Begin your day with a gentle riverside walk and breakfast near Har Ki Pauri, soaking in the early morning chants and the sight of priests preparing for the aarti. Afterward, head to Parmarth Niketan for a short meditation session and to meet your yatri group and guide; finish with last-minute puja shopping at the Barkot Bazaar to stock herbal supplies and trekking essentials before the journey north.
After a restful morning, take a relaxed stroll across the Laxman Jhula and enjoy a riverside lunch at a cafe overlooking the Ganga, sampling simple local fare like aloo puri and kaza ki sabzi. Spend the afternoon visiting Triveni Ghat for a quieter puja practice and cultural orientation with your guide, then shop for travel necessities and warm layers at the lively stalls near Rishikesh Market as you finalize permits and vehicle arrangements for the journey north.
As twilight falls, enjoy a calm riverside dinner at Ganga Beach Cafeteria or a nearby rooftop eatery, sampling simple local dals and steamed momos while listening to the distant temple bells. After dinner, join a short guided satsang and chanting session at Sivananda Ashram to set devotional intentions for the journey, then take a peaceful night walk along Bharat Mata Ghat to absorb the cool air and mentally prepare for tomorrow's drive into the mountains.
Depart Haridwar before dawn and enjoy a scenic mountain drive, stopping for chai and hot parathas at Dhabha on the National Highway before reaching Janki Chatti; from there, begin the gentle 6-7 km trek along the Yamuna valley with your guide, passing terraced fields and tiny hamlets. Break at the peaceful spring-fed clearing near Kharsali Village to sip warm herbal tea, then continue uphill to the Yamunotri Temple area, where you can witness morning puja preparations and, if available, a brief blessing from the temple priests before exploring the nearby Surya Kund hot springs.
After reaching the Yamuna valley, spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful hamlet near Kharsali Bazaar, where you can visit the small Gauri Kund spring for a restorative soak and sample local walnut bread and chai at a family-run tea stall. Then follow a quieter trail to the scenic viewpoint at Phoolkund, pause to photograph the cascading rivulets and rhododendron slopes, and enjoy a guided talk from your local porter or pujari about the temple legends and mountain flora before evening prayers.
After the day's trek and temple darshan, settle into a simple guesthouse in Kharsali and enjoy a warm meal of local rajma and steamed rice prepared by mountain hosts while swapping stories with fellow yatris. As dusk deepens, take a short walk to the river bend by Jalaprayag Viewpoint to watch the valley lights come alive, then join a quiet group aarti at the small hilltop shrine of Gandhi Mandir for a serene, reflective close to your first mountain day.
After a restorative night in the hills, enjoy a slow breakfast at a riverside cafe before strolling to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttarkashi) for a peaceful morning darshan and to hear the temple bells echo through the valley. Continue with a guided walk along the Bhagirathi to the scenic Phoolchatti Viewpoint, pause at the charming Local Handicraft Centre to see woollen shawls and pick up souvenirs, then relax with a cup of masala chai at a teahouse overlooking the river as your guide explains the region's pilgrimage lore and plans the afternoon drive.
After a leisurely morning, take a short drive to the tranquil Kushalgarh Viewpoint for panoramic valley vistas and a guided talk on local Himalayan ecology, then descend to the charming Tibetan Market to browse prayer flags, thangka paintings, and artisan malas. Finish with a warm lunch and conversation at Riverbend Café overlooking the Bhagirathi, followed by a mindful stroll through the fragrant Devi Kund Gardens where your guide will share stories of regional folklore and preparations for the onward journey to Gangotri.
As dusk falls, stroll to the hilltop Kashi Viewpoint to watch the Bhagirathi valley glow in golden light, then descend to the cozy riverside Café Nadi for a warm thali and conversation with local travelers. Finish the evening with a guided candle-lit visit to the intimate Gauri Temple, where you can join a short aarti and listen to folk stories from a resident pujari before returning to your guesthouse for a restful night.
