8-Day Spiritual and Scenic Uttarakhand Circuit from Delhi: Yamunotri to Rishikesh

Day 1: Yamunotri Pilgrimage

Delhi to Yamunotri, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Depart from Delhi to Yamunotri

Begin your journey early morning by road covering approximately 230 km to Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.
INR2000 (taxi fare approx.), 7h0m

2:00pm

Yamunotri Temple Visit

Visit the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Experience the serene mountain atmosphere and the holy hot springs nearby.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Dinner at Local Guesthouse

Enjoy a traditional Garhwali dinner at a local guesthouse, featuring dishes like aloo ke gutke and mandua chapati.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Harsil Valley Exploration

Yamunotri to Harsil Valley, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast including poha and chai at the guesthouse.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Harsil Valley

Travel 41 km to the picturesque Harsil Valley, known for its apple orchards and Himalayan views.
INR800 (taxi), 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Harsil Apple Orchards

Take a leisurely walk in the verdant apple orchards and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Harsil Riverside Café

Savor local delicacies like rajma chawal with a view of the Bhagirathi River.
INR350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Harsil Golf Course

Relax by the highest golf course in Asia, enjoy the serene landscape and fresh air.
INR500 (entry), 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Enjoy a warm dinner at your lodge with local vegetarian cuisine.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Gangotri Spiritual Visit

Harsil Valley to Gangotri, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Freshly brewed tea and parathas will energize you for the journey ahead.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Gangotri

Travel 84 km to Gangotri, the origin of the holy River Ganges and an important pilgrimage site.
INR1200 (taxi), 3h0m

11:00am

Gangotri Temple Visit

Visit the Gangotri Temple and nearby Bhagirathi River to experience the holiness of this sacred site.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hotel Ganga View

Enjoy North Indian thalis with fresh mountain vegetables and lentils overlooking the river.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Gaumukh Glacier Base (Optional Trek)

For the adventurous, take a short trek towards Gaumukh glacier, the source of the Bhagirathi River (allow 3 hours; best to start early).
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Relish simple, nutritious food and rest well for the longer drives ahead.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 4: Kedarnath Pilgrimage

Gangotri to Kedarnath, India on April 30, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Eat an early breakfast to prepare for a long day of travel and trekking.
INR150, 0h45m

6:45am

Drive to Gaurikund

Begin a 170 km drive to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek. Expect approximately 7 hours travel time with breaks.
INR2500 (taxi), 7h0m

1:45pm

Lunch at Gaurikund

Have a fulfilling lunch with dal, chawal and seasonal vegetables at local eateries before the trek.
INR250, 1h0m

2:45pm

Trek to Kedarnath Temple

Start the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple, a prime pilgrimage destination for Lord Shiva devotees. This trek takes approximately 6-7 hours; consider pony or helicopter options if preferred.
Free (pony rides extra INR4000 approx.), 6h30m

9:15pm

Stay Overnight Near Temple

Rest overnight in temple lodges or guesthouses near Kedarnath.
INR800, Overnight

Day 5: Badrinath Sacred Visit

Kedarnath to Badrinath, India on May 1, 2025

6:00am

Morning Temple Darshan

Attend early morning prayers and experience the spiritual ambiance of Kedarnath before descending.
Free, 1h0m

7:00am

Trek back to Gaurikund

Return trek down to Gaurikund to proceed by vehicle to Badrinath.
Free (pony rides extra), 4h0m

11:00am

Drive Gaurikund to Badrinath

Travel approx 145 km by road, about 6 hours to reach Badrinath, an important Vaishnavite pilgrimage center.
INR2200 (taxi), 6h0m

5:00pm

Visit Badrinath Temple

Explore the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, open from 5:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Snow Crest

Enjoy Alpine-style vegetarian meals with local flavors.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 6: Haridwar Spiritual Introduction

Badrinath to Haridwar, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Badrinath Hotel

Traditional uttapam or stuffed parathas with curd to start the day.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Drive approx 217 km south to Haridwar, a revered city on the banks of the Ganges River.
INR2500 (taxi), 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-In and Rest

Check into your hotel for some relaxation before evening activities.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Watch the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats, open daily from sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine with thalis and sweets.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Rishikesh Relaxation & Yoga

Haridwar to Rishikesh, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast with fruit, tea, and toast to begin a peaceful day.
INR150, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Rishikesh

Short 20 km drive to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world.
INR500 (taxi), 0h45m

10:00am

Attend Yoga Session

Experience a 2-hour morning yoga and meditation session at a reputed ashram like Parmarth Niketan (classes typically 7am-9am or 10am-12pm).
INR800, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Beatles Café

Dine in this iconic café offering a variety of healthy and international vegetarian options.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula

Walk across these famous suspension bridges over the Ganges for scenic views and local shopping.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Local Markets

Shop for spiritual items, handicrafts, and souvenirs in Rishikesh’s bustling market streets.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy organic vegetarian and vegan dishes in a tranquil garden setting.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 8: Return to Delhi

Rishikesh to Delhi, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Healthy breakfast with fruits and parathas to prepare for the return trip.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Delhi

Depart Rishikesh and travel approximately 240 km south to return to Delhi, ending your spiritual and scenic tour of Uttarakhand.
INR3000 (taxi), 6h0m

2:00pm

Arrive in Delhi

Arrive safely in Delhi with memories of an enriching pilgrimage and mountain adventure.
Free, End