According to the Mahabharata Epic, Kedarnath was part of the Pandava’s pilgrimage on their way to the Himalayas. The holy hot spring of Badrinath is said to have magical healing properties that are backed by science and research.

The Do Dham Yatra is a spiritual tour of two of the most prominent temples in India. The Do Dham tour packages take you on a spiritual journey to Badrinath and Kedarnath temples in Uttarakhand. According to Hindu beliefs, these stunning shrines are capable of washing away one’s sins.

Most Popular Do Dham Yatra Packages

The journey of Do Dham yatra is more than a physical quest. The expedition offers a unique spiritual experience as you traipse through the foothills of the Himalayas to reach your destination.

The Do Dham journeys are part of the Char Dham yatra that involves a tour of Yamunotri and Gangotri as well as the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples. The Do Dham tours offer the unique opportunity to seek guidance at the place where Lord Shiva bestowed his blessings on the heroes of the Mahabharata. It is the ultimate trip for a spiritual awakening.

A Brief History of Do Dham

The Do Dham yatra packages involve a long trip from Kedarnath to Badrinath temples to invoke a spiritual journey. These temples that are part of the elaborate Char Dham yatra hold historical significance dating back to the Dwapar Yuga.

According to historians, after the Kurukshetra war ended and the Pandavas emerged victorious, they set out on a trip to the Himalayas. On the way to their destination, they stopped at the place where the Kedarnath temple now stands. The Pandavas sought blessings from Lord Shiva in order to make reparations for their sins against their loved ones in the war.

The temple on your 2 dham yatra packages is situated 3584 metres above ground. In the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu Vedic scholar rebuilt the temple to once again ignite the teachings of the Hindu scriptures. Thus the Kedarnath temple came to be one of twelve Jyotirlingas of the almighty Shiva. In fact, the name of the region, Kedarnath, is derived from Lord Shiva’s alternate name, Kedar.

The Badrinath temple completes the Do Dham yatra with a place to pay homage to Lord Vishnu, the protector of the world. Historians say that Lord Vishnu spent centuries meditating in the place where the Badrinath temple now stands. The name of the region, Badrinath, is derived from the term ‘Badri’ which means berry trees. It is so named due to the abundance of fruitful berry trees in the area.

Sage Adi Shankaracharya revived this divine structure to establish a strong tradition of Hinduism. The temple is situated 3133 metres above ground in the Himalayan mountain range with a scenic view that is hard to match.

Famous places to visit in Do Dham

While the Do Dham yatra primarily focuses on the spiritual awakening of the soul, your Do Dham tour package doesn’t need to be about only visiting the temple. There are some places you can visit on your Do Dham tour for a truly divine experience.

Here are some of the top places to add to your Do Dham tour itinerary:

At Kedarnath - Where devotees come to seek blessings from lord Shiva:

1. The Kedarnath Shrine - 

By the Mandakini riverside sits a sanctum dedicated to Lord Shiva. On your 2 dham yatra, you can visit this temple that invites thousands of Hindu devotees every year. Not only is it a homage to the primal creator and destroyer of the cosmos but it is also an architectural marvel. The temple was constructed with massive slabs of stone to house the divine Shiva Lingam.

2. The Samadhi of Sage Adi Shankaracharya - 

The sage who revived the temple of Kedarnath in the 8th century took his final samadhi near the famous religious sanctum. The serenity of Sage’s samadhi is an excellent location to sit and reflect or meditate on your Do Dham tour.

3. Chorbari Lake - 

If you are a nature lover, don’t miss this spot on your Do Dham itinerary. This breathtaking scene is located at a little distance from Kedarnath. It offers panoramic views of the mountain range around the lake. It is a beautiful setting for meditation and careful self-reflection on your Do Dham packages.

At Badrinath - Where worshippers come to seek the guidance of Lord Vishnu:

1. The Badrinath Shrine - 

This divine pilgrimage is only open from the months of April to November for Do Dham yatras. The beautiful temple that was established by the sage Adi Shankaracharya houses an intricate idol of Lord Vishnu made purely of black stone.

2. Mata Murti Temple - 

The Alakanda River banks are home to a special temple dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath. This divine structure is the Mata Murti Temple. Not only is it a popular site for pilgrimages, but it is also a coveted spot for self-reflection.

3. Tapt Kund - 

Near the main attraction of the area, the Badrinath temple is a hot spring that has long been coveted for its qualities of cleaning the body and soul. Pilgrims come from all over the world to bathe in the holy waters. Not only does the hot spring hold deep religious and spiritual significance, but it is actually supported by science. The region experiences significant geothermal activity which makes the hot spring completely natural. It is a good place to visit on your Do Dham tour packages for a spiritual cleansing.

4. Neelkanth Peak - 

Apart from the divine do dham attractions, there are also natural wonders that provide an equally spiritual outlook. Neelkanth is a sacred mountaintop where locals go to admire the scenic view of the surroundings. The natural hilltop is visible from the Badrinath temple perched at an altitude of 3133 metres. A trek to the peak can provide a moment of enlightenment.

These places to visit on your Do Dham tour have deep spiritual significance. Not only do they signify a closeness to the cosmic creator of the universe in their many forms but also offer opportunities to reflect and evolve spiritually.

