Do Dham Yatra Ex Delhi (Badrinath And Kedarnath)

Badrinath and Kedarnath: Overview

1. Badrinath

Location:

• Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Significance:

• Badrinath is one of the four sites in the Char Dham Yatra, a major pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a revered site in Hinduism.
• The temple is believed to be situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.

Temple and Surroundings:

• Badrinath Temple: The main temple is known for its black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in his Badrinarayana form. The temple architecture is a mix of traditional Garhwal and North Indian styles.
• Tapt Kund: A natural hot spring located near the temple where devotees take a holy dip before entering the shrine.
• Mana Village: The last village on the Indian side before the Tibetan border, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore local culture.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (May to June) and Early Autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Badrinath, as the weather is pleasant and the roads are more accessible.

Travel Tips:

• Accommodation: There are several guesthouses and hotels around Badrinath. It’s advisable to book in advance during peak seasons.
• Health: Be prepared for high altitude and ensure you acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Kedarnath

Location:

• Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, in the Himalayas.

Significance:

• Kedarnath is another key site in the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines of Shiva) and holds great religious importance.
• The temple is set against the backdrop of the Kedarnath Peak, adding to its spiritual and scenic appeal.

Temple and Surroundings:

• Kedarnath Temple: The temple is renowned for its ancient architecture and the Shiva Lingam worshipped here. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples in India.
• Bhairon Temple: Located a short trek away from Kedarnath, this temple is dedicated to Bhairon Baba, who is considered the guardian deity of Kedarnath.
• Kedarnath Glacier: The glacier from which the Mandakini River originates is nearby, offering stunning natural views.

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (May to June) and Early Autumn (September to October) are the ideal times. The temple remains closed during the winter months (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.

Travel Tips:

• Trek to Kedarnath: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 km and can be strenuous. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopters are available for those who prefer not to trek.
• Accommodation: Basic accommodation is available at Kedarnath, and it’s advisable to book in advance.
• Health: Like Badrinath, Kedarnath is at a high altitude, so acclimatization and proper health precautions are essential.

Travel and Logistics

Journey Between Badrinath and Kedarnath:

• There are no direct roads connecting Badrinath and Kedarnath. Typically, pilgrims travel back to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then head to Gaurikund to start the trek to Kedarnath.
• The journey between these sites involves significant travel and trekking, so proper planning and time management are crucial.