Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath + Badrinath): Itinerary by Car

If you do not have time for the full Char Dham, the Do Dham Yatra covering Kedarnath and Badrinath is by far the most popular shorter pilgrimage. Both shrines lie in the Garhwal Himalayas along the Alaknanda and Mandakini valleys, and they can be comfortably combined in about 6 to 7 days by car from Haldwani. This pairing of a Jyotirlinga and a Vishnu Dham gives a wonderfully complete spiritual journey without the longer time commitment of all four shrines, which is why it is the preferred choice for working travellers and families with limited leave. Over the years we have found it suits first-time Himalayan pilgrims especially well, as it offers one challenging trek balanced by one easy motorable Dham.

The Route

From Haldwani, the journey runs via Rishikesh, Devprayag and Rudraprayag. At Rudraprayag the road splits: one arm heads to Kedarnath via Guptkashi and Sonprayag, the other to Badrinath via Karnaprayag, Chamoli and Joshimath. Doing Kedarnath first and Badrinath second flows smoothly, as you rejoin the main highway near Rudraprayag before turning north for Badrinath.

Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Haldwani to Guptkashi or Sonprayag via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
Day 2: Drive to Gaurikund, trek 16 km or take the helicopter to Kedarnath, overnight there or return.
Day 3: Kedarnath darshan, descend to Sonprayag, drive to Guptkashi.
Day 4: Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
Day 5: Badrinath darshan, Tapt Kund and Mana village, drive to Rudraprayag or Pipalkoti.
Day 6: Return to Haldwani via Rishikesh.

Kedarnath vs Badrinath Access

The two shrines differ greatly in access. Kedarnath needs a demanding 16 km trek from Gaurikund, with pony, palki, pithoo and helicopter options for those who cannot walk. Badrinath, by contrast, is motorable right up to the temple, which makes the second half of the trip much gentler, especially for elderly pilgrims who find Kedarnath strenuous.

Best Time & Opening Dates

Both portals open around late April or early May and close around late October or November. May-June and September are the most comfortable windows for weather and trail conditions. Always allow a buffer day during the monsoon for possible road closures and landslides.

Tips

Complete Char Dham registration for both shrines well in advance.
Book Kedarnath helicopter tickets early during the peak season.
Carry warm clothes, a raincoat and sturdy trekking shoes for the higher reaches.
Acclimatise and walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness on the Kedarnath leg.
Carry your registration QR and ID, as both are checked at multiple points en route.

For overnight halts, Guptkashi and Sonprayag serve the Kedarnath leg well, while Joshimath or Pipalkoti are convenient bases before Badrinath. Keeping daily driving distances reasonable, as in the plan above, leaves you fresh for darshan and the demanding Kedarnath trek rather than worn out by the road. The Do Dham strikes an ideal balance between darshan and time for most families. To book a comfortable Sedan, SUV, Innova Crysta or Tempo Traveller from Haldwani with an experienced hill driver, contact Arjun Travels at +91 90844 04569 and we will tailor the itinerary to your schedule and pace.