Top 5 Beautiful Treks Around The Kedarnath and Badrinath
Treks Around The Kedarnath and Badrinath Temples
Planning a Himalayan trip? If you are a fan of mountains and are looking for something beyond temple tours, the region near Badrinath and Kedarnath has some of India's finest hiking trails. While booking for a Do Dham Yatra package, you can include some of these treks around the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples to experience adventure and spirituality together. Here are five pictorial treks that blend natural splendour, serene temples, and local culture.
1. Vasudhara Fall Trek – Badrinath
Distance: Approximately 6 km (one way)
Time: 3–4 hours
Begin at Mana Village, rightly India's First Village, a mere 3 km from Badrinath. This is one of the most amazing treks around the Badrinath temple. The trek rises smoothly following the Alaknanda River until you can hear the sound of Vasudhara Fall, a 400-foot cascade which appears to fall directly from the sky. People here say water touches only those with a pure heart.
Tips: Start early in the morning, use good shoes, and bring an extra light jacket as the wind around the fall is quite cold.
2. Satopanth Lake Trek – A Divine Alpine Adventure
Distance: Approximately 22 km one way (multi-day)
Time: 2–3 days with overnight camping
Another beautiful trek around the Badrinath temple is the Satopanth Lake trek. For a longer adventure, hike from Mana Village toward Satopanth Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. Pilgrims believe Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh visit this lake for meditation. The trail passes through beautiful meadows, sharp ridges, and quiet campsites.
If you’re booking a tour to Badrinath temple and are willing to visit to Satopanth trek, ask your operator about adding a local guide and camping gear for this stunning trek.
Distance: 5 km to Tungnath; 1.5 km additional to Chandrashila
Time: 4–5 hours return journey
One of the best treks around Kedarnath temple and among Panch Kedar temples, with a quick drive from the path of Kedarnath leads to Chopta, the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand." Hike up to Tungnath Temple, the world's highest Shiva temple, from here. Further walk another 1.5 km to Chandrashila Peak for sunrise on Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.
The trail is ideal for families or beginners and is usually part of a Chopta Tungnath package.
4. Triyuginarayan to Kedarnath – A Legend's Forest Trail
Distance: Approximately 14 km one way
Time: 6–7 hours
This trek links the Shiv Parvati marriage place—Triyuginarayan Temple—and a beautiful trek around the Kedarnath temple. Stroll through thick rhododendron forests, traverse glistening streams, and soak in the sight of snow-clad peaks. Fewer humans venture through this path, hence it is like having your own secret trail to Kedarnath.
Bring snacks and water, and depart early for lots of daylight.
5. Valley of Flowers Trek – A Carpet of Colour
Distance: 4 km from Ghangaria to the main valley
Time: Day hike after an overnight at Ghangaria
One of the most popular Himalayan treks around Kedarnath and Badrinath, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage area. From Govindghat, trek to Ghangaria (approximately 10 km) and camp overnight. The following morning, trek 4 km into the valley, where hundreds of alpine flowers bloom in July and August. Streams, waterfalls, and snow peaks are added attractions.
Couple this hike with a pilgrimage to Badrinath or Hemkund Sahib for a complete natural and spiritual experience.
��Summer (May–June): Pleasant weather, clear views.
��Post-monsoon (Sept–Oct): Fresh greenery and fewer people.
Note- Avoid heavy monsoon rains in late July to August for safety, except when scheduling the Valley of Flowers that flourishes in mid-monsoon.
How to Reach Badrinath and Kedarnath
By Road: Regular buses and shared jeeps operate from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Joshimath (for Badrinath) and Gaurikund (for Kedarnath).
By Train: The Nearest major station is Rishikesh, further by road.
By Air: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, then hire a taxi or take a bus.
Tips for a Great Trekking Experience around Kedarnath and Badrinath Temple
Pack Light but Smart: Warm layers, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes, and a reusable water bottle.
If you want both pilgrimage and trekking, here’s an easy plan:
Day 1: Haridwar → Guptkashi
Day 2: Guptkashi → Kedarnath, evening temple visit
Day 3: Hike around Kedarnath (Triyuginarayan trail) → return to Guptkashi
Day 4: Guptkashi → Joshimath → Badrinath darshan
Day 5: Vasudhara Fall hike from Mana Village
Day 6: Drive to Govindghat → Valley of Flowers hike
Day 7: Return to Haridwar via Rishikesh
This plan balances devotion with the Himalayas’ best hikes.
The trails around Badrinath and Kedarnath blend stunning landscapes with deep spiritual energy. From the gentle walk to Vasudhara Fall to the challenging climb to Satopanth Lake, each hike offers a different side of the Himalayas. Whether you travel independently or through a Do Dham Yatra package, these five scenic hikes will fill your trip with adventure, fresh air, and unforgettable memories.