Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra are 2 of the most highly
revered Dham temples in the holy pilgrimage Yatra journey of Char Dham Yatra of
Uttarakhand. These 2 temples remain thronged with devotees from all over the
globe to offer their prayer to the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva in Kedarnath and
the presiding deity of lord Vishnu in Badri Vishal. Some choose the convenient
option of Badrinath Kedarnath helicopter service while others opt to reach via road journey, no matter which way you
choose the journey will definitely astonish you. While the remaining 2 temples
of Gangotri and Yamunotri are equally relevant but since Badri and Kedar temples
are also a part of the coveted Panch Kedar and Sapt Badri Yatra respectively,
they are kept at a higher pedestal.
Here is a complete and informative guide for Badrinath
Kedarnath Yatra if you are planning for a spiritual retreat on the Garhwal
Himalayas:
Travel Guide for Kedarnath:
Perched on top on an elevation of almost 3,500
metres above sea level and in a very remote location of the district of Rudraprayag
by the holy river of Mandakini, this ancient temple has a very long and
tumultuous history. From being a part of a glacier during the mini ice age for
more than 400 years and having being constructed by the Pandava brothers to
being resurrected by Adi Shankaracharya and facing the devastating 2013 cloud
burst incident this temple is truly a legendary sign of devotion and
spirituality.
Weather Guide
Being situated at such a great height the temperature here remains cold throughout the year. The summer months of May (opening date) to early July are considered to be the best time to visit. The morning and afternoon are pleasant however it gets chilly as the sun sets. Avoid travelling during the monsoon months of July to early September. The temple shuts down for Darshan as the winter months approach during the months of November to May.
How to Reach:
There are many ways for one to reach Kedarnath:
By Road
– There are cabs, taxi and local, private and state bus services available from
Rishikesh itself at the best rates.
By Train
– The nearest railway station is located in Rishikesh which connects to a range
of places from all over the subcontinent. Buses and taxis can be hired from
outside the station.
By Trek – The final road head to Kedarnath temple
is at Gaurikund from where you can either trek the 16 km paved path or hire a
licensed and legally approved Palki or pony services as well. it will take you
through the landmarks of Bheembali, Lincholi and Kedarnath base camp.
Accommodation Guide
There are a lot of budget, deluxe and super deluxe hotel and lodging services available in places like Sonprayag and Gaurikund. GMVN guest houses are also available along with Kedarnath base camp near the temple where one can stay for a night in close proximity to the temple. The hotels come with running hot and cold water, parking facilities but nothing too lavish since these hotels only remains open for the pilgrimage season. The devotees are expected to cooperate.
Travel Guide for Badrinath:
Situated in the district of Chamoli and by the
holy river of Alaknanda is this iconic Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu where he is
worshipped as the lord of the entire Badri region or Badrinath. The temple is a
very elegant and colorful structure which is visited by devotees from all over
the world. This temple has to be one of the most easily reachable temples in
the entire Char Dham Yatra circuit of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Weather Guide:
The best time to visit Badrinath Dham would be from the time when the temple gates open up during the month of April / May to early June. Avoid travelling not only to the temple but also to the hills during the monsoon season. The months of September to November (till the closing time of the Dham) can also be visited if the cold season does not bother you.
How to Reach:
Being one of the most easily accessible temples it can be reached via the following modes of transportation:
By Road – The cabs and buses and even private cars
can be easily reached till the entrance of Badrinath. The roads not only connect
from Rishikesh but also to places like Delhi, Dehradun. Nainital etc. all the
roads are in good condition.
By Train – The nearest railway station is present
in Rishikesh / Dehradun from where one can get on the bus heading for Badrinath
or even opt for a car rental or cab / taxi service to Badrinath at the most
nominal rates.
By Helicopter – You can o0pt for the helicopter
journey to Badrinath. You can either take it as a part of the Badri Kedar Do
Dham Yatra or just a solo Ek Dham Badrinath pilgrimage. The helipad is located
at a mere distance of 1 km from the temple making it one of the most convenient
ways of getting to the temple.
Accommodation Guide:
There are several standard, deluxe and super deluxe hotels available in and around Badrinath. You can book the ones you like depending on your budget. There are also several budget hotels available. Remember not to expect a lavish and luxurious stay since these places remains open for only the limited time when the pilgrimage season begins. GMVN stay is also available in close proximity to the temple of Badrinath.
The Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra in Uttarakhand is
one of the most soul rejuvenating and potentially a life changing experience
where the person undergoing this journey will be able to attain an
enlightenment of your own. This trip is also known as the Do Dham Yatra which
is attended by people from all over the world. The Badri Kedar travel guide
will enable you to travel with ease and comfort. It will also help in
clarifying all the doubts you may have regarding the holy pilgrimage.