The best time to visit Badrinath and Kedarnath

The regions of Kedarnath and Badrinath are located within the Himalayan mountains. During the winter months from November to February, heavy snowfall prevents visitors from trudging through to the temples at such high altitudes. Therefore, the temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath remain closed to pilgrimage in the winter, preventing Do Dham yatra packages.

The temples open for pilgrimage in March when the snow starts to melt away, allowing commute once again. Do dham packages still take time to operate as trudging through the melting snow can still be a rigorous physical strain for pilgrims?

The best time to plan your Do Dham tours is from the warmer months of May to October. While the chill in the air does not dissipate, the Do Dham Yatra packages are particularly enriching during these months.

Summer stretches in Badrinath and Kedarnath from May to July, but the climate remains warm till October. The routes to the Do Dham tour, namely the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are operational. Pilgrims flock from all over the world to pay homage to the divine powers during this time.

From the end of July to the month of September, the regions of Badrinath and Kedarnath hail the monsoon season. While the beauty of the Do Dham yatra is enlivened with lush greenery and an enigma of vibrant colours all around, trekking on the routes can be difficult. The rain causes the roads to become slippery making the 2 dham yatra seemingly dangerous to trudge. The regions of Kedarnath and Badrinath succumb to landslides as well, thus discouraging prolonged spiritual journeys.

Ideally, you can plan your Do Dham packages in Summer or in October before the snowfall begins. The Do Dham yatra is a spiritual journey and the lush beauty of summer foliage makes it all the more inviting.

Local Culture

Do Dham is a rich vein of culture and traditions. The way of life in these blessed regions where the spiritual explains the divinity of nature has remained unchanged for many centuries. Teachings passed down through generations still hold significance today and the traditions are never lost.

Do Dham yatra is a pilgrimage majorly inspired by the learnings of Hinduism? Therefore, Hindu traditions play a major role in the regions of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The locals of Kedarnath and Badrinath are called Garhwalis. They are famous for their welcoming and giving nature as inspired by the teachings of the supreme Lord.

The locals of the Do Dham regions lead a life guided by the scriptures and spiritual practices. They often take up professional roles in the temples as caretakers or priests to serve the lord. You can learn a lot about the rich spiritual history dating back to different yugas as per Hinduism.

Kedarnath and Badrinath are also popular for traditional celebrations honouring Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The locals host processions and fairs to honour the supreme forces. You can join them on a spiritual excursion or sing devotional tunes along with them. The festivals of Makar Sankranti and Kartik Purnima are celebrated with valour in the regions of 2 dham yatras.

Apart from the majority of Hindu practices, Badrinath and Kedarnath also sport influences of Buddhism and Sikhism. While their population isn’t as high as the Hindus in the area, the proximity to the bordering states around the Himalayas does allow cultural exchange. The diversification of cultures only serves to enrich the experience on your 2 dham yatra packages.

Do Dham Foods to try

Besides the prevalent practices of spirituality, Do dham is also popular for its unique cuisine. The dropping temperatures encourage people to indulge in hot, steaming delicacies or spicy foods to maintain body temperature. The resulting Do Dham foods are too delicious to pass up.

Here are some lip-smacking delicacies to try on your Do Dham yatra packages:

1. Phaanu

It is a famous Garhwali recipe made using lentils and grains. The nutritious delicacy consists of a thick lentil soup served with a side of rice or flatbreads. It is not only delicious but a comforting dish to help cope with the low temperatures in the two regions.

2. Aloo ke Gutke

It is a traditional dish prepared by the Garhwalis of Uttarakhand and a staple choice for the folks of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The dish features boiled potatoes cooked with local spices and herbs. The spiciness of the dish helps regulate body temperature on your Do Dham Yatra packages.

3. Singhori

A steamed sweet dish that is made from jaggery and rice flour. The mixture is wrapped in a leaf and steamed for a delightful culinary trip.

4. Gandrain

It is a special offering at the temples in the regions of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The recipe is a sweet delicacy prepared with ghee, wheat flour and sugar.

Apart from these speciality food items at Do Dham, you can also try the soulful meals at the local eateries. The holistic approach to spirituality also extends to the culinary practices of the regions, thus encouraging wholesome, nutritious meals.

Helpful tips to keep in mind on your Do Dham trip

A spiritual journey on the Do Dham tour is an excellent way to explore your beliefs and learn more about the history of Hinduism. However, when planning your Do Dham itinerary, keep in mind a few helpful tips to navigate your trip with ease:

1. Both Badrinath and Kedarnath are situated on high altitudes which makes the climate chilly all the time. Regardless of when you plan your do dham yatra, make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes.

2. Wear appropriate shoes to accommodate the long treks on your Do Dham tour.

3. Dress modestly on your Do Dham tour packages.

4. Book your Do Dham tour itinerary in advance. The popularity of the Do dham packages and the immense number of pilgrimages can make it difficult to find suitable accommodation, especially in the summer.

5. The locals of Kedarnath and Badrinath have strong spiritual beliefs. Always be respectful of the religious practices and the customs that they espouse.

The objective is to remain comfortable on your Do Dham yatra to complete the pilgrimage and attain spiritual awakening.

Conclusion

The Do Dham tour with SOTC is a journey that surpasses the pilgrimage. It offers opportunities to learn and grow. It is a good means to encourage self-reflection and seek inner peace. The cultural heritage of Do Dham Yatra contributes to the traditions that still unfold in the region. The panoramic scenery of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains surrounding serene valleys adds to the deep spiritual understanding between man and God.