Comprehensive Pilgrimage Itinerary Covering Chota Char Dham, Panch Kedar, Sapta Badri, Panch Prayag, Panch Kailash, Haridwar & Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrival and Haridwar Exploration

Haridwar, India on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Delhi to Haridwar

Start early morning by train or car from Delhi to Haridwar, which usually takes around 5-6 hours, to begin your spiritual journey.
INR1500, 6h0m

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check-in at your hotel or guesthouse in Haridwar. For lunch, try 'Chotiwala Restaurant' offering traditional North Indian thali with pure vegetarian cuisine.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Har Ki Pauri Visit

Visit Har Ki Pauri, the famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges, known for its beautiful evening Ganga Aarti ceremony which begins at sunset and showcases devotional rituals.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hoshiyar Puri

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at Hoshiyar Puri, a renowned restaurant serving authentic vegetarian delicacies near Har Ki Pauri.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Rishikesh Spiritual and Adventure Day

Rishikesh, India on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Haridwar to Rishikesh

Drive from Haridwar to Rishikesh, taking approximately 1 hour, heading north along the Ganges to this epicentre of yoga and spirituality.
INR500, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy a healthy, organic vegetarian breakfast featuring smoothies and continental options at this highly rated café.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Explore the famous ghats and immerse in spirituality at Parmarth Niketan, which hosts morning yoga sessions and Ganga Aarti.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Beatles Café

Have a relaxed lunch at Beatles Café with a view of the Ganges, serving Indian and continental dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula Visit

Walk across these iconic suspension bridges spanning the Ganges. Visit nearby temples and soak in riverside views.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Optional White Water Rafting

For adventurous souls, take an optional 2-3 hour white water rafting session on the Ganges, operating from 9 am to 5 pm during daylight.
INR1000, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chatsang Café

Enjoy delicious Tibetan and Indian dishes at this cosy café popular with locals and travellers.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 3: Panch Prayag Visit – Devprayag and Srinagar Focus

Panch Prayag Region, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Depart Rishikesh to Devprayag

Travel in the morning from Rishikesh to Devprayag (approx 3-4 hrs), the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, an important Panch Prayag site.
INR800, 4h0m

11:30am

Visit Devprayag Temple

Visit Raghunathji Temple and other sacred spots, witnessing the confluence where the Ganges officially begins.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery in Devprayag

Try freshly prepared local vegetarian dishes at a roadside eatery, offering an authentic experience.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Srinagar

Proceed to Srinagar (approx 1 hour), another Panch Prayag where Alaknanda meets other tributaries.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Srinagar

Visit Panch Prayag temples, local markets, and scenic confluences.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Check-in and Dinner

Check-in at a guesthouse and have dinner consisting of simple, homemade mountain cuisine.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Yamunotri and Nearby Pilgrimage

Yamunotri Valley, India on May 20, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Yamunotri Base

Early morning drive to the Yamunotri temple base, a 6 - 7 hour journey, so start early with necessary breaks.
INR1500, 7h0m

1:00pm

Light Lunch en route

Stop at roadside dhabas for simple North Indian vegetarian food during your journey to Yamunotri.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Yamunotri Trek

From the base, begin a 6 km uphill trek (approx 3-4 hours) to the temple, famous as the source of the Yamuna River, holding strong religious significance.
Entrance Free, 4h0m

6:30pm

Darshan and Local Stay

Perform darshan at Yamunotri Temple, then overnight stay in local guesthouse or dharamshala.
INR500, Overnight

Day 5: Gangotri Temple Visit

Gangotri, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Yamunotri to Gangotri

Start early for the scenic journey to Gangotri (approx 5-6 hours), another principal pilgrimage site marking the origin of the sacred Ganges.
INR1300, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Gangotri

Lunch at modest eateries near the temple, serving simple vegetarian food perfect to refuel after travel.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gangotri Temple

Visit the temple complex and nearby Gomukh viewpoint; check opening hours from 6 am to 6 pm for darshan.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Optional Short Trek to Gaumukh Glacier

For the enthusiastic trekker, start the trek towards Gaumukh (approx 14 km return), the origin of Bhagirathi River.
Free, 4h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Stay overnight in guesthouses around Gangotri and enjoy a peaceful dinner of local produce.
INR500, Overnight

Day 6: Kedarnath Journey Start

Phata / Gaurikund, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Gangotri to Phata/Gaurikund

Drive early morning to Phata or Gaurikund, base for Kedarnath trek, around 7-8 hours via mountain roads.
INR1600, 8h0m

3:00pm

Lunch on Way

Stop at local dhabas to have fresh mountain cuisine during the drive.
INR300, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Gaurikund/Phata

Rest and prepare for pilgrimage trek to Kedarnath next day.
INR700, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner

Enjoy simple north Indian vegetarian meals locally served.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Kedarnath Trek and Darshan

Kedarnath, India on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Kedarnath Trek Start

Begin the 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple at dawn; the trek usually takes 6-8 hours depending on fitness.
Free, 8h0m

2:00pm

Darshan at Kedarnath Temple

Perform darshan at this sacred Lord Shiva temple, open typically from 4 am to 7 pm, and experience the divine ambiance.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Rest and Local Exploration

Rest in lodges beside the temple and explore nearby religious sites like Bhairavnath temple.
INR500, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner Overnight Stay

Dinner at the lodge coupled with overnight stay preparing for return trek next day.
INR700, Overnight

Day 8: Return Trek and Journey to Badrinath

Badrinath, India on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Return Trek to Gaurikund