Leave Uttarkashi after an early breakfast and enjoy the winding drive through pine forests to Harsil Valley, stopping for photos of terraced meadows and the Bhagirathi river. On arrival, take a short guided walk to the lesser-known hilltop shrine of Mukhba Devi for panoramic views, then visit the serene Gaumukh viewpoint approach trailhead to learn about the glacier source and listen to your guide's stories of the river's sacred journey before making your way toward the main temple area.
After lunch, take a gentle stroll along the riverbank to the peaceful Shri Ganges Viewpoint for wide valley panoramas and a guided explanation of glacier-fed river dynamics; pause at the nearby Bhairav Temple to learn local legends and observe regional puja customs. Continue to the rustic Town Market Lane to meet local artisans, sample freshly baked walnut bread at a family stall, and join a short interpretive walk to the nearby Aarti Terrace, where you'll watch preparations for evening rituals and feel the growing devotional rhythm of the pilgrimage day.
As evening settles, enjoy a contemplative walk to the riverside Chaurasi Koti Parikrama area to watch the Bhagirathi's cold waters glint under twilight and listen to local bhajans drifting from nearby shrines. Afterwards, gather for a simple shared meal at the community hall near Nataraj Temple, then join a small candle-lit vigil at the hillside Sankari Mata Shrine where pilgrims chant and offer flowers, rounding off the day with quiet reflections on the sacred journey upstream toward the glacier sources.
After an early mountain breakfast, depart your Uttarkashi guesthouse and stop at the tranquil Vishwanath Ghat Viewpoint for a short riverside puja and photos of the Bhagirathi flowing through narrow granite banks. Continue along the highland road with a scenic break at Lamkhaga Bridge overlook to stretch, sip steaming chai from a roadside stall, and meet a local guide who will introduce you to the terraced farming villages and tell stories of the pilgrimage routes as you head toward the Guptkashi region.
After a relaxed riverside lunch, continue southward with a scenic stop at Pratapnagar Viewpoint to admire sweeping valley curves and learn about local transhumance routes from your guide, then visit the quaint hill hamlet of Dharali Bazaar to sample hot buckwheat pancakes and pick up handcrafted woolen mittens. Later, take a short cultural break at Kali Ma Temple (local shrine) in a roadside village to join a brief puja, hear tales of the Kedarnath pilgrimage trail, and prepare for the longer drive toward the Guptkashi region as daylight wanes.
As dusk falls, pause at the hilltop hamlet of Naugaon Viewpoint to watch valley lights appear and savor a steaming cup of local herbal kadha while your guide recounts the next leg toward Kedarnath. Continue to a welcoming roadside dhaba near Srinagar (Uttarakhand) Bazaar for a hearty dinner of rajma-chawal and millet rotis, then settle into a simple guesthouse at Uttarkashi Rest House for an early night, using the time to review trekking logistics and confirm porters or helicopter slots for the morning.
Break camp early and drive through crisp pine gullies to the bustling trailhead at Sonprayag Bazaar, where you'll check permits, meet your assigned porter/palki crew and enjoy steaming chai at Kedarnath Trekker's Stall before setting out. The trek begins with a steady ascent past the scenic Rudraprayag Viewpoint and the fragrant rhododendron groves of Phata Meadows, offering short guided stops to learn about local flora and to bless the team at the roadside Gauri Kund Shrine before continuing toward Gaurikund for a midday regroup or helicopter transfer.
After a hearty midday rest, follow a shaded trail to the peaceful meadow of Sunderban Plateau where porters will pause for a warming cup of kahwa and you can learn about local mountain herbs from your guide; nearby, visit the humble roadside shrine of Bhairavnath Dham for a short puja. If opting for aerial transfer, head to the bustling helipad at Phata Landing Zone to watch the dramatic valley lifts while locals sell hot pakoras and hand-knit caps, then regroup at the timbered wayside lodge of Bhimkali Rest House to check gear and receive final trekking or descent instructions.
