Kedarnath and Badrinath: Itinerary for a 9-day

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar and transfer to Guptkashi. The distance between Haridwar and Guptkashi is around 220 km, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours by road. Check into a hotel and have dinner.

Day 2: Early morning, travel to Sonprayag, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. From there, trek for about approx 18 km or hire a pony or palanquin to reach Kedarnath. Attend the evening aarti at the Kedarnath temple and have dinner.

Day 3: Attend the morning aarti at the Kedarnath temple and trek back to Sonprayag. From there, travel to Badrinath, which is around 230 km from Sonprayag. Check into a hotel and have dinner.

Day 4: Visit the Badrinath temple and attend the morning aarti. After darshan, visit Mana Village and other nearby attractions. Return to the hotel for lunch and have dinner.

Day 5: Travel to Rudraprayag, which is around 160 km from Badrinath. Check into a hotel and have dinner.

Day 6: Travel back to Haridwar, which is around 160 km from Rudraprayag. The journey takes around 6-7 hours by road. The yatra ends in Haridwar.

The route and itinerary of Do Dham Yatra may vary depending on the tour operator and package chosen. It is advisable to book a package that includes transportation, accommodation, and other necessary facilities to ensure a hassle-free and safe journey. The itinerary can also be customized to include other nearby attractions and activities.

Do Dham Yatra Visit Time:

The best time to go on Do Dham Yatra is during the summer months of May to June and the autumn months of September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are open for visitors. The temperature during the day ranges between 15°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for trekking and sightseeing.

The monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, is not a recommended time to go on Do Dham Yatra, as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and roadblocks. The winter season, which lasts from December to February, is also not suitable for trekking, as the temperature drops below freezing point, and the trekking routes are covered with snow. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your Do Dham Yatra during the summer or autumn months to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Modes of transportation for Do Dham:

There are several modes of transportation available for Do Dham Yatra, and the choice of transportation depends on the traveler’s preference, budget, and physical ability. Here are the common modes of transportation to reach the two sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath:

• • By Road: One of the most common ways to reach the starting point of Do Dham Yatra is by road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun or Haridwar to reach the starting point of the yatra, which is usually in Yamunotri or Gangotri. From there, visitors can proceed to Kedarnath and Badrinath by road.
  
  
  

• • By Helicopter: A 2 Dham Yatra by helicopter is a popular way to visit the two shrines in a short time. Visitors can board the helicopter from Dehradun or Haridwar and fly directly to Kedarnath and Badrinath. The helicopter service to Kedarnath operates from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi helipads. The helicopter service to Badrinath operates from the helipads in Phata, Sirsi, and Badrinath.
  
  
  

Helicopter services are subject to weather conditions, and flights may be delayed or canceled due to bad weather or other operational reasons. Additionally, helicopter services can be expensive compared to other modes of transport, but they provide a convenient and comfortable way of traveling to the pilgrimage sites.

• • By Trekking: Visitors can also reach Kedarnath and Badrinath by trekking through the scenic routes of Uttarakhand. The trekking routes are usually open from May to June and from September to November. Visitors can hire ponies or palanquins to carry luggage during the trek.
  
  
  

• • By Pony or Palanquin: Visitors can also hire ponies or palanquins to carry them and their luggage during the trek. The rates for hiring ponies or palanquins vary depending on the distance and duration of the trek.
  
  

Cost of Do Dham Yatra:

The cost of the Do Dham Yatra by a tour operator can vary depending on various factors such as the duration of the tour, the mode of transport, the type of accommodation, the number of people in the group, and the inclusions provided by the operator. However, here is a rough estimate of the cost of the Do Dham Yatra by a tour operator:

• • The cost of a 5-6 day Do Dham Yatra tour package can range from INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 per person, depending on the inclusions and level of comfort.
  
  

• • This package generally includes transportation by a private vehicle, accommodation in standard or deluxe hotels, all meals, and VIP darshan tickets.
  
  

• • The cost of a pony or a palanquin ride to Yamunotri can range from INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 per person, depending on the demand and availability.
  
  

• • The cost of the travel insurance, personal expenses, and additional activities not included in the tour package are not included in the above estimate.
  
  

Please note that the cost can vary depending on the season and the operator, and it is always recommended to compare prices from multiple operators and check the inclusions and exclusions before booking the tour.

The rituals and customs Perform at Do Dham: The Do Dham Yatra is a religious pilgrimage that involves visiting two significant Hindu shrines – Yamunotri and Gangotri. The pilgrims perform various religious rituals and customs at these shrines to seek the blessings of the deities. Here are some of the rituals and customs followed at Do Dham:

Yamunotri:

• Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Yamuna River before proceeding for the darshan
• Offering prayers to Yamuna Devi and seeking her blessings
• Performing Yamuna Aarti, which involves offering a lamp and flowers to the deity
• Taking a bath in the hot water spring at Yamunotri, which is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure skin diseases
• Offering pujas and performing Tarpan, which is a ritual of offering water to the ancestors

Gangotri:

• Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges before proceeding for the darshan
• Offering prayers to Goddess Ganga and seeking her blessings
• Performing Ganga Aarti, which involves offering a lamp and flowers to the deity
• Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges at the Gangotri Ghat, which is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins
• Offering pujas and performing Tarpan, which is a ritual of offering water to the ancestors

Kedarnath:

• Taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges before proceeding for the darshan
• Offering prayers to Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings
• Performing Rudrabhishekam, which involves offering water, milk, and honey to Lord Shiva
• Offering bilva leaves to the deity, which is considered sacred and believed to have healing properties
• Taking a bath in the Tapt Kund, which is believed to have medicinal properties and can cure skin diseases

Badrinath:

• Taking a dip in the hot water springs before proceeding for the darshan
• Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and seeking his blessings
• Performing Abhishekam, which involves offering milk, honey, and ghee to the deity
• Offering Tulsi leaves to the deity, which is believed to be sacred and symbolize devotion
• Performing Pind Dan, which is a ritual of offering food and water to the ancestors.

Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind while on the Do Dham Yatra:

Dos:

• Respect the customs and traditions of the shrines and follow the instructions of the priests and authorities.
• Carry enough warm clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
• Carry essential medicines and first aid kits, as medical facilities may be limited in some areas.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and dispose of waste in the designated bins.
• Carry a valid ID proof and necessary permits if required.
• Stay hydrated and carry enough water bottles with you.
• Follow the COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, using sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.

Don’ts:

• Do not carry or consume alcohol or any other intoxicating substances during the yatra.
• Do not carry any non-vegetarian food or items that are prohibited at the shrines.
• Do not litter or pollute the environment, as it can harm the fragile ecology of the mountains.
• Do not indulge in any activities that can cause harm to wildlife or disturb the natural habitat of the mountains.
• Do not make loud noises or play loud music, as it can disturb the peaceful environment of the mountains.
• Do not indulge in any activities that can harm or hurt the sentiments of the local people or the pilgrims.
• Do not attempt to undertake the yatra without proper planning, guidance, and permission.

Following these dos and don’ts can ensure a safe, comfortable, and peaceful Do Dham Yatra, and help maintain the sanctity and beauty of the mountains.