Char Dham Yatra itinerary for 11 days / 10 nights, starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar / Rishikesh

  • Morning/Afternoon
    • Arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh (nearest railway stations). You can explore the temples and ghats of Haridwar or Rishikesh, like Har Ki Pauri and Triveni Ghat.
  • Evening
    • Attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri or Triveni Ghat.
  • Overnight Stay in Haridwar/Rishikesh.

Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (Yamunotri) (220 km, 7-8 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • After breakfast, drive towards Barkot, a small town located near Yamunotri. The journey will take you through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of India, with stops at Kempty Falls.
  • Evening
    • Arrive in Barkot and check in to your hotel or guesthouse. Spend the evening at leisure or visit nearby temples.
  • Overnight Stay in Barkot.

Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri and Return (36 km drive + 6 km trek)

  • Early Morning
    • After an early breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point of the 6 km trek to Yamunotri (can also hire ponies or palanquins).
  • Trek to Yamunotri
    • Trek to Yamunotri, the first dham of the Char Dham Yatra, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. En route, visit the Surya Kund, known for its thermal springs, and offer prayers at the Yamunotri Temple.
  • Return to Barkot
    • After the darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti and return to your hotel in Barkot.
  • Overnight Stay in Barkot.

Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km, 4-5 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • After breakfast, drive towards Uttarkashi, located along the banks of the Bhagirathi River and known for its temples and ashrams.
  • Afternoon
    • Upon arrival, visit the famous Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple, where the main attraction is a large trishul (trident).
  • Evening
    • Spend the evening exploring the town or relaxing by the river.
  • Overnight Stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Return (100 km one-way, 3-4 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • After breakfast, drive to Gangotri, the second dham of the Char Dham Yatra, located on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River.
  • Gangotri Temple Visit
    • Visit the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River. It is believed that the Ganges descended from the heavens at this spot.
  • Afternoon
    • After the darshan, drive back to Uttarkashi.
  • Overnight Stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km, 8-9 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • Depart for Guptkashi, a town located near Kedarnath. En route, enjoy picturesque views of the Mandakini River and snow-capped peaks.
  • Evening
    • On arrival, visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptkashi, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Overnight Stay in Guptkashi.

Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (32 km drive + 18 km trek)

  • Early Morning
    • After breakfast, drive to Sonprayag, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. From Sonprayag, take a jeep to Gaurikund, where the 18 km trek begins (ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services available).
  • Kedarnath Temple
    • Trek through scenic landscapes to reach Kedarnath, the third dham of the Char Dham Yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit the Kedarnath Temple, which houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
  • Overnight Stay in Kedarnath (basic accommodation or guesthouse near the temple).

Day 8: Kedarnath to Guptkashi (18 km trek + 32 km drive)

  • Morning
    • After an early darshan at Kedarnath, trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi.
  • Evening
    • Arrive in Guptkashi and relax after the long trek.
  • Overnight Stay in Guptkashi.

Day 9: Guptkashi to Badrinath (190 km, 7-8 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • After breakfast, drive towards Badrinath, the last dham of the Char Dham circuit. The journey will take you through scenic landscapes and valleys.
  • Evening
    • Upon arrival in Badrinath, check in at your hotel. If time permits, visit the Tapt Kund (hot springs) near the Badrinath Temple.
  • Overnight Stay in Badrinath.

Day 10: Badrinath Temple Visit and Return to Rudraprayag (160 km, 6-7 hour drive)

  • Early Morning
    • Visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism. Offer your prayers and take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund.
  • After Darshan
    • After the temple visit, drive to Rudraprayag, a town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers.
  • Overnight Stay in Rudraprayag.

Day 11: Rudraprayag to Haridwar (160 km, 6-7 hour drive)

  • Morning
    • After breakfast, drive back to Haridwar or Rishikesh, where your Char Dham Yatra concludes.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Private car with driver for the entire tour
  • Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses
  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • Permits and taxes
  • Assistance for trekking, helicopter bookings (if needed)
  • Guide services at key locations

Tour Exclusions:

  • Meals not included in the package (lunch)
  • Personal expenses (shopping, tips, etc.)
  • Pony, palanquin, or helicopter charges for Kedarnath
  • Entry fees for temples and hot springs
  • Any additional activities or extensions (e.g., visits to nearby towns or temples)