Kedarnath to Badrinath in one look
- Start point: Kedarnath temple area (trek zone).
- First leg: Trek Kedarnath → Gaurikund (16 km), then road to Sonprayag (shared jeeps/stands). The 16-km trek is confirmed by Uttarakhand Tourism.
- Second leg: Sonprayag/Guptkashi/Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath via the national highway corridor (NH-7 axis). Exact drive time depends on weather and road work.
- Badrinath darshan: Temple and puja details are managed on the official shrine portal.
Note: Distances and hours on mountain roads vary with landslides, traffic holds, and weather alerts. Always check the official registration portal advisories before you move. You can visit Kedarnath and Badrinath by using Chardham by Helicopter package.
Quick-Plan Table (at a glance)
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.
Pro-tip: Both shrines open during the yatra season and close for winter. Opening/closing ceremonies and daily timings are announced closer to the dates on official channels; always rely on those updates before fixing your final day/time plan.
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.)
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.
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.
How LIH (Leisure India Holidays) helps you
- Verified planning: We align your plan with the official portals each day. Therefore, you do not waste time in queues or unexpected holds.
- Gentle pacing: We design Kedarnath to Badrinath with smart halts, so seniors and kids feel safe and happy.
- On-ground care: Local escorts, vetted drivers, and early-morning temple coordination keep your day smooth.
- Buffer mindset: Because hills change fast, we keep extra time, backup hotel options, and alternate drive windows.
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.
