Do Dham yatra — Kedarnath and Badrinath combined itinerary

Do Dham ('two shrines') refers to the pairing of Kedarnath and Badrinath — the two most significant pilgrimage sites in the Garhwal Himalayas. Both are Char Dham shrines; Kedarnath is the primary Shiva shrine in Uttarakhand, and Badrinath is the primary Vishnu shrine.

Many pilgrims who cannot do the full Char Dham (all four shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) do the Do Dham instead, focusing on Kedarnath and Badrinath as the most significant pair. It is also the itinerary chosen by most non-pilgrimage travellers who want the mountain experience of both sites.

Kedarnath and Badrinath are in different valleys — Kedarnath sits in the Mandakini valley, Badrinath in the Alaknanda valley. They are not connected by a single road; you return to the Rudraprayag junction to switch routes.

There is no direct road between Kedarnath and Badrinath. The driving distance via the main highway junction at Rudraprayag is:

Gaurikund (Kedarnath trekkers' base) to Rudraprayag: 74 km, 2.5–3 hours

Rudraprayag to Badrinath: 158 km, 5–6 hours

Total road distance between the two bases: approximately 232 km, 7–9 hours of driving.

An alternative route via Ukhimath and Chopta avoids backtracking to Rudraprayag, but this road is narrower and slower. Most travellers use the Rudraprayag route.

Kedarnath temple opening: 22 April 2026

Badrinath temple opening: 23 April 2026

Both temples typically close in mid-November (around Bhai Dooj)

Peak season: May–June and September–October

Absolute minimum: 5 days from Rishikesh/Haridwar (very tight, no buffer)

Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi or Sonprayag (220 km, 7–8 hours)

Day 2: Helicopter to Kedarnath, darshan, return to base

Day 3: Guptkashi to Joshimath via Rudraprayag (162 km, 5–6 hours)

Day 4: Joshimath to Badrinath, darshan, stay in Badrinath

Day 5: Badrinath to Rishikesh (295 km, 10 hours)

Comfortable: 7–8 days

Adds a buffer day for weather delays (common at Kedarnath helicopter), proper acclimatisation at Joshimath (one night), time in Mana village, and one night in Rudraprayag on the return.

The traditional pilgrimage order is Badrinath first, then Kedarnath. However, the practical argument for the reverse (Kedarnath first) is stronger:

The Kedarnath helicopter is weather-dependent. If you do Kedarnath first and lose a day to cancellation, you still have the rest of the itinerary. If you do Badrinath first and the helicopter is cancelled on the Kedarnath day, the return journey is disrupted.

Gaurikund (Kedarnath base) is closer to Rishikesh than Joshimath/Badrinath. You climb in altitude progressively: Gaurikund (1,982 m) to Kedarnath (3,583 m) first, then Joshimath (1,890 m) to Badrinath (3,133 m).

Practical recommendation: Kedarnath first, then Badrinath.

By helicopter (Sersi/Phata to Kedarnath, 8–12 min):

Fare (2026): Round-trip from Sersi is approximately ₹6,390 and from Phata approximately ₹10,164 (plus convenience fee and 18% GST). Bookings are round-trip only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for May–June slots. Day-trip is possible. Suitable for elderly pilgrims and those with limited time.

By trek (Gaurikund to Kedarnath, 16 km, ~1,550 m elevation gain):

Time: 6–8 hours up, 4–5 hours down. The trail passes through Jungle Chatti (4 km), Bheembali (7 km), Linchauli (11 km), Base Camp (14.5 km), and Kedarnath town. Grade: moderate to strenuous. Ponies (₹2,500–3,500 one way) and palanquins are available. One night at Kedarnath is strongly recommended rather than a same-day return.

Recommendation for Do Dham trip: If you are fit and want the mountain experience, trek up and helicopter down. If travelling with elderly family, helicopter both ways.

From Kedarnath/Gaurikund, drive to Rudraprayag (74 km), continue to Joshimath (84 km), then Badrinath (45 km). Spend one to two nights in Joshimath and one to two nights in Badrinath.

For the Do Dham itinerary, one night in Joshimath (for acclimatisation) and one night in Badrinath (for early morning darshan at 4:30 AM) is the recommended split. See our Badrinath in two days guide for the detailed itinerary.

All pilgrims must register on the Uttarakhand government portal before the yatra. Registration is free and can be done:

Online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app

Via WhatsApp at 8394833833

At offline counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Sonprayag, and other checkpoints

You will need your Aadhaar card details. After registration, download your e-pass — it will be checked at multiple points along the route.

Char Dham registration: free, mandatory (register online before departure)

Kedarnath helicopter: book 4–6 weeks ahead (May–June) via heliyatra.irctc.co.in

Accommodation in Guptkashi or Sonprayag: book 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season

Accommodation at Kedarnath (if staying overnight): GMVN tent or forest department hut, book ahead

Joshimath hotel: book 1–2 weeks ahead in May–June

Badrinath hotel or GMVN: book 2–3 weeks ahead in May–June

How many days do I need for Do Dham yatra?

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Related guides: Badrinath in two days | Badrinath to Kedarnath | Dehradun to Badrinath