Do Dham Yatra Route Map 2026 – Complete Travel Guide
The Do Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is a spiritual & heart-touching journey that offers both divine blessings & a chance to see the breathtaking Himalayan beauty of Uttarakhand.
Every year, thousands of travellers from across India & abroad plan this sacred Yatra for peace, devotion, and inner fulfillment.
In this Do Dham Yatra, you visit two Dham – Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Mahadev Shiva in India, and Badrinath Dham, which is also part of the original Char Dham circuit of India, which includes Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand), Somnath Temple (Gujarat), Rameshwaram Temple (Tamil Nadu), and Jagannath Temple (Odisha).
In this detailed guide on the Do Dham Yatra Route Map for 2026, we at Rajputana Cabs are sharing insights from our 14+ years of experience in organizing Do Dham Yatra Packages with our own fleet of cabs and tempo travellers, along with the latest updates on routes and road conditions.
Lets start with:
- Opening & Closing Dates of Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Planning for Do Dham Yatra
- Do Dham Yatra Route Map and Itinerary
- Where to Stay During the Do Dham Yatra?
- Things to Carry During Do Dham Yatra
- Helicopter Options for Do Dham Yatra & Kedarnath Yatra
- Trek Options for Kedarnath (Horse / Palki / Helicopter)
- Weather Conditions During Do Dham Yatra
- Senior Citizen Travel Tips for Do Dham Yatra
- Places to Visit Near Kedarnath & Badrinath Dham
- FAQ on Do Dham Yatra
1. Opening & Closing Dates of Kedarnath and Badrinath
The temples of Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham remain open only for around 6 months every year because of heavy snowfall during winter in Uttarakhand.
- Kedarnath Dham Opening Date 2026: 22-April-2026
- Kedarnath Dham Tentative Closing Date 2026: 11-November-2026
- Badrinath Dham Opening Date 2026: 23-April-2026
- Badrinath Dham Tentative Closing Date 2026: 13-November-2026
Usually, the yatra season starts in late April or early May and continues till after Diwali.
Since weather conditions in Uttarakhand can change anytime, travelers should always check the latest temple opening and closing dates before planning the Do Dham Yatra. Checkout current year opening and closing date at our Char Dham Yatra Dates page.
2. Planning for Do Dham Yatra
2.1 How many days are required?
To plan your Do Dham Yatra from anywhere in India, you first need to reach Haridwar or Delhi.
- If you are traveling from nearby cities like Jaipur, you can directly reach Haridwar on Day 1.
- If you are coming from cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, or Kolkata, the best option is to take a flight or train to Delhi.
From Delhi, you can reach Haridwar in around 4 hours via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which has reduced travel time significantly (earlier it used to take around 5 hours).
Ideal Duration:
- Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
- Day 2–7: Kedarnath & Badrinath Yatra
- Day 8: Return to Delhi via Rishikesh to catch the train/ flight for home.
So, excluding travel from your home city, you need 8 days to comfortably complete the Do Dham Yatra from Haridwar.
2.2 Which Temple to Visit First?
The traditional sequence of the yatra follows the order established by Adi Shankaracharya, who revived the Char Dham pilgrimage.
As per tradition and geographical convenience, it is recommended to first visit Kedarnath Dham and then Badrinath Dham.
3. Do Dham Yatra Route Map and Itinerary
3.1 Day-by-Day Route Overview (Till Kedarnath Dham)
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
- Reach Haridwar and rest for the day
- Prepare for the journey ahead
Places you can visit in Haridwar:
- Har Ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Evening Ganga Aarti
Day 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi / Sonprayag
- Distance: Approx. 200–225 km
- Driving time: 6-7 hours
- Reach Guptkashi or Sonprayag by evening
At Guptkashi, you will also visit the famous Vishwanath Temple.
Guptkashi is considered one of the sacred Shiva towns, along with Kashi (Varanasi) and Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. Like 3 cities in whole world which has Kashi in their name.
Nearby places to visit:
- Vishwanath Temple
- Ardh Narishwar Temple
- Manikarnik Kund
Day 3: Trek to Kedarnath
- Drive to Sonprayag (if staying in Guptkashi)
- Show your Char Dham Yatra biometric registration (mandatory)
- Take a shared jeep to Gaurikund (private vehicles are not allowed)
- Start your trek to Kedarnath (18 km)
Options available for reaching Kedarnath:
- Trekking, 10 hours
- Pony (horse), 4 hours
- Palki / Doli, 5 hours
You will reach Kedarnath by evening and If time permits, you can have the darshan of Kedarnath Dham Temple, which is open till around 9 pm, otherwise rest and plan for early morning darshan.
