Complete 5-Day Char Dham Yatra Itinerary with Helicopter Transfer to Kedarnath and Overnight Stay

Day 1: Arrival & Haridwar

Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India on August 14, 2025

9:00AM

Arrive and check into hotel

Settle into a comfortable hotel in Haridwar as the base for the start of the Char Dham yatra. Prepare for the upcoming pilgrimage with rest.
INR3000 per room approx., 2h0m

10:30AM

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy traditional North Indian breakfast like aloo puri, kachori, and sweet jalebis, popular among pilgrims.
INR200 per person approx., 1h0m

12:00PM

Har Ki Pauri Ghat

Visit the famous Har Ki Pauri for initial darshan and spiritual cleansing in the holy Ganges river.
Free, 1h30m

4:30PM

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the spectacular evening Ganga Aarti with lamps, chants and holy rituals. This starts at sunset around 6:30PM.
Free, 1h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Hoshiyar Puri

Dine on wholesome vegetarian dishes, including thali meals, in this iconic Haridwar eatery open till 10PM.
INR300 per person approx., 1h0m

Day 2: Helicopter to Kedarnath

Haridwar to Kedarnath on August 15, 2025

5:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a light breakfast to prepare for the helicopter ride and trek ahead.
Included in hotel stay, 0h30m

6:00AM

Drive to Phata/Guptkashi Helicopter Pad

Travel to nearest helicopter base for Kedarnath onboarding. The drive takes about 7-8 hours from Haridwar to Guptkashi, so consider traveling previous evening or by overnight arrangements. Alternatively, use helicopter from Dehradun or other prearranged location if available.
Taxi approx INR 4000-6000, 7h30m

2:00PM

Helicopter ride to Kedarnath

Board the helicopter from Guptkashi or Phata base to Kedarnath helipad for fast access to the temple. Flights operate from 6AM to 5PM approximately. Book tickets in advance to secure seats for 5 pilgrims.
INR 7000-9000 per person approx., 30m

2:30PM

Check into Kedarnath guest house

Stay overnight close to the temple at government or private guest houses, offering basic amenities but convenient access.
INR 1500-3000 per night per room approx., Rest of day

3:30PM

Kedarnath Darshan

Visit Kedarnath temple for afternoon prayers and blessings. The temple is open from dawn to dusk, around 5AM-7PM approx. Evening pooja can be witnessed here.
Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Guest House

Enjoy simple, warm vegetarian meal served by the guesthouse to rejuvenate after a day of travel and darshan.
INR 300 per person approx., 1h0m

Day 3: Kedarnath to Guptkashi

Kedarnath to Guptkashi, Uttarakhand on August 16, 2025

6:00AM

Early Morning Kedarnath Temple Visit

Attend morning Aarti and final darshan at Kedarnath temple before departure. The temple opens early around 5AM.
Free, 1h0m

7:30AM

Breakfast at Guest House

Have a nourishing breakfast before boarding the helicopter back.
INR 200-300 per person, 1h0m

9:00AM

Helicopter Back to Guptkashi/Phata

Board helicopter and return to Guptkashi or Phata helipad for onward journey.
INR 7000-9000 per person, 30m

10:00AM

Drive to Joshimath, then Badrinath

Commence drive towards Joshimath for rest, then proceed to Badrinath temple for darshan. This scenic route is around 6-7 hours total including stops.
Taxi INR 6000-8000 approx., 6h0m

4:00PM

Check-in Badrinath Hotel

Stay overnight at Badrinath town to rest after long drive and prepare for temple visit the next day.
INR 3000-4000 per room, Rest of evening

5:00PM

Evening Walk around Badrinath Market

Explore the local market and shops selling religious items, warm woollens and snacks.
Free to explore, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Savor light vegetarian meal with local flavors served at hotel.
INR 300 per person, 1h0m

Day 4: Badrinath Darshan

Badrinath, Uttarakhand on August 17, 2025

5:00AM

Morning Darshan at Badrinath Temple

Attend the first darshan of the day at Badrinath temple which is open roughly from 4AM to 10PM, especially active in mornings.
Free, 2h0m

7:30AM

Breakfast at Gandhi Restaurant

Enjoy a local breakfast including stuffed parathas and chai in this popular spot.
INR 150-250 per person, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Yamunotri

Start early morning drive towards Yamunotri (approx. 5-6 hours). The route winds through beautiful valleys and hills. Consider starting the drive the previous evening if possible to optimize time.
Taxi fare INR 6000-8000 approx., 5h30m

3:00PM

Visit Yamunotri Temple

Temple open typically from May to October. Pay respects and enjoy hot springs nearby. Must reach by afternoon before closing (usually by 7PM).
Free, 1h0m

4:30PM

Overnight Stay in Yamunotri Area

Book guesthouse or dharamshala nearby for overnight stay after darshan, offering simple facilities.
INR 1200-2000 approx., Rest of evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy simple vegetarian meal prepared in the mountain style local flavor.
INR 200-300 per person, 1h0m

Day 5: Gangotri Visit & Return

Yamunotri to Gangotri, Uttarakhand on August 18, 2025

5:00AM

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Prepare for early travel towards Gangotri after a light breakfast.
Included in stay, 0h30m

6:00AM

Drive to Gangotri

Travel from Yamunotri to Gangotri approx. 4-5 hours by road through picturesque landscapes.
Taxi approx INR 5000-6000, 4h30m

11:00AM

Gangotri Temple Darshan

Visit the sacred temple of Goddess Ganga, open May to October, with calm surroundings and flowing river.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy simple vegetarian thali meals with mountain fresh ingredients at local dhaba.
INR 200 per person, 1h0m

2:00PM

Return to Haridwar

Start the journey back to Haridwar considering a 9-10 hour drive. Overnight stop arranged midway if desired.
Taxi INR 6000-7000 approx., 9h0m

8:00PM

Dinner en route or at Haridwar

Have dinner at a highway restaurant or once back in Haridwar depending on arrival time.
INR 300 per person approx., 1h0m