Yes, you can visit both Badrinath and Kedarnath in a single visit. The temples are about 250 km apart and also roughly the same distance from Rishikesh or Dehradun. With well-connected mountain roads, the total route covers around 800 km. You’ll need at least 6 days—starting with Kedarnath (16 km trek or helicopter) and then heading to Badrinath by road.
- Route Length: Approx. 800 km round trip
- Travel Route : Dehradun/Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Guptkashi → Joshimath → Badrinath → Rishikesh/Dehradun.
- Ideal Duration: 6 days (excluding travel to Uttarakhand)
- Start Point: Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun
- First Stop: Kedarnath (via Guptkashi and Sonprayag)
- Trek: 16 km on foot or pony to Kedarnath (helicopter option also available)
- Road Conditions: Good but narrow in stretches—avoid night driving
- Best Travel Season: May–June and mid-September to October
- Good For: Families, senior citizens, and children—if planned with proper halts
Table of Contents
Ideal Itinerary to Cover Badrinath and Kedarnath Together
This 6-day Kedarnath–Badrinath tour is ideal for families with senior citizens and children. It follows a comfortable pace with 3 travel halts and 5 overnight stays—1N in Kedarnath, 2N in Guptkashi, and 2N in Joshimath. Start your journey early between 7–8 AM from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, as hill roads are safest during morning hours. The route is well-connected and avoids backtracking by covering Kedarnath first (trek or helicopter), followed by Badrinath via Joshimath.
Note: If you’re arriving from outside Uttarakhand, keep 1 extra buffer day after your return to avoid stress due to weather delays, roadblocks, or tight flight/train schedules.
Day-wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Travel from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun to Guptkashi – Night Stay in Guptkashi
- Day 2: Early morning trek or helicopter to Kedarnath – Night Stay in Kedarnath
- Day 3: Return from Kedarnath to Guptkashi – Night Stay in Guptkashi
- Day 4: Drive to Joshimath (via Chamoli or Ukhimath route) – Night Stay in Joshimath
- Day 5: Visit Badrinath Temple, Mana village (if possible), relax – 2nd Night in Joshimath
- Day 6: Return journey to Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun
Total Days Required for Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra
You need a minimum of 6 days to complete both Badrinath and Kedarnath comfortably from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. This includes proper night halts and rest breaks, especially important for senior citizens and kids. Kedarnath involves a 16 km trek (or helicopter), while Badrinath is motorable, making the combination possible in one round trip.
- Ideal Duration: 6 days (comfortable pace)
- Fastest Duration: 5 days (hectic, less recommended for families)
- Best Route: Haridwar → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath → Haridwar
- Night Stays: 1N Kedarnath, 2N Guptkashi, 2N Joshimath
- Buffer Day: Keep 1 extra day if you’re coming from another state or planning flights/trains
Best Travel Route to Visit Badrinath and Kedarnath in One Go
The best route for visiting both Kedarnath and Badrinath in one trip is via Haridwar → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar. Roads are fully motorable except for the Kedarnath trek. This circular route avoids backtracking and saves time.
- Start from Haridwar or Rishikesh
- Cover Kedarnath first (via Sonprayag)
- Move towards Badrinath (via Chopta or Karnaprayag route)
Kedarnath and Badrinath Tour by Helicopter (4 Days)
Experience a faster, safer, and more comfortable way to visit the two most revered shrines of Uttarakhand with our 4-day Kedarnath and Badrinath helicopter tour. This itinerary is ideal for senior citizens, families, or anyone short on time but seeking a spiritually fulfilling journey. Skip the 16 km Kedarnath trek and long road travel—our Dehradun-based tour offers seamless helicopter transfers, VIP darshan, premium stays, and personalized support throughout the trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun, hotel check-in, tour briefing
Day 2: Helicopter to Kedarnath, VIP darshan, return to Guptkashi
Day 3: Helicopter to Badrinath, VIP darshan, overnight stay
Day 4: Return to Dehradun by helicopter, tour ends
Kedarnath and Badrinath Tour by Helicopter (Same Day)
Cover the two most sacred temples of Uttarakhand—Kedarnath and Badrinath—in a single day with our high-speed helicopter tour from Dehradun. This same-day package is ideal for senior citizens, high-priority travelers, or those short on time. Enjoy VIP darshan at both shrines, smooth heli transfers, and full ground assistance—all in one spiritually rewarding day.
