Char Dham Yatra is a 7-day holy journey of Hindus. This is a pilgrimage to four sacred places—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Most individuals believe that the pilgrimage purges sin, heals the soul and blesses. It is planned to accommodate those with a week. It has a balance between seeing temples, comfortable road transport, accustoming oneself to the altitude and convenient prayer times. You tend to begin either at Haridwar or Rishikesh, or even at Dehradun and go through the beautiful valleys, rivers, forests and ancient temples, which form part of Indian tales.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar / Dehradun to Barkot – Gateway to Yamunotri
Your Yatra begins early in the morning when you drive either to Barkot, after Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun. Barkot is a small hill station on the Yamuna. When you go by Mussoorie and have a view of the Doon Valley, the green hills and the winding mountain roads. Kempty Falls is a good place to have a short rest by many pilgrims. The Yamunotri trek has Barkot as its starting point. Take a stay in a hotel, dine hotly before going to sleep, and then pay first holy visit.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and Back to Barkot
You start your walk at Yamunotri Temple and proceed to the drive to Janki Chatti or Phool Chatti early morning, or start the walk. You may walk, ride a pony, or in a palki, or ride a dandi. The path is covered with snow-white mountains, cascades, and deep forest. Upon arriving to Yamunotri, you bathe in the Surya Kund, boil rice at the hot spring as prasad and pray to Goddess Yamuna. You walk back to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot spending the night.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi – Towards the Sacred Ganga
On the third day you visit Uttarkashi, a town of Bhagirathi River. The motivation presents river valleys, pine trees and small Himalayan villages. Get there and see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple which are both temples of Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi is of great significance in the Hindu literature and is reputed to be the north Varanasi. The tranquil atmosphere allows you to rest and absorb the spiritual aura and then proceed to Gangotri.
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Return to Uttarkashi
Drive early to Gangotri at 3,100 m. The road passes through Harsil Valley which is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand. In Gangotri you take a shower in icy waters of Bhagirathi River and have a worship at the temple of the goddess Ganga. Human beings believe that Ganga descended down to Earth. Return to Uttarkashi and spend the night.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi / Sonprayag – Journey to Kedarnath Region
On the fifth day, it is a farther drive to Guptkashi or Sonprayag which is the base of Kedarnath. On your way, you will see rivers such as Mandakini and Alaknanda, covered fields, and high Himalayan mountains. There is the old Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhanarishwar Temple of Guptkashi. This is a travelling and resting day as the Kedarnath walk requires good stamina. and you sleep in the mountains after dinner.
Day 6: Kedarnath Darshan – The Abode of Lord Shiva
Get up early, go to Gaurikund, the beginning of 18 km walk to Kedarnath. You may walk, ride a pony, ride a palki or ride a helicopter should it be accessible. It is a tough yet a spiritual journey involving chanting, snow mountain ranges and the Mandakini River. Upon arrival at Kedarnath pray at one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lords Shiva, which are there at 3,583-m. Come back to Guptkashi/Sonprayag after the visit or spend the night in Kedarnath in case you have time and arrangements.
Day 7: Guptkashi to Badrinath via Joshimath – Final Dham Darshan
During the final day of the drive to Badrinath, a temple of Lord Vishnu, through Joshimath. You observe their encounter of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. There you take a bath in the Tapt Kund at Badrinath and proceed to the Badrinath Temple. Mana Village, the final Indian village close to Indo-Tibetan border can also be visited and also at Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. When this last prayer is over the Char Dham Yatra will have brought you spiritual satisfaction and fulfillment.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✓ What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun/Rishikesh (as per package).
- Private cab/tempo passenger service with an experienced driver for the entire trip.
- Fuel, toll tax, parking, and driver allowances.
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis.
- Breakfast and dinner at hotels daily during the trip.
- Sightseeing and temple visits in Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath as per the itinerary.
- Assistance with registration arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra.
- Meet-and-greet assistance.
- 24x7 customer support throughout the trip.
✕ Not Included
- Airfare/train tickets to Delhi or Haridwar.
- Helicopter tickets to Kedarnath.
- Pony, palanquin/doli, or porter charges at Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
- Temple donations, darshan passes, or special puja fees.
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages are not included.
- Professional tour guide services (unless specified).
- Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, tips, phone calls, hotel heater charges, etc.).
- Camera/video camera fees at attractions.
- Additional sightseeing or vehicle use outside the prescribed itinerary.
- Government taxes/GST (if not specified).
Your Journey
Common Questions
Is 7 days enough for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, a well-planned itinerary makes it possible to complete Char Dham Yatra in 7 days.
Is the Char Dham Yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, with proper medical fitness and travel planning.
Are helicopter services available for Kedarnath?
Yes, subject to weather and availability.
Do we need registration for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, government registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.
What is the altitude of Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is located at 3,583 meters above sea level.
