Budget-Friendly Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra Itinerary

Day 1: Haridwar Arrival

Haridwar, India on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Har Ki Pauri

Start the yatra by visiting the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat, known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual experience to connect with river Ganges.
INR0, 1h

9:30AM

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy an affordable traditional North Indian breakfast including aloo paratha and chai at this popular local eatery.
INR100, 1h

11:00AM

Travel to Barkot

Take a budget-friendly shared taxi or local bus towards Barkot, the gateway for Yamunotri pilgrimage. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
INR500, 6h

6:30PM

Dinner at Barkot Local Dhaba

Dine at a local dhaba offering simple home-cooked meals such as dal, roti, and vegetables at minimal cost.
INR120, 1h

Day 2: Yamunotri Visit

Barkot to Yamunotri, India on May 6, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Barkot Hotel

Early breakfast with local fresh food like poha and tea to energize for the trek to Yamunotri.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Trek to Yamunotri Temple

Begin the 13 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The trek takes about 5-6 hours round trip.
INR100 for pony rental optional, 6h

1:30PM

Lunch near Yamunotri Temple

Sample traditional mountain cuisine such as rajma or thali at small local stalls around the temple area.
INR150, 1h

3:00PM

Return trek to Barkot

Descend back to Barkot via the same trekking route, enjoying scenic views of the Himalayas.
INR0, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner and Rest at Barkot

Enjoy a light dinner focusing on local vegetarian dishes at a budget guest house.
INR100, 1h

Day 3: Kedarnath Journey

Barkot to Kedarnath, India on May 7, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast in Barkot

Have a wholesome local breakfast of parathas and tea to prepare for the long journey.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Gaurikund

Take a shared jeep or bus from Barkot to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. Journey time approx 8-9 hours.
INR600, 8h

3:00PM

Lunch en route (packed or local dhaba)

Opt for packed meals or stop at roadside dhabas offering basic meals like dal chawal or pakoras for budget savings.
INR100, 30m

5:00PM

Check-in and rest at Gaurikund

Rest in economical accommodations or guest houses preparing for the trek next day to Kedarnath temple.
INR500, overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at guest house

Simple and home-style vegetarian food served at your guest house to keep expenses low.
INR100, 1h

Day 4: Kedarnath Darshan

Gaurikund to Kedarnath, India on May 8, 2025

5:00AM

Breakfast at Gaurikund

Early breakfast before beginning the trek. Simple foods like bread, butter, eggs, and tea are recommended.
INR80, 30m

6:00AM

Trek to Kedarnath Temple

Trek 16 km uphill from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple. Alternatively, hire a budget pony or palanquin service if needed. The trek takes 6-7 hours.
INR200 optional for pony, 7h

12:00PM

Kedarnath Temple Visit

Offer prayers at the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, a must-visit spiritual experience in the Char Dham yatra.
INR0, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch near Kedarnath Temple

Taste simple prasad meals and local cuisine served by temple eateries at affordable prices.
INR150, 1h

2:00PM

Return trek to Gaurikund

Descend back to Gaurikund the same day. The downhill trek is faster, around 4-5 hours.
INR0, 5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Gaurikund

Have a warm, budget-friendly meal at your guest house to recover from the trek.
INR100, 1h

Day 5: Badrinath Visit

Gaurikund to Badrinath, India on May 9, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Gaurikund

Early light breakfast to prepare for the journey to Badrinath via Rudraprayag.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Badrinath

Use shared taxis or buses to move from Gaurikund to Badrinath via Rudraprayag; journey time approximately 8-9 hours.
INR600, 8h

1:00PM

Lunch en route

Stopover at local dhabas serving simple rice and dal meals for a cost-effective lunch.
INR120, 30m

4:00PM

Badrinath Temple Darshan

Visit the revered Badrinath temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu; open from 6:00AM to 9:00PM daily.
INR0, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Badrinath Local Hotel

Enjoy traditional Kumaoni meals at budget guest houses or local eateries to keep costs low.
INR130, 1h

Day 6: Gangotri and Return

Badrinath to Haridwar via Gangotri, India on May 10, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Badrinath

Simple breakfast before heading out to Gangotri, the last shrine of the Char Dham Yatra.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Gangotri

Journey by shared transport to Gangotri, approximately 6-7 hours travel.
INR500, 6h

1:00PM

Lunch at Gangotri

Sample local dhaba food offering simple vegetarian options near the Gangotri Temple.
INR120, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Gangotri Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, a significant part of the Char Dham yatra, open between 5:00AM-9:00PM.
INR0, 1h

3:00PM

Return journey to Haridwar

Depart from Gangotri to Haridwar via shared taxi or bus for about 8 hours, completing the circuit.
INR700, 8h

9:00PM

Late Dinner in Haridwar

Enjoy an economical dinner at a local eatery near Haridwar railway station or bus stand for convenience.
INR100, 1h