Begin early morning return trek of 16 km to Gaurikund, taking around 5-6 hours downhill.
Free, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gaurikund

Refuel with hearty meals at local eateries after trek.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Badrinath

Travel approx 6-7 hours to Badrinath, the final and significant shrine of the Chota Char Dham.
INR1600, 7h0m

8:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Badrinath

Settle into accommodation and enjoy dinner with simple Uttarakhand cuisine.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 9: Badrinath and Nearby Pilgrimage Spots

Badrinath, India on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Badrinath Temple Darshan

Attend early morning prayers and visit Badrinath temple, open from 4 am to 9 pm, one of the most important Vishnu shrines.
Free, 2h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy fresh local produce and wholesome vegetarian breakfast at your hotel.
INR400, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Tapt Kund and Mata Murti Temple

Explore these nearby natural hot spring water pools and pilgrimage sites linked with Goddess Lakshmi.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Taste traditional Kumaoni dishes like aloo ke gutke and gahat dal at a local eatery.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Charanpaduka and Neelkanth Peak viewpoint

See foot impressions of Lord Vishnu at Charanpaduka and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views towards Neelkanth peak.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Relax with an early dinner and rest preparing for next day's journey to Panch Kedar.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 10: Panch Kedar Temples Tour

Panch Kedar Region, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Badrinath to Guptkashi

Approx 6 hours drive towards Guptkashi, base for Panch Kedar temples exploration.
INR1600, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Guptkashi

Have lunch at local cafés offering homely Kumaoni vegetarian food.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kedarnath (Kedarnath of Panch Kedar, not to be confused with main Kedarnath)

Visit local temples like Kedarnath temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, exploring lesser-known yet sacred shrines.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner

Rest and dinner at guesthouses offering traditional food with spiritual ambience.
INR500, Overnight

Day 11: Continue Panch Kedar Temples Visit

Panch Kedar Region, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Visit Tungnath Temple

Trek/drive to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, open from 6 am to 6 pm, with outstanding views.
Free, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy simple meal featuring local vegetables and lentils at nearby dhabas.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Rudranath Temple

Visit the Rudranath temple, nestled in serene hills as part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Guptkashi

Drive back and rest.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner

Dinner at guesthouse with regional delicacies.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 12: Visit Madhyamaheshwar & Kalpeshwar Temples

Panch Kedar / Sapta Badri Region, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Madhyamaheshwar

Visit Madhyamaheshwar temple, part of Panch Kedar circuit, open from 6 am to 7 pm, surrounded by spectacular peaks.
Free, 3h0m

11:00am

Lunch at local eatery

Eat simple vegetarian fare featuring local grains and vegetables.
INR250, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Kalpeshwar Temple

Kalpeshwar is one of the Panch Kedar temples, accessible by a moderate trek amidst peaceful forest.
Free, 4h0m

5:30pm

Return to Guptkashi

Drive back to Guptkashi for overnight stay.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner

Dinner at guesthouse enjoying local staple foods.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 13: Sapta Badri Exploration

Sapta Badri Region, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Pandukeshwar

Begin your day exploring Sapta Badri temples starting with Pandukeshwar, renowned for mythology and spiritual importance.
Free, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Adi Badri

Visit Adi Badri temple complex, a cluster of ancient temples significant to the legend of Lord Vishnu.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Local cuisines providing hearty vegetarian meals to refuel after touring temples.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri is considered very ancient and forms part of Sapta Badri temples, enjoyed in serene ambience.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Guptkashi

Drive back to your base town.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner

Dinner and rest preparing for Panch Kailash journey next day.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 14: Panch Kailash Pilgrimage

Panch Kailash Region, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Mount Kailash Viewpoints

Visit the five revered Kailash shrines, starting with Adi Kailash at sufficient proximity to appreciate Himalaya spiritual significance.
INR2000, 8h0m

12:30pm

Packed Lunch en route

Carry your pre-packed simple meals during mountainous travel to maintain flexibility.
INR500, 30m

6:00pm

Return to Base

Drive back in the evening to your accommodation for rest.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner

Enjoy light dinner and discuss the day's spiritual experience.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 15: Return to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Panch Kailash region to Rishikesh

Make a long drive back to Rishikesh (approx 8-9 hours) for relaxation and optional further spiritual activities.
INR2000, 9h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Check back into your hotel in Rishikesh to rest after a long day of travel.
INR1500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Café

Enjoy a fusion dinner overlooking the Ganges blending Indian and Western cuisine, perfect for relaxation.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 16: Additional Spiritual or Leisure Day

Rishikesh/Haridwar, India on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Yoga and Meditation Session

Begin your day with an early morning yoga and meditation session at ashrams like Parmarth Niketan or Sivananda Ashram open for public from 6 am.
Free to INR1000, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Nirvana

Enjoy healthy organic breakfast with fresh juices and vegan options.
INR400, 1h0m

11:00am

Shopping and Local Sightseeing

Explore local markets and buy spiritual handicrafts, souvenirs, and Ayurveda products.
Variable, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Ganga View Café

Sample wholesome meals with river views for a leisurely afternoon.
INR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Visit the abandoned ashram once frequented by The Beatles, now a serene spot infused with artistic graffiti and spiritual vibes, open between 9 am to 6 pm.
INR300, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pure Soul

Enjoy another delightful meal at Pure Soul focusing on health-conscious cuisine making it a nourishing end to your trip.
INR450, 1h0m