Do Dham Yatra is a short spiritual trip to two big temples. Often people do Kedarnath and Badrinath together. But some people pair other dhams in two. The trip can be by road, by trek, or by helicopter. If you are short on time, you can choose a do dham yatra by helicopter. That way, you get both darshan fast and safe. Many choose the 2 dham package when they want a simple plan. The trip gives quiet, prayer, and mountain views. It also gives you time to think, thank, and feel calm.
People pick do dham yatra for many reasons. First, it is shorter than Char Dham. So, it is easier for elders and families. Then, travel and stay are fewer days, and you feel less tired. Also, both temples are very powerful places for prayer. So, people feel they get strong blessings. Because the route is clear, many travel agents make simple 2 dham packages. If you need rest, you can take helicopter rides. That helps a lot for old people or for those with less time.
Kedarnath is a famous Shiva temple in high mountains. It is one of the Panch Kedar. Badrinath is a famous Vishnu temple near a lake. People say visiting both brings peace and new hope. For many families, two dham yatra is a lifetime wish. So, people plan it with love and care. If you go with faith, you will feel the hill air and the chants. That feeling is quiet, deep, and simple in your do dham yatra.
Which Temples Are Included in Do Dham Yatra?
Most do dham yatra plans include Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Dham. Yet, some people do a pair like Yamunotri and Gangotri as a two-dham option. Here we explain the two main dhams you will see in the most common do dham yatra.
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham sits high in the Garhwal hills. You feel the cold air and wide sky as you reach the town. First, you drive to a base like Sonprayag or Gaurikund. Then you walk a short trek or take a pony or palki. Or you can choose a two dham yatra by helicopter and reach near the temple fast. Many people pick a 2 dham package so they can rest more and worry less about long walks.
The temple is old and made of stone. Pilgrims chant Har Har Mahadev and move with calm steps. Small shops, helpers, and the Mandakini river sit close by. Even in summer, the nights are cold, so carry warm clothes and good shoes. If you are unsure, think of your health first. For elders, a helicopter option makes the do dham yatra gentle. Before you leave, check the official temple dates for opening and darshan during your do dham yatra.
Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Dham sits in a quiet valley near a small holy lake. The temple looks bright and colorful, and you notice it easily as you walk through the town. Most roads reach right up to Badrinath, so you can park and walk a short distance to the mandir. Inside the temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Badri Narayan, and the place feels warm and peaceful. Many pilgrims say they feel calm and lucky after darshan here, especially when they come for a do dham yatra or a two dham yatra with their family.
Around the area, you will see guest houses, small shops, and tea stalls that help travelers rest. The temple opens in spring and closes in winter because of snow. If someone chooses a 2 dham package by helicopter, there are helipads nearby that make travel easy. Before you plan your do dham yatra, check the latest temple dates and basic rules for darshan. The mandir feels simple, holy, and very comforting.
Best Time to Do Dham Yatra
If you want a smooth trip, then pick months when the temples are open. Usually temples open in spring and close in late autumn. So, most people travel from late April or May until October. If you go in early summer, you will get good weather but more crowd. If you go in autumn, you will get quieter views but cool nights. Avoid heavy monsoon time because roads may be risky. Also, winter is closed for these mountain shrines. Always check the official dates before you travel because the temple committee sets the exact days for do dham yatra.
Season | Why choose it | Note |
Late April to June | Warm days, temple opens, easy travel | Busy with pilgrims. |
July to mid-September | Some green views, but rains can make roads risky | Avoid heavy monsoon days. |
Mid-September to October | Less crowd, clear skies, cool days | Good for photos and peace. |
November to March | Temples closed for winter | Deities move to winter homes. |
Tips for each season: if you go in summer, take warm layers and sun hat. If you go in monsoon, wear rain gear and expect delays. If you go in autumn, carry warm clothes for nights. Always carry medicines and keep ID and permit where needed.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter – 5N/6D Tour
- Duration
- 6 Days / 5 Night
Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour Packages
- Duration
- Same Day
- 4 Days / 3 Night
How to Reach the Do Dham Yatra Starting Point
To start your two dham yatra, most people reach Haridwar or Rishikesh first. From there, you drive into the hills. If you pick the two dhams of Kedarnath and Badrinath, the usual roads take you into different valleys. So, plan your route well. Also, if you pick a two dham yatra by helicopter, you will fly from a city helipad and return there the same day or next day during your do dham yatra.
By Road
- You can drive from Delhi or other cities to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Then, you take a mountain road to reach a base town like Sonprayag, Guptkashi, or Joshimath depending on your route.
- From the base, you either trek, take local transport, or board a helicopter. Road travel is scenic but longer.
By Train
- The nearest big stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- From the station, you hire a car or take a bus to the hill towns.
- Trains help if you want a relaxed start and then a road trip in the hills.
By Flight
- You can fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) airport.
- From Dehradun, you can join a road drive or take a charter helicopter service for a 2 dham package.
- Helicopter flights link phata / phoolchatti or nearby helipads to Kedarnath and Badrinath for fast darshan. Official helicopter booking and schedules are available with Pawan Hans and IRCTC heliyatra pages.
