HIGHLIGHTS:

• Spiritual journey across two holiest shrines of Hinduism — Kedarnath and Badrinath – Begin a sacred expedition to the revered Badri Kedar Dham in Uttarakhand, believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This Yatra offers spiritual awakening, devotion, and connection with centuries-old Hindu traditions.
• Start your divine journey from the capital city — Delhi – The tour begins from Delhi and takes you across the scenic heart of Uttarakhand. From the plains to the hills, every mile is a shift from the worldly to the spiritual realm.
• Visit Haridwar — the gateway to God (Hari-ka-Dwar) – Known as Gangadwar, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Taking a dip in the holy Ganga is believed to cleanse one’s sins and prepare the soul for the yatra.
• Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri – As thousands of oil lamps float on the sacred river and priests chant Vedic mantras, the evening aarti becomes a magical spiritual experience one never forgets.
• Explore the yoga capital of the world — Rishikesh – With places like Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh offers a spiritual pause with meditation, bhajans, and ashrams that calm your mind and open your heart.
• Devprayag — the birthplace of the holy Ganga River – Witness the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers forming the Ganga. It’s one of the Panch Prayags (holy river confluences) and a powerful spiritual site.
• Guptkashi — the secret Kashi of Lord Shiva – Nestled in the Mandakini river valley, Guptkashi is steeped in mythology and serenity. It’s the base for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath and home to the Ardhnarishwar Temple.
• Helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath Temple – Avoid long treks and altitude fatigue with a comfortable helicopter ride, giving you aerial views of the Himalayas before landing near one of the most sacred Jyotirlingas.
• Darshan of Kedarnath — the abode of Mahadev in the Himalayas – Nestled at 11,755 feet, the Kedarnath temple is a stone marvel of spirituality and strength. It stands tall even after devastating floods, a symbol of unwavering faith.
• Visit to Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi behind Kedarnath Temple – Pay respects at the final resting place of the spiritual reformer Adi Shankaracharya, who revived Hinduism and established the Char Dham pilgrimage.
• Snow-capped peaks and serenity around Kedarnath Valley – The natural setting enhances the spiritual aura. Surrounded by white Himalayan giants, this temple town creates a heavenly silence, perfect for prayer and self-reflection.
• Badrinath — the ultimate Vishnu temple in the Himalayas – After Kedarnath, travel through Joshimath to reach Badrinath, where Lord Vishnu meditated. The colourful facade and intense devotion at this temple are unforgettable.
• Evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple – The Aarti at the Badri Vishal temple is performed with full devotion and grandeur. Pilgrims gather from all over to witness this divine event under the starlit sky.
• Tapt Kund — the natural hot spring in Badrinath – Pilgrims take a holy dip in this geothermal spring before entering the temple. It is believed that the water has healing powers and spiritual significance.
• Visit Vishal Badri — one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu – One of the most important Vaishnavite shrines, Badrinath is a must-visit for those seeking moksha. The idol of Lord Vishnu here is in a meditative padmasana posture.
• Stay in Joshimath — winter seat of Badrinath deity – During winter, the idol of Badrinath is brought to Joshimath. This town is also home to one of the four maths established by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Explore Rudraprayag — a town named after Lord Shiva – This small yet spiritually important town lies at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and is rich in peaceful Himalayan charm.
• Experience sacred confluences — Sangams of devotion – From Devprayag to Rudraprayag, these confluences are seen as symbols of divine union and spiritual flow, cleansing one’s soul on the way to the Dhams.
• Discover the tranquillity of Himalayan monasteries and temples – Encounter quiet temples, sacred caves, and monasteries tucked between hills. These lesser-known sites on the route are full of legends and divine energy.
• Triveni Ghat — a holy bathing spot in Rishikesh – Considered as sacred as Prayagraj, bathing here at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati is said to remove sins and purify the body and mind.
• Parmarth Niketan — a peaceful ashram by the Ganges – Participate in evening satsangs, spiritual discussions, and yoga sessions at one of Rishikesh’s most respected ashrams.
• Gita Bhavan and spiritual learning centres – Dedicated to the Bhagavad Gita, this place offers peace, shade, and insight. Visitors often engage in religious reading or chanting with fellow pilgrims.
• Connect with saints, sadhus, and fellow pilgrims – The route is filled with spiritual seekers from all over India and abroad. Sharing this journey creates unforgettable bonds and shared moments of faith.
• See Mana Village — last Indian village near Tibet (optional) – A short detour from Badrinath takes you to Mana, rich in legends about the Mahabharata. Visit Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa here.
• Diverse Himalayan flora and picturesque drives – Throughout the yatra, enjoy the changing landscapes — river valleys, apple orchards, pine forests, snowfields, and majestic passes.
• Comfortable accommodations and meals throughout the tour – Carefully selected hotels and lodges ensure rest and refreshment after long travel hours. Meals include simple, sattvic food, suited for pilgrims.
• A balance of spiritual immersion and sightseeing – The tour is designed to let you absorb the spiritual significance of every site without feeling rushed. Rest days and local excursions are included.
• Expert assistance and local support throughout the trip – From helping you board the helicopter to arranging darshan, local representatives and guides ensure smooth travel and spiritual ease.
• Safe travel arrangements across hilly terrains – Skilled drivers and dependable vehicles ensure a safe and smooth ride even on narrow mountain roads.
• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for moksha and self-discovery – More than just travel, this yatra offers a path to personal transformation, devotion, inner clarity, and spiritual growth.

