How to Travel from Badrinath to Kedarnath: The Ultimate Guide

The journey from Badrinath to Kedarnath is a journey through the most breathtaking landscapes in Uttarakhand, India. Both Badrinath and Kedarnath are two of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the region, steeped in spiritual significance and natural beauty. Whether you travel by road, bus, or even by helicopter, the journey offers a unique experience. Here, we explore the two main routes and provide you with a detailed guide to help you plan your trip seamlessly.

Route Overview: Two Main Options

There are two primary routes to travel from Badrinath to Kedarnath:

Option 1: The Long but Regular and Safe Route

This route follows a well-maintained and safe road, making it a reliable choice for travelers:

Badrinath - Govind Ghat Govind Ghat - Joshimath Joshimath - Pipalkoti Pipalkoti - Gauchar Guuchar - Rudraprayag Rudraprayag - Kund Kund - Guptkashi Guptkashi - Sitapur Parking Sitapur Parking - Gaurikund Gaurikund - Kedarnath

The total distance for this route is approximately 255 km. While it is longer, it is highly recommended due to the safer and better road conditions.

Option 2: The Short but Single Road Route

This route is shorter, but the road condition is relatively poor:

Badrinath - Govind Ghat Govind Ghat - Joshimath Joshimath - Pipalkoti Pipalkoti - Chamoli Chamoli - Tungnath Tungnath - Sonprayag Sonprayag - Sitapur Parking Sitapur Parking - Gaurikund Gaurikund - Kedarnath

The total distance for this route is approximately 200 km. The second route offers a shorter distance but may be more challenging due to its condition.

Alternative Routes and Points of Interest

While the two main routes are the most common, there are alternative options that offer different experiences:

Taking the First Route to Reach Gaurikund

You can also come to Rudraprayag from Badrinath and then proceed to Gaurikund via Guptakashi on National Highway:

Rudraprayag - Kund Kund - Guptakashi Guptakashi - Sitapur Parking Sitapur Parking - Gaurikund

From Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath is about 19 km, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Taking the Second Route to Reach Chopta

From Chamoli, you can take a route via Gopeshwar, Chopta, and Ukhimath to Guptakashi. From Guptakashi, you can reach Gaurikund via the national highway:

Chamoli - Gopeshwar Gopeshwar - Chopta Chopta - Ukhimath Ukhimath - Guptakashi Guptakashi - Sitapur Parking Sitapur Parking - Gaurikund

Chopta, a beautiful hill station, is a starting point for the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek. Tungnath is renowned for being the highest Shiva temple in India, offering pilgrims a chance to visit the deity at an altitude of 3,680 meters.

Additional Travel Options

For those looking to travel in comfort and avoid the road trip, there are alternative options to consider:

By Bus

If traveling by bus is an option, you can easily take a bus from Badrinath to Kedarnath. This mode of transport is convenient and safer for most travelers.

Taking Your Own Vehicle

For those who prefer to travel in a private vehicle, the journey can be undertaken by first heading to Gopeshwar, then Chopta, and finally Kedarnath. When you reach Chopta, you can enjoy trekking up to Shri Tungnath ji and Chandrashila peak, offering approximately a 4-hour trek to each.

Travel Considerations

It's important to note that the road to Kedarnath is closed during the winter season, typically from November to April, due to heavy snowfall. Additionally, during the peak season (May to October), helicopter services are available, providing a stunning aerial view of the Himalayas. While these services offer a unique experience, it is advisable to check with the authorities to ensure availability and safety.

By carefully planning your route and considering all the available transportation options, you can ensure a safe and memorable journey from Badrinath to Kedarnath.