The Do Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey to the two most sacred temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand. These two temples are part of the four holy shrines, Char Dham, of Uttarakhand. Pilgrims visit the two shrines together, which can be completed by road, by trek, or by helicopter. People who are short on time or have health-related issues can choose the Do Dham Yatra by helicopter.
Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas, these temples attract lakhs of devotees every year who seek divine blessings, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the Almighty. Many people also prefer booking the Do Dham Yatra package from a registered tour operator for a simple journey with no hassles.
However, the journey is not just spiritual—it is also physically demanding and requires careful planning. We have created a comprehensive guide for pilgrims who want to embark on this spiritual journey. This comprehensive guide focuses on budget planning, safety precautions, and health management, which helps pilgrims to have a safe and comfortable Yatra.
The Do Dham Yatra usually refers to visiting Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These temples are part of the larger Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, but are often undertaken separately due to time, budget, or physical limitations.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Hills, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. It is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, especially for Shivites. Since it is situated at a high altitude, it requires a trek of around 16 kilometres from Gaurikund. Pilgrims travel by road to reach the trek base, such as Sonprayag or Gaurikund, then either start the 16 km trek or take a pony or palki to reach the temple. Elders who cannot undertake the arduous trek can opt for the Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter.
Badrinath Temple is one of the four shrines of the holiest Char Dham Yatra in India and is also part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas by the Alaknanda River at a high altitude of 3,300 meters, the temple is accessible by road. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Badri Narayan. The surroundings of the place feel warm and peaceful.
Before you leave, check the official temple dates for opening and darshan during your Do Dham Yatra.
The Do Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey. But for many, the rising travel expenses and accommodation costs can become a financial worry. Hence, before planning the journey or booking the Do Dham Yatra Package, it is important to plan your budget. The costs may vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and transportation modes. Here is a complete budget planning guide to help you know the approximate cost of traveling to Kedarnath and Badrinath together and how to set your budget.
We know everyone has their own preferences. But pilgrims who are on a low budget can definitely complete their Do Dham Yatra comfortably under Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 per person, and you don’t need a luxury tour package for this.
Let’s see how you can plan your Do Dham Yatra package within your budget:
The first thing you will consider for the travel expenses is the transportation costs. Know the popular route to cover the Do Dham Shrines one by one and estimate the costs. This typically forms the largest portion of the budget. People traveling from different points of the country will spend differently. So, this budget guide will not include the transportation cost of traveling from your city to Haridwar or Rishikesh. The charges will be from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Kedarnath and Badrinath and return. Here are three different ways to travel to the two sacred shrines:
Approximate cost: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 for the complete Do Dham route by a private taxi.
Helicopter services are available mainly for Kedarnath, which cost Rs. 7000 to Rs. 9000 per person (One Way). The Badrinath Yatra by helicopter comes under the complete Char Dham yatra or Do Dham Yatra, starting at Rs. 1,20,000 per person, which includes local transport, accommodation, and food, along with the helicopter service.
The next important thing you will consider to set your budget for the Do Dham Yatra is the accommodation costs. If you are on a tight budget, consider staying in basic Dharamshalas. People with a good budget can opt for budget hotels or mid-range hotels. Dharamshalas and guest houses can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1200 per night. Whereas, budget hotels can range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per night. Mid-range hotels can cost Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000 per night. Make sure to book the accommodations in advance during peak season.
Another important factor in setting your budget is the food cost. You will have to eat simple vegetarian food during the Yatra, which is easily available and at affordable prices. The average daily food expenses will be Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 per person. You can even save by eating at local Dhabas and temple-run Langars.
You trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. Pilgrims often hire porters, palkis, or ponies to complete the trek, which costs Rs. 2500 to Rs. 7000.
For the Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath & Badrinath), you will have to register yourself. The Yatri registration for the Yatra is mandatory for safety, done by the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care Committee. One can do this through the official portal, WhatsApp, or the Mobile app. You get an e-pass after registering yourself for the Yatra, which is provided free of cost by the government. Yes, you will pay no charges for the registration.
But the optional VIP Darshan at both the shrines, which is usually not included in the Do Dham Yatra tour package, is included. This can cost you approximately Rs. 1100 to Rs. 5100+ per person.
The high altitude, unpredictable weather, and mountainous terrain make the Do Dham Yatra an arduous journey. So, you must keep cash with you for anything, such as:
Considering all the major factors, the approximate budget of your Do Dham Yatra, depending on the type of traveler you are, is:
Both the sacred shrines of the Do Dham Yatra, Kedarnath and Badrinath, are located at high altitudes, which receive cold weather throughout the year. The winters are extremely cold and harsh here. The monsoon season receives heavy downpours that make the routes highly prone to roadblocks and accidents. Hence, every Yatri or pilgrim must focus on their health and safety while visiting the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. Before visiting, you will have to understand the weather, considering the month of the year you are visiting. Also, prioritize your health by getting acclimatized to high altitudes before trekking or the trip.
