Char Dham Itinerary - September 20-27, 2023

Wednesday, September 20: Haridwar

Begin your spiritual journey in Haridwar, a city known for its religious significance. Start your morning with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, the famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Explore the bustling markets of Haridwar, offering a range of spiritual items and handicrafts.

• Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Explore Haridwar markets: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti ceremony: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• Head to Chotiwala Restaurant for a satisfying breakfast with a wide variety of Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For a delicious lunch, try Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant known for its Punjabi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Big Ben Restaurant which offers a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Thursday, September 21: Yamunotri

Embark on a scenic drive to Yamunotri, the seat of the goddess Yamuna. Begin your day with a trek to the Yamunotri Temple, located at an altitude of 3,291 meters. Take a dip in the natural hot water springs at Janki Chatti. Capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

• Trek to Yamunotri Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Janki Chatti hot water springs: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Enjoy the scenic views: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, September 22: Gangotri

Continue your pilgrimage by heading towards Gangotri, the origin of the holy river Ganges. Visit the sacred Gangotri Temple and seek blessings. Explore the picturesque surroundings and take a dip in the holy river. Enjoy the tranquility and serenity of this divine destination.

• Gangotri Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dip in the Ganges: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Explore the scenic surroundings: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, September 23: Kedarnath

Travel to the sacred town of Kedarnath, situated amidst the majestic Himalayas. Trek or take a helicopter ride to reach Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Experience the divine atmosphere and marvel at the intricate architecture. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding peaks.

• Trek/Helicopter to Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4-6 hours
• Explore Kedarnath Town: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Admire the Himalayan views: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, September 24: Badrinath

Make your way to the sacred town of Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Visit the famous Badrinath Temple, one of the Char Dham sites. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund, a hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties. Explore Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border.

• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Tapt Kund hot water spring: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Explore Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, September 25: Rishikesh

Head to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges. Attend an evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Indulge in yoga and meditation sessions.

• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Yoga and meditation sessions: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, September 26: Devprayag

On your way back, make a stop at Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the sacred Ganges. Visit the Raghunath Temple and witness the mesmerizing views of the confluence. Enjoy a peaceful time by the riverside before returning to Haridwar.

• Raghunath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Enjoy riverside views: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Return to Haridwar: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Haridwar, don't miss visiting the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot diverse wildlife and enjoy nature trails. In Rishikesh, explore the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed and practiced transcendental meditation. Experience the local cuisine at street food stalls, offering delicious snacks like aloo puri, kachori, and jalebi.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.