- Morning: Fly from Dehradun to Kedarnath, VIP darshan
- Midday: Fly to Badrinath, VIP darshan
- Evening: Return to Dehradun, tour ends
Should I Visit Kedarnath or Badrinath First?
It’s always better to visit Kedarnath first, then Badrinath. This order follows the traditional Char Dham route and makes the trip smoother. Kedarnath involves a 16 km uphill trek or a helicopter ride, so it’s best done early in the trip when your energy levels are high. Badrinath is driveable, easier to reach, and more relaxing after the tough Kedarnath leg.
- Kedarnath First: 16 km trek or heli, physically demanding
- Badrinath Later: Drive-in temple, great road access via Joshimath
- Traditional Route: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Practical Tip: Doing Badrinath first means you’ll trek to Kedarnath when already tired, which is not ideal for families or elders
Road Conditions and Travel Time Between Kedarnath and Badrinath
The road distance between Kedarnath (Gaurikund) and Badrinath is around 230–250 km, and it takes about 9 to 10 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather. Roads are mostly motorable but include narrow and steep roads from Joshimath to Badrinath. Some patches may slow you down in monsoon. Always travel during daylight with experienced mountain drivers.
- Total Distance: Approx. 230–250 km
- Travel Time: 9–10 hours (excluding trek/heli time)
- Route: Gaurikund → Guptkashi → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath
- Road Condition: Mostly good; hilly, curvy roads with landslide zones
- Best Travel Time: May–June, Sept–Oct (avoid peak monsoon)
- Tip: Start by 7 AM to avoid delays and reach Badrinath before dark
Char Dham Yatra Road Condition
Packing Tips for Senior Citizens On Char Dham Yatra
Kedarnath to Badrinath Distance By Road
Can Senior Citizens Comfortably Do Kedarnath and Badrinath Together?
Yes, senior citizens can comfortably visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath if the trip is planned with proper halts, medical precautions, and slow pacing. Badrinath is fully accessible by road and doesn’t involve much walking. For Kedarnath, choose a helicopter ride, palki, or pony to avoid the 16 km trek. Avoid rushing the journey—plan 6 to 7 days with enough rest stops.
How to Plan Badrinath-Kedarnath Tour with Elderly and Kids
If you’re travelling with elderly parents or small kids, keep the plan simple and not rushed. Start your days early, avoid long drives in one go, and book hotels that are clean and close to the main road. For Kedarnath, go for helicopter or palki—don’t force the 16 km trek. Carry all basics like medicines, warm clothes, snacks, and ID cards.
- Tour Duration: 6–7 days minimum
- Travel Hours: Max 6–7 hours/day with frequent breaks
- Stay Suggestions: Guptkashi (2N), Kedarnath (1N), Joshimath (2N)
- Transport: Private vehicle with good suspension and space
- Health & Safety: Keep ORS, pain relievers, altitude meds
- Must-Carry: Raincoats, woollens, torch, power bank, ID proof
Hotel Stay Suggestions for Badrinath and Kedarnath Tour
For a smooth trip with family or elders, book clean and accessible hotels near each base. In Guptkashi or Sitapur, New Mandakini Resort is a decent mid-range option close to the Kedarnath trek start. For Kedarnath, Bikaner House and Frontier House are basic but reliable options near the temple. In Joshimath, try Hotel Inder Palace or Hotel Auli D—both quiet, walkable, and ideal for resting after Badrinath darshan.
Things to Pack for a Combined Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra
Weather changes fast in the hills, so pack light but smart. Bring warm clothes even in May–June, as nights get cold. Good walking shoes, rain gear, and basic medicines are a must. For Kedarnath, carry trekking essentials like a stick, poncho, and energy bars. Keep photocopies of ID cards and avoid heavy luggage—just carry what you really need.
