India is a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse religions. Millions of devotees from across the world come here to explore their faith and seek blessings from the Almighty. The Do Dham Yatra is one such pilgrimage that holds a significant place in the hearts of devout Hindus. This Yatra takes you on a journey to two of the most revered shrines in India- Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Do Dham Yatra is not just a journey to visit holy shrines but also an opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas. It’s a journey that will take you through lush green valleys, gushing rivers, snow-capped mountains, and serene landscapes. The entire experience is magical and leaves you with a feeling of spiritual bliss.
Things to do in Do Dham Yatra:
1. Seek blessings at Kedarnath Temple:
Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
- Location: Kedarnath Temple is located in the town of Kedarnath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
- Distance from nearest station: The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, which is approximately 241 kilometers away from Kedarnath. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Sonprayag, which is the nearest point of Kedarnath accessible by road.
- Price to visit: The price of the Kedarnath Yatra package varies depending on the tour operator and the type of package selected. However, the basic package price starts from around INR 9,000 to INR 10,000.
- Personal experience: Visiting Kedarnath Temple during the Do Dham Yatra was an unforgettable experience. The journey to Kedarnath was a challenging trek, but the beautiful landscapes and the serene surroundings made it worth the effort. The temple itself is a marvel of ancient architecture and a true testament to the faith of the devotees who built it.
- Advice: It is advisable to plan your visit to Kedarnath Temple during the Do Dham Yatra well in advance and book a tour package with a reputable tour operator. The trek to Kedarnath can be challenging, so it is essential to be physically fit and prepared for the journey.
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the most sacred shrines of Hinduism. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
- Location: Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
- Distance from nearest railway station: The nearest railway station to Badrinath is Haridwar Railway Station, which is about 320 km away.
- Price to visit: There is no entry fee to visit Badrinath, but you may need to pay for accommodation and transportation.
- Personal experience: Badrinath is a beautiful and serene place that will leave you mesmerized with its natural beauty and spirituality. The Badrinath Temple, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is a sight to behold. The hot water springs, known as Tapt Kund, are said to have medicinal properties and are a must-visit.
- Advice: Badrinath is located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, so make sure to carry warm clothing and stay hydrated. Also, be prepared for the steep climb to the temple, as it can be physically demanding. It is best to visit Badrinath during the summer months, from May to June, as the weather is pleasant and the roads are clear.
3. Take a dip in the hot springs of Gaurikund:
Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath Temple. The hot springs here are believed to have healing properties and taking a dip in them is considered to be auspicious.
- Location: Gaurikund is located around 202 km from Rishikesh and 76 km from the town of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand.
- Distance from the nearest station: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Haridwar, which is around 238 km away. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund.
- Price to visit: There is no entry fee to visit Gaurikund, but you might need to pay a small fee for using the hot springs.
- Personal experience: The hot springs in Gaurikund are quite popular among the pilgrims and trekkers who visit the place. The water is warm and refreshing, and it’s a great way to relax your tired muscles after a long trek. The hot springs are also believed to have medicinal properties that can help with various ailments.
- Advice: While taking a dip in the hot springs of Gaurikund can be a refreshing experience, it’s important to be cautious as the water can be quite hot in some areas. It’s also advisable to bring your own towels and changing clothes as there are no facilities available for renting or purchasing them. Lastly, it’s important to keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering in the area.
4. Trek to Vasuki Tal:
Located at an altitude of 4,135 meters, Vasuki Tal is a beautiful high altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The trek to Vasuki Tal is challenging but offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Exact Location: Vasuki Tal is located at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Kedarnath in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.
- Distance from a Particular Station: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) away. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, you need to trek about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) to reach Kedarnath, and then another 8 kilometers (5 miles) to reach Vasuki Tal.
- Price to Visit that Place: You need to obtain a permit from the Forest Department to visit Vasuki Tal, and the cost varies depending on the season and the number of people in your group. The permit can be obtained from the Forest Department office in Kedarnath.
- Personal experience: Trekking to Vasuki Tal can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The trail passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and meadows, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake itself is a serene and tranquil spot, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. However, the altitude and the steep climb can make the trek difficult, so it’s important to be physically fit and acclimatized.
- Advice: If you’re planning to trek to Vasuki Tal, make sure to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon clouds and rain. Carry enough water, food, and warm clothing, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. It’s also important to acclimatize properly and take breaks as needed. Additionally, respect the environment and do not litter or damage the natural surroundings.
5. Visit Mana Village:
Located near Badrinath, Mana is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. It is known for its natural beauty, ancient caves, and the Bhim Pul (bridge) that was supposedly built by the Pandavas.
- Exact location: Mana Village is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, approximately 3 km from the town of Badrinath.
- Distance from a particular station: The nearest railway station to Mana Village is Haridwar Railway Station, which is around 312 km away. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 315 km away. From Badrinath, Mana Village is only 3 km away.
- Price to visit that place: There is no entry fee to visit Mana Village. However, visitors are advised to carry enough cash as there are no ATMs or banks in the village.