Your night stay for the day can be planned at many guest houses or Camps prepared by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam).
Day 4: Kedarnath Darshan & Return
- Temple opens early morning (around 4 am)
- Best darshan time: 4 am – 6 am (less crowd)
Nearby places to visit:
After the darshan of Shree Kedarnath Dham, have your breakfast and then visit:
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Bhim Shila (sacred rock behind the temple, which saved the Kedarnath Dham temple and everyone inside the temple during the 2013 flood)
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
After darshan of all the temples of Kedarnath base camp, start your return trek to Gaurikund by afternoon.
- Reach Sonprayag by evening as return trek is around 8 hours by walk, and less than 4 hours by horse and palki.
- Return to Guptkashi for overnight stay
3.2 Day-by-Day Route Overview (Till Badrinath Dham darshan)
Day 5: Guptkashi to Badrinath Town
- Distance: Approx. 190–210 km
- Driving time: 8–10 hours
Today, we will leave for Badrinath Town from Guptkashi.
Upon reaching Badrinath Town, it is a bit difficult to have the darshan of the Badrinath Dham on the same day because of the long drive, but unlike Kedarnath Dham, Badrinath Temple requires no trekking.
You will be able to stay near the Badrinath Temple because it is located in a small town with lots of guest houses and hotel options nearby.
So, either we will try to have the evening darshan of Badrinath Dham and even attend the evening aarti, or we can just rest for the day and visit nearby places like Mana Village, which is the last Indian village near the India–Tibet border.
By night, rest at your booked Badrinath Town hotel.
Day 6: Badrinath Dham Darshan & Drive to Rudraprayag
Wake up early morning and go for the morning darshan of Badrinath Dham, which again starts from around 5 am.
We always suggest having the morning darshan because it is less crowded.
And with the darshan of Badrinath Dham, you will complete visiting the fourth deity of Char Dham — the other three being Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna, and Mahadeva Shiv. Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shri Hari Vishnu.
Nearby places to visit:
- Tapt Kund
- Mana Village
- Bhim Pul
- Vyas Gufa
Around afternoon, after lunch, we will leave Badrinath Town and drive towards Rudraprayag.
- Distance: Approx. 160 km
- Driving time: 6–7 hours
Upon reaching here, you can also see one of the Panch Prayag sites in Rudraprayag, which is the sangam of Alaknanda River and Mandakini River.
Similar Prayag sites can also be seen at four other places in Uttarakhand. That is why, including Rudraprayag, these are called the Panch Prayag — the five Prayags.
Your night stay will be at a Rudraprayag hotel.
Day 7: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh
From Rudraprayag, you will check out of the hotel, either see the Panch Prayag site if you have not seen it yesterday, and leave for Rishikesh.
- Distance: Approx. 140 km
- Driving time: 4–5 hours
Upon reaching here, we will try to arrive by lunchtime.
After lunch, you can visit various ghats and temples of Rishikesh such as:
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- Parmarth Niketan
- Janki Setu
Your night stay will also be at Rishikesh.
Day 8: Rishikesh to Delhi & Return
So, this will be the last day of your Do Dham Yatra.
From Rishikesh, you will drive back to Delhi again via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, reaching there in around 4–5 hours.
From here, your tour will be finished, your Yatra will be completed, and you can catch the train or flight back home from Delhi railway station or airport.
4. Where to Stay During the Do Dham Yatra?
As shared in the route map of the Do Dham Yatra, we have already explained where you will be staying during the journey, but let us make it more clear because you guys will need to do hotel bookings accordingly.
If you are from Delhi or nearby cities, you can directly start the yatra from Haridwar.
But if you are coming from other parts of the country, then your plan will usually start like this:
- Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
- Day 1 Night Stay: Haridwar
Now let us understand the stay plan day by day.