After descending from the trail or landing at the helipad, unwind with a gentle stroll along the riverbank to Phoolgaon Riverside Terrace where local families serve steaming lentil soup and walnut bread while you swap trail stories. As dusk settles, gather at the community chowk by Chorabari Footbridge to join a simple kolam-style bhajan circle led by village singers, then enjoy a warming plate of local thukpa at the lantern-lit Gauchar Guest Stall before turning in to nearby lodgings to rest for the Kedarnath ascent.
Rise early for a serene visit to Kedarnath Temple to witness the morning abhishek and feel the chants echo against the snowy ridges; afterward, take a short guided walk to the nearby Shankaracharya Samadhi for panoramic views of the Chorabari Tal valley and a quiet moment of reflection. Continue with an interpretive stroll to the modest Vishwanath Temple ruins and the peaceful Adi Badri Meadow, where your guide will point out Himalayan medicinal plants and share stories of the temple's rebuilding and the 2013 rescue efforts.
After morning darshan, walk the ridge toward Chorabari Tal Viewpoint to admire the glacial lake from a different angle and watch Himalayan waterfowl and marmots below; pause at the sheltered Bhojbasa Tea Stall for a warming cup of kahwa and conversation with local guides about the valley's glaciology. Continue with a short hike to the interpretive panels near Memorial Rock Garden, where you can reflect on the 2013 events, then visit a nearby artisan shelter to meet craftswomen making handwoven prayer flags and purchase a small keepsake before returning to your lodge for an early evening puja.
As dusk settles, join a small group walk to the serene Sugandha Kunda area to inhale the crisp alpine air and watch colors wash over the surrounding peaks, then pause at the rustic Maa Shakti Shrine for a quiet flower offering and short evening aarti. Afterwards, warm up with piping-hot kahwa and simple local stews at the wood-fired Lodge Terrace Café, where you can trade day's impressions with fellow yatris and end the night with a guided stargazing moment near the Bhimashankar Lookout, listening to your guide's mountaineering tales as the valley cools.
After an early descent from Kedarnath, enjoy a restorative stop at Phoolkharu Meadow for a short tea break and to stretch while taking in fresh pine-scented air; here local shepherds often serve hot millet porridge and share tales of the high passes. Continue the drive toward Joshimath with a scenic detour to Ransi Falls Viewpoint for photos and a brief riverside puja, then pause at Niti Bazaar for a hearty mountain breakfast of dhungar-roasted vegetables and to pick up warm woolens before beginning the higher climb toward Badrinath.
After a warming lunch, pause at the scenic Rudraprayag Riverside Ghats for a short puja and to watch the confluence of two tributaries before continuing the high-altitude drive. Mid-afternoon, stop at Joshimath Market Lane to stretch, taste local buckwheat snacks and yak cheese, and visit a mountain repair shop to check trekking gear; then take a gentle photo break at the panoramic Nehru Top Viewpoint to absorb sweeping valley views as you head onward toward Badrinath.
As dusk falls, settle at the cozy riverside hamlet of Patalganga Camp for a warming cup of local kahwa and a short storytelling session about mountain myths led by a resident elder, then take a gentle walk to the nearby Sunset Ridge to watch the valley lights appear and the high peaks glow. Afterwards, enjoy a communal dinner at Kedarath Logger's Dhaba featuring smoked lentils and local buckwheat flatbreads, followed by a guided night-time offering at the small roadside shrine of Hariyali Devi, where pilgrims leave a simple flame before turning in to nearby guest rooms to rest for the Badrinath ascent.
Rise with the mountain light and walk the quiet lanes to Mana Village Museum to learn about local Bhotia culture and view traditional garments and ritual implements before heading to the serene Vishnu Gufa for a short reflective stop near the cave believed to be linked to Lord Vishnu. Continue with a guided visit to the lesser-known Brahma Kapal Ghat for a purifying dip ritual followed by a pause at Narad Kund Viewpoint to watch pilgrims prepare offerings and hear your guide recount the river-origin legends that lead naturally into your midday darshan at the main temple.
