Uttarakhand 4 Dham Yatra: Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Haridwar

Start your spiritual journey by visiting 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. In the afternoon, explore the ancient Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, located on hilltops. As the evening sets in, wander through the bustling markets of Haridwar, trying local street food and shopping for religious souvenirs.

• Har Ki Pauri Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Mansa Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free (or optional cable car ride), Time spent - 2 hours
• Chandi Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free (or optional cable car ride), Time spent - 2 hours

Day 2: Yamunotri

Embark on a scenic journey to Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River. In the morning, drive to Hanuman Chatti and then trek to Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. After seeking blessings, take a dip in the natural hot springs of Janki Chatti. In the afternoon, trek back to Hanuman Chatti and return to your hotel in Barkot for relaxation and overnight stay.

• Yamunotri Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4 hours
• Janki Chatti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 3: Gangotri

Proceed to Gangotri, the origin of the holy Ganges River. In the morning, drive to Gangotri Temple, situated amidst the majestic Himalayas. Offer prayers and witness the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Bhagirath Shila and Pandava Gufa, associated with Hindu mythology. Return to your hotel in Gangotri for overnight stay.

• Gangotri Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Bhagirath Shila: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Pandava Gufa: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Nirvana which offers a variety of delicious Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
• For lunch, visit Ganga View Restaurant where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ganges while indulging in authentic Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
• For dinner, try Temple Tourist Rest House Restaurant which offers a range of vegetarian dishes in a serene setting near the Gangotri Temple. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.

Day 4: Kedarnath

Reach Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the morning, trek or take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath Temple, located amidst snow-capped mountains. Attend the evening aarti and experience the divine atmosphere. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.

• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4 hours

Day 5: Badrinath

Proceed to Badrinath, the final destination of the Char Dham Yatra. In the morning, visit Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Seek blessings and admire the stunning architecture. In the afternoon, explore Mana Village, the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border, and witness the captivating Vasudhara Falls. Return to your hotel in Badrinath for overnight stay.

• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Vasudhara Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 6: Rishikesh

Visit the spiritual town of Rishikesh. In the morning, explore the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges River. Take a boat ride to Triveni Ghat and witness the evening Ganga Aarti. In the afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once stayed and meditated. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

• Lakshman Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ram Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Triveni Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Beatles Ashram: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 7: Haridwar

Conclude your journey with a visit to Haridwar. In the morning, take a cable car ride to the hilltop Mansa Devi Temple for panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit the Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Ganges River. Bid farewell to the holy city of Haridwar as you depart for your onward journey.

• Mansa Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free (or optional cable car ride), Time spent - 2 hours
• Daksheswara Mahadev Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Boat ride on the Ganges River: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Uttarakhand, don't miss visiting the serene hill station of Mussoorie, known as the "Queen of Hills." Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie, and admire breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Explore the picturesque Kempty Falls and stroll along the Mall Road, filled with shops, cafes, and colonial architecture. Mussoorie offers a delightful experience for the whole family and is a perfect addition to your itinerary.

For more information regarding hotel and flight prices, you can check here.