1st Night Stay: Haridwar
Haridwar is the starting point of the Do Dham Yatra for most travelers. Here you will get all types of stay options including:
- Budget hotels
- Dharamshalas
- Luxury hotels
- Hotels near Har Ki Pauri
Most travelers prefer staying near Har Ki Pauri or the highway side for easy departure next morning.
2nd Night Stay: Guptkashi / Sitapur / Sonprayag
Here, getting a booking in Guptkashi is usually the best choice because there are a lot of hotel options available.
Some people also prefer staying at Sonprayag because it is just around 5 km from Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra trek.
Best places to stay before Kedarnath trek:
- Guptkashi – More hotels and better facilities
- Sitapur – Midway option with good camps and hotels
- Sonprayag – Closest point for starting the trek
3rd Night Stay: Kedarnath Dham / Kedarnath Base Camp
Your third night stay will be at Kedarnath Dham, which is also called Kedarnath Base Camp.
There are many stay options available near the temple area including:
- Dharamshalas
- Guest houses
- Tent camps
- GMVN camps and cottages (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam)
Because of limited space in Kedarnath Valley, it is always recommended to do advance booking during peak yatra season.
4th Night Stay: Guptkashi / Sitapur / Sonprayag
After returning from Kedarnath Yatra, your night stay will again be at Guptkashi, Sitapur, or Sonprayag.
Most travelers prefer staying at the same hotel where they stayed before starting the trek because luggage can also be safely kept there during the Kedarnath trek.
5th Night Stay: Badrinath Dham
Your next stay will be at Badrinath Dham.
There are many hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas available near Badrinath Temple, and most travelers prefer staying within walking distance of the temple.
Previously, many people used to stay at Joshimath, but now it is not as popular because of land sinking issues and road-related restrictions seen in recent years.
Best areas to stay in Badrinath:
- Near Badrinath Temple
- Main market area
- River side guest houses
6th Night Stay: Rudraprayag
After completing the Badrinath Dham darshan, your next night stay will usually be at Rudraprayag.
This is one of the major towns of Uttarakhand and has many good hotel options for travelers returning from Badrinath.
You can also visit the famous Rudraprayag Sangam in the evening.
7th Night Stay: Rishikesh
Your last night stay during the yatra will be at Rishikesh.
Rishikesh has all types of hotels available, from budget stays to luxury riverside resorts.
Many travelers prefer staying near:
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Tapovan
- Triveni Ghat
Day 8: Return to Delhi
On the last day, no night stay is required.
You can directly drive back to Delhi and catch your flight or train back home.
And if you are from Delhi, then you can simply get dropped at your home after completing the Do Dham Yatra.
Also checkout our Char Dham Yatra Hotels list.
5. Things to Carry During Do Dham Yatra
It is very important to create a proper list of items that you need to carry during the Do Dham Yatra.
Since the yatra is conducted in high-altitude areas of Uttarakhand, and Kedarnath Dham is located near glacier regions, proper preparation is very important for a safe and comfortable journey.
5.1 Char Dham Yatra Registration
The Char Dham Yatra registration is compulsory for all travelers.
This registration helps the Uttarakhand government control the crowd visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham during the yatra season.
How to do the registration?
You just need to open the official website of registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in and create a login using your mobile number with OTP verification.
After login, fill in details like:
- Name and ID proof details
- Number of travelers
- Travel dates
- Which dham you are visiting
Even if you are only doing Do Dham Yatra, you still need to select the Char Dham Yatra option during registration, which is completely normal.
The registration usually opens around the first week of April as the Char Dham Yatra starts from last week of April, or sometimes the first week of May.
While filling the form, you will also be asked on which date you are planning to visit Kedarnath Dham.
For example, if you are planning Kedarnath darshan on 5th May, then simply enter that date.
Even if you reach one day earlier or later, like 4th May or 6th May, it is usually manageable.
After completing the registration, you will receive:
- Individual Yatra registration PDF
- Group ID (if traveling in a group)
Always keep:
- A printout copy of the registration
- A soft copy in your mobile phone
Sometimes mobile battery can get discharged during the journey, so having a printout is always helpful.
This registration can be checked at:
- Haridwar check post
- Sonprayag entry point
- Kedarnath route checkpoints
5.2 Cold Weather Clothing
Do Dham Yatra weather can become very cold, especially at Kedarnath Dham.