Here is the complete safety precaution guide that you must follow:
Select the best time to visit the Do Dham Yatra as per your convenience and schedule. The Himalayan climate is unpredictable, with warm daytime temperatures, chilly nights, and unexpected rain showers that can occur, regardless of the season. So, you will have to be prepared for all this. We suggest:
The region has rugged terrain, and roads are narrow with sharp turns. If you are traveling in a private taxi, you must consider an experienced chauffeur. Also, take care of the following road safety tips to avoid stranding on the road and any accidents:
To visit the Kedarnath Temple, pilgrims either trek or take a helicopter ride. If you trek, then you will cover a total of 16 km from the base camp to the Kedarnath Temple. The trek route involves steep, paved sections with steps, requires good fitness, and faces altitude challenges (low oxygen), demanding acclimatization. Here are some safety tips for trekking in Kedarnath:
Lakhs of devotees undertake this spiritual journey annually. The entire region reverberates with the loud sound of pilgrims chanting “Har Har Mahadev”. However, the crowd of pilgrims can create chaos sometimes. Managing the crowd has even become a challenge for SDRF, Uttarakhand Police, and Volunteers. In such a situation, you must protect yourself and your family to keep everyone safe in your group. Here is some advice for managing the crowd and being safe during darshan:
For pilgrims’ safety, the government has issued a mandatory Yatra registration for every pilgrim undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. So, whether you are visiting one or two shrines at a time, you will have to get yourself registered for the Yatra. You will get an E-Pass of the digital copies of the registration slip that you will have to show at different checkpoints during the yatra. Follow instructions issued by local administration and disaster management teams for a safe and secure journey.
As you know, the Do Dham Yatra takes place in the Himalayan region, which involves rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. Even for visiting the Kedarnath Temple, you will have to trek for 16 km on a high-altitude route. Hence, you must be physically fit to trek through the steep and rugged paths. You must get a health certificate from a doctor to show you are medically fit to undertake the journey. Also, you will have to mentally and physically prepare yourself for the high-altitude trek.
Here’s what you should do to prepare for the Do Dham Yatra:
Start physical preparation at least 3-4 weeks before the Yatra. You should do some cardio exercises and yoga. Light jogging and cycling will be more beneficial for you. Do not join a gym especially for this; instead, go for a walk in an open space, like the ground or a park, and you can even do cycling on roads or grounds. Start practicing breathing exercises and Pranayama. Make sure to do stair climbing practice. Senior citizens must consult a doctor before planning the Yatra.
One of the major challenges of the Do Dham Yatra is altitude sickness that pilgrims often face. If you understand the altitude challenges, then you can prevent and manage altitude sickness. For this, people stay in a high-altitude location for a day to get acclimatized because it may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. Here are the tips on how you can prevent altitude sickness.
Apart from the medication you take daily, consider keeping a first-aid box, which must have”
Kedarnath and Badrinath are located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Hence, they experience a cold and chilly climate throughout the year. While visiting, you must carry an adequate number of warm woollen clothes to protect yourself from the harsh weather conditions.
After the health and safety tips, our comprehensive Do Dham Yatra guide provides additional tips for what to pack so that you can travel light yet remain fully prepared for the challenges of the journey, from cold temperatures to long trekking routes. Packing wisely reduces stress and health risks. So, make sure to carry the things listed below:
While packing, make sure you are not overpacking because you will be trekking with your backpack. Keep your luggage as light as possible, carrying only the essential things, like woollen clothes, extra t-shirts, rain gear, snacks, toiletries, and a medical kit.
Elders who are below 70 years can also undertake the spiritual journey of Do Dham Yatra, if they are medically fit. However, they will have to take care of their health and safety during the tour. Also, they will be submitting a medical fitness certificate from a doctor to ensure they are physically fit to undertake the journey.
In our comprehensive Do Dham Yatra guide, we provide practical tips, health precautions, and senior citizen travel hacks to make the Do Dham Yatra in 2026 safe and successful:
Your Do Dham Yatra is not like traveling to any random location. It requires adequate planning and research work. You should also understand the challenges you face as you make a few mistakes during the Yatra. Even one mistake can turn this divine experience into a stressful ordeal. From not knowing the right time to visit to packing the non-essential things, here are the most common mistakes that you must avoid during the Do Dham Yatra.
Many pilgrims ignore early signs of high-altitude sickness, like fatigue, nausea, headache, etc., thinking they will be okay in some time. But they don’t realize that even mild symptoms can worsen quickly. It is important to take these signs seriously, rest immediately, and seek medical help if required to avoid serious health complications.
Government registration for the Do Dham Yatra is mandatory, but some pilgrims do not know this. They plan their trip and travel without the proper registration, which results in denial of entry, penalties, or delays at checkpoints. So, make sure to register yourself before commencing your journey.
Many pilgrims try to complete the yatra itinerary in a few days, which leads to physical exhaustion and increased health risks. If you rush to complete the Yatra in less time, you will get no time for rest or acclimatization. A relaxed and flexible itinerary ensures a safer and more comfortable journey.
The Himalayan weather can change rapidly, with sudden rain, cold winds, or snowfall even during warmer months. Underestimating these conditions can lead to discomfort, illness, or travel disruptions. Always carry appropriate clothing and check weather updates regularly.
You must give some time to get your body acclimatized to the high altitude. Skipping this can lead to medical emergencies and a delay in your trip. Hence, you should allow yourself to get acclimatized for at least one day to let your body adapt and avoid any health risks during the journey.
The Do Dham Yatra to Kedarnath and Badrinath is a deeply spiritual journey that requires careful planning and execution. If you book a Do Dham Yatra tour package from a reputed and registered tour operator, you get expert guidance for a safe journey and a spiritually enriching experience. And, if you are planning your trip on your own, follow our comprehensive Do Dham Yatra guide, which focuses on budget planning, health safety, and common mistakes to avoid during the journey, which ensures a smooth, comfortable, and fulfilling pilgrimage.
If you want a hassle-free experience, consider booking a Do Dham Yatra package with us, as we not only help you prepare for the journey and overcome the challenges, but also allow you to focus on the spiritual essence of the yatra and create lifelong memories.