Important Notes on the Do Dham Yatra Tour

• Fitness is Key– The journey involves high altitudes and long walks, especially for Kedarnath. Build stamina with regular walking or mild exercise before the trip.
• Kedarnath Trek is Challenging – The trek is about 16–18 km one way. If you’re not physically ready, consider the helicopter or pony/palanquin options.
• Helicopter Tickets Should Be Pre-booked – Book well in advance as seats are limited, especially during peak season.
• Carry Medical Kit – Bring basic medicines (for fever, headache, cold, indigestion), Band-Aids, pain relief spray, and altitude sickness medicine.
• Avoid Over packing – Carry lightweight, easy-to-carry luggage. A small backpack for essentials during the trek is very useful.
• Weather is unpredictable – It can be sunny, rainy, or snowy in a single day. Always carry a raincoat, umbrella, and warm layers.
• No Mobile Network in Kedarnath – Mobile signals are mostly available in lower towns. Inform family beforehand. BSNL works better in higher regions.
• Start Early in the Morning – Travel and treks should start early to avoid afternoon weather changes and ensure timely arrival.
• Stay Hydrated – Drink lots of water. Carry a reusable water bottle to avoid dehydration at high altitudes.
• Acclimatize Properly – Rest for a few hours after reaching higher altitudes to let your body adjust to the oxygen levels.
• Temple Timing is Fixed – Kedarnath and Badrinath temples have fixed darshan and Aarti hours. Check schedules in advance to avoid missing rituals.
• Photography Rules Apply – Photography is not allowed inside most temples. Always respect the rules and local customs.
• No Alcohol or Non-Veg – Avoid drinking alcohol or eating non-vegetarian food during the Yatra. Maintain spiritual discipline.
• Respect Local Culture – Dress modestly, behave politely, and avoid playing loud music. This is a religious journey.
• ATM Availability is Limited – Withdraw cash before entering hill regions, especially at Haridwar or Rudraprayag. Carry extra cash.
• Carry Identity Proof – You will need an Aadhar Card or any valid ID at hotels, for helicopter rides, and check-posts.
• Government Yatra Pass Needed – Biometric registration is required for the yatra. It can be done online or at authorized centres.
• Food is Simple and Satvik – Meals provided are vegetarian and less spicy to suit all age groups and health needs.
• Travel Insurance Recommended – Always better to be safe, especially in remote areas and unpredictable weather.
• Power Banks Are Useful – Electricity may not always be available, especially near Kedarnath. Carry fully charged power banks.
• Avoid Plastic – Uttarakhand is a plastic-free zone. Carry cloth or reusable bags and bottles.
• Senior Citizens Must Consult Doctor – The altitude and physical stress may be risky. Medical advice is a must before planning.
• Children Below 5 Not Advised – Due to altitude and rough terrain, very young children may not be comfortable.
• Pony, Palki, and Helicopter Rates Vary – Rates can change based on season and crowd. Always confirm before choosing the option.
• Be Mentally Prepared – This yatra can be emotionally and physically intense. Patience, calmness, and devotion are your biggest tools.

Best Time to Go for the Do Dham Yatra

The best time to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath is during the summer and early monsoon months, ideally from May to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and safe trekking conditions, making them perfect for a spiritual and scenic journey. The temples generally open for devotees in late April or early May, depending on the Hindu calendar, and remain accessible till early November. However, May and June are the most popular months due to moderate temperatures and lush greenery, though they can also be crowded.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to mid-September), as the region experiences heavy rainfall, landslides, and road blockages which can disrupt your travel plans. If you are planning a peaceful and less crowded trip, September and October are excellent months when the monsoon has retreated and the surroundings are washed clean with fresh air and clear views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

For those looking to avoid extreme cold, October-end and early November might not be ideal, as temperatures can drop drastically and snowfall may begin, especially around Kedarnath. The best time to visit Do Dham Yatra from Delhi also depends on your physical endurance and preference for crowd levels. Regardless of the month, it is also important to check the Kedarnath temple opening dates and Badrinath temple timings before planning the trip. Make sure to pack accordingly, carry warm clothes, and always stay updated with weather forecasts for Kedarnath and Badrinath to ensure a safe pilgrimage.