Complete Guide to Char Dham Yatra
Your Ultimate Spiritual Journey with Alpine Hikes
Overview of Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, encompassing four sacred sites nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Devotees believe that undertaking this journey cleanses the soul and paves the path to moksha (liberation). The four Dhams are:
- Yamunotri: The origin of the Yamuna River.
- Gangotri: The source of the Ganga River.
- Kedarnath: The abode of Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Badrinath: The sacred abode of Lord Vishnu.
Journeying through rugged terrains, pristine landscapes, and ancient temples, the Char Dham Yatra is both a physical challenge and a spiritual awakening.
Full Detailed Itinerary (9 Nights / 10 Days)
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Duration: 5 hrs 49 min | Distance: 192.4 km
Altitude: Barkot (1,220 m / 4,003 ft)
Pick up from Haridwar and drive to Barkot/Rana Chhatti. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. You are free for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and Back
Details: 36 km drive + 6 km trek one way
Altitude: Yamunotri (3,293 m / 10,803 ft)
After breakfast, drive to Janki Chhatti—the starting point for the trek to Yamunotri (6 km one way). You can walk or hire a pony/doli at your own cost. Upon arrival at Yamunotri, take a holy dip in Surya Kund and visit the Yamunotri Temple. Perform darshan and pooja at Divya Shila, then return to Janki Chhatti and drive back to Barkot. Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Duration: 2 hrs 44 min | Distance: 81.7 km
Altitude: Uttarkashi (1,158 m / 3,799 ft)
After breakfast, check out from Barkot and drive to Uttarkashi. Check-in at the hotel and relax. Later, visit Vishwanath Temple (either the same day or after Gangotri Darshan). Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Back
Duration: 3 hrs one way | Distance: 99.1 km
Altitude: Gangotri (3,415 m / 11,204 ft)
After breakfast, proceed on an excursion to Gangotri. Enjoy the scenic Harsil Valley, Bhagirathi River, and breathtaking Himalayan views. Visit Gangotri Mata Temple and perform pooja, then drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Duration: Approx. 220 km, 8-9 hours
Altitude: Guptkashi (1,319 m / 4,327 ft)
After breakfast, journey to Guptkashi (or Sitapur). Upon arrival, complete check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. Have an early dinner to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Details: 16 km trek
Altitude: Kedarnath (3,583 m / 11,755 ft)
After breakfast, drive to Sonprayag. From there, take local conveyance to Gaurikund—the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as you trek. Upon arrival, visit Shri Kedarnath Temple and participate in the grand evening Aarti. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Details: Trek 16 km + Drive 30 km
Start the day with an early morning Abhishek pooja at Kedarnath Temple. Trek back to Gaurikund and then drive to Guptkashi. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath
Duration: 6 hrs 37 min | Distance: 196.4 km
Altitude: Badrinath (3,300 m / 10,826 ft)
After breakfast, drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. En route, visit Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. Upon arrival, attend the evening aarti at Badrinath Temple and explore the local market. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath to Pandukeshwar
Duration: 40 min
Altitude: Badrinath (3,300 m / 10,826 ft)
Begin your day with the Abhishek Puja at Badrinath Temple. Afterwards, explore nearby attractions including Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul, Tapt Kund, and Vasudhara Falls. Optionally, opt for an overnight stay at Pandukeshwar with a visit to Yogadhyan Badri Temple.
Day 10: Pandukeshwar to Haridwar
Duration: Approx. 285 km, 7-8 hours
After breakfast, drive from Pandukeshwar to Haridwar. En route, visit Dhari Devi Temple in Srinagar and the Devprayag Sangam (the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers). Conclude your pilgrimage with a drop at Haridwar Railway Station.
The Four Sacred Dhams
Yamunotri
Altitude: 3,293 m
Significance: Source of the Yamuna River
Highlights: Surya Kund, Divya Shila
Gangotri
Altitude: 3,415 m
Significance: Origin of the Ganga River
Highlights: Bhagirathi Shila, Pandava Gufa
Kedarnath
Altitude: 3,583 m
Significance: Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
Highlights: Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya
Badrinath
Altitude: 3,300 m
Significance: Sacred Abode of Lord Vishnu
Highlights: Tapt Kund, Neelkanth Peak
Mythological Significance
The Char Dham Yatra is steeped in legends and ancient scriptures. It is believed that:
- The pilgrimage was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD.
- Ancient sages meditated at these sacred sites, seeking divine blessings.
- The Vedas and Puranas extol the spiritual merits of visiting these Dhams.
- The Pandavas are said to have visited these sites in search of solace after the Mahabharata war.
Essential Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: May-June (Summer) & September-October (Autumn).
- Travel Routes: Classic route: Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Helicopter services are available.
- Packing Essentials: Warm clothing, trekking shoes, rain gear, and a first aid kit.
- Altitude Precautions: Stay hydrated and allow proper acclimatization.
Inclusions & Policies
Inclusions:
- Sightseeing, transfers, and excursions as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation on a double/triple sharing basis.
- Meals as specified by the hotels.
- All travel-related expenses including driver services.
- 24-hour helpline and on-ground assistance.
Cancellation Policy:
- 10% refund if cancelled 60+ days before departure.
- 25% refund if cancelled 30-60 days before departure.
- 50% refund if cancelled 15-29 days before departure.
- 75% refund if cancelled 7-14 days before departure.
- No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before departure.
Payment Policy:
- 25% payment at booking.
- 50% payment 30 days before departure.
- 100% payment 15 days before departure.
Contact Us
For more details and to plan your sacred pilgrimage, please get in touch with us:
Phone: +91 7579125988, +91 7409888588
Email: info@alpinehikes.in