Char Dham Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rishikesh & Journey to Dharasu

Morning: Arrive at Dehradun airport, then travel to Rishikesh, enjoying a brief walk along the Ganga River and a quick visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhula. The scenic drive offers views of the foothills of the Himalayas.

Afternoon: Continue the journey to Dharasu, the gateway to the Char Dham circuit. The drive provides opportunities to capture the landscape of the Tehri Lake.

Evening: Settle into a local guesthouse and enjoy a simple dinner of regional specialties. Rest early for the upcoming mountain trek.

Day 2: Yamunotri Pilgrimage

Morning: Depart early for the Yamunotri trek, crossing the Jasoli forest and reaching the Yamunotri Temple after a scenic 3‑hour hike.

Afternoon: Perform puja at the temple, then walk to the nearby Gurudwara and the sacred water source. The area is known for its tranquil ambience.

Evening: Return to Dharasu for a restful night, reflecting on the day's spiritual experience.

Day 3: Gangotri and Gauri Kund

Morning: Travel to the base village of Gangotri; the drive provides panoramas of the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival, begin a short trek to the Gangotri Temple.

Afternoon: After prayers, continue to the serene Gauri Kund for a peaceful meditation, offering views of the towering Chandrashila ridge.

Evening: Return to the lodging in the Gangotri area, enjoy a warm cup of tea, and rest before the next day's ascent.

Day 4: Kedarnath Exploration

Morning: Early departure to Kedarnath, crossing the Gaurikund and then hiking the 16 km trail to the Kedarnath Temple.

Afternoon: Arrive at the sacred Kedarnath Temple for darshan, followed by a short trek to the Shankaracharya Samadhi, a site of great historical significance.

Evening: Stay at the Kedarnath Guest House; enjoy a peaceful evening with the mountain backdrop and a simple local dinner.

Day 5: Badrinath and Return

Morning: Descend from Kedarnath and travel to Badrinath, admiring the stunning vistas of the Alaknanda River along the way.

Afternoon: Visit the revered Badrinath Temple for the final darshan, followed by a stroll to the nearby **Madhumalini Temple** and the iconic **Tapt Kund** hot springs.

Evening: Begin the return journey to Dehradun, concluding the pilgrimage with a reflection on the spiritual journey and the Himalayan scenery.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Yamunotri – 5 hrs (including trek and temple visit) – ₹2,500
• Gangotri – 6 hrs (including Gauri Kund) – ₹3,000
• Kedarnath – 8 hrs (including trek and temple) – ₹4,500
• Badrinath – 4 hrs (temple and surrounding sites) – ₹2,000
• Travel & accommodation (5 days) – ₹15,000
• Meals (5 days) – ₹5,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹32,000

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day at each shrine for deeper meditation and optional short treks like **Neelkanth** or a visit to **Rudra Prashad** near Badrinath. For a shorter schedule, combine Yamunotri and Gangotri into a single day with a faster pace, and consider taking a helicopter from Dehradun to Guptkashi to reduce travel time, though this will increase costs.