Do Dham Yatra - Kedarnath and Badrinath !!!

 Jai Kedar, Jai Badri Vishal!!!

Kedarnath Dham is a place that most of us would like to visit. I must say that the very sight of the temple is so peaceful and takes away all the tiredness of the journey. It is nested in the mountains with a backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. 

I visited the temple with my first cousin and his close friend. This was our first time to visit Kedarnath and it became a memorable one for all of us. 

We took a couple of selfies as we successfully completed the trip and celebrated our 26 Km long trek one-way, which we completed on foot. 

We started the journey with full energy from Gaurikund. It is 5 kms away from Sonprayag, where we had stated overnight. There is a Rs 50 charge of government vehicle per passenger for dropping the pilgrims to the starting point of the trek. 

After clearing the frisking point by showing our Char Dham Yatra permit, we started our trek. We purchased the sticks for helping us in walking. Rates vary from Rs 20 to Rs 30, depending on the bargain and where we take it from. 

My young friends starting a stick fight on the way.  

The beautiful Shankracharya Statue has been placed just behind the temple. 

Adi Guru Shankaracharya Statue  

Badrinath Temple is a sight to watch. There are different color lights, and the temple appears colorful in different colors during the nighttime. We did special pooja and were able to attend the aarti. 

On the way back, our bodies were aching. We applied balm on our bodies as we had pain even after two days of trek. 

In Rudraprayag, there is a way which goes to Badrinath. Also, we can see confluence of two rivers clearly identified by the colour of water they carry. 

It is a sight two watch how these two rivers merge to form one - Alaknanda and Mandakini merge to form Ganga river. 

Haridwar is the start point of Char Dham Yatra. It is a religious place as it is synonymous with the name "Har ki Paidi".