- Warm layers: thermals, fleece jacket, woollen cap, gloves
- Shoes: sturdy walking shoes (not sandals)
- Rain protection: poncho or raincoat, quick-dry clothes
- Health kit: paracetamol, ORS, pain balm, altitude meds
- Trek gear: stick, torch, power bank, small backpack
- Documents: Aadhaar/passport copy, 2–3 passport-size photos
- Snacks: dry fruits, glucose, biscuits, refillable water bottle
About Travel Vaidya – Trusted Travel Experts of Uttarakhand
Travel Vaidya is a Dehradun-based travel company with deep roots across Uttarakhand. For over 9 years, we’ve helped families, senior citizens, and spiritual travelers explore places like Char Dham, Auli, Jim Corbett, Nainital, Kausani, Almora, and Ranikhet with clarity and confidence.
We’re not a call center or big-brand OTA—we’re a small team that builds practical, experience-based itineraries. Every plan is shaped by local knowledge, seasonal awareness, and what actually works on-ground.
From temple visits to hotel check-ins, we handle logistics, route planning, and day-wise support—especially for elders and family travelers. We share what we know from living here, not from reading about it.
This guide is part of our effort to make travel in Uttarakhand easier to understand and plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Kedarnath and Badrinath in one trip?
Yes, Kedarnath and Badrinath can be easily covered in a single trip. They are about 250 km apart by road, and most travelers complete the combined journey in 6 to 7 days.
How many days are required to cover Kedarnath and Badrinath?
You need a minimum of 6 days to visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath comfortably. This includes travel time, darshan, and rest halts for senior citizens or families.
Which temple should I visit first: Kedarnath or Badrinath?
It’s best to visit Kedarnath first, as it involves a 16 km trek or helicopter ride. After completing Kedarnath, you can proceed to Badrinath, which is motorable.
Is it safe to travel from Kedarnath to Badrinath by road?
Yes, the route between Kedarnath and Badrinath is safe during the yatra season (May–June and Sept–Oct). However, roads are narrow and hilly, so avoid late-night driving.
What is the distance between Kedarnath and Badrinath?
The driving distance between Kedarnath (Gaurikund base) and Badrinath is approximately 230–250 km, taking 9–10 hours by road, depending on conditions.
Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath and Badrinath together?
Yes, Kedarnath and Badrinath yatra is doable for senior citizens if planned properly. Helicopter or palki services for Kedarnath are strongly recommended for elders.
Is there a direct road between Kedarnath and Badrinath?
There is no direct road from Kedarnath temple, but once you descend to Sonprayag or Guptkashi, the route to Badrinath is fully connected via Joshimath.
Do I need registration to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Yes, registration is mandatory for both Kedarnath and Badrinath. You can register online through the Uttarakhand tourism portal or at local checkpoints.
When is the best time to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath together?
The ideal months for Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra are May to mid-June and mid-September to October, when weather is stable and temple access is open.
Are there good hotels near Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Badrinath has decent hotel options and lodges. Near Kedarnath, stay options are available in Guptkashi, Sitapur, and basic lodges close to the temple area.
Which transport is best for Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra?
Private taxis like SUVs or tempo travellers are ideal for the Kedarnath and Badrinath trip. It offers flexibility and comfort, especially for families and elders.
Can I take kids to Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Yes, but plan slowly. For Kedarnath, use a helicopter or pony for kids. Badrinath is easier, as it’s accessible by road. Keep warm clothes and snacks handy.
What is the cost of Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra?
A combined Kedarnath and Badrinath trip can cost between ₹35,000–₹75,000 for a family of 3–4, depending on transport type, hotel category, and helicopter usage.
Can I include Chopta or other stops in this Kedarnath and Badrinath trip?
Yes, Chopta and Tungnath can be added with one extra day. It lies on the route between Guptkashi and Joshimath during your Kedarnath and Badrinath journey.
What should I pack for Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra?
Carry warm clothes, a raincoat, trekking shoes, ID proof, medicines, torchlight, and snacks. Weather can change quickly in both Kedarnath and Badrinath zones.
