The Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package presents a spiritual and specially designed pilgrimage to two of India's holiest Himalayan shrines. From Haridwar, it first journeys to Sonprayag, set on the Mandakini River banks. From there, you climb to Kedarnath, by the old 16 km trek or by optional helicopter, on steep forest trails, rushing waterfalls, and above-treeline solitude. After getting divine blessings at the age-old Kedarnath Temple, the journey proceeds via twisting mountain roads to Joshimath and finally to Badrinath Lord Vishnu's sacred destination where the mighty Maha Abhishek ceremony is performed.
After spiritual revitalization at Badrinath, the journey back from Joshimath to Haridwar features a thought-provoking halt at Rudraprayag, the holy confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers. Tailored to pilgrims who are looking for a union of physical exertion and spiritual completion, this package offers hospitable housing, priestly guidance, and hassle-free transportation arrangements along the way.
Your spiritual odyssey starts in Haridwar, a city surrounded by devotion, sanitation, and serenity. Take a private AC vehicle from Haridwar for a picturesque 200 km (around 8–9 hours) journey to Sonprayag. Break a journey at Devprayag, a sacred riverside town where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers unite to officially form the Ganga; take some quiet, prayerful moments on the riverbanks. Travel on through pine-grove-lined roads, catch glimpses of splashing mountain streams, and reach Sonprayag by early evening. Rest in a cozy hotel or guesthouse with views over the Mandakini River. Watch the setting sun over rocky cliffs and come together for a group prayer to ask blessings for safe trekking or helicopter flight ahead. Vegetarian dinner is provided with an emphasis on light and wholesome food. Overnight at Sonprayag provides a tranquil atmosphere for the trials ahead.
An early morning breakfast prepares you for the day's spiritual climb. You'll ride to Gaurikund, the beginning of the classic 16 km Kedarnath trek, meandering through mossy woodlands, streams, and hardy trails. Along the way are stopovers for resting huts, water stops, and hillside cafes for snacks for your fellow travelers on this motivating ascend. Otherwise, if one wants to avoid the climb, a helicopter ride to the Kedarnath helipad can be arranged.
On arrival, stay overnight in a guesthouse close to the shrine before proceeding to the sacred Kedarnath Temple, a sacred Jyotirlinga sanctified to Lord Shiva. Join morning or evening Rudra Abhishek, conducted by priests of the temple, and reverberate with the chanting of Vedic mantras in Himalayan airs. Bask in quiet contemplation alongside the snow-clad peaks that encircle the temple. Post-spiritual sojourn, retire to guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay, rejuvenated by piety and divine vibes.
Early morning, back to the temple for morning darshan, when the mountain light touches the shrine. A light breakfast is served, and then trekkers and helicopter pilgrims meet again at Gaurikund for onward land travel to Joshimath (about 3–4 hours). Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath's idols and lies at 6,000 ft between river valleys.
On the trek, pass through thick oak-deodar forests and watch shepherds driving flocks of sheep along stepped fields. In Joshimath, stay at a peaceful hotel and relax. In the evening, visit the nearby Narasimha Temple with its 45 ft-tall statue and sense the spiritual atmosphere of pilgrim groups. Hotel dinner is warm and sustaining, necessary after two days of hard work. Overnight halt in Joshimath prepares you for the pinnacle of your pilgrimage.
An early morning road drive (about 40 km) gets you to Badrinath, the sacred shrine of Lord Vishnu at 10,100 ft. You start with Maha Abhishek, a unique ritual done by priests with offerings of milk, rose water, ghee, and holy hymns. Following priestly mantras, take a revitalizing plunge at Tapt Kund, considered to purify the soul. After darshan, indulge in the peaceful riverbank promenade and visit sights like Mana Village, purportedly India's last before the Tibetan frontier, and Bhim Pul, a natural stone arch.
Narsingh Temple and Addington caves near the temple complex provide insight into local history and design. Enjoy a traditional lunch and head back to Joshimath by evening. During the retreat, remain reflective and serene. Dinner and a restful overnight rest well before descent.
After breakfast, embark on the return journey to Haridwar. Along the way, you’ll cross Rudraprayag, where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet an auspicious stop for a prayer or gratitude ritual. Take a momentary halt for riverbank contemplation and voluntary group rendition of holy mantras. Walk on through hills and valleys to plains.
