Char Dham Yatra

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & MUSSOORIE NIGHT STAY

Ditch the usual route starting from Haridwar. Instead, why not kick things off in Dehradun? Spend a night in the beautiful hill station of Mussoorie, just 30 kilometers away.

• While Haridwar and Rishikesh also acts as starting points, but we recommend starting in Dehradun and ending in Haridwar. 

DAY 2: MUSSOORIE TO JANKI CHATTI

1. Wake up after a relaxing stay in Mussoorie and enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel your journey.
2. Depart from Mussoorie and head towards Jankichatti, the starting point for the Yamunotri Dham Yatra.
3. This route is approximately 140 kilometers and should take around 5 hours under normal conditions.
4. However, be aware of potential heavy traffic during peak season, especially in Mussoorie & Jankichatti. This could extend the travel time to 8-9 hours.
5. Take a detour to visit Kempty Fall, a beautiful waterfall located about 16 kilometers from Mussoorie Mall Road on the way to Jankichatti.
   Due to potential crowding in Jankichatti, consider staying overnight in Hanuman Chatti.
6. Historically, Hanuman Chatti served as a starting point for the Yamunotri Dham Yatra and offers a quieter alternative.

DAY 3: YAMUNOTRI DHAM & UTTARKASHI

1. Wake up after a relaxing stay in somewhere between hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti and enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel your journey.
2. Before Starting or after completing Yamunotri Yatra you can visit Yamuna Maan winter temple at Kharsali (Janki Chatti).
3. This route is approximately 10 kilometers and should take around 5 – 6 hours under normal conditions try to start early morning around 6 am to avoid crowd.
4. Upon reaching Yamunotri, take a rejuvenating dip in the Tapt Kund, a thermal spring believed to possess healing properties. This will wash away any travel fatigue and prepare you for the blessings ahead.
5. Visit the main Yamunotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Surya Dev, sister of Yama and Shani Dev Ji.
6. For the adventurous pilgrims, a further 20-30 minute hike leads to Garuda Ganga and Ganesh Ganga, two sacred streams and a challenging one-hour hike, recommended only with a high level of experience and a local guide, takes you to Nag Ganga, another holy stream and the Saptrishi Kund origin of Yamona is about further 14 kms away and also can be done with experienced local guide.
7. A After receiving blessings from Maa Yamuna, descend back to Janki Chatti.
8. From Janki Chatti, Continue your journey to Barkot, approximately 45 kilometers away for night stay or. Choose a resting point between Barkot and Uttarkashi.

DAY 4: HARSIL & GANGOTRI DHAM SIGHTSEEN

1. Fuel your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Harsil.
2. Head towards Mukhba, the winter abode of the sacred Maa Ganga idol. Pay your respects at the temple and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
3. Afterward, delve into the beauty of Harsil’s surroundings. Explore the charming Bagori Village, interact with locals, and discover hidden gems.
4. After exploring Harsil at your own pace, embark on the 30-kilometer journey towards Gangotri Dham.
5. En route, consider a stop at the Prachin Shivalaya, an ancient Shiva Temple. Pay homage to the deity and experience the serenity of the place.
6. Upon reaching Gangotri, Begin by offering prayers at the Maan Ganga then Bhagirathi Shila and then visit Surya Kund
7. After that visit Gauri Kund and  can consider a short hike to Patanga for breathtaking views of Gangotri Dham. Along the trail, visit Gauri Gufa, and Ganesh Gauri.
8. Plan your day strategically, allocating sufficient time for each activity based on your interests.
9. After a fulfilling day, choose your overnight haven based on your itinerary for tomorrow. Consider staying in Gangotri Dham itself, returning to Harsil, or finding a convenient location along the highway towards Uttarkashi.

DAY 5: GANGOTRI DHAM TO SONPRYAG

This day focuses on reaching Sonprayag, the starting point for the Kedarnath Dham trek. However, to optimize your travel time and avoid last-minute hassles, consider these tips

1. To minimize the travel on this day, aim for an early morning departure.
2. Alternatively, consider covering some distance on the previous day so this will leave you with a shorter journey on today.
3. Book your stay well in advance, especially between Guptkashi and Sonprayag. Because Sonprayag are prone to high occupancy and price surges during peak season.
4. If you have time you can Visit Budha Kedar Temple but for this you have to journey about 5o kms extra.