- Personal experience: Visiting Mana Village was a unique and memorable experience for me. The village has a serene and peaceful environment, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. I was fascinated by the village’s history and culture, which dates back to the Mahabharata era. The village has a small market where one can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. The Vasudhara Falls and the Bhim Pul, both located near the village, are also worth a visit.
- Advice: Visitors should respect the local culture and customs while visiting Mana Village. The village is located at a high altitude, so visitors should be prepared for cold weather and carry warm clothing. The roads leading to the village can be narrow and steep, so it is advisable to hire a local driver to reach the village safely.
6. Attend the evening aarti at Badrinath:
The evening aarti at Badrinath Temple is a mesmerizing experience. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and the chants and hymns add to the spiritual atmosphere.
- Location: The Badrinath Temple is located in the town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
- Distance: Badrinath is located approximately 318 km from Haridwar and 298 km from Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 314 km away.
- Price: There is no entry fee to attend the evening aarti at Badrinath. However, if you wish to offer any puja or donation, there may be additional charges.
- Personal experience: The evening aarti at Badrinath is a serene and mesmerizing experience. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and diyas, and the priests perform the aarti with great devotion and fervor. The sound of the bells and the chanting of the mantras create a divine ambiance, and it’s truly a moment of peace and tranquility.
- Advice: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to reach the temple early and secure a spot for the aarti. Make sure to dress appropriately and respect the religious customs and traditions. Photography is not allowed during the aarti, so it’s best to soak in the experience without any distractions.
7. Visit Hemkund Sahib:
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine located at an altitude of 4,632 meters. The trek to this shrine is challenging but the serene surroundings make it worth the effort.
- Exact location: Hemkund Sahib is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
- Distance from a particular station: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is approximately 290 km away from Hemkund Sahib. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Govindghat, which is the starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib.
- Price: The entry fee to Hemkund Sahib is Rs. 300 per person, and it includes a bed in the Gurudwara dormitory, hot water for bathing, and a meal. However, if you wish to take a pony or a palanquin ride to Hemkund Sahib, you will have to pay extra.
- Personal experience: Hemkund Sahib is a stunning place that offers a breathtaking view of the mountains and the Hemkund Lake. The journey to Hemkund Sahib is an adventure in itself, with a trek of about 6-7 hours that passes through dense forests, waterfalls, and bridges. The trek can be challenging, but the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere make it all worth it.
- Advice: The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is between June to October when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking conditions are favorable. However, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit. The trek can be strenuous, so it is recommended to have some level of physical fitness before embarking on the journey. Additionally, you should carry warm clothes, a raincoat, and comfortable trekking shoes.
8. Take a dip in the holy water of Tapt Kund:
Tapt Kund is a natural hot water spring located in Badrinath. Taking a dip in this holy water is believed to cleanse the sins and purify the soul.
- Exact Location: Tapt Kund is located in the town of Badrinath, Uttarakhand, India.
- Distance from a particular station: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is about 324 km away from Badrinath. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Badrinath. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 317 km away from Badrinath.
- Price to visit that place: There is no entry fee to visit Tapt Kund.
- Personal experience: The experience of taking a dip in Tapt Kund is truly spiritual and divine. The water is hot and has a unique sulphuric smell. It is said to have medicinal properties and can cure various skin diseases. The entire area is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the view is breathtaking.
- Advice: It is advisable to carry a change of clothes and a towel while visiting Tapt Kund. Also, it is important to respect the sanctity of the place and follow the rules and regulations. People suffering from any skin allergies or ailments should consult a doctor before taking a dip in the hot water spring.
1. Do Dham Yatra refers to a pilgrimage to two holy shrines in the Indian state of Uttarakhand - Kedarnath and Badrinath.
2. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.
3. The two shrines are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and scenic natural beauty.
4. The yatra season usually starts in April or May and continues until November, with the peak season being from May to June and from September to October.
5. The yatra involves a challenging trek to Kedarnath, which is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
6. The trek to Kedarnath involves a 16 km uphill climb from Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the yatra.
7. The Badrinath shrine is located at an altitude of 3,415 meters (11,204 feet) above sea level and can be reached by road.
8. The yatra is considered to be a spiritually rewarding experience, with pilgrims from all over India and abroad visiting the holy shrines every year.
9. The Do Dham Yatra is also known for its scenic beauty, with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, gushing rivers, and lush green forests.
10. The yatra is an important part of the tourism industry in Uttarakhand, with the state government taking several measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims.
The best time to undertake the Do dham Yatra is from May to June and September to November.
The two dhams in the Do dham Yatra are Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The distance between Kedarnath and Badrinath is around 223 km by road.
Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) while Badrinath is located at an altitude of 3,133 metres (10,279 feet).
The duration of the Do dham Yatra is usually 7-8 days.
The cost of the Do dham Yatra package varies based on the type of package and the inclusions, but it generally starts from around INR 20,000 per person.
The mode of transportation for the Do dham Yatra is primarily by road.
The weather during the Do dham Yatra is generally cool during the day and cold at night, with occasional rainfall.
The Do dham Yatra involves a lot of walking and trekking, so it may not be suitable for senior citizens and very young children. However, people of all ages can participate with proper planning and preparation.
There are various accommodation options available during the Do dham Yatra, including budget hotels, dharamshalas, and luxury hotels.
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