char Dham order). Some travellers do the circuit in this direction if their itinerary starts at Badrinath or if flight connections into Jolly Grant (Dehradun) make Badrinath the more logical first stop.
The road from Badrinath to Gaurikund
Total: approximately 211 km to Sonprayag via the shorter route (through Nandaprayag), or 232 km via Rudraprayag.
The descent from Badrinath through the Joshimath gorge section, while dramatic, is technically easier than the ascent. The road is the same narrow mountain highway, but you are now going downhill with the Alaknanda river on your right.
Pro tip: Leave Badrinath by 6–7 AM to reach Sonprayag by 2–3 PM with time to begin the trek or at least reach Jungle Chatti (4 km from Gaurikund) before dark. If you arrive at Gaurikund after 2 PM, stay the night at Sonprayag and start the trek at dawn.
The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund
From Gaurikund (1,982 m), the trek to Kedarnath temple (3,583 m) is 16 km with approximately 1,550 m of elevation gain. The trail passes through:
Jungle Chatti (4 km) — first rest point with tea stalls
Bheembali (7 km) — midway halt
Linchauli (11 km) — good rest stop
Base Camp (14.5 km) — final approach
Kedarnath temple (16 km)
Trek time: 6–8 hours up, 4–5 hours down. Ponies (₹2,500–3,500 one way) and palanquins are available. Helicopter service operates from Phata and Sersi helipads (round-trip bookings only via heliyatra.irctc.co.in).
Planning the full Do Dham circuit in reverse
If you are starting from Rishikesh, here is a practical reverse Do Dham itinerary:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath (251 km, overnight)
Day 2: Joshimath to Badrinath, darshan, Mana village visit, overnight in Badrinath
Day 3: Badrinath to Sonprayag via Rudraprayag (232 km), overnight at Guptkashi or Sonprayag
Day 4: Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek (16 km), overnight at Kedarnath
Day 5: Kedarnath to Gaurikund trek down, drive back toward Rishikesh (overnight Rudraprayag or full drive)
Total: 5–6 days, approximately 700 km road travel.
Private vehicles and parking
Private vehicles are not permitted beyond Sonprayag during peak season. Your driver will park at Sonprayag and wait for your return. Shared jeeps shuttle between Sonprayag and Gaurikund (₹30–50 per person). At Badrinath, vehicles park near the temple complex. Parking is managed at both ends.
Transport options from Badrinath
Shared taxis and local jeeps run from Badrinath to Joshimath every morning (₹200–400 per seat). From Joshimath, GMOU buses and shared taxis run to Rudraprayag and onwards toward the Kedarnath route. This is feasible but slow and unpredictable.
Pre-booked private taxis from Pahadi Express give you flexibility on departure time and allow you to follow the schedule above without waiting for shared services.
Taxi fares for this route (2026)
Badrinath to Sonprayag (private sedan): ₹7,000–8,000 one way
Badrinath to Sonprayag (private SUV/Innova): ₹10,000–12,000 one way
Full Do Dham package (Rishikesh–Badrinath–Kedarnath–Rishikesh): ₹22,000–30,000 for vehicle over 5–6 days
FAQ
How far is Badrinath from Kedarnath?
Which should I visit first — Badrinath or Kedarnath?
Is there a helicopter connecting Badrinath and Kedarnath?
Can I do Badrinath to Kedarnath in one day?
Where should I stop overnight between Badrinath and Kedarnath?
Related guides: Do Dham yatra | Badrinath in two days | Dehradun to Badrinath
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