Kedarnath Temple: The Power of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated at an altitude of around 3,583 meters and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where Shiva is worshipped as the protector and savior. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple’s remote setting adds to its mystique and spiritual energy, drawing countless pilgrims who trek through challenging terrain for a chance to connect with Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been established by the Pandavas, who sought the lord’s blessings after the Mahabharata war.
To reach Kedarnath, pilgrims travel from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Gaurikund by road and then trek 16 kilometers to the temple. Chardham travel agents often arrange mule or palanquin services for those who may find the journey physically demanding. Helicopter services, organized by several tour operators in uttarakhand, also offer a quicker, scenic route for devotees looking to avoid the trek.
Badrinath Temple: The Abode of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath, located at an altitude of 3,300 meters, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu), and it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu meditated under the Badri tree for thousands of years. The temple architecture, surrounded by the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, is as awe-inspiring as the spirituality of the place itself. Pilgrims visit Badrinath to offer prayers for salvation and seek Lord Vishnu’s blessings for a life filled with peace and devotion.
The journey to Badrinath is smoother than Kedarnath’s trek. Pilgrims can travel by road up to the temple, and various chardham travel agents offer comfortable and organized transportation services. Helicopter packages, organized by Tour Venture India, are available for those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas from above.
Kedarnath to Badrinath Yatra Route
The kedarnath to badrinath Yatra covers around 230 kilometers and offers one of the most scenic and serene routes in the Garhwal Himalayas. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this journey, commonly arranged by tour operators in Uttarakhand.
Day 1: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
After completing the Kedarnath darshan, pilgrims trek back to Gaurikund, where vehicles arranged by tour operators like Tour Venture India are ready to take them to Guptkashi. Guptkashi is a small town with comfortable accommodations, giving pilgrims a chance to rest before proceeding to Badrinath.
Day 2: Guptkashi to Joshimath
The next day, the journey continues from Guptkashi to Joshimath, a beautiful hill town and an important pilgrimage site itself. Many Chardham travel agents organize short sightseeing visits here, where pilgrims can explore places like the Narasimha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight stays in Joshimath are often arranged, allowing travelers to acclimatize before heading to Badrinath.
Day 3: Joshimath to Badrinath
Early in the morning, pilgrims depart from Joshimath to Badrinath, which is about 45 kilometers away. Upon arrival in Badrinath, devotees can experience the morning rituals and perform a holy dip in the Tapt Kund (a hot spring near the temple) before entering the temple for darshan. Pilgrims spend the day exploring Badrinath and surrounding attractions like Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, and the Saraswati River confluence, arranged by tour operators in Uttarakhand.
Return Journey: After visiting Badrinath, pilgrims can either return to Haridwar or Rishikesh with pre-arranged transport by Chardham travel agents. Helicopter services may also be available for a swift journey back.
The Kedarnath to Badrinath Yatra is an integral part of the sacred Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. This journey connects two of Hinduism’s most revered shrines: Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath, devoted to Lord Vishnu. Embarking on this pilgrimage is not only a spiritual quest but also an adventure through the majestic Himalayan landscapes, steeped in history, mythology, and natural beauty.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key details of the Kedarnath to Badrinath Yatra, including the route, spiritual significance, and tips for a smooth journey.

Spiritual Significance of Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Kedarnath: Nestled at an altitude of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple’s mythology ties it to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who sought Lord Shiva’s blessings for absolution of their sins. Kedarnath represents the ultimate power and forgiveness of Shiva.
- Badrinath: Situated at 3,300 meters, Badrinath is part of the Char Dham circuit and holds immense significance as the seat of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu meditated, and the temple represents the eternal protector of the universe.
The pilgrimage between these two shrines symbolizes the union of the two supreme forces of Hinduism: Shiva and Vishnu.
The Route: Distance and Travel Details
The Kedarnath to Badrinath route is approximately 218 kilometers by road. Here’s a breakdown of the journey:
1. From Kedarnath to Gaurikund (16 km)
The trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund is a steep 16-kilometer descent.
- Options: Walking, pony rides, or palkis (palanquins). Helicopter services are also available for those who prefer a quicker descent.
- Key Highlight: Gaurikund, known for its hot springs and being the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.
2. From Gaurikund to Badrinath (202 km)
The road journey from Gaurikund to Badrinath passes through picturesque landscapes, rivers, and small villages. The route includes:
- Guptkashi: Known for the Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Rudraprayag: A significant confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
- Joshimath: A spiritual and scenic stop, home to the sacred Narasimha Temple.
The drive takes approximately 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and weather.
Highlights of the Journey
- Breathtaking Scenery
The route from Kedarnath to Badrinath is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, lush valleys, and flowing rivers. It’s a visual treat for pilgrims and travelers alike. - Panch Prayag (Five Confluences)
The route features five sacred river confluences: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag. These spots are revered as divine intersections of spirituality and natural beauty. - Local Culture and Cuisine
The small villages and towns along the way offer glimpses of Garhwali culture, traditions, and cuisine. Pilgrims can enjoy local delicacies like aloo ke gutke, chainsoo, and mandua ki roti. - Temple Visits
Apart from Kedarnath and Badrinath, the journey offers opportunities to visit other sacred sites like the Triyuginarayan Temple, Vasuki Tal, and Tapt Kund near Badrinath.
Important Tips for the Yatra
- Weather and Clothing
- The weather in the Himalayas can change suddenly. Carry warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy footwear.
- Temperatures in Kedarnath and Badrinath can drop significantly, even during summer.
- Health Precautions
- The high-altitude regions can lead to altitude sickness. Keep medications, stay hydrated, and rest adequately.
- Consult your doctor before undertaking the yatra, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
- Best Time to Visit
- The ideal time for the Kedarnath to Badrinath Yatra is between May and October, avoiding the monsoon months of July and August due to landslides.
- Travel Assistance
- Rely on travel agents in Haridwar or experienced Chardham tour operators to ensure a hassle-free journey. They can arrange transport, accommodation, and guides.
- Respect Local Customs
- Dress modestly and follow the rules at temples.
- Avoid littering and respect the fragile environment of the Himalayas.
The Kedarnath to Badrinath Yatra is more than a physical journey; it is a spiritual experience that strengthens one’s connection with the divine. Traversing the serene valleys, pristine rivers, and sacred temples, pilgrims find themselves rejuvenated, both physically and spiritually. Whether you’re drawn by devotion or adventure, this pilgrimage promises an unforgettable experience, uniting the mighty forces of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Let the journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath inspire and elevate your soul.