Divine Char Dham Yatra

The Sacred Char Dham Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage through the revered Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each dham carries immense spiritual significance, from the life-giving waters of Yamunotri to the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath. This 10-day journey blends devotion, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. Traversing through snow-clad peaks, gushing rivers, ancient temples, and charming Himalayan villages, you will walk in the footsteps of sages, saints, and pilgrims who for centuries have sought divine blessings on this sacred path.

Day 1: Haridwar/Dehradun – Rishikesh – Barkot
Arrive in Haridwar, a sacred city where the Ganga enters the plains. After a brief visit to Har-ki-Pauri, continue to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. Here, complete Yatra registration and explore its vibrant spiritual environment with glimpses of ashrams and the holy Ganga. Later, drive through picturesque mountain roads to Barkot, a peaceful Himalayan town offering views of Bandarpoonch Peak and apple orchards. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Barkot amidst serene surroundings.

Day 2: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
After an early breakfast, drive to Janakichatti, the base for Yamunotri trek. Begin your trek of around 5 km (pony/doli available) to Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the river of life. Take a holy dip in Surya Kund hot springs and cook rice in its waters as prasad. Offer prayers at the temple and witness the origin of the Yamuna River surrounded by towering peaks. Return by trek to Janakichatti and drive back to Barkot for overnight stay, reflecting on this divine experience.

Day 3: Barkot – Uttarkashi
Today, embark on a scenic drive towards Uttarkashi, known as the “Kashi of the North.” Enroute, you may visit Lakhamandal, linked with Mahabharata legends. On arrival in Uttarkashi, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred Shiva shrine, and Prakateshwar Mahadev Temple. Surrounded by lofty mountains and lush pine forests, Uttarkashi is a spiritual and natural retreat. Spend the evening strolling by the river and preparing for your journey to Gangotri. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Rise early for a soulful drive to Gangotri, where the holy River Ganga descends from the Gaumukh Glacier. Enroute, pass through Harsil Valley, famous for its apple orchards and scenic landscapes. On reaching Gangotri, take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Bhagirathi and perform puja at the revered Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and deodar forests, this is a powerful spiritual experience. After darshan, return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay.

Day 5: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi/Rampur
After breakfast, drive through winding mountain roads to Guptkashi or Rampur, a town steeped in Lord Shiva’s legends. Enroute, visit the famous Tehri Dam and the sacred Dhari Devi Temple, considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand. The journey is long but filled with breathtaking landscapes, river confluences, and glimpses of Himalayan villages. Upon arrival, if time permits, visit the Guptkashi Temple, where Lord Shiva is believed to have hidden from the Pandavas. Overnight stay at Guptkashi or Rampur.

Day 6: Guptkashi/Rampur – Kedarnath
After an early breakfast, drive to Sonprayag, and then take a government shuttle to Gaurikund. From here, begin your 17 km trek to Kedarnath (pony, doli, or helicopter options available). Arrive at Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, nestled amidst snow-capped peaks. Attend the enchanting evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple, where the chants, bells, and serene environment elevate the soul. Overnight stay at Kedarnath, a rare chance to experience devotion under Himalayan skies.

Day 7: Kedarnath – Guptkashi/Rampur
Wake up early for morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple before the crowds. The peaceful morning atmosphere, with the temple glowing in golden light, is unforgettable. After prayers, trek back down to Gaurikund and then transfer to Sonprayag. Drive back to Guptkashi or Rampur, enjoying the scenic valleys and Himalayan rivers along the route. Rest after the long journey and spend the evening in leisure, cherishing the divine blessings received at Kedarnath. Overnight stay at Guptkashi/Rampur.

Day 8: Guptkashi/Rampur – Badrinath
Today, drive to Badrinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Surrounded by the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges and overlooking the Neelkanth Peak, Badrinath Temple is a jewel of devotion. Take a dip in Tapt Kund, the natural hot water spring, before darshan at the temple. Participate in the evening aarti, an enchanting ritual of lights and chants. Overnight stay at Badrinath, blessed by the divine aura of Vishnu’s abode.

Day 9: Badrinath – Srinagar
In the morning, visit Badrinath Temple once more before departure. Explore Mana Village, the last village before Tibet, where you can see Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bheem Pul, and Saraswati River’s origin. Enroute to Srinagar, stop at Joshimath, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, and witness the river confluences at Nand Prayag, Karan Prayag, and Rudra Prayag. Arrive in Srinagar for overnight stay, surrounded by peaceful Himalayan beauty.

Day 10: Srinagar – Rishikesh – Haridwar/Dehradun
After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh, visiting Devprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the holy Ganga. Explore iconic attractions such as Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. In the evening, proceed to Haridwar and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har-ki-Pauri, marking a divine conclusion to your Char Dham Yatra. Drop at Haridwar/Dehradun railway station or airport for your onward journey.