Do Dham (Kedarnath + Badrinath)

Leg-by-leg distances

1. 1
   Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple—trek

   Foot ascent from the Gaurikund roadhead to Kedarnath Temple. Distance nulled: the dominant official figure since the 2013 post-flood reconstruction is ~16km, but sources also cite 17-18km, so no single figure could be confirmed. Elevation gain is ~1600m (Gaurikund ~1982m to Kedarnath ~3583m). Pony (4-5h), palki and helicopter (from Phata/Sirsi/Sersi helipads, not from Gaurikund) are alternatives. Registration mandatory at Sonprayag/Gaurikund checkpoints.

2. 2
   Kedarnath (Gaurikund roadhead) → Badrinath Temple224 kmby road

   Road distance from the Kedarnath roadhead (Gaurikund/Sonprayag) to Badrinath, ~221-225km via Sonprayag - Guptkashi - Rudraprayag - Pipalkoti - Joshimath - Badrinath; 8-10 hours (longer in monsoon). The road does not reach the Kedarnath temple itself (Kedarnath is a trek-in shrine).

How to cover it

• foot

  Primary access to Kedarnath is on foot from the Gaurikund roadhead (~16km per most official sources, 6-8h uphill). Well-established but rocky footpath; altitude and crowd management critical in peak season (May-June). QR e-pass registration mandatory.

• pony

  Horse/pony service from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, ~4-5h uphill, via government-authorised counters during the yatra season. Registration required; government-fixed rates that vary annually.

• palki

  Palanquin (palki) carried by trained porters for elderly/disabled pilgrims, ~5-7h, booked only through the government-registered counter at Gaurikund. Registration required.

• heli

  Helicopters do NOT fly from Gaurikund. Access is via helipads at Phata, Sersi/Sirsi (near Guptkashi) and others, booked online through IRCTC HeliYatra (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Reduces but does not eliminate the final approach to the temple.

• road

  Badrinath is fully roadhead-accessible (NH-7/NH-58 corridor via Joshimath). Kedarnath's roadhead is Gaurikund/Sonprayag. Road conditions are variable; monsoon (July-August) brings high landslide risk.

What trips pilgrims up

• ⚠Mandatory free registration (QR e-pass)

  All pilgrims must register online via the Uttarakhand government Char Dham portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app before visiting. A QR-coded e-pass is checked at Sonprayag, Gaurikund and the temple. No pass = turned back. Free but mandatory; includes health advisory.

• ⚠Daily darshan quotas and sell-out windows

  Both shrines enforce daily registration quotas for crowd/safety control. Quotas fill fastest in peak season (mid-May to mid-June, school holidays); once a date is full, registration for it is disabled. Register 15-30 days ahead for preferred dates.

• ⚠Seasonal closure (winter and monsoon)

  Both shrines close ~mid-November to ~late April (Kapat closure ceremony) for winter snow. 2026 dates: Kedarnath opens 22 April / closes 11 November; Badrinath opens 23 April / closes 13 November. Monsoon (July-August) is technically open but carries high landslide and flash-flood risk on the trek and roads.

• ⚠Altitude and fitness

  Kedarnath sits at 3583m, Badrinath at 3133m. The foot ascent from Gaurikund (~1982m) gains roughly 1600m to Kedarnath. Acute mountain sickness is a real risk for the unacclimatised; allow a slow first day and build buffer for the rocky 6-8h climb.

• ⚠Mobile phone and camera restrictions at Kedarnath

  Photography, videography and drones are restricted/banned inside the Kedarnath temple complex and strictly enforced. Badrinath permits photography in designated areas. Confirm the current year's rules at the checkpoint.

• ⚠Pony/palki shortages and price volatility

  In peak season pony and palki slots are often exhausted by mid-morning at the Gaurikund counter (first-come-first-serve, limited advance booking). Government sets base rates but effective prices rise in high-demand years.

• ⚠Road safety on the Kedarnath-Badrinath leg

  The ~221-225km mountain road via Rudraprayag and Joshimath is narrow in places and landslide-prone, especially post-monsoon. Allow 8-10 hours (more in bad weather); private cabs are more reliable than public transport.

• ⚠Accommodation and crowd pressure

  Both shrine towns have limited rooms. Peak season (May-June) draws very large daily crowds; rooms overbook and rates spike. September-October offers better availability and lower cost with fewer pilgrims.

Common questions

When is the best time for the Do Dham (Kedarnath + Badrinath)?

The best window is May–June, September–October. The route is open April–November.

How do you cover the Do Dham (Kedarnath + Badrinath)?

foot: Primary access to Kedarnath is on foot from the Gaurikund roadhead (~16km per most official sources, 6-8h uphill). Well-established but rocky footpath; altitude and crowd management critical in peak season (May-June). QR e-pass registration mandatory. pony: Horse/pony service from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, ~4-5h uphill, via government-authorised counters during the yatra season. Registration required; government-fixed rates that vary annually. palki: Palanquin (palki) carried by trained porters for elderly/disabled pilgrims, ~5-7h, booked only through the government-registered counter at Gaurikund. Registration required. heli: Helicopters do NOT fly from Gaurikund. Access is via helipads at Phata, Sersi/Sirsi (near Guptkashi) and others, booked online through IRCTC HeliYatra (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Reduces but does not eliminate the final approach to the temple. road: Badrinath is fully roadhead-accessible (NH-7/NH-58 corridor via Joshimath). Kedarnath's roadhead is Gaurikund/Sonprayag. Road conditions are variable; monsoon (July-August) brings high landslide risk.