Kedarnath and Badrinath are two important places of pilgrimage for Hindus nestled amidst the Himalayan mountain range in India. Kedarnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has a great religious significance among the Hindus. This temple is at a height of 3583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas and is engulfed by the majestic Kedarnath peak. The temple dates back to the period of the great epical war of Mahabharata. Moreover, it is in fact a vital part of India’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Badrinath, also known as Badrinarayan is one of the Char Dham sites which is worships Lord Vishnu. The temple is on the right bank of the Alaknanda River at an altitude of 3,133 meters. The temple features a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in a meditative posture that attracts thousands of devotees annually.
Embarking on the journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath, also known as the Do Dham Yatra, is a spiritually enriching experience. This route not only connects two significant religious sites but also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. Pilgrims often perform this yatra to seek blessings from the gods and to find a moment of tranquility and solace.
How to Reach Kedarnath to Badrinath
The journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath is a blend of road travel and trekking, each offering unique experiences. One can easily cover the Kedarnath Badrinath route by road, but for those who prefer a quicker and more comfortable journey, Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter services are also available. At first to reach Kedarnath, you need to undergo a 16 kilometer long trek since there is no direct motorable roadways to the temple. Once you reach the Dham, complete the darshan, you need to make your way back to Gaurikund, from the point you started trekking, and then move towards Badrinath Dham.
Kedarnath to Badrinath Road Route
Travelling from Kedarnath to Badrinath by road is an adventurous and scenic experience. The Kedarnath Badrinath route covers a distance of approximately 218 kilometers which offers panoramic views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys. The Do Dham yatra usually begins from Gaurikund which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek and then continues to Sonprayag, followed by Rudraprayag, and eventually reaching Badrinath via Joshimath.
Road transport entails winding mountain roads which has its difficulties of driving but at the same time is an extraordinary experience. Pilgrims often halt at various small towns and villages, to experience the warm hospitality and enjoy the local cuisine. The route offers regular bus and taxi services, making it accessible for most travelers. One must check the road conditions periodically, especially during monsoon season when landslides occur frequently.
Kedarnath to Badrinath Travel By Road
The road journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath is a one-of-a-kind experience since it offers a closer view of the environment and culture of the region. The journey begins with a 6-7-hour trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund. After reaching Gaurikund, one can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Badrinath. The entire road journey from Gaurikund to Badrinath can take approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The first halt is usually at Sonprayag and the second halt is at Rudraprayag, which is the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Tourists can also have a small trip through the scenic landscape and explore the historic Rudranath Temple. The next major halt is at Joshimath, a picturesque town and a major pilgrimage centre. It then takes approximately 2 hours to reach Badrinath from Joshimath.
This road route features many lesser-known places to visit, including temples, waterfalls, and viewpoints that are not as famous but are equally as meaningful and transformative as the journey itself.
Kedarnath to Badrinath Travel by Helicopter
For those who seek a quicker and more convenient means of transport, booking a helicopter from Kedarnath to Badrinath is highly advisable. The journey for these two Dhams by helicopter is gaining popularity in recent times. So this is because it offers a trouble-free and time-saving journey compared to the road trip.
The Chardham Yatra by Helicopter services takes pilgrims to all four important Chardham Temples. Do Dham Yatra by helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun. The aerial distance between Do Dham is approximately 30-40 minutes by helicopter, and it provides stunning views of the Himalayas. This mode of transport is therefore very convenient to elderly pilgrims or those who have limited time to spend on the journey.
The Chardham Yatra through helicopter provides the best opportunity for the pilgrims to comfortably visit Kedarnath and Badrinath on the same day. Apart from convenience, the helicopter service also offers an opportunity to witness the beauty of the Himalayas from a unique perspective.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath and Badrinath
The best time to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath are during the summer which includes May and June and September and October. These are the periods when the climate is not very harsh and the temples are open for the devotees. It is not advisable to take this journey during the monsoon period from July to August because of the frequent landslides and the heavy rain.
In May and June, the snow begins to melt, and the landscape beautifies with blooming flowers and lush greenery. This is also the peak pilgrimage season, so expect larger crowds. The best time of the year to travel from the Kedarnath to Badrinath is during the post-monsoon period from September to October during which the sky is clear and the weather is pleasant.
Kedarnath and Badrinath temples remain closed for the winter season normally from October end or early November because of heavy snowfall. The reopening of the temples in April or May is the onset of the pilgrimage season with numerous devotees looking forward to perform the Do Dham yatra.
Final Thoughts
The Kedarnath to Badrinath pilgrimage is not merely any travel destination but it is a sacred sojourn which connects pilgrims to their faith and the divine. Whether it is choosing a road trip that allows the tourists to experience the beauty and culture of the area or a helicopter ride that provides stunning views of the Himalayas, the Kedarnath Badrinath route offers an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1). What are the popular places to visit in Badrinath Dham?
Most popular places to visit in Badrinath Dham are:
- Bheem Pul
- Mana Village
- Alkapuri
- Vasundhara Falls
- Tapt Kund
Q2). What is the distance from Kedarnath to Badrinath Dham?
The distance from Kedarnath to Badrinath by road is 218 km, and the aerial from Kedarnath dham is 41 km.
Q3). How much time does it take to reach Kedarnath and Badrinath by Road?
Kedarnath to Badrinath route journey time is 7 hr 33 min via road.
Q4). What should I visit Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham?
You should visit Badrinath because visiting Badrinath temples helps in attaining moksha as per Hindu mythology.
