The Do Dham Yatra (Two Dham Pilgrimage) covering Kedarnath and Badrinath is the most popular short pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. In just 5-6 days, devotees can seek blessings from both Lord Shiva (Kedarnath) and Lord Vishnu (Badrinath) - two of the holiest Hindu temples in India. This yatra is perfect for those who don't have 10-12 days for the complete Char Dham Yatra but want maximum spiritual benefit in limited time.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about Do Dham Yatra 2026 - from detailed itinerary and transport options to costs, best time, and essential tips.
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What is Do Dham Yatra?
Do Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage covering two of the four Char Dham temples:
- Kedarnath: One of 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva at 3,583m altitude
- Badrinath: One of 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu at 3,300m altitude
Both temples are located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand and can be conveniently covered in a single trip. This yatra is considered highly auspicious as it covers both the abodes of Shiva and Vishnu.
Do Dham vs Char Dham - Which to Choose?
| Aspect | Do Dham | Char Dham |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5-6 days | 10-12 days |
| Temples | Kedarnath, Badrinath | Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath |
| Distance (from Delhi) | ~800 km | ~1,400 km |
| Cost (per person) | ₹20,000-35,000 | ₹40,000-70,000 |
| Physical Demand | Moderate (1 major trek) | High (2 treks) |
| Best For | Limited time, elderly | Complete pilgrimage seekers |
Do Dham Yatra 2026 Opening Dates
- Kedarnath Opening: May 2, 2026 (tentative)
- Badrinath Opening: May 3, 2026 (tentative)
- Closing: November 2026 (around Diwali)
*Exact dates announced by temple committee. Verify before travel.
Do Dham Yatra Itinerary (5-6 Days)
Here's a detailed day-by-day itinerary. For group travel, consider our tempo traveller packages for maximum comfort.
Day 1: Delhi/Haridwar to Guptkashi (220 km from Haridwar | 8-9 hours)
From Delhi: Early morning departure (4:00-5:00 AM). Drive via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar to Haridwar (5 hours). Continue to Guptkashi via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag. Stop at Devprayag to witness the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers forming the holy Ganga.
From Haridwar: Morning departure. Drive through scenic mountain roads along the Alaknanda River.
Overnight: Guptkashi (multiple hotel options available)
Evening: Visit Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi. Rest well for the Kedarnath trek tomorrow.
Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Trek/Helicopter)
By Trek:
- Early morning drive to Sonprayag (30 km, 1 hour)
- Shared jeep to Gaurikund (5 km)
- Begin 18-20 km trek to Kedarnath (7-9 hours)
- Reach Kedarnath by evening
- Attend evening Aarti at the temple
By Helicopter:
- Morning drive to Phata/Guptkashi helipad
- 5-10 minute helicopter ride to Kedarnath
- Full day for darshan and temple exploration
- Evening Aarti
Overnight: Kedarnath (basic dharamshalas/tents)
Trek Options: Walk, Pony (₹3,000-4,500), Palki (₹8,000-15,000)
Day 3: Kedarnath Darshan & Return to Guptkashi
Morning:
- Early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple (opens 4:00 AM)
- Visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple
- Explore Bhairav Temple and surrounding area
Afternoon:
- Begin return journey (trek or helicopter)
- Reach Gaurikund, then jeep to Sonprayag
- Your vehicle awaits at Sonprayag
Evening: Drive to Guptkashi for overnight stay
Note: If helicopter return delayed due to weather, you may need to trek down.
Day 4: Guptkashi to Badrinath (200 km | 7-8 hours)
Morning: Depart for Badrinath via Chopta, Chamoli
Enroute: Stop at Joshimath for Narsingh Temple darshan (one of the four cardinal Shankaracharya Mathas)
Afternoon: Reach Badrinath. Check into hotel. Take holy bath at Tapt Kund hot springs (mandatory before darshan).
Evening: Evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple - a mesmerizing experience!
Overnight: Badrinath (good hotels available)
Day 5: Badrinath Darshan & Return Journey
Early Morning:
- Morning darshan at Badrinath Temple (opens 4:30 AM)
- Abhishek/special puja if desired
Post-Darshan:
- Visit Mana Village - last Indian village before Tibet
- Vyas Gufa - cave where Ved Vyas wrote Mahabharata
- Bhim Pul - natural rock bridge over Saraswati River
- Saraswati River origin point
- Ganesh Gufa
Afternoon: Begin return journey. Drive to Rudraprayag/Srinagar for overnight stay (160-180 km, 5-6 hours).
