Welcome to Hidden Places on the Way to Kedarnath-Badrinath Post. When you think of the Do Dham Yatra, majestic temples and winding mountain paths probably come to mind. Kedarnath and Badrinath, two of the most sacred dhams, draw lakhs of pilgrims each year. But here's the thing—there's a whole different side to this journey, hiding just out of sight.
Between temple bells and alpine chants, there exist quaint hamlets, tranquil lakes, and quiet trails—the kind that don't make it to glossy travel brochures but etch themselves into your soul. These hidden places near Kedarnath & Badrinath are not just detours; they are spiritual interludes, inviting you to slow down, soak in serenity, and connect with a quieter divinity.
Let’s walk you through these lesser-known wonders that make your pilgrimage an epic yatra indeed. For more details about the package, explore our Do Dham Yatra package.
Most people know Gaurikund as the base camp for Kedarnath’s trek. But pause a moment—this isn’t just a pit stop. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati meditated here for centuries to win Lord Shiva’s heart. Even today, the aura of devotion lingers in the misty air.
The thermal hot spring here is believed to be therapeutic, both spiritually and physically. Bathing in it before starting the trek is more than tradition—it feels like a blessing wrapped in warmth.
Pro Tip: If you’re opting for the Do Dham Yatra Package by Helicopter, Gaurikund can be explored on foot for a couple of hours before your aerial journey begins.
Tucked away about 10 km from Sonprayag lies Triyuginarayan—a place untouched by crowds and hype. This is where Lord Shiva and Parvati were married, and guess what? The sacred fire from their wedding still burns here. Yep, even today.
The vibes here are unreal—imagine standing in a temple where gods once tied the knot. The quaint village surrounding the temple offers breathtaking views and untouched Garhwali culture.
Whether you're on a Chardham Yatra Package or a personal spiritual retreat, this hidden place is a romantic pause between mighty Kedarnath and Badrinath dhams.
The Himalayas have a cheeky way of hiding their best cards until you're ready. Chopta is one such place. Nestled at 8,000 ft., it's often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’—but ’that’s underselling it.
Lush meadows, rhododendron forests, and views of Trishul and Nanda Devi make Chopta ideal for hikers and soul seekers alike. It’s also the starting point for the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek, offering not just altitude but attitude.
Story Moment: One of our travelers spotted a Himalayan Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand) mid-trail—vibrant, elusive, and pure magic. You won’t find that on a postcard!
Just when you think you’ve seen enough temples, Kalimath shows up with a completely different vibe. About 20 km from Guptkashi, Kalimath is dedicated to Goddess Kali—but the idol isn’t above ground.
You read that right. The goddess is worshipped in a pit that’s covered with a silver plate. Once a year, it’s opened during Navratri, believed to be a gateway to immense energy.
This place is eerily quiet, surrounded by wild forests and steep cliffs—the perfect spiritual reboot if the crowds at Kedarnath felt too overwhelming.
Just 3 km from Badrinath lies Mana, India’s last village before the Tibet border. It's far more than a novelty on Google Maps. The serenity here is striking, the kind that feels earned after a long journey.
You’ll find Vyas Gufa, where Sage Vyas is said to have composed the Mahabharata, and the Bheem Pul, a stone bridge believed to have been placed by Bheem himself for Draupadi to cross the Saraswati River.
Walk a little further and listen—the roaring Saraswati meets the silent mountains in a symphony only nature can compose.
Travel Tip: If you're doing an Ek Dham Yatra package just to Badrinath, do not skip Mana. It’s the exclamation mark on your sentence of devotion.
It’s a name that hints at destiny—Bhavishya Badri is prophesied to become the main Badrinath when the current temple becomes inaccessible. Located in the Subhain village, it’s accessible only by a rigorous trek.
But oh, what a reward it offers! The trail meanders through thick oak forests, with bursts of sunlight slipping through like divine whispers. Unlike the other dhams, Bhavishya Badri remains untouched by commercial tourism.
Visit it now, before the future catches up.
Opting for the Do Dham Yatra Package by Helicopter? Don’t just look down—look around. From the skies, you’ll spot hidden valleys, secret lakes, and even untouched snowy ridges that no trekker has likely set foot on.
One of our pilots once shared how a solo ridge near Kedarnath lights up with golden hues at sunrise—visible only from above. That’s the beauty of a bird’s-eye blessing.
Often overlooked in the rush to Kedarnath, Guptkashi is a spiritual gem in its own right. Home to the ancient Vishwanath Temple, it offers panoramic views without the crowd-induced chaos.
Local folklore claims Lord Shiva chose to hide here before being discovered in Kedarnath. This makes Guptkashi a place of pause, reflection, and unscripted charm.
Let’s face it—most people rush to tick off the temples. But you? You’re here for the stories whispered by the winds. The rivers that chant mantras louder than any speaker, and the paths less paved.
These hidden places near Kedarnath & Badrinath are not diversions—they are the very essence of a meaningful yatra. At Epic Yatra, we believe your journey should be as transformative as your destination.
So, next time you sign up for a Do Dham Yatra package, ask yourself—are you going just to arrive, or are you going to experience?
Let Epic Yatra take you where roads fade and stories begin.