DAY 6: SONPRYAG TO KEDARNATH

1. After breakfast, start your journey towards Kedarnath.
2. First you need to reach Sonpryag, take a shared taxi or jeep from Sonprayag to Gaurikund (6 km).
3. Gaurikund is a holy site where pilgrims perform a ritual bath in the Mandakini River before commencing the trek.
4. Here, you can either start the 16 km trek to Kedarnath or hire a pony or porter to assist you or via air from Phata, Guftkashi or Sirsi.
5. The initial part of the trek is along a well-defined path through moderate forests. After 4 km, you will reach Jungle Chatti, a rest stop with basic amenities like tea shops and lodges.
6. Now The path gets steeper and rockier, with stunning views of the Himalayas and after 3 km, you will arrive at Bhim Bali, another rest point with tea shops and lodges.
7. Then the trail continues for another 4 km to Linchauli, a scenic meadow with campsites and from Linchauli, it’s a final 4 km climb to Kedarnath Temple.
8. Upon reaching Kedarnath, check into the government-managed pilgrims’ guesthouse (registration and ID verification required).
9. Spend the evening attending the Aarti ceremony at the temple and enjoying the panoramic Himalayan views.
10. https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/ is the website link to register 4 Dham Yatra & for helicopter Booking https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/.

DAY 7: KEDARNATH TEMPLE DARSHAN TO SONPRAYAG

1. Wake up early morning to witness the spectacular sunrise over the snow-capped peaks.
2. Visit the Kedarnath Temple for Darshan (viewing the deity). Be prepared for queues, especially during peak season.
3. After Darshan, start your descent back to Gaurikund and you can trek down or take a pony or porter to descend faster.
4. From Gaurikund, take a shared taxi or jeep back to Sonprayag.
5. Relax at your hotel in Sonprayag and reflect on your incredible Kedarnath trek experience.
6. Later in evening, visit the Triyuginarayan temple dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu, Bhagwan Shiv  and Mata Parvati at Sonprayag.
7. Try to stay here at GMNL Guesthouse here or any other property here or if you can start a journey towards Chopta and book a stay in between like in Guptkashi or Ukhimath.

DAY 8 : UKIMATHH CHOPTA TO BADRINATH

Wake up bright and early (aim for 5-6 AM) to maximize your daylight travel time. Enjoy a satisfying breakfast at your hotel and start your journey to Badrinath approximately 215 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours, or even longer due to potential road conditions and heavy tourist traffic.

1. After traveling for about 30 kilometers, you’ll reach Guptkashi here visit Vishwanath, Ardhnareshwar Temple and Manikarnika Kund and seek blessings.
2. Take some time to seek blessings at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
3. Then further 18 kms to Ukhimath, the winter home of Lord Shiva’s spend some  time here to seek from Lord Shiva.
4. Next take a halt at Chopta, a beautiful hill station located about 40 kilometers further.
5. This charming town serves as the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks and If you’re feeling adventurous and physically fit, you can embark on the scenic 4 km to Tungnath and further 2 km to Chandrashila
6. Be sure to factor in additional time for the trek if you choose to do it.
7. Here’s an idea: after visiting the Triyuginarayan Temple, why not consider stopping for the night around Ukhimath or Chopta instead of staying at Sonpryag ?
8. After exploring Chopta (skipped or completed the trek) continue journey towards Joshimath (100 km) and Visit Kalp Vriksha, Yog Badri or Shri Narsingh Temple it is said that after taking blessing from here one should visit Shree Badrinath Temple which .is about 40  Kilometers.
9. By late evening, you’ll arrive in Badrinath, your final destination for the day.

