Budget-Friendly Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra: Yamunotri to Badrinath Route

Day 1: Yamunotri Trek

Barkot, India on May 5, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival and Breakfast at Barkot

Start your yatra with a budget-friendly breakfast at a local eatery in Barkot offering aloo paratha and chai.
INR100, 1h

9:00AM

Trek to Yamunotri Temple

Embark on the scenic 13 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple, sacred to Goddess Yamuna, and enjoy the natural beauty.
INR100 optional pony rental, 6h

3:00PM

Lunch near Yamunotri

Relish simple local mountain food such as rajma or thali at small eateries near the temple area.
INR150, 1h

4:30PM

Return Trek to Barkot

Descend trekking route back to Barkot to rest after the day’s journey.
INR0, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Barkot Local Dhaba

Enjoy an economical dinner at a local dhaba offering home-style vegetarian meals.
INR100, 1h

Day 2: Gangotri Visit

Barkot to Gangotri, India on May 6, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast in Barkot

Have an energizing breakfast with local cuisine such as poha and tea before travelling long distance.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Gangotri

Take a shared taxi or bus to Gangotri, approx. 6-7 hour journey through scenic routes of Uttarakhand.
INR500, 6h

1:30PM

Lunch at Gangotri

Savour budget-friendly vegetarian meals at local dhabas near the Gangotri Temple area.
INR120, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Gangotri Temple

Explore the revered temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, open from 5:00AM to 9:00PM daily.
INR0, 1h

4:30PM

Rest and Overnight Stay

Check into budget lodges or guest houses in Gangotri to prepare for next day's travel.
INR400, overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Dinner featuring simple and home-cooked vegetarian dishes to keep expenses low.
INR100, 1h

Day 3: Travel to Kedarnath Base

Gangotri to Gaurikund, India on May 7, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Gangotri

Early breakfast with filling dishes such as parathas and tea.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Gaurikund

Depart Gangotri and journey by shared taxi or bus to Gaurikund, the base for Kedarnath trek; approx. 8-9 hours travel.
INR600, 8h

1:00PM

Lunch En Route

Enjoy packed meals or quick food stops offering dal bolani or rice for budget-friendly lunch.
INR100, 30m

4:00PM

Check-in at Gaurikund

Settle into economical guest houses or dharamshalas in Gaurikund to rest before trek to Kedarnath.
INR500, overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Guest House

Have affordable vegetarian dinner prepared at your guest house.
INR100, 1h

Day 4: Kedarnath Darshan

Gaurikund to Kedarnath, India on May 8, 2025

5:30AM

Breakfast at Gaurikund

Light breakfast with bread, butter, eggs, and tea to prepare for trekking.
INR80, 30m

6:00AM

Trek to Kedarnath Temple

Begin the 16 km uphill trek to the sacred Kedarnath temple. Budget pony or palanquin services are available at extra cost.
INR200 optional for pony, 6-7h

12:00PM

Kedarnath Temple Visit

Spend time offering prayers at the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, open all day during pilgrimage season.
INR0, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch near Kedarnath

Enjoy simple and affordable meals provided by temple canteens and local eateries.
INR150, 1h

2:00PM

Return Trek to Gaurikund

Descend along the trekking path to Gaurikund, a slower-paced journey of about 4-5 hours.
INR0, 5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Gaurikund Guest House

Hearty vegetarian dinner in budget accommodations to recover from trek.
INR100, 1h

Day 5: Badrinath Temple

Gaurikund to Badrinath, India on May 9, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Gaurikund

Early breakfast with traditional parathas and tea to prepare for travel to Badrinath.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel to Badrinath

Journey via shared taxis or buses over approximately 8-9 hours through Rudraprayag to Badrinath.
INR600, 8h

12:30PM

Lunch En Route

Stop at local dhabas for nutritious and cost-effective meals such as dal, rice, and sabzi.
INR120, 30m

4:00PM

Badrinath Temple Visit

Visit the famous Badrinath temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu; timings 6:00AM to 9:00PM.
INR0, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Guest House

Enjoy home-cooked Kumaoni cuisine at affordable prices in local guest accommodations.
INR130, 1h

Day 6: Return to Haridwar

Badrinath to Haridwar, India on May 10, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Badrinath

Simple breakfast of bread, butter, and tea to begin your return journey.
INR80, 30m

7:00AM

Travel from Badrinath to Haridwar

Board shared taxis or buses for approximately 10-hour journey back to Haridwar, completing the Char Dham yatra.
INR700, 10h

5:30PM

Arrival and Dinner in Haridwar

After arrival, enjoy a meal at budget-friendly local eateries near the station offering simple vegetarian North Indian cuisine.
INR100, 1h