Going from Kedarnath to Badrinath isn’t complicated, but yeah, it does take some effort. You first walk down from Kedarnath to Gaurikund — that’s the tiring part. Your legs hurt, you get hungry, and you keep checking how far is left… but somehow, you keep going. Once you reach Gaurikund, the hard part is mostly done. From there, a jeep takes you to Sonprayag, and then the rest of the journey is by road. The drive goes through mountains, small shops, and bends where you just stare outside and think, “Wow.”
Darshan there feels soft and organized, like the mountains are saying, “Welcome, you made it” and if the roads or the walking ever feel too much, you can always take the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter and reach both these sacred places with the same devotion — just a little more comfort and a lot more time to pray. You can visit Kedarnath and Badrinath by using Chardham by Helicopter package.
Quick-Plan Table (at a glance)
| Segment | Mode | Key Fact (from official sources) | What to do |
| Kedarnath → Gaurikund | Trek | 16 km inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (official) | Start early; hire porter/pony only from authorized counters. |
| Gaurikund → Sonprayag | Local shuttle/jeep | Regulated access around Sonprayag/Gaurikund | Follow on-ground instructions; keep your QR registration code ready. |
| Sonprayag → Badrinath | Road (NH-7 corridor) | Mountain driving; schedule varies with weather/works | Keep buffer time; check app/portal advisories the same morning. |
| Badrinath Darshan | Walk | Aartis/pujas handled by shrine board | Pre-book special pujas on the official shrine portal. |
Temple & Puja: Official, Simple, Clear
- Badrinath: The shrine’s puja options, indicative timings, and booking flow are published on the official Badrinath–Kedarnath portal. You can pre-book aartis/paths online. Exact slots may shift by season and festival days, so please check the live list before you go.
- Kedarnath trek basics: The 16-km figure is officially listed by Uttarakhand Tourism. That helps you plan food, rest, and time perfectly.
Always check official updates before you plan your final travel days. The shrines open only during the yatra season and close for winter. Authorities announce the opening and closing ceremonies and daily timings closer to the dates, so follow those updates to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Packing & Safety
Because hills are unpredictable, a small checklist helps a lot. Also, it keeps your family calm.
- IDs & Code: Carry your photo ID and Char Dham registration QR (phone + one print).
- Footwear: Trek shoes with grip; also carry a spare pair of socks.
- Weather gear: Light rain jacket, warm layers, cap, gloves.
- Health: Any regular medicines, ORS, and a small first-aid pouch.
- Cash + UPI: Connectivity can dip; therefore, keep some cash handy.
- Phone readiness: Power bank, offline maps, and emergency numbers saved.
- Official updates: Check the Tourist Care portal/app the night before and the morning you travel.
Where to Halt
Because you move from a high trek zone to another high temple town, halts make the ride gentle.
- After trekking down from Kedarnath: Many pilgrims prefer Guptkashi or Rudraprayag for a night halt.
- Before Badrinath: Joshimath is a natural staging town; you can start early to Badrinath next morning for smooth darshan.
(Hotel availability changes by season; check current permits, parking rules, and route constraints via the official app/portal each evening.)
Do’s & Don’ts when going from Kedarnath to Badrinath
Do’s
- Do register every member and carry the QR code.
- Do follow official barricades, one-way timings, and staff directions.
- Do keep snacks, water, and dry layers ready at the top and during the drive.
- Do use authorized pony/palki/porter services on the trek corridor.
Don’ts
- Don’t overpack; instead, layer smart.
- Don’t ignore official weather alerts; start late rather than getting stuck.
- Don’t crowd roads near landslide-prone bends; stay in your vehicle unless allowed.
- Don’t rely on rumors or old blogs; always re-check official portals the same day.
Conclusion
Your Kedarnath to Badrinath journey can be simple, safe, and peaceful when you follow official rules, plan the 16-km Kedarnath trek correctly, and keep a full road day for the mountain drive. Since we use the Government registration portal, the Uttarakhand Tourism pages, and the official shrine website for puja and timings, your plan stays accurate and up-to-date. Therefore, travel with Leisure India Holidays and feel relaxed: we handle the checks, the timing, the halts, and the small details—so you focus on darshan, family, and joy. You can visit Kedarnath and Badrinath by using Chardham by Helicopter package.
FAQs
Q1. Is registration really compulsory?
Yes. Char Dham registration is mandatory, official, and free on the Uttarakhand Government’s portal/app. Keep your QR handy.
Q2. How long is the trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund?
16 km (official). Plan 6–8 hours depending on fitness and weather.
Q3. Can I pre-book puja at Badrinath?
Yes. Use the official shrine portal for available pujas/aartis and current timings. Slots can change with seasons and festivals.
Q4. When do the temples open and close each year?
Opening (around Akshaya Tritiya) and closing (around Bhai Dooj) are declared each season. For exact dates in your travel year, check Uttarakhand Tourism and the shrine portal.
Q5. Is the road time fixed between Sonprayag and Badrinath?
No. Mountain roads change with weather/works. Therefore, keep a full day for the drive and always verify same-day advisories on the Tourist Care portal/app.