Overnight: Rudraprayag or Srinagar
Day 6: Rudraprayag to Haridwar/Delhi
Option A - End at Haridwar (165 km | 5-6 hours):
- Morning departure
- Stop at Devprayag for photos
- Reach Haridwar by afternoon
- Optional: Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
- Onward travel to Delhi by train/bus
Option B - End at Delhi (380 km | 9-10 hours):
- Early morning departure
- Drive via Rishikesh, Haridwar to Delhi
- Reach Delhi by evening
- Drop at airport/station/home
Do Dham Yatra Route Map & Distances
| Route Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Haridwar | 220 km | 5-6 hours |
| Haridwar to Guptkashi | 220 km | 8-9 hours |
| Guptkashi to Gaurikund | 35 km | 1.5 hours |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 18-20 km trek | 7-9 hours |
| Guptkashi to Badrinath | 200 km | 7-8 hours |
| Badrinath to Rudraprayag | 160 km | 5-6 hours |
| Rudraprayag to Haridwar | 165 km | 5-6 hours |
Total Road Distance (Delhi round trip): ~800-850 km
Trek Distance: 36-40 km (Kedarnath return)
Transport Options for Do Dham Yatra
By Tempo Traveller (Best for Groups)
For families and groups, tempo traveller offers the best combination of comfort and value:
- 12-Seater: ₹45,000-55,000 (5-6 days) = ₹3,750-4,600/person
- 17-Seater: ₹55,000-65,000 (5-6 days) = ₹3,200-3,800/person
- 26-Seater: ₹70,000-85,000 (5-6 days) = ₹2,700-3,300/person
Includes: AC vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, parking, permits, driver stay
By Private Car/SUV
- Sedan (Dzire/Etios): ₹30,000-38,000 (5-6 days)
- SUV (Innova/Ertiga): ₹42,000-52,000 (5-6 days)
- Premium (Innova Crysta): ₹55,000-65,000 (5-6 days)
By Public Transport
- Delhi to Haridwar: Train (₹200-500) or Bus (₹400-600)
- Haridwar to Sonprayag: GMOU bus (₹400-500)
- Shared jeeps between locations
- Not recommended - multiple connections, waiting times, uncomfortable
Do Dham Yatra Cost Breakdown
Estimated cost per person (from Delhi):
Budget (₹18,000-25,000)
- Transport share: ₹5,000-7,000
- Hotels/Dharamshalas: ₹3,000-4,000 (5 nights)
- Food: ₹2,000-3,000
- Trek: Walk (free)
- Miscellaneous: ₹2,000
Standard (₹28,000-40,000)
- Transport share (tempo): ₹6,000-8,000
- Good hotels: ₹5,000-7,000 (5 nights)
- Food: ₹4,000-5,000
- Pony (one way): ₹3,000-4,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹3,000
Premium (₹45,000-60,000)
- Private SUV/premium tempo share: ₹10,000-12,000
- Best hotels: ₹10,000-12,000 (5 nights)
- Quality meals: ₹6,000-7,000
- Helicopter (both ways): ₹12,000-16,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹5,000
Best Time for Do Dham Yatra
May to June (Peak Season)
- Best weather: 15-25°C daytime, 5-10°C night
- Heavy crowds, especially weekends
- Book everything 2-4 weeks in advance
- Higher prices
September to October (Recommended)
- Post-monsoon clear skies
- Best mountain views
- Moderate crowds
- Pleasant trekking weather
- Lush green valleys
Avoid: July-August
- Heavy monsoon
- Frequent landslides
- Road blockages common
- Helicopter often cancelled
Do Dham Yatra Registration
Online registration is mandatory for both Kedarnath and Badrinath:
- Visit: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Register each family member separately
- Upload Aadhaar card and photo
- Complete 3 days before travel
- Print registration slip with QR code
- Carry during entire yatra
Packing List for Do Dham Yatra
Documents:
- Aadhaar card (original + 2 copies)
- Registration slip (printed)
- Helicopter booking confirmation (if applicable)
- Medical certificate (if above 50 years)
Clothing:
- Heavy woolen jacket/down jacket
- Thermals/warm innerwear
- Rain jacket/poncho (essential)
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Woolen cap, gloves, muffler
- Multiple socks pairs
Health:
- Altitude sickness tablets (consult doctor)
- Pain relievers
- First aid kit
- Personal medications
- ORS packets
- Muscle pain spray
Essentials:
- Trekking pole
- Backpack (30L)
- Water bottles (2-3)
- Energy snacks, dry fruits
- Torch/headlamp
- Power bank (20,000 mAh)
- Cash (ATMs limited)
Do Dham Temples: Spiritual Significance
Kedarnath Temple
- Deity: Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga - Sadashiva form)
- Altitude: 3,583 meters
- Legend: Pandavas built it seeking Shiva's forgiveness
- Architecture: 1,200+ year old stone structure without mortar
- Behind Temple: Adi Shankaracharya's Samadhi
- Darshan: 4 AM - 12 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM
Badrinath Temple
- Deity: Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan form)
- Altitude: 3,300 meters
- Legend: Established by Adi Shankaracharya
- Architecture: Colorful temple between Nar-Narayan peaks
- Tapt Kund: Hot spring for purification before darshan
- Darshan: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, 4 PM - 9 PM
Ready for Your Do Dham Yatra?
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Related Pilgrimage Guides
- Char Dham Yatra Complete Guide 2026
- Kedarnath Yatra Complete Guide
- Delhi to Chardham by Tempo Traveller
- All Pilgrimage Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days needed for Do Dham Yatra?
Minimum 5-6 days from Delhi or Haridwar. This allows comfortable travel with proper darshan at both temples. Add 1-2 buffer days during peak season for weather delays.
2. Which is better - Kedarnath first or Badrinath first?
Kedarnath first is recommended. The challenging trek is better done when you're fresh. Also, if weather delays occur at Kedarnath, you have flexibility to adjust Badrinath timings.
3. Can elderly people do Do Dham Yatra?
Yes, with proper planning. Use helicopter for Kedarnath (book in advance) and hire ponies for any walking. Badrinath is easily accessible by road. Consult doctor before travel.
4. Is Do Dham Yatra possible in one helicopter day?
No, that's not practical. Both temples require separate days for proper darshan. Rushing defeats the spiritual purpose of the pilgrimage.
5. What's the difference between Do Dham and Chota Char Dham?
Do Dham specifically refers to Kedarnath + Badrinath. Chota Char Dham is another term for Uttarakhand's Char Dham (vs Bada Char Dham which includes Dwarka, Puri, Badrinath, Rameswaram).
6. Can I extend Do Dham to include Yamunotri-Gangotri?
Yes! You can extend to full Char Dham Yatra by adding 4-5 more days for Yamunotri and Gangotri.