Do Dham Yatra Route Map
Think of the route like two steps. First step is high Shiva temple. Next step is calm Vishnu temple. If you go by road, you drive a loop. If you go by helicopter, you fly short hops and return fast. For many people, the best travel flow is from Rishikesh up to Kedarnath area, then down and across to Badrinath area, then back to Rishikesh. This keeps the drives shorter and gives time for rest in your do dham yatra. Here is a simple flow you can follow:
- Start at Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Drive to Sonprayag / Phata area for Kedarnath.
- Visit Kedarnath by trek or helicopter.
- Return to base and then drive toward Joshimath / Badrinath area.
- Visit Badrinath.
- Return to your city.
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Kedarnath → Guptkashi → Joshimath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Devprayag → Rishikesh → Haridwar
Distance between dhams changes by route. On road, it can take many hours. But with a two dham yatra by helicopter, you cut travel time and you get quick darshan. Pawan Hans and IRCTC heliyatra list do dham helicopter shuttle details and what is included in the package.
Day-by-Day Itinerary for Do Dham Yatra
Here is a clear and kind plan you can change as you like. It shows a simple 2 dham yatra by road and a fast one by helicopter.
Day 1 – Kedarnath Visit (Road plan)
- Start early from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Drive to Sonprayag or Gaurikund base.
- If you walk, trek to Kedarnath and reach by evening.
- Stay in a guest house or a dharamshala to rest.
- Next day do early darshan during your do dham yatra.
Day 2 – Kedarnath Visit (Helicopter plan)
- Start from Dehradun or other city helipad.
- Fly to Phata / Phoolchatti helipad and then hop to Kedarnath.
- Short darshan and return to base same day or stay near base.
Day 3 – Badrinath Visit
- Drive across mountains to Joshimath / Badrinath.
- Reach temple for darshan in the day.
- Stay in Badrinath town or nearby and rest.
- Return next day to Rishikesh or home.
This plan gives you two main temple darshans and time to rest. If you use helicopter, you may pack both in less time. But, be ready for possible weather delays during your do dham yatra.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Kedarnath
1. Bhairav Temple
This small temple sits close to Kedarnath and gives a calm view of the whole valley. Many people visit it after Kedarnath darshan during their 2 dham yatra. The walk is short and peaceful.
2. Rudra Cave
This cave is known for silence and deep peace. It is a good place to rest your mind after the main Kedarnath darshan in your do dham yatra. Many people sit inside for a few minutes to feel calm.
3. Vasuki Tal
This lake is high in the hills and very quiet. The walk is longer, but the mountain view feels fresh. If someone is doing a dodham trip with extra time, they enjoy this place a lot.
5. Chopta
Chopta is a green valley on the way towards Kedarnath routes. It is called “Mini Switzerland” by visitors. The cool air and pine trees make your do dham trip even more beautiful.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Badrinath
1. Mana Village
This is the last village of India and sits just a few minutes from Badrinath. The homes, tea stalls, and local stories make it a sweet stop in your do dham yatra. Many people click photos here.
2. Vyas Gufa
This cave is linked with old legends and has a quiet feel. You can visit it during your 2 dham yatra without any hard walk. The place feels spiritual and simple.
3. Tapt Kund
This is a hot water spring near the Badrinath temple. Pilgrims dip their hands and feel warm water before darshan. It is a small but meaningful stop in every dodham journey.
5. Charan Paduka
This spot is on a small hill above Badrinath. People say the footprint of Lord Vishnu is here. The walk is short, and the view of the valley brings peace during your do dham yatra.
Accommodation Options During Do Dham Yatra
You will find many stay types on route and near temples. Here are the main kinds.
Types of stays
- Guest houses and dharamshalas — cheap and close to temple.
- Hotels and resorts — more comfort and hot water.
- Govt rest houses and GMVN lodges — clean and steady.
- Camps and tents in some sites — for a closer nature feel.
Tips for choosing a hotel
- Pick a place with good reviews and close to the helipad or road.
- If you feel cold, choose a place with heating or hot water.
- For elders, pick a ground floor room if possible.
Best areas to stay
- Near base towns like Sonprayag, Guptkashi, Joshimath, and Badrinath town.
- These give easy food and short travel to the temple.
Food Options on the Yatra Route
During your Do Dham Yatra, you will find many simple and warm food choices on the way. The food is mostly light, veg, and made fresh. Here are the common things people eat during dodham trips:
- Hot Veg Thali – A basic veg thali has dal, rice, roti, and a warm sabzi. It tastes simple and homely, which feels nice after long roads in your 2 dham yatra. Many small dhabas serve it fresh and hot.
- Maggi and Hot Noodles – You will see many small stalls selling hot maggi and noodles as This is one of the most loved foods on the do dham yatra route because it gives quick energy and keeps you warm in the cold hills.
- Tea, Coffee, and Local Herbal Drinks – Every few kilometres, you will find tea shops serving chai, coffee, and local herbal drinks. These warm drinks help you stay fresh during your dodham journey and give a small break from long roads.
