Char Dham Plan Plus Rishikesh Itinerary

1. Day 1: Rishikesh
   Starting point of the journey

   Begin your spiritual journey in the holy city of Rishikesh. Morning: Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, two suspension bridges over the Ganges. Afternoon: Explore the ashrams and temples along the river. Evening: Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan.

2. Day 2: Yamunotri
   6 hours (172 miles) from Rishikesh

   Morning: Start your drive to Hanumanchatti. Afternoon: Take a trek to Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River. Evening: Visit the Yamunotri Temple and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

3. Day 3: Gangotri
   6 hours (164 miles) from Yamunotri

   Morning: Drive to Gangotri, the source of the Ganges. Afternoon: Explore the Gangotri Temple and take a dip in the holy Bhagirathi River. Evening: Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and serene atmosphere.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath
   8 hours (213 miles) from Gangotri

   Morning: Drive to Sonprayag and start your trek to Kedarnath. Afternoon: Visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Evening: Witness the evening aarti and soak in the spiritual ambiance.

5. Day 5: Badrinath
   9 hours (167 miles) from Kedarnath

   Morning: Drive to Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Afternoon: Explore the Badrinath Temple and take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs. Evening: Visit Mana village, the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border.

6. Day 6: Rishikesh
   8 hours (189 miles) from Badrinath

   Morning: Drive back to Rishikesh. Afternoon: Relax by the Ganges or indulge in adventure activities like white-water rafting. Evening: Attend a yoga or meditation session in one of the ashrams.

7. Day 7: Departure
   End of the journey

   Depart from Rishikesh with cherished memories of the spiritual journey through the Char Dham.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in the late 1960s. You can also plan a day trip to Haridwar, another holy city on the banks of the Ganges. To maximize your fun, try participating in a yoga retreat, taking a scenic helicopter ride over the Himalayas, or exploring nearby trekking routes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rishikesh to Yamunotri (6 hours, cost of transportation)
• Trekking to Yamunotri Temple (time spent trekking)
• Yamunotri Temple visit (time spent at the temple)
• Yamunotri to Gangotri (6 hours, cost of transportation)
• Gangotri Temple visit (time spent at the temple)
• Gangotri to Kedarnath (8 hours, cost of transportation)
• Kedarnath Temple visit (time spent at the temple)
• Kedarnath to Badrinath (9 hours, cost of transportation)
• Badrinath Temple visit (time spent at the temple)
• Visit to Mana village (time spent exploring)
• Badrinath to Rishikesh (8 hours, cost of transportation)
• Optional activities in Rishikesh (cost of activities)

• Total Estimated Costs