Clothes you should carry:
- Thermal wear
- Warm jackets
- Sweaters
- Woolen cap
- Gloves
- Raincoat or poncho
Weather in Uttarakhand can change suddenly, so rain protection is very important.
5.3 Comfortable Footwear
A good quality trekking shoe is very important for Kedarnath Yatra.
Do not directly wear a brand-new trekking shoe during the trek.
Instead, use it for 1–2 weeks at home before the yatra so your feet get comfortable.
Footwear items to carry:
- Trekking shoes
- Extra pairs of socks
- Lightweight sandals or slippers
5.4 Medicines & Healthcare Essentials
Always carry your regular medicines and doctor prescriptions during the yatra.
Important medicines and healthcare items:
- Paracetamol
- Pain relief tablets
- ORS packets or glucose powder
- Bandages
- Antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness medicine
5.5 Electronic Gadgets
Apart from your mobile phone and charger, there are a few more useful electronic items you should carry.
Useful electronic items:
- Power bank
- Torch
- Extra charging cable
A torch can be very useful during night travel or early morning darshan timings.
5.6 Food & Hydration
Always keep some light food items and water with you during the journey and especially during the Kedarnath trek.
Food items to carry:
- Water bottles
- Dry fruits
- Energy bars or protein bars
- Biscuits
- Light snacks
5.7 Personal Hygiene Items
Personal hygiene items are also important because you will be continuously traveling for many days.
Personal items to carry:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Tissue papers
- Sunscreen
Also checkout our guide on Things to carry on Char Dham Yatra.
6. Helicopter Options for Do Dham Yatra & Kedarnath Yatra
You can also complete the Do Dham Yatra in just 3 days by helicopter, starting from Dehradun.
All Do Dham helicopter tours start from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
6.1 Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
Day-wise helicopter route:
- Day 1: Dehradun → Fata → Kedarnath → Return to Fata
- Day 2: Fata → Badrinath → Local sightseeing and stay
- Day 3: Badrinath → Dehradun
From Sahastradhara Helipad, you will first fly to Phata Helipad near Guptkashi.
From there, it is around a 15-minute helicopter flight to Kedarnath Dham helipad near the temple base camp.
After reaching Kedarnath, helicopter travelers usually get access to a separate darshan line, which makes the darshan process much faster compared to normal trekking pilgrims.
After darshan and spending a few hours near the temple, you will return back to Phata Helipad and stay overnight at Phata or Guptkashi.
On Day 2, after reaching Badrinath Helipad, a cab usually drops travelers near Badrinath Temple for darshan and nearby sightseeing like Mana Village. and night stya will be in or near Badrinath town.
On Day 3, guests flu back to Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun from Badrinath and with this the Do Dham Yatra is complete in 3 days from Dehradun.
The total cost of this Do Dham helicopter package is usually around ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per person.
This package usually includes:
- Helicopter rides
- Local cab transfers
- Hotel stay
- Breakfast and dinner
These helicopter packages are mostly offered by IRCTC and private aviation companies.
6.2 Kedarnath Helicopter Service
The Kedarnath helicopter service is much more popular because it saves travelers from the 18 km trek.
For this, you need to book helicopter tickets from the official IRCTC Heli Yatra website: https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Main helicopter boarding points:
- Phata
- Sersi
- Guptkashi
You can select your preferred date and available flight timing while booking.
Most helicopter flights operate from morning till around 3 pm to 4 pm depending on weather conditions.
Usually, return flights are scheduled for the next day after darshan.
The exact return timing is normally informed after reaching Kedarnath helipad.
Kedarnath helicopter ticket cost:
- Approx. ₹7,000 to ₹12,500 per person (return)
This cost usually only includes helicopter tickets.
Hotel stay at Kedarnath Base Camp needs to be booked separately by travelers.
Important booking advice:
To be very realistic, Kedarnath helicopter tickets are extremely difficult to get during peak yatra season.
The daily helicopter capacity is limited, while demand is much higher.
Usually, helicopter booking windows open in phases.
For example:
- First booking window may open in April
- Tickets may become available till around mid-June
Most tickets get booked within the first few hours after the booking window opens.
So if you are planning Kedarnath helicopter yatra:
- Keep your Char Dham registration completed in advance
- Login to the IRCTC Heli Yatra website before booking starts
- Select dates quickly once booking opens
And if your preferred dates are not available, you can immediately change the Kedarnath visit date in your Char Dham Yatra registration and try booking for another date.
