Start your spiritual journey by arriving in Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India. In the morning, take a dip in the sacred Ganges River at Har Ki Pauri Ghat and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Afterward, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, perched atop the Neel Parvat hill, for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Haridwar and taste the local delicacies.
Har Ki Pauri Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Chandi Devi Temple: Free, 2 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, try the traditional North Indian cuisine at Hoshiyar Puri, a restaurant famous for its mouthwatering thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Haridwar at The Big Ben, a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a wide range of options including Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Tuesday October 17: Yamunotri
Embark on a scenic drive to Yamunotri, the birthplace of the Yamuna River. Start your day with a visit to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas as you trek through picturesque landscapes. In the afternoon, take a dip in the natural hot springs at Janki Chatti and rejuvenate your body and soul.
Yamunotri Temple: Free, 4 hours
Janki Chatti Hot Springs: Free, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Bliss. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to flavorful omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Himalayan Delights for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine. From flavorful curries to aromatic biryanis, this restaurant caters to all taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Spice Route. This restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and international flavors, paired with an extensive wine list. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Wednesday October 18: Gangotri
Continue your spiritual journey to Gangotri, the origin of the holy river Ganga. Visit the Gangotri Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Explore the serene surroundings and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the picturesque Bhagirath Shila and soak in the beauty of nature.
Gangotri Temple: Free, 4 hours
Bhagirath Shila: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant. This popular eatery offers a wide range of Indian and continental dishes, with average meal prices around 150 INR per person.
For a delicious and affordable lunch option, head to Haveli Restaurant. They serve delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, with an average cost of 250 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at River View Restaurant. Enjoy their mouthwatering Indian and Chinese cuisine while admiring the scenic views of the Ganga River. Dinner here typically costs around 400 INR per person.
Thursday October 19: Kedarnath
Travel to Kedarnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Char Dham circuit. Start your day with a trek to the Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Experience the spiritual bliss as you offer prayers in this sacred place. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby attractions, such as Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairavnath Temple.
Kedarnath Temple: Free, 4 hours
Shankaracharya Samadhi: Free, 1 hour
Bhairavnath Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Kartik Swami Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast at Kartik Swami Restaurant, located near Kedarnath Temple. They offer a variety of delicious breakfast options such as dosas, idlis, and poha. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Char Dham Dhaba: For a hearty lunch, head to Char Dham Dhaba, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their popular thali, which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Mansi Restaurant: End your day with a delightful dinner at Mansi Restaurant, famous for its mouthwatering tandoori delicacies. Indulge in their flavorful kebabs and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday October 20: Badrinath
Head to Badrinath, the final destination of your Char Dham journey. Begin your day with a visit to the famous Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Seek blessings and witness the evening aarti ceremony at the temple. Take a stroll along the banks of the Alaknanda River and visit the Mana Village, the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border.
Badrinath Temple: Free, 4 hours
Mana Village: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A traditional breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant is a must-try, with options like parathas, puris, and dosas. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Cafe Coffee Day which offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Enjoy a hearty dinner at Dhaba By Amber, known for its mouthwatering North Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday October 21: Rishikesh
Travel to Rishikesh, a spiritual hub nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges River. Attend a yoga or meditation session at one of the ashrams and feel the serenity. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Free, 3 hours
Ashram Visit: Free/Varies, 2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Good Vibes Cafe: Enjoy a healthy and hearty breakfast with a view of the Ganges River. They serve delicious pancakes and smoothie bowls. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Pure Soul Restaurant: Savor the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine for lunch at this restaurant. They offer a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
The Ganges Grill: Indulge in a unique dining experience with a spectacular view of the Ganges River. This restaurant specializes in grilled dishes and seafood. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday October 22: Haridwar
Return to Haridwar for your final day. Revisit the Har Ki Pauri Ghat to take part in the morning Ganga Aarti ceremony and bid farewell to the holy city. Spend the rest of the day exploring local markets for souvenirs and savoring the delicious street food of Haridwar.
Har Ki Pauri Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Local Markets: Varies, 3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Haridwar is Chotiwala. Known for its delicious vegetarian offerings, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast here for about 200 rupees per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri. This restaurant is known for its assortment of North Indian dishes, with an average cost of around 300 rupees per person.
For a delightful dinner, try Mohan Ji Puri Wale. They are known for their mouth-watering puris and curries, with an average cost of about 250 rupees per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While visiting Haridwar, don't miss a chance to explore the Rajaji National Park, located just outside the city. It offers a unique opportunity to spot various wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, a bird sanctuary where you can witness the migratory birds in their natural habitat. These attractions are perfect for a family-friendly adventure amidst nature.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.