Seven-Day Chaar Dhaam Itinerary

Sunday, October 1: Yamunotri

Start your journey by visiting Yamunotri, the first stop of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra. Spend the morning trekking to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. In the afternoon, take a dip in the hot springs of Surya Kund. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing aarti ceremony at the temple.

• Yamunotri Temple: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 4 hours
• Surya Kund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Aarti ceremony: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the popular ABC Cafe which offers a wide range of Continental and Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
• For lunch, visit the quaint Little Italy restaurant known for its delicious Italian cuisine. Don't miss their wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Cliffhanger Restaurant where you can savor mouthwatering North Indian dishes with a stunning view of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.

Monday, October 2: Gangotri

Continue your pilgrimage to Gangotri, the second destination of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra. Begin your day by visiting the Gangotri Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to the goddess Ganga. Take a holy dip in the sacred Bhagirathi River. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque town of Gangotri. In the evening, witness the evening aarti at the temple.

• Gangotri Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Bhagirathi River: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Exploring Gangotri town: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
• Evening aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Gangotri Restaurant, known for its delicious aloo parathas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, head to Rajdhani Restaurant, offering a wide variety of vegetarian thalis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
• Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Gangotri Dhaba, serving mouthwatering Punjabi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.

Tuesday, October 3: Kedarnath

Embark on a scenic helicopter ride to Kedarnath, the third stop of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kedarnath is home to the revered Kedarnath Temple. Spend the morning exploring the temple premises and seeking blessings. In the afternoon, take a nature walk in the beautiful surroundings. Witness the evening aarti at the temple as the sun sets.

• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4 hours
• Nature walk: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Evening aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Helicopter ride: Estimated cost - INR 7,000, Time spent - 45 minutes

Wednesday, October 4: Badrinath

Travel to Badrinath, the final destination of the Chaar Dhaam Yatra. Visit the famous Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the morning. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund, believed to have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, explore Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border. Witness the evening aarti at the temple.

• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Tapt Kund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Exploring Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Evening aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Thursday, October 5: Rishikesh

After completing the Chaar Dhaam Yatra, head to Rishikesh, known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." Start your day with a yoga session by the banks of the holy Ganges River. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and try out adventure activities like river rafting. As the evening approaches, attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.

• Yoga session: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 1.5 hours
• Laxman Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• River rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1,500, Time spent - 3 hours
• Ganga Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Friday, October 6: Haridwar

Continue your spiritual journey with a visit to Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Attend the morning aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a revered bathing ghat on the banks of the Ganges. Explore the ancient temples of Haridwar in the afternoon. Witness the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri to conclude the day.

• Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Exploring temples: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 3 hours
• Evening aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, October 7: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring the Chaar Dhaam destinations, don't miss out on some hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the stunning Dodital Lake near Yamunotri for a serene experience in nature. In Gangotri, explore the breathtaking Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the holy river Ganga. In Kedarnath, take a short trek to Vasuki Tal, a beautiful high-altitude lake. And in Badrinath, don't forget to visit the picturesque Valley of Flowers National Park.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Off the beaten path, you can also explore the serene Auli, a popular skiing destination near Badrinath. Enjoy the tranquility of Neer Garh Waterfall in Rishikesh, and indulge in the local cuisine and shopping at Haridwar's bustling markets. These hidden gems and local favorites will add more depth to your Chaar Dhaam Yatra experience.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.