7-Day "4 Dham" Family-Friendly Itinerary in September 2023

1. Day 1: Yamunotri
   2 hours 22 minutes (41.8 miles) from Dehradun

   In the morning, enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs of Janki Chatti before embarking on a 5.5km trek through the scenic surroundings to reach Yamunotri Temple. Afternoon, explore the temple and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. In the evening, attend the aarti at the temple for a spiritual experience.

2. Day 2: Gangotri
   5 hours 25 minutes (143 miles) from Yamunotri

   In the morning, drive to Gangotri and visit the Gangotri Temple situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Afternoon, trek to the picturesque Gaumukh glacier, the source of River Ganges. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at the temple.

3. Day 3: Kedarnath
   5 hours 18 minutes (114 miles) from Gangotri

   In the morning, take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath for a stunning aerial view of the Himalayas. Afternoon, visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and witness the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. In the evening, take a dip in the holy Mandakini River.

4. Day 4: Badrinath
   3 hours 42 minutes (96 miles) from Kedarnath

   In the morning, visit the holy town of Joshimath and take the cable car ride to Auli for a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Afternoon, visit the Badrinath Temple and take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the evening, explore the town and try the local cuisine.

5. Day 5: Badrinath (Valley of Flowers)
   1 hour 40 minutes (8.9 miles) from Badrinath

   In the morning, take a trek to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its meadows of alpine flowers and diverse fauna. Afternoon, visit the Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters. In the evening, return to Badrinath and attend the evening aarti at the temple.

6. Day 6: Rishikesh
   9 hours 15 minutes (234 miles) from Badrinath

   In the morning, drive to Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World". Afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, the Gita Bhawan and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Ghat and enjoy a sunset boat ride.

7. Day 7: Haridwar
   1 hour 3 minutes (20.5 miles) from Rishikesh

   In the morning, visit the Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat situated on the banks of the Ganges and take a dip in the holy river. Afternoon, explore the town and visit the Mansa Devi Temple, the Chandi Devi Temple, and the Maya Devi Temple. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri for a mesmerizing experience.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, visit the Rajaji National Park near Rishikesh to see the diverse wildlife. You can also try adventure activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping and zip-lining in Rishikesh. If you want to extend your trip, you can visit the nearby cities of Mussoorie and Shimla for a hill-station experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Yamunotri Temple (4 hours, free)
• Gangotri Temple (3 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Badrinath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Valley of Flowers (7 hours, 1500 INR per person)
• Beatles Ashram (1 hour, 150 INR per person)
• Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, 50 INR per person)
• Chandi Devi Temple (2 hours, 50 INR per person)
• Maya Devi Temple (2 hours, 50 INR per person)
• Rajaji National Park (4 hours, 500 INR per person)
• Adventure activities in Rishikesh (4 hours, 1500-3000 INR per person)
• Extra expenses for accommodation, transportation and food: 25,000-30,000 INR per person
• Total Estimated Costs: 27,500-32,500 INR per person