Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a popular pilgrimage site and a key highlight in the itinerary. The temple is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is located amidst the snow-capped Himalayas. It is a moderate 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which can be done on foot, horseback or palanquin. You can also visit Shankaracharya Samadhi, a revered site located near the temple.
Badrinath is a sacred town located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the Nar and Narayana mountain range. Vishnu Temple is the most visited attraction here, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Tapt Kund, a natural hot water spring, is believed to have medicinal properties and is located close to the temple. Mana Village, the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibetan border, is another recommended stop for its rich cultural heritage.
Devprayag is a confluence of two rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, to form the River Ganges. It is located on the way from Badrinath to Haridwar/Rishikesh. Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is the most visited site here. A bath in the holy waters at the confluence is considered pure and a must-do for the religiously inclined. You can explore the quaint town on foot and buy souvenirs made from local produce.
During the trip, a sturdy SUV or hired cab is recommended for travel between destinations as the roads can be uneven and hazardous at times. Hired cabs can cost anywhere between INR 5,000-15,000 per day based on the vehicle and distance traveled. Flights are available to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is around 174 km away from Kedarnath.
If you have extra days, you can plan a detour to nearby sites like Rudranath, Kalpeshwar or Hemkund Sahib. If you have fewer days, you can skip Devprayag and return to Rishikesh/Haridwar, which are closer to Badrinath. Carrying enough cash is advised as ATMs or card facilities may not be available at all destinations.
The nearest airport to Kedarnath and Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, located at a distance of around 174 km. The airport has regular flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. It is connected to Kedarnath and Badrinath by road, and taxis are available from the airport to both destinations.