6-Day Spiritual and Nature Itinerary: Exploring Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, and Haridwar

Day 1: Spiritual Arrival

Haridwar, India on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hoshiyar Puri

Enjoy traditional North Indian breakfast classics like puris and halwa in a popular local eatery near Har Ki Pauri. This spot opens by 7:30am and offers authentic flavors to start your spiritual journey.
INR150, 1h

9:30am

Har Ki Pauri Visit

Experience the sacred bathing ghats where pilgrims immerse themselves in the Ganges for purification. This iconic spot is open all day and is especially serene in the morning.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Taste wholesome vegetarian meals including thalis combining dal, sabzi, and rice in an eatery renowned for its culinary legacy since 1947, open until 3:00pm.
INR250, 1h

2:00pm

Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car ride to this revered hilltop temple, enjoying panoramic views and peaceful ambience. The temple is open till 6:00pm.
INR100 for cable car round trip, 2h

5:30pm

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a breathtaking ritual that lights up the river with prayers and lamps. The ceremony begins at sunset and is a highlight for all visitors.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hoshiyar Puri

End your first day with a fulfilling dinner of kachori and sabzi, experiencing local flavors in a traditional setting.
INR200, 1h
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Day 2: Rishikesh Exploration

Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Beatles Café

Start your day with continental and Indian breakfast options at this iconic café known for its relaxed ambiance. Opens at 7:00am.
INR300, 1h

8:30am

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Visit these famous suspension bridges over the Ganges offering stunning views and access to various temples and ashrams. Open all day.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Triveni Ghat

Explore this sacred riverside spot where you can see pilgrims perform rituals and ceremonies. A perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy healthy organic dishes and fresh juices in a peaceful setting, ideal for a mid-day refreshment. Open till 3:00pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Participate in a guided yoga and meditation class at this famed ashram, known for its spiritual teachings. Sessions are typically held in the afternoon.
INR500 (donation-based), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Café

Dine on internationally inspired dishes in a cozy, artistic setting by the riverside. Open till 9:00pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 3: Yamunotri Pilgrimage

Yamunotri, India on June 8, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Haridwar

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel or local dhaba before departing to Yamunotri, to start early for the long journey. Many places open by 6:00am.
INR150, 30m

7:00am

Drive from Haridwar to Yamunotri

Embark on a scenic 160km drive through the Garhwal Himalayas, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. Start early to avoid traffic and reach before sunset.
INR1000 approx for taxi, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch en route (pack or stop at a dhaba)

Pack a light picnic lunch or stop at roadside dhabas serving simple vegetarian meals to recharge during the drive.
INR200, 1h

4:30pm

Yamunotri Temple Visit

On arrival, visit the Yamunotri Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site and source of the Yamuna River. The temple typically closes by 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner and Stay at local guesthouse

Enjoy simple Kumaoni vegetarian meals at your guesthouse. Staying overnight in Yamunotri allows for early temple darshan and exploring surrounding hot springs.
INR300, 1h
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Day 4: Gangotri Trekkening

Gangotri, India on June 9, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast with local specialties to fuel up before heading towards Gangotri. Most guesthouses serve breakfast by 6:00am.
INR150, 30m

7:00am

Drive from Yamunotri to Gangotri

Travel about 140km through scenic routes in the Himalayas, approximately 6-7 hours by road. Prepare for variable road conditions and mountain passes.
INR1000 approx taxi fare, 7h

1:30pm

Lunch at Gangotri

Dine at a local restaurant offering basic vegetarian meals suited for travelers. This allows some rest after the long drive.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Gangotri Temple Visit

Visit the sacred Gangotri Temple, a major pilgrimage site marking the origin of the Ganges River. The temple is open until evening around 6:00pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Gaumukh Trek Starting Point

If time permits, explore the area where the trek to Gaumukh Glacier begins, though the full trek is long. This spot is ideal for photos and to appreciate nature around Gangotri.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner and Overnight Stay at guesthouse

Enjoy a comforting vegetarian meal typical of the region before resting for the next day's return journey.
INR300, 1h
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Day 5: Return to Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start with a wholesome breakfast at your guesthouse to prepare for the drive back down to Haridwar.
INR150, 30m

8:00am

Drive from Gangotri to Haridwar

Embark on the approximately 8-hour journey covering about 230km descending from the Himalayas to the plains.
INR1200 approx taxi fare, 8h

2:00pm

Lunch en route at roadside dhaba

Make a lunch stop at local dhabas offering refreshing dal, paratha, and chai on the way down.
INR200, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Haridwar hotel

Relax at your hotel following the long journey and prepare for a calm evening.
Hotel dependent, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Sacred Soul Food

Relish sattvic and pure vegetarian meals focused on healthy, spiritual nourishment in a peaceful ambiance. Open till 9:30pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 6: Final Day Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your last day with energy and relaxation.
INR150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Bharat Mata Mandir

Explore this unique temple dedicated to Mother India featuring maps and statues, offering a blend of spirituality and patriotism. Open until 5:30pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping and Exploring Local Bazaars

Discover souvenirs, religious artifacts, and local handicrafts at Haridwar’s bustling markets near Har Ki Pauri.
Free entry (shopping at own cost), 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Blue Lassi Shop

Refresh yourself with famous sweet and salty lassis along with light snacks; open until late afternoon.
INR150, 30m

2:00pm

Visit Shantikunj Ashram

Experience spiritual lectures and peaceful garden walks at this prominent spiritual centre; best visited in the afternoon before closing around 5:00pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Final Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Revisit the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony to soak in the spiritual atmosphere before departure.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Read India Café

Conclude your trip with a variety of vegetarian dishes and refreshing drinks in a garden setting. Open till 9:00pm.
INR400, 1h
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