Budget Family Road Trip from Karnal to the Char Dhams: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath

Day 1: Drive to Yamunotri

Yamunotri, Uttarakhand on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Start from Karnal

Begin your journey early morning from Karnal to Yamunotri. The drive covers approximately 350 km and takes about 8-9 hours with mountain road driving conditions.
INR 0 (personal car), 9h0m

11:00am

Breakfast at Karnal

Have a hearty breakfast at a popular local dhaba like Pahalwan Dhaba for delicious North Indian food to fuel your long day ahead.
INR 500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Reach Yamunotri

Arrive at Janki Chatti, the base for Yamunotri temple. Park your car and prepare for the uphill trek or pony ride to Yamunotri temple (13 km trek approx). The temple is open from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm during pilgrimage season.
INR 50 per person for darshan, pony ride starts at INR 500 per pony, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and stay

Enjoy dinner at a local guesthouse or dharamshala in Janki Chatti or Yamunotri area. Budget meals cost around INR 200-300 per person.
INR 1200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Yamunotri to Gangotri

Gangotri, Uttarakhand on April 21, 2025

6:30am

Yamunotri temple visit

Begin early morning trek to Yamunotri temple to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene ambiance. Spend time at the temple and nearby hot springs.
INR 50, 3h0m

10:00am

Drive to Gangotri

Drive from Yamunotri back to your car at Janki Chatti and proceed to Gangotri, approx 120 km taking 5-6 hours through mountainous roads.
Fuel approx INR 1200, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a dhaba or roadside eatery near Uttarkashi for a budget-friendly lunch consisting of dal, chapati, and sabzi.
INR 600, 1h0m

5:00pm

Arrive Gangotri

Check in to budget accommodation near Gangotri temple, such as dharamshalas offering rooms at around INR 700-1000 per night.
INR 1000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Visit Gangotri Temple

Evening darshan at Gangotri temple, which is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm in the pilgrimage season.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner

Enjoy a simple home-cooked style meal at your accommodation or local eateries — tasty lentils and rice dishes that keep expenses low.
INR 800, 1h0m
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Day 3: Gangotri to Kedarnath

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on April 22, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Kedarnath base

Start early to drive about 215 km to Sonprayag, the base town for the Kedarnath trek, which will take around 8-9 hours, with beautiful views on the way.
Fuel approx INR 1400, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rudraprayag

Stop at Rudraprayag for a budget-friendly lunch at a roadside eatery offering thali meals for around INR 350 per person.
INR 1400, 1h0m

6:00pm

Overnight at Sonprayag

Check-in at a budget hotel/guesthouse near Sonprayag to prepare for the Kedarnath trek early next day. Rooms typically cost INR 1000-1200 per night.
INR 1100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner

Simple meal including rice, dal, and vegetables at your guesthouse, ideal for resting before the trek.
INR 700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kedarnath trek and return

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on April 23, 2025

5:00am

Kedarnath trek

Begin your trek to Kedarnath temple (16 km uphill), enjoy the breathtaking mountain views, and perform darshan. The temple typically opens from early morning to 8 pm in pilgrimage season.
INR 100 to INR 500 for pony or palanquin if required, 6h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kedarnath

Have a packed or local simple meal near Kedarnath. Options for food stalls exist but are limited and slightly more expensive.
INR 800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return trek to Sonprayag

Descend back to Sonprayag by foot or pony. Rest well for the next leg of your trip.
Included in pony cost if used, 4h0m

6:00pm

Overnight stay Sonprayag

Stay again at the guesthouse to rest after trekking.
INR 1100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner

Simple local cuisine and rest well.
INR 700, 1h0m
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Day 5: Sonprayag to Badrinath

Badrinath, Uttarakhand on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Badrinath

Drive approximately 210 km to Badrinath via Joshimath, taking around 7-8 hours through mountain roads.
Fuel approx INR 1350, 8h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop at Joshimath

Enjoy a budget meal in Joshimath, featuring local dishes and dal-chawal for energy.
INR 700, 1h0m

4:00pm

Arrive in Badrinath

Check into budget accommodation near the temple; many dharamshalas offer rooms from INR 800 to 1200 a night.
INR 1000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Badrinath Temple

Perform evening darshan at Badrinath temple, typically open till 8:30 pm in the season.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Badrinath

Dinner at a local eatery or dharamshala offering simple vegetarian food at budget prices.
INR 800, 1h0m
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Day 6: Badrinath to Karnal

Return to Karnal, Haryana on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Morning Darshan at Badrinath

Early morning visit to Badrinath Temple to avoid crowds and absorb spiritual vibes before departure.
Free, 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast

Breakfast near the temple area at a budget friendly Punjabi dhaba.
INR 600, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Karnal

Begin the long drive back to Karnal, covering approximately 450 km in about 10 hours accounting for mountain traffic and breaks.
Fuel approx INR 2000, 10h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop midway for a quick economical meal at a highway dhaba.
INR 700, 1h0m

7:00pm

Arrive Karnal

End your trip safely at home with beautiful memories of the spiritual journey.
INR 0, 0h0m
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