Because of very high demand, travelers should be mentally prepared that most helicopter tickets are sold out within 1–2 hours of booking opening.
Checkout our package for Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter and Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
7. Trek Options for Kedarnath (Horse / Palki / Helicopter)
The Kedarnath Dham temple is around 18 km trekking distance from Gaurikund, so travelers should be prepared accordingly before starting the yatra.
7.1 Kedarnath Trek by Walking
If you choose the walking option, then be prepared for around a 10-hour trek depending on your speed and weather conditions.
That is why we always suggest starting the trek as early as possible, preferably around 5–7 am, so that you can comfortably reach Kedarnath Dham by evening.
Important trekking tips:
- Start the trek early morning
- Carry water and light snacks
- Take short breaks during the climb
- Avoid trekking late at night
7.2 Kedarnath Helicopter Option
As we have already shared above, helicopter tickets are also available for Kedarnath Yatra.
But realistically speaking, getting helicopter tickets during peak yatra season is very difficult because tickets are sold out very quickly.
We have already explained above how to increase your chances of getting helicopter tickets through the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal, & also view our Kedarnath Dham Helicopter package.
7.3 Horse & Palki Options
Now let us say that helicopter tickets are not available, and you are also not comfortable walking 18 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
In that case, horse and palki options are also available from Gaurikund.
Approximate charges:
- Horse / Pony: Approx. ₹3,500 – ₹5,500 per person
- Palki / Doli: Approx. ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 per person
These options can help you reach Kedarnath Dham in around 4–5 hours.
But during peak yatra season, especially from late April till around 20th May, getting horse and palki services can also become difficult because of very high demand.
There is no proper advance booking system for most horse and palki services at Gaurikund.
That is why we always suggest travelers reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund as early as possible in the morning.
Best timing to reach Gaurikund:
- 5 am to 7 am during peak season
This gives you better chances of:
- Getting horse or palki services
- Completing the trek during daylight
- Avoiding heavy crowd later in the day
Official horse and palki rates are usually displayed at Gaurikund.
But during peak season, because of huge demand, travelers should be mentally prepared that some operators may ask for slightly higher rates.
7.4 Badrinath Dham Access
Unlike Kedarnath Dham, no trekking, horse, or palki is required for Badrinath Dham.
The temple is located directly inside Badrinath Town.
You only need to walk around 500 meters from the parking area or nearby hotels to reach the temple entrance.
8. Weather Conditions During Do Dham Yatra
April, May, and June are the most crowded months for the Do Dham Yatra because this is considered the main yatra season.
Even during summer season, the weather at Kedarnath and Badrinath remains cold because Kedarnath Dham is located near glacier regions and Badrinath Dham is also situated at very high altitude in the Himalayas.
During April, May, and June:
- Kedarnath daytime temperature: Around 10°C to 17°C
- Kedarnath nighttime temperature: Around 0°C to 7°C
- Badrinath daytime temperature: Around 12°C to 20°C
- Badrinath nighttime temperature: Around 5°C to 10°C
July and August are comparatively less crowded because of monsoon rains, landslides, and road blockage risks in Uttarakhand.
During July and August:
- Kedarnath daytime temperature: Around 12°C to 16°C
- Kedarnath nighttime temperature: Around 6°C to 9°C
- Badrinath daytime temperature: Around 10°C to 18°C
- Badrinath nighttime temperature: Around 7°C to 10°C
During September, October, and November, the crowd again starts increasing because monsoon season ends and the weather becomes much clearer for darshan and mountain views.
But during these months, temperatures start dropping quickly, especially during nighttime.
- Kedarnath daytime temperature: Around 5°C to 12°C
- Kedarnath nighttime temperature: Around -3°C to 3°C
- Badrinath daytime temperature: Around 8°C to 15°C
- Badrinath nighttime temperature: Around 0°C to 6°C
The months of September, October, and November are called the Winter Do Dham Yatra as you will see snowfall, trekking would involve walking on glaciers, and many traveller prefer these month for plan the Do Dham, Yatra, ectara care must be taken for children’s and senior citizens.
9. Senior Citizen Travel Tips for Do Dham Yatra
As shared above in the weather conditions section, Do Dham Yatra takes place in cold and high-altitude regions, so special care should always be taken for senior citizens and children.
