Nobody sleeps at three of the four dhams — the yatra’s nights happen in halt towns: Barkot for Yamunotri, Uttarkashi for Gangotri, Guptkashi/Sitapur/Sonprayag for Kedarnath, Joshimath for Badrinath. The state’s Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) runs the backbone — dorms to family rooms, bookable on gmvnonline.com — with private hotels filling around it. Checked 01 October 2026; rates below come from summaries (the official tariff page refused our fetch) and are labelled accordingly.
The halt-town system
| Halt town | Serves | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Barkot | Yamunotri (36 km + trek) | Budget-to-mid hotels |
| Uttarkashi | Gangotri (100 km each way) | Widest choice on the west arc |
| Guptkashi / Sitapur / Sonprayag | Kedarnath | Booked out first in season |
| Joshimath | Badrinath (48 km) | Mid; also winter-seat town |
GMVN, the official backbone
| Property (reported) | Band | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nandi Complex, Kedarnath (near temple) | Dorms from ~₹250 | Unconfirmed (summary) |
| Hotel Devlok (TRH 48), Badrinath | Dorm ₹300–800; standard ₹1,000–2,000; family ₹2,500–5,000 | Unconfirmed (summary) |
| Yatri Niwas (TRH 49), Badrinath | Same bands | Unconfirmed (summary) |
| Joshimath GMVN | From ~₹990 + tax | Unconfirmed (summary) |
GMVN books through gmvnonline.com into the next season — the transparent, official choice; verify current tariffs on the site itself.
Booking notes for 2027
- Kedarnath-side nights sell first — Gaurikund/Sonprayag inventory is the yatra’s scarcest.
- An overnight at Kedarnath itself is possible (limited stock) and buys the dawn temple without the day crowds — book the moment 2027 dates confirm.
- Peak-season surcharges apply everywhere; the calculator’s bands assume mid-season.
Frequently asked questions
Where do pilgrims stay?
Halt towns — Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi/Sonprayag, Joshimath — with GMVN and private hotels.
Can I stay at Kedarnath?
Yes, limited stock (Nandi Complex reported among options) — book early.