DAY 9: BADRINATH, JOSHIMATH & AULI

1. Early Morning Wake up at your hotel in Badrinath and take a holy dip in Tapt Kund, a natural hot water spring located near the Badrinath Temple. It is believed that taking a dip here purifies the soul and washes away sins.
2. Then Visit the Shree Badrinath Temple, one of the four Dham temples in India. Here, pilgrims worship Lord Vishnu.
3. After visiting the temple, can embark on a 6 km round trek to Charanpaduka. This is a moderately difficult trek that takes you uphill to a place where it is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprints. The views from here are breathtaking.
4. After the trek, return to your hotel and have breakfast and after Check out start your journey towards Mana Village, Nowadays known as the “First village of India.
5. Upon reaching Mana Village, visit Ghantakarna Temple, Ganesh Gufa, Vyas Gufa (Vyas Pothi) , Bhimpul, Keshav Prayag (confluence of Saraswati and Alaknanda).
6. After proceeds to Auli but you may stop at many places like at Hanuman Chatti or at Govind Ghat if wish to visit Himkund Sahib Ji or Valley of flower..
7. Depending on the time and if you haven’t visited them earlier, you can stop at Vishnuprayag, confluence of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda, or Joshimath, a town known for its temples like Kalpa Vriksha, Yog Badri or Shri Narsingh Temple. Or can also visit Bhavishya Badri trek of 6 kms from Subhain village.
8.  Finally, reach Auli for your overnight stay. Auli is a famous hill station known for its skiing slopes and scenic beauty. Enjoy the breathtaking views from your hotel.

DAY 10: AULI SIGHTSEEEN & RUDERPRYAG

1. Rise and shine after a restful night’s sleep in Auli. Savor a delicious breakfast at your hotel to fuel your adventures.
2. If staying in Joshimath, take the ropeway ride to Auli for a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape or  a scenic chairlift ride from Auli, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
3. Then Enjoy a refreshing walk around the Auli lake, a serene spot amidst the mountains. Head to Gulshan Bugyal, a picturesque meadow known for its vibrant flowers and breathtaking views. Pay your respects at the Padiyar Devta Temple, a sacred place dedicated to a local deity.
4. After competing Auli Sightseen , begin your drive towards Rudraprayag About 115 Kms (4-5 hours).
5. During Your Journey you can stop at Take a short break at Peepalkoti, a charming town known for its scenic beauty then a brief stop at Nand Prayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
6. Continue your journey to Karan Prayag, another holy confluence where the Alaknanda meets the Pinder River. Place known for Suryaputra Karna its  place where Lord Krishna did the cremation of Karna.
7. From here you can visit Uma Devi Temple, Nanda Devi Temple and Aadi Badri .
8. Book a hotels or guesthouses along the way of Rudraprayag to Rishikesh highway for a comfortable overnight stay. This will allow you to explore Rudraprayag further and ensure you’re close to Rishikesh for your next leg of the journey.

DAY 11: RUDERPRYAG TO RISHIKESH

1. Wake up refreshed and enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Rudraprayag.
2. Experience the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers that form the mighty Ganga and visit the shiva and shakti temple.
3. Then you next stop will be Dhari Devi Temple (20 kms) and then Dev Prayag (46 kms) where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi and from here its known as Ganga.
4. Upon reaching Rishikesh, Experience the iconic suspension bridges – Ram Jhula & Laxman Jhula, Take a stroll while enjoying the breathtaking river views.
5. Visit renowned temples like Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan ashram, a center for spiritual learning and yoga practice
6. Rishikesh is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. If time permits, consider white water rafting, kayaking, or bungee jumping for a thrilling experience.
7. Overnight Stay at Rishikesh if time permits other wise after taking short halt you can move to Haridwar or from there can start your home journey

DAY 12: RISHIKESH & HARIDWAR + FAREWELL

After soaking in the spiritual vibes of Rishikesh, it’s time to head to Haridwar(25 km), another gem on your Char Dham journey

1. Explore the vibrant temples and ashrams along the ghats, soaking in the city’s rich spiritual heritage.
2. Take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges at Har Ki Pauri.
3. And finally, with a renewed sense of peace and rejuvenation, it’s time to say goodbye and begin your journey home. Carry the memories of this incredible journey close to your heart!