The Do Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to two of the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: typically Kedarnath and Badrinath, offered by travel agents in Haridwar It is a shorter and more manageable version of the Char Dham Yatra, suitable for those with limited time or those who prefer a less extensive journey. These two dhams are highly revered in Hinduism.
Key Highlights of Do Dham Yatra:
- Kedarnath:
- Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- The Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual significance.
- Access to Kedarnath requires a trek of about 16-18 km from Gaurikund (though helicopter services are available).
- Badrinath:
- Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters.
- The temple lies between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges and is one of the most important temples for Vaishnavism.
- Badrinath is accessible by road, though the journey is challenging due to hilly terrain.
Common Do Dham Yatra Packages:
1. Duration:
- 5 to 7 days by road, depending on the itinerary and starting point.
- 2 to 4 days for helicopter packages.
2. Inclusions:
- Transportation: Private or shared vehicle from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Delhi.
- Accommodation: Basic, standard, or luxury options depending on the package.
- Meals: Typically, vegetarian meals are included.
- Helicopter Services: Optional for Kedarnath.
- Guided Tours: A guide may accompany groups to provide assistance and information.
3. Popular Itineraries:
Standard Road Package (5-7 Days):
- Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh – Guptkashi (near Kedarnath).
- Day 2: Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Trek to Kedarnath.
- Day 3: Kedarnath Darshan – Return to Guptkashi.
- Day 4: Guptkashi – Badrinath.
- Day 5: Badrinath Darshan – Explore nearby attractions like Mana Village.
- Day 6: Badrinath – Rudraprayag/Srinagar.
- Day 7: Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Helicopter Package (2-4 Days):
- Day 1: Dehradun – Kedarnath (by helicopter).
- Day 2: Kedarnath – Badrinath (by helicopter).
- Day 3: Badrinath Darshan and return to Dehradun.
4. Cost:
- Road packages: ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per person, depending on the type of accommodation and transportation.
- Helicopter packages: ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakhs per person for a 2-3 day itinerary.
5. Best Time to Visit:
- The ideal period for the Do Dham Yatra is from May to October.
- The temples open in late April or early May (on Akshaya Tritiya) and close in November (on Diwali).
- The monsoon months (July and August) should be avoided due to landslides and heavy rains.
6. Booking:
- Many Chardham yatra tour operators offer Do Dham packages.
- GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) also provides packages with government-backed services and accommodations.
Special Considerations:
- Fitness: The trek to Kedarnath can be physically demanding, but helicopter services are available for easier access.
- Weather: Prepare for cold weather, especially in Kedarnath and Badrinath, even during the summer months.
- Spiritual Experience: Both shrines are among the most revered pilgrimage destinations in Hinduism and offer a deep spiritual experience amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes.
The Do Dham Yatra offers a balanced journey, combining religious devotion with the beauty of the Himalayan region. The Do Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to two of the four sacred temples in Uttarakhand, usually Kedarnath (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu). It is a shorter version of the Char Dham Yatra and is typically completed in 5 to 7 days by road or 2 to 4 days with helicopter services.
