Shiva at Kedarnath, Vishnu at Badrinath: two shrines, one journey. Use this page to choose the version of the trip that fits your time, budget and fitness, then see the full road plan.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the highest of them, set at 3,583 m beneath the Kedar Dome. Badrinath, at 3,133 m on the Alaknanda, is one of the four dhams established in Adi Shankaracharya's tradition and one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. A common saying among pilgrims holds that a journey to Badrinath is incomplete without first seeking Kedarnath's blessing, and so most travellers visit Shiva first and Vishnu second.
Geography helps too. Both temples lie in the Garhwal Himalaya, in neighbouring districts of Rudraprayag and Chamoli, and a mountain road via Ukhimath links them in a day. Both open around late April or May and close in November. That makes the pairing, often called the Do Dham Yatra, the most popular short pilgrimage in Uttarakhand after the full Char Dham Yatra.
Image space images/kedarnath.jpg 800 × 600 pxKedarnathImage space images/badrinath.jpg 800 × 600 pxBadrinath
Five ways to do the Kedarnath Badrinath tour
The same two shrines can be covered in two days or seven, for under ₹10,000 or over a lakh. Here is how the options compare, using estimated 2027 prices.
Families of five or six often prefer a private SUV; see Kedarnath Badrinath by Innova Crysta. Couples on a tight budget sometimes combine a bus seat with their own hotel choices.
Private tour prices by hotel category
Package
Duration
Budget
Deluxe
Luxury
Kedarnath & Badrinath from Haridwar
5N / 6D
₹13,500
₹19,500
₹29,500
Kedarnath & Badrinath from Delhi
6N / 7D
₹15,500
₹22,000
₹33,000
Per person, group of four, twin/triple sharing. 2027 estimates; the final quote depends on dates, hotels and group size. Helicopter, pony, palki, the Sonprayag – Gaurikund jeep and puja are extra.
The standard road itinerary, and how hard each day is
Below is our core 5-night plan from Haridwar, with a note on the physical effort of each day. Delhi guests add a Haridwar night before day 1 and a drive home after day 5.
Day 1
Haridwar – Guptkashi (easy, long drive)
200 km7–8 hoursNight: Guptkashi
A full day in the car with stops at Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Effort is low, but bends begin after Rishikesh, so eat lightly. Arrive by evening and sleep early; the next day starts before dawn.
Day 2
Trek to Kedarnath (hardest day)
30 km drive + 16 km trek7–9 hoursNight: Kedarnath
After the drive to Sonprayag and jeep to Gaurikund comes the steady climb to 3,583 m. Fit walkers manage it in six to eight hours; others ride a pony or palki. Thin air makes the last few kilometres slow, so walk at a pace where you can still talk.
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Day 3
Darshan and descent (hard on knees)
16 km trek + 30 km driveFull dayNight: Guptkashi
Dawn darshan, a short climb to Bhairavnath temple, then the descent. Going down is quicker but tough on knees, so a walking stick helps. By evening you are back in Guptkashi with a hot meal.
Day 4
Guptkashi – Badrinath (moderate, long drive)
200 km8–9 hoursNight: Badrinath
The longest mountain drive, via Ukhimath, Chopta and Joshimath, but no walking. Scenery is the best of the trip. Evening Tapt Kund bath and aarti at the temple.
Day 5
Badrinath darshan and Mana (easy)
160 km6–7 hoursNight: Rudraprayag / Srinagar
Temple darshan involves only a short queue and steps. Mana village has gentle walks to Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. Afternoon drive down the Alaknanda.
Day 6
Return to Haridwar (easy)
165 km6–7 hoursNight: Tour ends
A downhill drive to Haridwar by afternoon. Time permitting, stop at Rishikesh's riverside before your train or flight.
The 2-day helicopter version
Day 1: fly from Dehradun to Kedarnath for darshan, then on to Badrinath and stay the night.
Day 2: morning darshan at Badrinath, Mana village if time allows, and fly back to Dehradun.
Room standards differ a lot between towns. Kedarnath rooms are basic (about ₹2,500–6,000 per night), Badrinath has a wider range (about ₹2,000–8,000), and Guptkashi offers the most comfort (about ₹2,000–6,500). See the Kedarnath hotel and Badrinath hotel guides.
Choosing well: quick advice
Short on days? Fly the Kedarnath leg with an IRCTC shuttle ticket from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi; shuttle seats are sold only on heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
Elderly parents? A private car with a night added on the return is kinder than a bus.
Budget trip? Share a vehicle with another family, or take a bus seat; four or more travellers per car keeps the per-head cost lowest.
Photography? October brings the clearest mountain views.
Want a third shrine? The Teen Dham Yatra adds Gangotri in two extra days.
Book your Kedarnath Badrinath tour
WhatsApp +91-99111 77951 or write to sales@goglobaltrip.com with your starting city, dates, group size and preferred mode. We send a clear quote for the version you choose, hold the vehicle and rooms on an advance, and help every traveller with registration.
Kedarnath Badrinath tour package: FAQ
What is the cheapest way to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath?
A seat on a group bus tour, from about ₹9,500 per seat. A private car tour from Haridwar starts from about ₹13,500 per person for four. These are 2027 estimates.
How many days do Kedarnath and Badrinath take?
5 nights from Haridwar or 6 nights from Delhi by road; 1 night and 2 days by helicopter charter from Dehradun.
Should Kedarnath be visited before Badrinath?
Tradition and logistics both favour Kedarnath first. The hard trek comes early while you are fresh, and Badrinath makes an easier finish.
Can Kedarnath and Badrinath be done without trekking?
Yes. Use the IRCTC shuttle helicopter for Kedarnath, a pony or palki, or the helicopter charter that covers both shrines.
Is the helicopter charter price per person?
The Do Dham charter starts from about ₹1,25,000 per person (2027 estimate), including flights for both shrines and a night at Badrinath. Weather can delay flights.
When is the best time for this tour?
May–June and mid-September to October. Avoid July–August because of landslides. 2027 opening dates are announced on Mahashivratri (Kedarnath) and Basant Panchami (Badrinath).
