Teen Dham Yatra — Kedarnath, Badrinath & Gangotri

About this journey

Teen Dham is the middle path through the Char Dham circuit: Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri in eight days, leaving out only Yamunotri. It is a deliberate compromise and a well-judged one, because Yamunotri sits furthest west and requires its own six-kilometre climb, so dropping it removes two days of driving and one full ascent while keeping the shrine that most pilgrims consider indispensable, the one that is easiest to reach, and the most beautiful drive on the entire circuit.

Kedarnath comes first. From Haridwar the route runs through Devprayag and Rudraprayag to a stay at Guptkashi or Sonprayag, so you start the sixteen-kilometre ascent from Gaurikund rested. Ponies, palkis and porters are arranged ahead at agreed rates and helicopter shuttles can be added subject to weather. We stay the night at Kedarnath where rooms allow, because the meadow in the evening once the day crowds have gone down is the memory that lasts.

Badrinath follows and asks nothing of your legs — the road reaches the temple. We include Tapt Kund and Brahma Kapal, and allow time for Mana village three kilometres on: Bhim Pul over the Saraswati, Vyas Gufa, and Vasudhara Falls for those who want the five-kilometre walk. Guests who want an extra day here often add Joshimath and the Auli ropeway, which sits directly on the return route and turns the pilgrimage into something with a spectacular secular ending.

Gangotri closes the circuit and is, for our money, the finest drive in Uttarakhand — up the Bhagirathi past Tehri reservoir and Uttarkashi to the apple orchards and wooden houses at Harsil, then to the small white temple above the gorge. Yatra registration and biometric passes are arranged in advance, the vehicle carries oxygen, medicines and warm layers throughout, and one driver stays with you the whole way. Add Yamunotri at the start and this becomes the full Char Dham; our concierge will price both against your dates.