7-day Itinerary for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in September 2023

1. Day 1: Yamunotri
   2 hours 50 minutes (108.8 km) from Dehradun

   Visit the Yamunotri temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, and take a dip in the natural hot water springs in Janki Chatti. In the evening, enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.

2. Day 2: Gangotri
   5 hours 14 minutes (241.6 km) from Yamunotri

   Begin with a visit to the Gangotri temple, which is dedicated to the river goddess Ganga. After that, visit the picturesque Bhagirathi Shila and take a dip in the holy river. In the afternoon, trek to Gaumukh and witness its majestic beauty. In the evening, enjoy the local culture and food.

3. Day 3: Kedarnath
   8 hours 1 minute (264.9 km) from Gangotri

   Start with a trek to Kedarnath temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a height of 3,583 meters. In the afternoon, explore the scenic beauty of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the mesmerizing views. In the evening, relax in the peaceful surroundings of Kedarnath.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath

   Continue exploring the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary by taking a trek to Vasuki Tal, which is a high altitude lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. Spend the day trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and local cuisine with the locals.

5. Day 5: Badrinath
   8 hours 16 minutes (219.7 km) from Kedarnath

   Visit the Badrinath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and take a dip in the hot water springs of Tapt Kund. After that, visit the Mana village, which is the last village before the Indo-China border. In the evening, enjoy the aarti ceremony at the temple and relax in the peaceful surroundings.

6. Day 6: Badrinath

   Explore the surrounding areas of Badrinath by taking a trek to Valley of Flowers National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the magnificent views of the Himalayas and the beautiful flowers. In the evening, relax and enjoy the local food and culture.

7. Day 7: Departure
   10 hours 57 minutes (317.4 km) from Badrinath to Dehradun

   Depart for Dehradun, the nearest airport, and bid farewell to the beautiful state of Uttarakhand.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider visiting Hemkund Sahib, which is another important pilgrimage site. You can also take a side trip to Auli, which is a popular ski destination. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a local guide and trekking the Himalayas. Lastly, make sure to try the local cuisine, especially the Garhwali cuisine.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Yamunotri Temple (2 hours, free)
• Janki Chatti (1 hour, free)
• Gangotri Temple (2 hours, free)
• Bhagirathi Shila (1 hour, free)
• Gaumukh trek (5 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Temple (4 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (6 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal trek (8 hours, free)
• Badrinath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Tapt Kund (1 hour, free)
• Mana Village (2 hours, free)
• Valley of Flowers National Park trek (10 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding travel and accommodation): 0 INR