Delhi to Char Dham Yatra Itinerary (11 Days)

Day 1: Delhi – Rishikesh (Road Journey)

Morning: Depart early from Delhi in a comfortable air‑conditioned bus or hired SUV and enjoy the scenic drive through the plains of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Stop for a quick breakfast at a highway dhaba.

Afternoon: Continue the journey crossing the Ganga at Haridwar, then proceed to the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Check into a family‑friendly hotel and freshen up.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at the iconic Triveni Ghat, followed by a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Book a Hotel

Day 2: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Yamunotri (Trek Start)

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi (≈ 6 hrs). The road winds through pine forests and offers breathtaking mountain views.

Afternoon: Reach the base village of Yamunotri. Begin the gentle trek (≈ 6 km) to the shrine, passing the serene Yamunotri Glacier.

Evening: Set up camp near the temple area or stay at the government‑run guesthouse. Enjoy a simple, warm dinner and early rest for the next day’s darshan.

Book a Hotel

Day 3: Yamunotri Darshan & Return to Uttarkashi

Morning: Perform the sacred darshan at the Yamunotri Temple and take a holy dip in the **Yamuna** river at its source.

Afternoon: Trek back to the base camp, then drive down to Uttarkashi. Lunch en route with local Himachali cuisine.

Evening: Relax at a comfortable lodge in Uttarkashi, share experiences with fellow pilgrims, and prepare for the next day’s journey to Gangotri.

Book a Hotel

Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (Road & Trek)

Morning: Depart early for the 4‑hour drive to Gangotri, crossing the iconic Jolly Grant Bridge over the Bhagirathi River.

Afternoon: After arrival, take a short 3 km trek to the Gangotri Temple, perched above the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers.

Evening: Stay at a family‑run guesthouse in Gangotri. Enjoy a quiet evening walking along the riverbank and savoring local dishes.

Book a Hotel

Day 5: Gangotri – Guptkashi (Travel)

Morning: Attend the early morning pooja at the Gangotri Temple, then begin the descent back to the road.

Afternoon: Drive to Guptkashi, the gateway to Kedarnath (≈ 7 hrs). Stop for lunch at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Himalayas.

Evening: Check into a comfortable hotel in Guptkashi. Explore the tranquil Ardh Narishwar Temple** before dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 6: Guptkashi – Rest & Acclimatization

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and optional short hike to the nearby Vishwanath Temple for gentle acclimatization.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Shankaracharya Math and enjoy a light lunch featuring regional specialties.

Evening: Rest early to prepare for the next day’s trek to Kedarnath, ensuring the family is well‑rested.

Book a Hotel

Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (Trek)

Morning: Early start with a packed breakfast, then drive to Gaurikund (the trek’s starting point).

Afternoon: Commence the 16 km uphill trek to Kedarnath, crossing lush pine forests, streams, and spectacular mountain vistas. Take regular breaks for hydration.

Evening: Arrive at the Kedarnath Temple and check into the pilgrim’s shelter. Attend the evening aarti and enjoy a simple vegetarian meal.

**Day 8: Kedarnath Darshan & Return to Guptkashi**

Morning: Participate in the early morning darshan at the Kedarnath Temple, then begin the descent trek back to Gaurikund.

Afternoon: Drive from Gaurikund to Guptkashi. Stop for a late lunch at a local dhaba.

Evening: Relax at the hotel in Guptkashi, share stories of the trek, and have a warm dinner.

Book a Hotel

Day 9: Guptkashi – Badrinath (Road Journey)

Morning: After breakfast, embark on the 6‑hour scenic drive to Badrinath, crossing the majestic Alaknanda River and the high‑altitude Jolly Grant pass.

Afternoon: Check into a family‑friendly lodge and have lunch. Take a short walk to the Alaknanda Riverbank for a peaceful pause.

Evening: Attend the aarti at the Badrinath Temple, then enjoy a relaxed dinner with panoramic mountain views.

Book a Hotel

Day 10: Badrinath Exploration

Morning: Participate in the morning pooja at the Badrinath Temple and take a short trek to the sacred Neelkanth peak for breathtaking panoramas.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Mana Village**, the last Indian settlement before the Tibetan border, and explore its ancient monastery.

Evening: Return to Badrinath for a final evening aarti, followed by a farewell dinner featuring local Garhwali cuisine.

Book a Hotel

Day 11: Badrinath – Delhi (Return)

Morning: Early breakfast and checkout. Begin the long drive back to Delhi, enjoying the sunrise over the Himalayas.

Afternoon: Stop for a leisurely lunch at a highway restaurant and continue the journey through the plains.

Evening: Arrive in Delhi by night, concluding the Char Dham Yatra with fond memories of the pilgrimage.

Book a Hotel

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Yamunotri Temple – 2 hours – ₹800 per person (entry & guide)
  • Gangotri Temple – 2 hours – ₹700 per person
  • Kedarnath Temple – 3 hours – ₹1,200 per person (entry, priest fees)
  • Badrinath Temple – 2 hours – ₹800 per person
  • Road travel Delhi‑Rishikesh‑Uttarkashi‑Gangotri‑Guptkashi‑Badrinath‑Delhi – 3 days total – ₹12,000 per vehicle (fuel, driver, tolls)
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/guesthouses, 10 nights) – ₹2,500 per night per room – ₹25,000 total
  • Meals (average ₹350 per person per day) – 11 days × 4 persons × ₹350 – ₹15,400
  • Permits & Trek Fees (Kedarnath trek, Giri‑Parikrama) – ₹2,000 per person – ₹8,000 total
  • Miscellaneous (snacks, water, local transport) – ₹5,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹64,900

Tips

For families seeking a shorter trip, you can omit the return to Delhi and fly out from Dehradun after Badrinath, saving two travel days. To extend the pilgrimage, add a day at Hemkund Sahib or a leisurely stay in Rishikesh for yoga and river rafting, which adds both relaxation and adventure without significantly increasing the budget.

0