Embark on the sacred Himalayan pilgrimage! The Char Dham Yatra - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath - represents the ultimate spiritual journey in Garhwal Himalayas. Visit the sources of holy rivers Yamuna and Ganga, trek to ancient temples at high altitudes, witness divine rituals in mountain shrines, experience devotion of thousands of pilgrims, and traverse through breathtaking valleys, snow peaks, and sacred sites. This challenging yet spiritually rewarding journey requires physical fitness and devotion. From seeking salvation to spiritual awakening, this pilgrimage purifies the soul and offers darshan of divine residing in Himalayan abodes.
Day 1:
Haridwar to Barkot - Depart Haridwar early morning, drive to Barkot (210km, 7-8 hrs via Dehradun, Mussoorie route), scenic journey through mountains, Yamuna river valley, check-in hotel, evening free, briefing about next day trek, early dinner, overnight Barkot|
Day 2:
Yamunotri Temple - Very early start (5 AM), drive to Janki Chatti (45km, 2 hrs, last motorable point), begin trek to Yamunotri (6 km, 3-4 hrs uphill walk or pony ride), reach Yamunotri Temple (3293m altitude, source of Yamuna river, Goddess Yamuna shrine), take holy dip in Surya Kund hot springs, cook rice in boiling water (devotees tie rice in cloth and dip in hot spring - considered prasad), perform darshan and puja, return trek to Janki Chatti, drive back Barkot, overnight|
Day 3:
Barkot to Uttarkashi - After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi (100km, 3-4 hrs on Ganga banks), en route visit Prakateshwar Mahadev Cave temple, check-in hotel, visit Vishwanath Temple (replica of Kashi Vishwanath), evening Ganga aarti, overnight|
Day 4:
Gangotri Temple - Early morning drive to Gangotri (100km, 3-4 hrs through Harsil valley), visit Gangotri Temple (3048m, origin of Ganga/Bhagirathi river, temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga), legend says Ganga descended here on Shiva's locks, take holy dip in freezing Bhagirathi water (optional), Gaumukh (actual source) is 18km further trek (not included), darshan and puja, drive back Uttarkashi, overnight|
Day 5:
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi - Long drive to Guptkashi (220km, 8-9 hrs via Tehri Lake, Srinagar), pass through confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, check-in hotel, rest, evening visit local Ardh Narishwar Temple, overnight|
Day 6:
Kedarnath Temple - Extremely early start (3-4 AM), drive to Gaurikund (30km, 1.5 hrs, base for Kedarnath), option A: Trek 16km uphill to Kedarnath (6-8 hrs by foot), option B: Helicopter service (10 mins, subject to weather, advance booking required), option C: Pony/palki/doli (4-5 hrs), reach Kedarnath (3583m, one of 12 Jyotirlingas, Pandava built temple, Adi Shankaracharya attained samadhi here), perform darshan and puja at ancient stone temple, experience spiritual energy, mandatory stay overnight at Kedarnath (government camps/hotels), dinner and rest at high altitude|
Day 7:
Kedarnath to Guptkashi - Early morning aarti, second darshan if time permits, descent to Gaurikund by chosen mode, drive back to Guptkashi, rest after strenuous journey, overnight|
Day 8:
Guptkashi to Badrinath - Drive to Badrinath (190km, 7-8 hrs via Joshimath), spectacular route along Alaknanda river, Vishnu Prayag confluence, reach Badrinath (3133m), check-in, evening visit Badrinath Temple for aarti (Vishnu temple, one of four Char Dham sites, black stone idol, believed to be established by Adi Shankaracharya), overnight|
Day 9:
Badrinath Darshan - Early morning attend Maha Abhishek (special puja), darshan, visit Tapt Kund (hot spring, bathe before temple entry), Brahma Kapal (perform pind daan for ancestors), Mana Village (last Indian village before Tibet border, 3km away, Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul, Saraswati river source), return hotel, evening aarti, overnight|
Day 10:
Badrinath to Rudraprayag - After breakfast and final darshan, drive to Rudraprayag (160km, 5-6 hrs), confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini, overnight|
Day 11:
Rudraprayag to Haridwar - Drive to Haridwar (165km, 5-6 hrs), visit Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forming Ganga), reach Haridwar, evening attend Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri (grand finale of spiritual journey), tour ends, drop at Haridwar station/hotel