7-Day Char Dham Itinerary in September 2023

1. Day 1: Yamunotri
   3 hours 50 minutes (131.8 km) from Dehradun

   Start your pilgrimage with a visit to Yamunotri, the source of the River Yamuna. Take a dip in the holy hot springs, visit the ancient Yamunotri Temple, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Garhwal Himalayas.

2. Day 2: Gangotri
   5 hours 29 minutes (231.6 km) from Yamunotri

   Continue to Gangotri, the birthplace of the River Ganga. Visit the Gangotri Temple, take a dip in the holy river, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Day 3: Kedarnath
   4 hours 54 minutes (154.3 km) from Gangotri

   Visit Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a trek to the Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan range.

4. Day 4: Badrinath
   4 hours 23 minutes (160.5 km) from Kedarnath

   Visit Badrinath, one of the four holiest shrines in Hinduism. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs, visit the Badrinath Temple, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Neelkanth Peak.

5. Day 5: Valley of Flowers National Park
   1 hour 19 minutes (39.3 km) from Badrinath

   Explore the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its alpine flowers, meadows, and wildlife. Take a trek to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, one of the most revered Sikh shrines.

6. Day 6: Auli
   2 hours 35 minutes (82.7 km) from Valley of Flowers National Park

   Visit Auli, a popular skiing destination and a gateway to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks. Take a cable car ride to Auli Lake, enjoy the scenic views, and indulge in adventure activities like trekking and camping.

7. Day 7: Rishikesh
   9 hours 9 minutes (305.1 km) from Auli

   End your pilgrimage with a visit to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World and a center for spiritual and adventure tourism. Visit the Triveni Ghat, attend the Ganga Aarti, take a dip in the holy river, and indulge in adventure activities like rafting and bungee jumping.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the nearby Haridwar, another holy city on the banks of the River Ganga, and the Rajaji National Park, a biodiversity hotspot. You can also take a side trip to Mussoorie, a popular hill station, and enjoy the scenic beauty and colonial charm.

To maximize your fun, hire a local guide, and learn about the local culture and traditions. Try the local cuisine, especially the street food and sweets, and buy souvenirs like handicrafts and jewelry.

Plan your trip well in advance, and check the weather and road conditions before you start your journey. You can book your hotel and flight tickets online at https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Yamunotri Temple (3 hours, Rs. 500)
• Gangotri Temple (2 hours, Rs. 300)
• Kedarnath Temple (4 hours, Rs. 800)
• Badrinath Temple (3 hours, Rs. 700)
• Valley of Flowers National Park (6 hours, Rs. 1000)
• Auli Cable Car Ride (2 hours, Rs. 500)
• Rishikesh Ganga Aarti (2 hours, Rs. 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 4000