Spiritual Journey from Mumbai to the Char Dham: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, and Haridwar

Day 1: Travel to Kedarnath

Mumbai to Kedarnath, India on May 20, 2025

6:00am

Departure from Mumbai

Start your early morning flight or drive from Mumbai to Dehradun or directly to Jolly Grant Airport to begin your journey toward Kedarnath. Flying offers the fastest route.
INR3000-6000 (flight approx.), 8h

2:00pm

Drive from Dehradun to Gaurikund (Base of Kedarnath)

Travel by road for about 220 km through scenic mountain roads to reach Gaurikund, the final base point for the Kedarnath trek.
INR1500 (taxi approx.), 7h

9:00pm

Overnight stay in Gaurikund

Rest well here before starting the trek to Kedarnath early next day; basic guesthouses available in the area.
INR1500, Overnight

Day 2: Kedarnath pilgrimage

Kedarnath, India on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

Begin a 16 km trek through beautiful Himalayan terrain to reach the holy Kedarnath temple, best to start early to avoid crowds.
Free, 7h

1:30pm

Visit Kedarnath Temple

Explore this sacred Shiva temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, renowned for its spiritual energy and stunning mountain backdrop.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy a simple meal of aloo puri and dal at guesthouse near the temple, perfect to refuel after the trek.
INR150, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Bhairavnath Temple and explore surrounding areas

Visit the nearby temple of Bhairavnath and soak in the peaceful mountain views and spiritual calm.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner and overnight stay in Kedarnath

Overnight at guesthouse in Kedarnath; meals typically include simple North Indian fare.
INR2000, Overnight

Day 3: Travel to Badrinath

Kedarnath to Badrinath, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Trek down from Kedarnath to Gaurikund

Descend the mountain trail back to Gaurikund to start your onward journey to Badrinath.
Free, 6h

1:30pm

Drive from Gaurikund to Badrinath

Travel approximately 220 km by road, enjoying scenic views of the Himalayas on your route to Badrinath.
INR2500 (taxi approx.), 8h

9:30pm

Check-in and rest in Badrinath

Settle into hotel accommodation in Badrinath and prepare for temple visit the next day.
INR3000, Overnight

Day 4: Badrinath temple visit

Badrinath, India on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Visit Badrinath Temple

Spend the morning visiting the sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Free, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at local dhaba

Enjoy fresh parathas and chai at a local dhaba near the temple for a hearty start to the day.
INR150, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Tapt Kund Hot Springs

Take a relaxing dip or simply experience the holy warm springs believed to have healing properties.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Mana Village

Visit the last village before the Mana pass and explore ancient temples and local culture.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at hotel or local restaurant

Sample Himachali dishes such as siddu and rajma served freshly at your accommodation or nearby eateries.
INR300, 1h

4:00pm

Rest and stroll

Relax or take a gentle stroll around Badrinath town absorbing the peaceful Himalayan environment.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a warm dinner with options including dal, rice, and seasonal vegetables in your hotel.
INR300, 1h

Day 5: Travel to Rishikesh

Badrinath to Rishikesh, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Have a quick and energizing breakfast such as poha or toast and chai before departure.
INR100, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh

Embark on a long 260 km scenic drive through the foothills of the Himalayas taking approximately 10 hours.
INR3000 (taxi approx.), 10h

5:30pm

Check-in and relax at Rishikesh

Settle into your hotel or ashram, preparing for spiritual and adventure activities next days.
INR2500, Overnight

Day 6: Rishikesh exploration

Rishikesh, India on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy a fresh, organic breakfast including smoothie bowls and continental options in this well-known café open from 7am.
INR400, 1h

9:00am

Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Explore the iconic suspension bridges offering panoramic views over the Ganges and a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Yoga session at an ashram

Join a morning yoga class at one of Rishikesh’s famous ashrams such as Parmarth Niketan to experience authentic practice.
INR500, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Relish traditional North Indian thali featuring fresh breads, dal, sabzi, and rice in this popular eatery open till 4pm.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Ganges River rafting

Join a guided rafting trip on the Ganges River for thrilling rapids and scenic adventure, typically starting mid-afternoon.
INR1200, 2h

6:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the spiritual and mesmerizing sunset aarti ceremony with lamps and chanting, a must-see cultural event.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Beatles Cafe

Unwind with delicious continental and Indian dishes in a relaxed café named after The Beatles, open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h

Day 7: Haridwar visit

Rishikesh to Haridwar, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wholesome Indian or continental breakfast served at your accommodation.
INR250, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Take a short 1-hour scenic drive (approximately 20 km) to Haridwar, a major pilgrimage city on the banks of the Ganges.
INR700 (taxi approx.), 1h

10:00am

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Explore the iconic ghat where pilgrims take holy dips; one of the most sacred ghats along the Ganges River.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Savor authentic North Indian vegetarian meals in this famous Haridwar restaurant, open till 4pm.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car ride up to Mansa Devi temple on the hill for magnificent views and spiritual vibes.
INR150 (cable car), 2h

6:00pm

Attend evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the grand and colorful Ganga Aarti with priests performing rituals and devotees chanting.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant Haridwar

Enjoy fulfilling vegetarian cuisine in a lively restaurant known for its wholesome meals and spiritual ambiance.
INR350, 1h