Book GMVN Tour: Rishikesh-Kedarnath-Badrinath (Do Dham Yatra)

You cannot book this directly through chat. You must visit gmvnonline.com > Tours > Fixed Departure Tours. Look for the "Do Dham Yatra" package starting from Rishikesh. For 2026, bookings typically open in mid-February. If you want a private car instead of a bus, use the "Customized Tour" inquiry form on the same site.

The route you are asking for (Rishikesh -> Kedarnath -> Badrinath -> Rishikesh) is technically called the "Do Dham Yatra" (Two Shrines). GMVN offers two distinct ways to book this:

1. Fixed Departure Tour (FDT): You travel in a GMVN Bus (AC/Non-AC) with a group. Dates and itinerary are fixed. This is the most affordable and popular option.
2. Customized Tour: You rent a private taxi through GMVN and book GMVN Guest Houses. This gives you flexibility but costs significantly more.

Checklist

• Registered account on gmvnonline.com.
• Valid ID Proofs (Aadhar/Voter ID) for all passengers (scanned or handy).
• The Hidden Requirement: Medical Fitness. For Kedarnath, even if you book the tour, if you are unfit or above a certain age without a health certificate, you might be stopped at Sonprayag. GMVN tours do not automatically clear you for the medical check.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking the "Fixed Departure" (Bus)

• Step 1: Locate the Package
  Go to gmvnonline.com. In the top menu, hover over Tours and select Fixed Departure Tours.
  Note: If the 2026 schedule isn't live yet, it will show "Coming Soon." Check daily in February.
• Step 2: Filter for "Do Dham"
  In the search filters, look for:
  Package Name: "Do Dham" or "Kedarnath-Badrinath".
  Starting Point: Rishikesh (Muni Ki Reti).
  Duration: Usually 5 to 7 Days.
• Step 3: Select Seat & Date
  Click Book Now. You will see a bus layout. Select your preferred seats (Window/Aisle). The system will show the itinerary (e.g., Rishikesh > Guptkashi > Kedarnath > Pipalkoti > Badrinath > Rishikesh).
• Step 4: Payment
  Pay the advance or full amount. You will receive a Tour Confirmation Voucher. This voucher includes your accommodation at GMVN Rest Houses along the route.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking a "Customized" (Private Car)

• If you want your own car, go to Tours > Customized Tours.
• Fill out the form: "Pick up from Rishikesh," "Drop at Rishikesh," "Places to visit: Kedarnath, Badrinath."
• A GMVN PRO (Public Relations Officer) will email you a quote including the car and room rent. You must approve it and pay via the link sent to your email.

How It Works & Hidden Details

The "Dormitory" Default:
In standard Fixed Departure Tours, the accommodation provided at high altitudes (like Kedarnath Base Camp or Bhojbasa) is often Dormitory style (shared beds), even if you booked a "Deluxe" bus. Double rooms are rare in the standard package unless you specifically upgrade or book the "Luxury" tier.

The "Yatra Register" Link:
Booking the GMVN Tour does NOT automatically register you for the Yatra. You must still go to the Uttarakhand Government portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) and register yourself using the dates mentioned in your GMVN tour itinerary.

Things to Watch Out For

• Risk 1: Road Blocks & Delays
  The itinerary is tentative. If a landslide blocks the road near Joshimath (common), the bus will halt. GMVN will arrange accommodation, but you may have to pay extra for extended days or food during the delay.
• Risk 2: Cancellation Charges
  GMVN is ruthless with refunds.
  More than 15 Days before: 20-25% deduction.
  7-15 Days before: 50% deduction.
  Less than 7 Days: No Refund.
  Ensure your plans are solid.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is food included?
  A: Usually, yes. The package generally includes "Vegetarian Breakfast and Dinner." Lunch is often on your own during travel halts, but check the specific "Inclusions" tab of your selected package.
• Q: Does the bus go up to the Temple?
  A: No.
  Kedarnath: Bus drops you at Sonprayag. You take a local shuttle to Gaurikund, then trek 16km.
  Badrinath: Bus goes almost up to the temple town.

Update: Additional Details & Recent Changes

• The "Chicken-and-Egg" Booking Cycle:
  For the 2026 season, GMVN bookings are expected to open around mid-February (post-Maha Shivratri), while the official Government Yatra Registration usually starts in March.
  The Strategy: You must book the GMVN tour/room first to secure the slot. Once the government portal opens weeks later, register yourself and then update your GMVN booking with the "Yatra Registration Number" (URN). Do not wait for registration to open, or the rooms will be gone.
  
• Mandatory Health Screening (Age 50+):
  The health protocols for 2026 have tightened. If you are above 50 years (lowered from 60), you will undergo mandatory health screening at points like Sonprayag or Rishikesh. If your vitals (BP/Oxygen) are unstable, you will be denied the trek permit even if you have a confirmed GMVN tour package.
  
• Private Car "Hill License" Rule:
  If you choose the "Customized Tour" (Private Car) option, ensure the driver has a valid "Hill Endorsement" on their license. Police at the Rishikesh check-post are strictly turning back plain-license drivers. If you hire a car from Delhi/NCR, explicitly check this, or you will be forced to hire a local taxi mid-way at surge prices.
  

Risk 2: Cancellation Charges... Less than 7 Days: No Refund.

Update: Be aware that GMVN's definition of "Refund" is often "Credit Note." In many cases of late cancellation, instead of returning cash to your bank, they may hold the amount as a credit for future bookings within the same financial year, which is useless for most one-time travelers.