Triveni Ghat is a must-visit when in Rishikesh. This is a sacred spot where the holy river Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati merge. It's a popular place for visitors to take a dip and offer prayers. Laxman Jhula is a suspension bridge that is a popular attraction where travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of Rishikesh. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at a height of 1330 meters, surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
Manikarnik Kund is a natural hot spring and is believed to have medicinal properties to cure various diseases. Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its eternal flame that has been burning for over 3500 years. Vishwanath Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines. It's located at an altitude of 3584 meters and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can also do a trek to Kedarnath to enjoy the scenic beauty. Vasuki Tal is a crystal clear lake situated amidst snowy mountains and is a perfect place for trekking and camping.
Auli is a popular skiing destination and a perfect place for adventure lovers. You can take a cable car ride to reach Auli from Joshimath. Narsingh Temple is an ancient temple believed to be one of the five temples built by the Pandavas. It's dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. It's located at an altitude of 3133 meters and surrounded by the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges. Mata Murti Temple is situated on the banks of Alaknanda river and is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayana, Mata Murti.
Take the morning to rest before heading back to Dehradun Airport for your departure flight.
Car rental is the easiest way to explore Chardham. However, the roads are steep and narrow, so a skilled driver is necessary. A private car rental for 6 days would cost approximately Rs 18,000-20,000. Travelers can also take shared taxis or private buses available from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The average cost for a shared taxi from Rishikesh to Joshimath is Rs 600-800 per person.
If you have more time, you can visit other nearby places of interest such as Haridwar, Mussoorie, or Roorkee. If you have less time, you could skip Guptkashi and spend an extra day in Rishikesh or Joshimath. Remember to carry warm clothes and rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
The nearest airport to Chardham is Dehradun Airport (DED) located in the city of Dehradun, approximately 27.3 km from Rishikesh. It's a small airport with limited flights from major cities in India.