A lot of our guests who book Do Dham Yatra ask questions regarding the safety of elderly travelers and kids during the yatra.
So there are a few important things you should understand before planning the journey.
First of all, always carry all prescribed medicines of senior citizens and even basic medicines for younger travelers because you may not find every type of medicine easily on the Do Dham Yatra route.
Since road conditions and facilities have improved a lot in recent years, many senior citizens and even small children are now comfortably completing the Do Dham Yatra, including Kedarnath trek.
But senior citizens with medical conditions like:
- Heart problems
- Lung problems
- Breathing issues
- Severe knee pain
should avoid trekking to Kedarnath Dham.
In such cases, travelers can choose:
- Helicopter yatra
- Horse / pony service
- Palki / doli service
Medical facilities and emergency centers are improving every year on the Kedarnath route, but still, we always suggest our guests that if your local doctor is not approving the yatra for elderly travelers, then please avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The facilities are improving every year, but safety and health should always be the first priority during the Do Dham Yatra.
10. Places to Visit Near Kedarnath & Badrinath Dham
Along with Kedarnath Dham darshan and Badrinath Dham darshan, we also suggest our guests visit various nearby spiritual and sightseeing places during the Do Dham Yatra.
When you start the Kedarnath Dham Yatra, you will usually stay at Guptkashi.
At Guptkashi, travelers can visit:
- Vishwanath Temple
- Ardh Narishwar Temple
- Manikarnik Kund
- Local market area and river viewpoints
The next day, after starting the Kedarnath Yatra and completing the darshan of Baba Kedarnath, you can also visit nearby places around the temple.
- Bhairavnath Temple – Located around 500 meters uphill from Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that Bhairavnath protects the Kedarnath Valley during winter when the temple remains closed.
- Bhim Shila – A large sacred rock located behind Kedarnath Temple. During the 2013 floods, this rock naturally stopped behind the temple and diverted the flood water, helping protect the temple structure.
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi – Located near the Kedarnath Temple premises. This place is built in respect of Adi Shankaracharya, who revived and established the Char Dham Yatra tradition.
- Vasuki Tal – A high-altitude lake located around 8 km from Kedarnath. This place is mostly suggested only for experienced trekkers because the route is difficult and usually requires extra trekking time.
When you reach Badrinath Dham and stay in Badrinath Town, there are many nearby places which can easily be covered after the darshan of Baba Badrinath.
- Mana Village – Located around 3 km from Badrinath Temple. It is known as the last Indian village before the India–Tibet border.
- Bhim Pul – A natural rock bridge located in Mana Village. According to local beliefs and Mahabharat stories, Bhim placed this rock so that Draupadi and the Pandavas could cross the river during their journey towards heaven.
- Vyas Gufa – According to local beliefs, this is the cave where Maharishi Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata.
- Ganesh Gufa – It is believed that Lord Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata here while Ved Vyas dictated it.
- Tapt Kund – A natural hot water spring located near Badrinath Temple where many pilgrims take a bath before darshan.
- Charan Paduka – A sacred trekking spot near Badrinath where footprints believed to belong to Lord Vishnu can be seen.
Most of these places can easily be covered along with the Do Dham Yatra without requiring any major changes in the itinerary. Also view our guide on Char Dham Yatra Places.
11. FAQ on Do Dham Yatra
Is Do Dham Yatra safe for family and kids?
Yes, the Do Dham Yatra is mostly safe for families, kids, and senior citizens.
As we have already shared a separate section for senior citizens, travelers should follow those precautions carefully.
The only physically challenging part of the yatra is the 18 km Kedarnath Dham trek.
A normal person between the age of 20 to 40 years can usually complete this trek in around 8–10 hours while walking at a comfortable pace with regular short breaks.
If you are traveling with very small children, then always carry all the required essentials and medicines with you.
A lot of families travel to Kedarnath every year with children, but we still suggest consulting your doctor before planning the yatra for very young kids.
Are emergency and medical facilities available during Do Dham Yatra?
Yes, medical facilities are available on most major routes of the Do Dham Yatra.
From Haridwar to Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Badrinath, Rudraprayag, and Rishikesh, you can easily find:
- Medical shops
- Basic hospitals
- Local doctors
- Emergency medical centers
On the Kedarnath trekking route also, medical facilities are improving every year.
