Affordable Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra from Mumbai with Free Meals and Stays

Day 1: Travel to Haridwar

Mumbai to Haridwar, India on May 5, 2025

6:00am

Train/Flight from Mumbai to Haridwar

Start early from Mumbai by train or flight to Haridwar for convenient access to the Char Dham route. Book tickets in advance for cheapest fares.
INR1500-3000, 10h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Ashram/Free Dharamshala

Stay at budget ashrams or government-run dharamshalas providing free or minimal cost accommodations with free langars (meals).
INR0-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ashram Langar

Enjoy free or donation-based wholesome local meals served at ashrams, experiencing spiritual hospitality.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 2: Yamunotri Visit

Haridwar to Yamunotri, Uttarakhand on May 6, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Yamunotri Base via Uttarkashi

Depart early by shared taxi or bus to Janki Chatti, the base for Yamunotri trek.
INR300, 6h

12:00pm

Trek to Yamunotri Temple

A scenic 6 km uphill trek to the Yamunotri temple, the origin of the Yamuna River. Moderate hike with natural hot springs en route.
Free, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Try simple local vegetarian food like aloo ke gutke and rajma chawal at budget-friendly dhabas near the temple.
INR100-150, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Janki Chatti and onward to Uttarkashi

Descend the trek and take transport back towards Uttarkashi for overnight stay at a budget ashram offering free meals.
INR300, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Uttarkashi Ashram Langar

Enjoy a community meal served at the ashram, focused on sattvic and simple food.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 3: Gangotri Pilgrimage

Uttarkashi to Gangotri, Uttarakhand on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Bus/Shared Taxi to Gangotri

Travel approx 40 km to Gangotri, the starting point to the Gangotri Temple and source of the Ganges river.
INR200-400, 2h

9:30am

Visit Gangotri Temple

Explore the sacred temple and take in the serene Himalayan views. Open from 5:00am to 7:00pm daily.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Trek to Gomukh Glacier (optional)

For physically able pilgrims, start trek to Gomukh, the glacial source of the Bhagirathi river, approx 18 km one way.
Free, 6h (round trip partial trek possible)

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Have a simple meal including lentils and rice at local dhabas that serve fresh, filling food to pilgrims.
INR100-150, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Uttarkashi

Head back to Uttarkashi for affordable lodging and free dinners at ashrams.
INR300, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Uttarkashi Ashram Langar

Participate in free or donation-based dinner services at the ashram offering sattvic meals.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 4: Kedarnath Journey

Uttarkashi to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on May 8, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Gaurikund

Travel approximately 215 km from Uttarkashi to Gaurikund village, the base for the Kedarnath trek.
INR700-1000, 8h

2:00pm

Check-in at Budget Dharamshala in Gaurikund

Accommodations here often provide free meals and simple lodging to pilgrims with small donation basis.
INR0-200, Overnight

3:30pm

Begin Trek to Kedarnath (Half Day)

Start the 14 km trek to Kedarnath Temple; partial trekking on first day recommended to avoid fatigue, stay overnight at camps en route if needed.
Free, 3-4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Campsite Langar

Enjoy free community meals served at camps or dharamshalas near trek route.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 5: Kedarnath Temple Visit

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand on May 9, 2025

5:00am

Reach Kedarnath Temple

Arrive early for darshan at the famous Shiva temple, open typically from 4:30am to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Langar

Start your day with free or minimal cost traditional food offered at langars operated by various trusts.
Free/Donation, 1h

11:00am

Explore Kedarnath Area

Visit nearby temples and natural beauty spots, including Bhairavnath Temple and enjoy the Himalayan vistas.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Community Kitchen

Partake in simple vegetarian meals served free or nominally at community kitchens run by pilgrim organizations.
Free/Donation, 1h

4:00pm

Trek back to Gaurikund

Return trek downhill to Gaurikund for overnight stay.
Free, 5h

9:00pm

Dinner at Dharamshala

Enjoy free langar or donate-based simple meal at dharamshala where you stay.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 6: Badrinath Visit

Gaurikund to Badrinath, Uttarakhand on May 10, 2025

5:00am

Travel to Badrinath

Drive approx 150 km from Gaurikund to Badrinath, a key Char Dham site.
INR800-1200, 7h

12:00pm

Visit Badrinath Temple

Explore the famous Vishnu temple and take in the beautiful surroundings, open from 4:30am to 8:00pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Community Kitchen

Eat at free or donation-based community kitchens providing sattvic food trusted by pilgrims in Badrinath.
Free/Donation, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Nearby Attractions

Visit Tapt Kund hot water springs and Mana village close to Badrinath for cultural experience.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner and Stay at Guest House/Dharamshala

Choose affordable lodging with free or subsidized meal facilities for pilgrims.
INR0-300, Overnight
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Day 7: Return to Mumbai

Badrinath to Mumbai on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Return about 300 km to Haridwar taking approximately 10 hours by bus or shared taxi.
INR1000-1500, 10h

4:00pm

Check-in at Haridwar Budget Accommodation

Stay at a dharamshala or guest house with affordable or free meals.
INR0-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Participate in Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Attend the evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual held by the Ganges river, a must-see experience.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Ashram Langar

Enjoy a simple vegetarian dinner at the free community kitchen nearby after the aarti.
Free/Donation, 1h
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Day 8: Departure to Mumbai

Haridwar to Mumbai on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Train/Flight back to Mumbai

Depart from Haridwar to Mumbai by train or flight, completing the Char Dham Yatra.
INR1500-3000, 10h
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