- Paratha with Curd or Pickle – Parathas are soft, filling, and easy to digest as Many travelers eat them in the morning before starting their 2 dham yatra drive. They keep you full without making you feel heavy.
- Khichdi and Light Rice Meals – Khichdi is a gentle food that suits almost everyone. If someone feels tired or cold during the do dham yatra, this light dish feels easy on the stomach and warm on the body.
- Local Rajma Chawal – In the hill areas, rajma chawal tastes different and very fresh. Many people enjoy this meal during their 2 dham package because it gives comfort and energy for the rest of the journey.
- Soup and Hot Corn Soup – Hot soups are common near Kedarnath and Badrinath routes. They help you stay warm, especially when the weather is cold as Many pilgrims drink soup in the evening to relax after walking.
- Bread–Butter and Toast – This is a simple and quick food you will find everywhere. When you are short on time in your dodham trip, bread and butter give a light and easy start to your day.
- Local Sweets and Pahadi Milk Items – Some shops offer sweet items made from hill milk like peda. These sweets are soft, fresh, and nice to try during your do dham yatra. They also make small gifts to take back home.
- Dry Snacks (Chips, Biscuits, Fruits) – These are easy to carry and help during long drives as Many people pack biscuits, fruits, and small snacks as part of their 2 dham package for quick bites on the way.
Things to Pack for Do Dham Yatra
You must pack light but smart for your do dham yatra. Carry warm clothes, rain cover, medicines, and ID proofs. Also, carry cash in small notes and a copy of any booking slips.
Clothing
- Warm jacket, woolen cap, gloves, and good shoes.
- A rain jacket or poncho for monsoon months.
Medicines
- Basic first-aid, motion sickness pills, water purifiers or tablets, and any regular medicines.
- Carry oxygen cans if you have weak lungs, and check with a doctor before travel on your do dham yatra.
Essentials
- Mobile power bank, torch, ID, mask, and sanitizer.
- Copies of booking and helipad slips for helicopter plans.
Health precautions
- Drink warm water and rest if you feel tired.
- Go slow while climbing and do not rush.
- Check your health with a doctor if you have heart or lung issues.
Weather preparedness
- Check weather daily. Mountain weather can change fast.
- Carry rain gear and warm layers. If helicopter services are planned, be ready for delays in your do dham yatra.
Do’s and don’ts
- Do respect local rules and the temple customs.
- Do carry a copy of ID and booking.
- Don’t litter, and don’t panic if a flight is delayed — it is for safety.
Because safety is key, follow local guides and official updates. For helicopter bookings and safe seats use official sites like Pawan Hans and IRCTC heliyatra. Also, be aware of safety news before travel in your do dham yatra.
Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter – Fast, Safe, and Easy Darshan
If you want fast travel, then do dham yatra by helicopter is a top pick. Helicopter travel saves many hours, and helps elderly people and those who fear long treks. Many operators run do dham helicopter shuttles. Packages often include pick up, helipad transfers, priority darshan slips, and small refreshments. Also, helicopter trips are weather dependent. So, flights can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather. Recently, there were safety incidents that led to extra checks and fewer helicopter slots on some days. So, check official bookings and news before you book your do dham yatra. Use only official booking portals like Pawan Hans or IRCTC heliyatra for safety and real seats.
Why choose helicopter
- Fast darshan.
- Good for elders and families.
- Less walking, easy transfers.
Same-day / one-day / two-day options
- Some packages do both dhams in one long day by chopper in a do dham yatra plan.
- Some do one dham per day and give more rest time.
- Choose what fits your health and time.
Ideal for seniors
- Helicopter cuts walking and stays light on legs.
- Also, operators give help with local transfers.
What is included
- Pickup and drop from main city helipad for your do dham yatra.
- Short helipad transfers near temples.
- Priority darshan slips at times.
- Light refreshments and escorts in many packages.
Conclusion
Do Dham Yatra is a simple, kind trip for your heart and your feet. First, you will feel calm when you reach Kedarnath, and then you will feel peace at Badrinath. If you choose a 2 dham yatra by road, you will meet quiet towns, warm people, and soft mountain air. Also, if you pick a do dham yatra by helicopter, you will save time and rest more, and your journey will be gentle on your legs.
Many families choose a 2 dham package for ease and care, and so you can too. Remember to pack warm clothes, some medicines, and patience for weather delays. Then, follow local rules, keep your things safe, and be kind to the helpers on the route. In short, do dham yatra gives you space to think, pray, and smile with your family. Finally, whether you walk or fly, the trip will stay in your heart, and you will return with peace and a clear mind. Plan well, travel safe, and enjoy your do dham journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is do dham yatra?
A: It is a trip to two holy shrines, mainly Kedarnath and Badrinath, done together.
Q: Can elderly do two dham yatra?
A: Yes, and many do. For less walking, pick a two dham yatra by helicopter or take easy road plans.
Q: Are helicopters safe?
A: Helicopters are fast but weather can cause delays. There were safety incidents in the past year that led to added checks. Use only official booking portals and follow local advisories.
Q: When do temples open?
A: Temples open in spring and close in late autumn. Check official pages for exact dates.