After your morning visits, wander the stone-paved lane to the bustling Badrinath Bazaar to sample warm local aloo ke gutke and buy freshly pressed yak butter for offerings; pause at the riverside Alaknanda Ghats for a guided story about the river's role in the Chardham circuit and to perform a brief, meditative puja. Later, take a short walk to the tranquil Mata Murti Viewpoint to watch pilgrims perform ritual baths at Tapt Kund from above, then join a local pandit for a concise blessing and practical tips for the onward descent to Joshimath, keeping the pace relaxed after successive high-altitude days.
As evening falls, stroll to the quiet hillside of Vishal Dwar View Terrace to watch the Alaknanda shimmer and listen to your guide recount local legends while tea vendors serve warm spiced kahwa. Afterwards, join a small group for a candle-lit offering at the little-known Bhavani Mata Shrine, share a communal meal of buckwheat rotis and dal at the family-run Gharwali Bhojanalaya, then finish with a reflective riverside walk to Sudarshan Ghati Lookout to absorb the valley hush and plan the descent toward Joshimath tomorrow.
After an early mountain breakfast, drive down with a scenic stop at Piran Kaliyar Sharif to experience a brief interfaith visit and listen to morning qawwali before continuing toward the plains. Pause in Rishikesh for a restorative brunch at Ganga Beach Café (riverfront seating) followed by a gentle riverside walk to Beatles Ashram to reflect on the journey among graffitied meditation cells and sign your travel journal amid banyan trees.
After a leisurely drive from the mountains, pause for a restorative riverside lunch at Vishnu Dham Cafeteria in Haridwar, then visit the reflective gardens of Geeta Bhawan to stretch and join a short group satsang led by a local pandit. Later, stroll through the artsy courtyards of Tapovan Cultural Centre to browse handcrafted malas and pick up final prasads before heading to Bharat Mata Mandir for a quiet closing offering and a moment of gratitude to mark the end of your Chardham yatra.
After arriving, settle into a riverside rooftop at Ganga Aarti Viewpoint Café for a relaxed dinner featuring local seasonal thalis while watching the valley lights appear. Later, join a closing kirtan and group thanksgiving at Brajghat Community Hall, followed by a gentle moonlit walk along Ganga Ghats Promenade where you can perform a final offering and exchange memories with fellow yatris to formally conclude the Chardham journey.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Har Ki Pauri | Free |
| Parmarth Niketan (meditation/session donation) | ₹200 |
| Barkot Bazaar (shopping - per person estimate) | ₹500 |
| Laxman Jhula | Free |
| Riverside lunch at cafe (aloo puri, kaza ki sabzi) | ₹250 |
| Triveni Ghat | Free |
| Rishikesh Market (permits/vehicle arrangements - per person misc) | ₹300 |
| Ganga Beach Cafeteria (dinner) | ₹300 |
| Sivananda Ashram (satsang/short session) | ₹150 |
| Bharat Mata Ghat (night walk) | Free |
| Dhabha on the National Highway (chai + paratha) | ₹80 |
| Janki Chatti (trek start permits/porter contribution) | ₹300 |
| 6-7 km trek to Yamunotri (guide/porter share) | ₹600 |
| Kharsali Village tea/snack | ₹50 |
| Yamunotri Temple (darshan donation/prasad) | ₹100 |
| Surya Kund hot springs (bathing/prasad fee) | Free |
| Kharsali Bazaar (Gauri Kund spring soak - local contribution) | ₹50 |
| Phoolkund viewpoint (guide talk tip) | ₹100 |
| Guesthouse in Kharsali (simple accommodation per night) | ₹600 |