But still, travelers should always carry:
- Daily medicines
- Doctor prescriptions
- Basic cold and fever medicines
Is food available during the Do Dham Yatra?
Yes, food is easily available during the Do Dham Yatra.
Even though there are not many big restaurants or cafes in high-altitude areas, you will still find many small food shops and dhabas.
Common food options available include:
- Tea and snacks
- Dal chawal
- Paratha
- Maggi
- Biscuits and packaged snacks
At Kedarnath Base Camp also, many food options are available for travelers.
Still, we always suggest carrying:
- Dry fruits
- Protein bars
- Chocolates
- Light snacks
Is the Kedarnath Dham trek difficult?
We cannot say that the Kedarnath trek is very easy, but we also cannot call it extremely difficult.
In the last 10 years, trekking facilities and route conditions have improved a lot.
But still, the trek is not as smooth and comfortable as the Vaishno Devi trek in Jammu & Kashmir.
Since Kedarnath is located in glacier regions and at high altitude, weather conditions can make the trek more challenging, especially during colder months.
Still, every year lakhs of devotees complete the yatra because of their deep faith in Baba Kedarnath.
Travelers who cannot walk can also choose:
- Horse / pony service
- Palki / doli service
- Helicopter service
What important documents or permits are required for Do Dham Yatra?
The most important documents required are:
- Aadhaar Card or any valid ID proof
- Char Dham Yatra registration slip
Apart from this, no major permit is required for travelers.
Green tax and vehicle permits are usually handled by the travel company providing your cab, tempo traveller, or bus service.
Is phone network connectivity good during Do Dham Yatra?
In most major towns like Guptkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath, and Badrinath, mobile connectivity is generally available because of high tourist movement.
But at Kedarnath Dham, network signals can sometimes become weak or unstable because of weather and high-altitude conditions.
Travelers should not expect very strong internet or mobile connectivity at Kedarnath Base Camp.
Is rainfall and landslide common during Do Dham Yatra?
During April, May, June, and September to November, rainfall is possible but heavy landslides are comparatively less common.
Landslides are mostly seen during monsoon season:
- July
- August
- Sometimes early September
That is why many travelers avoid planning the Do Dham Yatra during heavy monsoon months.
What are the opening and closing timings of Kedarnath and Badrinath temples?
Both Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham usually open around 4 am in the morning.
Morning aarti is also conducted during this time.
After evening aarti, the temples generally close around 8:30 pm to 9 pm.
Which is the better city to start Do Dham Yatra — Haridwar or Rishikesh?
As per our experience, both Haridwar and Rishikesh are almost treated as the same starting region because they are located very close to each other.
But still, Haridwar is usually the better starting point because:
- Haridwar Railway Station is better connected with major Indian cities
- Hotel options are available in every budget
- Transport availability is very high
For return journey, many travelers prefer staying one night in Rishikesh to also enjoy local sightseeing and Ganga ghats.
What type of road transportation is best for Do Dham Yatra?
For a group of 1–3 people, sedan cars like Maruti Suzuki Dzire are budget-friendly and comfortable.
For 4–6 travelers, common options include:
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
- Toyota Innova Crysta
- Toyota Hycross
- Toyota Fortuner
For bigger groups, travelers usually prefer:
- 12-seater Tempo Traveller
- 16-seater Tempo Traveller
- 20-seater Tempo Traveller
- Force Urbania (10, 13, 17 seater)
There is no shortage of taxi and tempo traveller services in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Delhi during the yatra season.
What would be the approximate cost of Do Dham Yatra for 2 people from Delhi?
If two people are planning a private cab yatra from Delhi, then a sedan cab like Maruti Suzuki Dzire may cost around:
- ₹3,000 per day cab fare
- ₹300 per day driver allowance
So overall transportation cost for an 8-day yatra can come to around ₹25,000 to ₹27,000 approximately.
For hotel stays, many budget hotels charge around:
- ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per person for double occupancy rooms with breakfast
Some hotels also offer dinner packages, but many travelers prefer breakfast-only plans because lunch and dinner can easily be managed during the road journey.
So overall, Do Dham Yatra can comfortably be planned in both budget and premium travel styles depending on hotel and transportation choices.