Embark on the sacred Char Dham Yatra to the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, nestled in the majestic Himalayas. This spiritual journey, which spans across the state of Uttarakhand, offers not only divine blessings but also breathtaking views, serene landscapes, and a sense of peace. Below is a detailed itinerary covering all aspects of the journey, from transportation and accommodation to meals and sightseeing.
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar (Rishikesh)
- Highlights: Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
- Details: Arrive in Haridwar via road or train. Check-in to your hotel and rest. In the evening, visit Har Ki Pauri for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels (₹2,000 – ₹4,000/night)
- Meals: Dinner at the hotel/local restaurants
- Travel: Own arrangement to Haridwar
- Estimated Budget: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (210 km / 7-8 hrs)
- Highlights: Scenic drive along the Yamuna River
- Details: After breakfast, leave for Barkot, which is the base for Yamunotri Dham. En route, visit Kempty Falls and Mussoorie.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses or lodges in Barkot (₹2,000 – ₹3,500/night)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
- Travel: By AC bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri (36 km drive + 6 km trek) and back
- Highlights: Yamunotri Temple, hot water springs at Janki Chatti
- Details: Start early to reach Janki Chatti, then begin the trek to Yamunotri Temple. Post Darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti and return to Barkot.
- Accommodation: Stay in Barkot
- Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
- Travel: By cab to Janki Chatti, trek on foot or hire ponies/palkis (₹3,000 – ₹4,000 for round trip)
- Estimated Budget: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi (82 km / 4 hrs)
- Highlights: Vishwanath Temple, scenic drive
- Details: After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi. Visit the Vishwanath Temple in the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotels in Uttarkashi (₹2,000 – ₹4,000/night)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Travel: By AC bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km / 3-4 hrs) and back
- Highlights: Gangotri Temple, Bhagirathi River
- Details: Drive to Gangotri for Darshan at the sacred temple. Take a dip in the icy waters of Bhagirathi River. Post Darshan, return to Uttarkashi.
- Accommodation: Stay in Uttarkashi
- Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
- Travel: By bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (210 km / 8-9 hrs)
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Details: Start early for a long drive to Guptkashi. Check-in and rest in the evening. Visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple.
- Accommodation: Lodges in Guptkashi (₹2,000 – ₹4,000/night)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Travel: By AC bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (32 km drive + 19 km trek)
- Highlights: Kedarnath Temple, scenic trek
- Details: After breakfast, drive to Sonprayag. From there, take a jeep to Gaurikund and start your trek to Kedarnath. You can also opt for a helicopter ride (₹7,500 – ₹8,500 per person).
- Accommodation: Guesthouses near Kedarnath (₹3,500 – ₹5,000/night)
- Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch, dinner at Kedarnath
- Travel: Trek or hire pony/palki (₹3,000 – ₹5,000 for round trip)
- Estimated Budget: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Day 8: Kedarnath to Guptkashi (19 km trek + 32 km drive)
- Highlights: Morning Aarti at Kedarnath Temple
- Details: Attend the early morning Aarti at Kedarnath Temple and trek back to Gaurikund. Drive to Guptkashi for an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Stay in Guptkashi
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Travel: By foot or hire ponies, bus/cab for drive
- Estimated Budget: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000
Day 9: Guptkashi to Badrinath (170 km / 7-8 hrs)
- Highlights: Mana Village (the last village before Tibet), Tapt Kund (hot spring)
- Details: After breakfast, head towards Badrinath. Upon arrival, check-in and visit Mana Village. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund and visit the Badrinath Temple for evening Aarti.
- Accommodation: Hotels near Badrinath (₹2,500 – ₹4,500/night)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Travel: By bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
Day 10: Badrinath to Haridwar (320 km / 9-10 hrs)
- Highlights: Devprayag, Rudraprayag
- Details: Early morning Darshan at Badrinath Temple. After breakfast, begin the drive back to Haridwar, passing by the beautiful river confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Arrive in Haridwar by late evening.
- Accommodation: Stay in Haridwar (if needed) or proceed to your onward journey
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch on the way
- Travel: By bus or cab
- Estimated Budget: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
Estimated Total Cost for Chardham Yatra
- Per Person Budget (Standard): ₹45,000 – ₹60,000
- Includes transportation (shared cabs/buses), accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner), and minor sightseeing.
- Per Person Budget (Helicopter Option): ₹70,000 – ₹90,000
- Includes helicopter ride to Kedarnath and premium accommodation.
- Exclusions: Personal expenses, tips, entry fees for additional sightseeing spots, and donations.
Key Inclusions:
- Transport: Comfortable buses/cabs for the entire trip
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner at all locations (with optional packed lunches on trekking days)
- Accommodation: Clean hotels, guesthouses, or lodges (depending on budget) at all stopover points
- Guide: Tour manager or local guide at important locations