| Gandhi Mandir (evening aarti) | Free |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttarkashi) | Free |
| Phoolchatti Viewpoint | Free |
| Local Handicraft Centre (souvenirs estimate) | ₹400 |
| Tibetan Market (shopping estimate) | ₹300 |
| Riverbend Café (lunch) | ₹300 |
| Devi Kund Gardens | Free |
| Kashi Viewpoint | Free |
| Gauri Temple (evening aarti donation) | ₹50 |
| Harsil Valley (Mukhba Devi shrine visit) | Free |
| Gaumukh viewpoint approach (interpretive guide) | ₹200 |
| Shri Ganges Viewpoint | Free |
| Bhairav Temple (visit/donation) | ₹50 |
| Town Market Lane (artisan purchases) | ₹400 |
| Aarti Terrace (watch preparations) | Free |
| Chaurasi Koti Parikrama area | Free |
| Nataraj Temple (community meal donation) | ₹150 |
| Sankari Mata Shrine (candle/flower offering) | ₹50 |
| Vishwanath Ghat Viewpoint | Free |
| Lamkhaga Bridge overlook (chai/snack) | ₹50 |
| Pratapnagar Viewpoint | Free |
| Dharali Bazaar (snack: buckwheat pancakes) | ₹80 |
| Kali Ma Temple (local shrine puja) | ₹50 |
| Naugaon Viewpoint (herbal kadha) | ₹50 |
| Srinagar Bazaar dhaba dinner | ₹250 |
| Sonprayag Bazaar (permit check - minor fee) | ₹100 |
| Porter/palki crew contribution (per person share) | ₹500 |
| Kedarnath Trekker's Stall (chai) | ₹40 |
| Phata Landing Zone (helicopter option - per person one-way, approximate) | ₹6500 |
| Bhimkali Rest House (stopover tea/gear check) | ₹100 |
| Phoolgaon Riverside Terrace (soup + bread) | ₹120 |
| Chorabari Footbridge bhajan circle (local event) | Free |
| Gauchar Guest Stall (thukpa) | ₹120 |
| Kedarnath Temple (darshan donation/prasad) | ₹200 |
| Shankaracharya Samadhi (viewpoint) | Free |
| Vishwanath Temple ruins | Free |
| Adi Badri Meadow (interpretive walk) | Free |
| Chorabari Tal Viewpoint | Free |
| Bhojbasa Tea Stall (kahwa) | ₹60 |
| Memorial Rock Garden | Free |
| Handwoven prayer flags (craft purchase) | ₹200 |
| Sugandha Kunda | Free |
| Maa Shakti Shrine (offering) | ₹50 |
| Lodge Terrace Café (evening kahwa + stew) | ₹200 |
| Bhimashankar Lookout (stargazing) | Free |
| Phoolkharu Meadow (tea break - local) | ₹50 |
| Ransi Falls Viewpoint | Free |
| Niti Bazaar (breakfast / woolens purchase) | ₹300 |
| Rudraprayag Riverside Ghats (puja) | Free |
| Joshimath Market Lane (yak cheese / snacks) | ₹200 |
| Nehru Top Viewpoint | Free |
| Patalganga Camp (kahwa & storytelling) | ₹100 |
| Kedarath Logger's Dhaba (dinner) | ₹250 |
| Hariyali Devi roadside shrine (offering) | ₹50 |
| Mana Village Museum (entry/donation) | ₹50 |
| Vishnu Gufa (visit) | Free |
| Brahma Kapal Ghat (purifying dip ritual) | Free |
| Narad Kund Viewpoint | Free |
| Badrinath Bazaar (aloo ke gutke snack) | ₹80 |
| Alaknanda Ghats (guided puja) | ₹100 |
| Mata Murti Viewpoint / Tapt Kund (ritual dip - per person) | Free |
| Local pandit blessing (short) | ₹200 |
| Vishal Dwar View Terrace (tea) | ₹50 |
| Bhavani Mata Shrine (candle offering) | ₹50 |
| Gharwali Bhojanalaya (communal meal) | ₹200 |
| Sudarshan Ghati Lookout | Free |
| Piran Kaliyar Sharif (visit) | Free |
| Beatles Ashram (entry) | ₹50 |
| Ganga Beach Café (brunch) | ₹300 |
| Vishnu Dham Cafeteria (lunch) | ₹250 |
| Geeta Bhawan (gardens / satsang) | Free |
| Tapovan Cultural Centre (browsing purchases) | ₹200 |
| Bharat Mata Mandir (closing offering) | Free |
| Ganga Aarti Viewpoint Café (dinner) | ₹350 |
| Brajghat Community Hall (closing kirtan donation) | ₹100 |
| Ganga Ghats Promenade (final offering) | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹18030 |