Badrinath and Kedarnath are a divine duo nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Badrinath is famous for its revered temple, dedicated to (Read More)Lord Vishnu, and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Kedarnath, on the other hand, is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva, with a temple that stands against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Key experiences include seeking blessings at these ancient temples, embarking on tranquil treks, and taking in the serenity of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Ideal Duration for a Badrinath Kedarnath Tour
A typical Badrinath Kedarnath tour package spans around 4 to 6 days. This duration allows travelers to explore both shrines, visit nearby attractions, and soak in the spirituality and natural splendor. It provides ample time for a balanced experience without feeling too rushed. Both the destinations can be covered in 1 to 2 nights also via a helicopter.
Places to Visit in Badrinath Kedarnath
Charan Paduka: This rock, believed to bear the imprints of Lord Vishnu's footprints, is a significant attraction for pilgrims. It's a place of reverence and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan beauty.
Vyas Gufa: This cave holds historical and spiritual significance as it's believed that Ved Vyas, the sage who documented the Mahabharata, composed the epic here with the assistance of Lord Ganesh. It's a must-visit for those interested in Hindu mythology.
Bheem Gufa: Discovered by Bheem during the Pandavas' exile, this cave is steeped in history and offers an intriguing glimpse into ancient legends. Exploring Bheem Gufa is like stepping back in time.
Ganesh Gufa: Another cave with a rich historical connection, it's believed that Lord Ganesh penned down the epic, Mahabharata, here. It's a place of great religious importance and an interesting addition to your pilgrimage.
Sheshnetra: This massive boulder, associated with Lord Vishnu's retreat, not only holds religious significance but also treats you to stunning vistas of the Neelkantha peak. For adventure seekers, it serves as the starting point for the trek to the enchanting Vasudhara Falls.
Famous Things to Do on a Badrinath Kedarnath Trip
Bhairavnath Temple: Pay a visit to the Bhairavnath Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav in Kedarnath. It adds a layer of spiritual depth to your journey and introduces you to the diverse facets of Hindu mythology.
Triyuginarayan: Explore this sacred site where it's believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. It's a place of deep mythological significance and an essential stop for cultural exploration.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: This is where the revered philosopher Adi Shankaracharya's final resting place lies. Paying homage here allows you to connect with the philosophical roots of Hinduism.
Rudra Meditation Cave: Discover the tranquillity of this cave, which is ideal for meditation and introspection. It's a place to find inner peace and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek: Tungnath offers a unique trekking experience amid alpine trees and serene landscapes. The Chandrashila trek from here rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views, making it a must-do activity for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Why One Should Buy Packages for Badrinath Kedarnath
Access to Limited Permits: These regions often have restricted areas for safety and conservation purposes. Tour packages have established connections and can secure permits for these areas, allowing you to explore all the significant locations without worrying about complex permit procedures.
Altitude Acclimatization: The high altitudes of Badrinath and Kedarnath can lead to altitude sickness, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Tour packages include a carefully planned itinerary that ensures gradual altitude acclimatization, reducing the risk of health issues and making your journey more comfortable.
Arranged Pooja Services: Performing special poojas or rituals at these sacred temples is an integral part of the pilgrimage. Tour packages can arrange for these services, ensuring that you have a seamless and meaningful experience without the need to navigate the intricacies of temple procedures on your own.
Comprehensive Itinerary: While the main temples are the primary focus, tour packages often include visits to lesser-known but culturally significant sites. This allows you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the local culture and history, enriching your pilgrimage experience.
Guided Spiritual Practices: Expert guides in tour packages can lead you through meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices at serene locations, helping you connect more deeply with your inner self and the spiritual essence of these places.
Helicopter Evacuation: The rugged terrain can pose challenges in terms of health and emergencies. Tour packages often include access to helicopter evacuation services, ensuring that you can receive immediate medical assistance in case of unforeseen health issues.
Pre-booked Puja Items: Packages may include pre-booking of puja items required for your temple visits. This ensures that you have everything you need for the rituals, and you don't need to search for or purchase these items on your own.
Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most significant benefit of tour packages is peace of mind. Knowing that every aspect of your journey is well-arranged, from accommodation and transportation to permits and cultural experiences, allows you to focus entirely on your spiritual and cultural journey. It relieves you of logistical concerns and lets you immerse yourself in the pilgrimage with ease and tranquility.
What is the best time to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October. The maximum temperatures during these months are about 30°C and 15°C respectively, which makes sightseeing and going for darshans pleasant. Both destinations remain closed from November to March/April because of snowfall. Also, avoid going between July and August, which is the monsoon period since the regions experience heavy rainfall which can cause landslides and roadblocks.
What are the 4 Dhams of India?
Char Dham, which translates to “four abodes,” is a set of four pilgrimage sites all around India and the Char Dham Yatra, a journey to visit these 4, is quite auspicious to Hindus. The 4 Dhams are Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Odisha and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. Uttarakhand is known for the Chota Char Dham which comprises Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
How many days are enough for Badrinath and Kedarnath?
You will need 1 day each in Kedarnath and Badrinath. You would have sufficient time to visit the main temples (Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple) as well as other attractions like the Bhairavnath Temple and Chorabari Lake in Kedarnath and Tapt Kund and Vyas Gufa in Badrinath. However, since there is no direct way from Kedarnath to Badrinath, you would need to go from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and then to Badrinath. Therefore, it would make sense to add one day to the itinerary for the travel. However, you can avail the helicopter service from Dehradun which takes you across the two destinations on the same day.
Is there helicopter for Badrinath and Kedarnath?
Yes, since the journey to Kedarnath and Badrinath is arduous, either by car/taxi or on foot, there is a helicopter service that you can avail to reach these holy destinations. The helicopter journey begins from the Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun and is a day long. You get to visit Kedarnath, Sirsi and Badrinath before coming back to Dehradun. Not only does taking the helicopter save you time and energy, but it also offers spectacular views of the mountains.
Can Badrinath and Kedarnath be done together?
Yes, you can visit Badrinath and Kedarnath together. These two sacred pilgrimage sites are often combined in a single journey as they are relatively close to each other in Uttarakhand. To make the most of your trip, you can start at Haridwar or Rishikesh and then proceed to Kedarnath. After visiting Kedarnath, you can make your way to Badrinath. The entire journey can usually be completed in a week or so, allowing you to pay your respects at both temples and experience the natural beauty of the region. Just be prepared for some challenging terrain, as these are high-altitude destinations.