Are you planning how to reach Badrinath from Kedarnath? From helicopter rides to road trips and tour packages, you will find many simple travel choices that make your journey to these holy Himalayan places smooth and unforgettable. Badrinath and Kedarnath are two holy places in India, located in the beautiful Himalayas. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for the famous Badrinath Temple surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Kedarnath has a famous Shiva temple located 3,583 metres above sea level. Pilgrims come here to get blessings and peace. Both places are very special for spiritual reasons and are also full of natural beauty.
Quick Information:
- Kedarnath Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Badrinath Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Distance: 224 km by road (including trek down to Gaurikund + road)
- Travel Duration: 8 to 10 hours, depending on weather and mode of travel
- Road Conditions: Mountain roads, sometimes narrow. Can get rough during rain.
How to Go to Badrinath from Kedarnath
By Road
Pilgrims often start their journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath by walking or riding pony or horse down to Gaurikund, then Sonprayag.
From Sonprayag, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to cover the 224 km journey to Badrinath while enjoying beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and green valleys.
By Helicopter
For a faster and more comfortable trip, you can go by helicopter directly to the temple sites. This covers 41 km in just 30 minutes and gives amazing aerial views of the Himalayas. This option is part of the Do Dham Helicopter Package (both Kedarnath and Badrinath combined).
Note: The helicopter package covering both Kedarnath and Badrinath (Do Dham Yatra by helicopter) typically starts from Rs 1,20,000 per person for the complete package. Individual segments (Kedarnath helipad to Badrinath area) are not commonly available as standalone — most pilgrims use the road route between the two dhams.
Distance Chart — Kedarnath to Badrinath
| Route Segment | Distance |
| Kedarnath to Gaurikund (Trek) | 16 km |
| Gaurikund to Sonprayag (Road) | 5 km |
| Sonprayag to Rudraprayag (Road) | 20 km |
| Rudraprayag to Karnaprayag (Road) | 36 km |
| Karnaprayag to Joshimath (Road) | 60 km |
| Joshimath to Badrinath (Road) | 46 km |
| Kedarnath to Badrinath (Total) | 224 km |
Kedarnath to Badrinath Route Map:
Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Sonprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath
Key Places to See En Route
The road from Sonprayag to Badrinath passes through some genuinely beautiful and spiritually significant towns:
- Rudraprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Good stop for chai and rest.
- Karnaprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers. Quick temple visit possible.
- Joshimath: Last major town before Badrinath with full services (ATM, hotels, medical). Most pilgrims spend a night here.
- Auli (near Joshimath): Famous ski destination, stunning Himalayan views. Worth a detour.
Recommended Overnight Stop
The journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath is 8–10 hours and often done in one long day. However, it is strongly recommended to spend a night at Joshimath or Chamoli along the way. This gives your body time to adjust to altitude changes and makes the journey far less tiring. Most pilgrims who try to do Kedarnath darshan and reach Badrinath on the same day find it exhausting.
Travel Experience from Kedarnath to Badrinath
- Journey starts with the 16 km trek down from Kedarnath to Gaurikund — early morning starts give you the best experience.
- Fresh mountain air, sounds of the Mandakini River, and the gradual descent are genuinely relaxing after the intense Kedarnath experience.
- The road from Sonprayag to Badrinath passes through Karnaprayag and Joshimath — lovely valleys, flowing rivers, and snow-covered mountains throughout.
- At Badrinath, the atmosphere is different from Kedarnath — more organized, flatter, and with the Alaknanda River flowing nearby.
Travel Tips
- No Photography Inside Temples: Photography is usually not allowed inside the main prayer area of both Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. Respect and follow temple rules.
- Health Check Is Important: The Badrinath trip is easier than Kedarnath, but altitude effects can still be felt. Check with a doctor before going.
- Bring Cash: Keep cash with you because ATMs are hard to find in remote mountain areas.
- Drink Ginger Water: If you feel sick or dizzy on mountain roads, warm ginger water helps considerably.
- Badrinath Registration: Remember to have your Badrinath Yatra registration ready (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) — same mandatory requirement as Kedarnath.
Best Time to Travel
The perfect time to travel is from May to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant, and the roads are mostly clear. Avoid traveling during the monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Should we go to Badrinath first or Kedarnath?
Ans: Usually, pilgrims go to Kedarnath first and then Badrinath during the Char Dham Yatra. The traditional order is Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath, which is also the most practical geographical sequence.
Q-2: Which place is located at a higher altitude, Kedarnath or Badrinath?
Ans: Kedarnath is located at a higher altitude than Badrinath. It is about 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) above sea level, while Badrinath is a little lower at approximately 3,300 metres (10,800 feet).
Q-3: How to get from Rishikesh to Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Ans: From Rishikesh, you can find buses or taxis going to Gaurikund for Kedarnath darshan. Gaurikund is the starting point for the Kedarnath trek. For Badrinath, taxis go directly to Joshimath or Badrinath from Rishikesh.
Q-4: Are there different routes from Kedarnath to Badrinath?
Ans: Most pilgrims take the standard road via Rudraprayag and Joshimath — there is no common alternative route. The only faster option is the Do Dham helicopter package.
Q-5: Where should I spend the night between Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Ans: Joshimath is the most practical overnight stop. It is 46 km before Badrinath, has good accommodation options, full services (ATM, restaurants, medical), and allows you to do the final leg to Badrinath fresh in the morning.
Conclusion
Traveling from Kedarnath to Badrinath is a beautiful journey through the Himalayas. Both places are special — full of natural beauty and spiritual meaning. You can choose to travel by road or by helicopter. The road trip takes around 8 to 10 hours and passes through lovely valleys, rivers, and mountains. Consider spending a night at Joshimath to make the journey less tiring.
If you want to save time and enjoy stunning aerial views, the helicopter Do Dham package is an option. Remember to plan well, check weather conditions, carry cash, and respect temple rules. The best time to visit is May to June and September to October.
- Suggestion Post: How To Reach Badrinath From Delhi
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