Do Dham Yatra is a spiritual pilgrimage tour to two of India's most revered Hindu temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas Kedarnath and Badrinath. This 7-day pilgrimage journey begins from Haridwar and leads pilgrims through the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, along river currents, alpine meadows, and centuries-old temples. From Lord Shiva's Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath to the majestic temple of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, every step of this pilgrimage unveils religious heritage and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. This pilgrimage mixes piety, custom, and nature in a very sacred experience.
Your tour begins with a morning drive from Haridwar. As the city recedes into the distance, the road winds into the Himalayan foothills. The drive to Guptkashi meanders along the banks of the Ganga and Mandakini rivers through scenic valleys and villages. En route, get glimpses of Devprayag and Rudraprayag, the holy river confluences. Reach Guptkashi in the evening and stay overnight at your hotel. After reaching, pay a visit to the nearby Ardhnarishwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his half-male, half-female form. Overnight stay at leisure and enjoy a good dinner before going to bed.
Try to leave early and then drive to Gaurikund, also known as the base point for trekking for Kedarnath. Here, pilgrims can trek 16 km in the uphill direction or take a helicopter tour (booking in advance). The trek to Kedarnath goes through rhododendron groves, waterfalls, and fog-covered cliffs. Finally, reaching Kedarnath, see the majestic Kedarnath Temple set against the glistening background of snow peaks. After darshan and prayer, stroll around, go to Bhairavnath Temple, or simply sit in tranquility beside the Mandakini River. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge or guesthouse near the holy shrine.
Wake up early and, if possible, watch the morning aarti at the Kedarnath Temple. Breakfast, and then walk down to Gaurikund or take a helicopter ride down to it. From Gaurikund, drive to Guptkashi. The road back gives one a second chance to marvel at the scenery of the Garhwal hills. On arrival at Guptkashi, retire to your hotel and relax. Enjoy a simple dinner and take time to reflect upon your spiritual sojourn at one of India's most sacred Jyotirlingas.
Start the day with breakfast, followed by check-out and a head-start to Badrinath, your journey's next dham of pilgrimage. The journey will start from Chopta, then Gopeshwar, and at last Joshimath, feel the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and river valleys. Visit Joshimath, a very important spiritual town and the winter seat of Badrinath. Arrive in Badrinath in the evening and check in at your hotel. Take a short stroll along the Tapt Kund, a hot water spring at the temple gate where pilgrims would usually bathe before entering the shrine. Overnight and prepare for the temple tour tomorrow.
Start early and visit Badrinath Temple, which is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple is between Nar and Narayan peaks and contains a black stone idol of Lord Badri. After darshan, proceed to nearby locations like Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibetan border. Here, visit Vyas Gufa (where sage Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata), Bhim Pul (natural rock bridge), and Ganesh Gufa. Look out over Narad Kund and Charan Paduka, places with mythological importance. Spend the evening in spiritual reflection, observe the temple aarti, and then unwind with a peaceful dinner before retiring.
Breakfast, then check out of the hotel and drive down to Rudraprayag where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. The ride passes through Chamoli and Karnaprayag, treating you to the views of rolling rivers, tiny villages, and grasslands. Upon reaching Rudraprayag, stay in your hotel. Take a walk along the ghats where the rivers meet and visit the local temples of Rudranath and Koteshwar Mahadev. Rudraprayag confluence is peaceful and a natural setting to reflect on the view of both dhams. At last, have your dinner and overnight stay.
On the last day, start your journey back from Rudraprayag to Haridwar. While journeying down through the hills, relive experiences of divine tranquility and the majestic ruggedness of the Himalayas. Stop for a tea break along the way or take pictures at riverbanks and village bends. Arrive at Haridwar by afternoon or evening, where your Do Dham Yatra officially concludes. Depart with blessings, memories of holy peaks, and a spiritual odyssey that shall be always near to your heart for a lifetime.
This 7-day Do Dham Yatra is neither a journey nor a vacation; it is an exploration of religion in the lap of the Himalayas. With sacred shrines, religious ceremonies, and awe-inspiring nature, the yatra harmonizes body, mind, and soul with the divine presence of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
