DELHI WhatsApp +91 9818904333

+919962810768

Chardham Yatra

Himalayan Spiritual Journey:  Char Dham Yatra

Overview

History and Background of the Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrim journey to the four holy temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, holds immense importance to the Hindu community. It was founded by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya back in the 8th century as a means to purify the soul and reach salvation. The trek in the majestic Himalayas, viewing the origin of the divine rivers Yamuna and Ganga, and worshiping Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu had been a cherished task for centuries by the devotees to attain spiritual wisdom and blessings of the divine deities.

Summary of Chardham Yatra
The journey starts from Delhi and moves to Haridwar where the pilgrims watch the Ganga Aarti. From there, they move on to Barkot, which is the resting place for the night for Darshan of Yamunotri. From here, the pilgrims move on to Uttarkashi and Gangotri. From here, they progress to Guptkashi and then to Kedarnath; ultimately, it is Badrinath via Joshimath. The final leg includes visiting Rudraprayag and Devprayag before returning to Haridwar and Delhi. Over 12 days, the itinerary covers major temples, confluences, and scenic spots, offering a blend of spiritual experiences and natural beauty with accommodations and meals being in place all along.

Ideal Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
The successful season for Chardham Yatra is from late April to the early days of November. The peak season can be stated to be May to June and September to October. The weather, during this time of the year, is pleasant. One can also do an effective tour in the Himalayas. Here’s a rundown of the seasons:

Trip Highlights

Delhi
Delhi is a bustling metropolis that serves as the capital of India, combining within its boundaries ancient history with modernity. This city is famous for its rich cultural heritage and landmarks, including India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and diversified, dynamic travel experiences with vibrant markets like Chandni Chowk.

Haridwar
Haridwar is one of the prominent holy towns located in the sacred state of Uttarakhand, lying on the lap of the River Ganges. The town is famed for its spiritual status, ghat acts, especially the evening Ganga Aarti at Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, and it is one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. It hosts the largest religious congregation in the world, the Kumbh Mela.

Barkot
Barkot is a picturesque town in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and is an ideal beauty. Popular for the quiet surroundings, it serves as the base to the Yamunotri Trek. Enclosed by towering mountains and dense green forests, Barkot serves as a tranquil retreat for pilgrims visiting the sacred Char Dham Yatra.

Janakichatti
Located near Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, it is at the base of the trek leading to Yamunotri Temple. These are hot water springs amidst the natural beauty of mountains, in numbers overflowing with pilgrims and trekkers.

Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the revered Yamuna River and one of the four sites which are covered by devotees visiting Char Dham in the state of Uttarakhand. It lies in Garhwal Himalayas and is the original site of the holy temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. This trek to the temple is through beautiful landscapes of surrounding peaks and valleys.

Uttarkashi
It’s one of the important religious centers and a town in the Uttarakhand State of India. The place is located at an elevation of 1158 meters on the bank of river Bhagirathi. The place has a number of temples including the most famous one of Kashi Vishwanath. The place is the important stopover for the pilgrims on their way to Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Gangotri
Gangotri is one of the revered pilgrimage spots in Uttarakhand and the source for the Holy River Ganges. Another major attraction is the Gangotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The scenic beauty of the Himalayas around the place makes Gangotri a very serene and sacred experience.

Harsil
Harsil is a beautiful village in Uttarakhand. Located on the banks of Bhagirathi River, this is a place replete with peace, far away from the madding crowd. Harsil is a stop-over for most pilgrims going to Gangotri.

Guptkashi
Guptkashi in Uttarakhand is yet another religious destination having panoramic views of the Kedarnath peak. The Vishwanath Temple in Guptakshi is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. The place is a major stoppage for all the pilgrims heading toward Kedarnath and has an atmosphere of peace.

Sonprayag
Sonprayag is a small town in Uttarakhand, particularly known for its scenic beauty and religious importance. It lies at the confluence of two rivers: Mandakini and Songanga, which provides beautiful landscapes to all visitors. The place is quite calm.

Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the starting point for the 14-km trek to Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. An important place that one comes across on the way is Gaurikund, a place that derives its name from Goddess Parvati (Gauri) and features her Temple and hot water springs. So, this assumes an important place for a pilgrim on his or her way to Kedarnath.

 

Kedarnath

Kedarnath, a part of the Char Dham yatra, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The existence of the Kedarnath Temple sets it in place against the majestic backdrop of the Kedarnath range. From Gaurikund to the temple, there are excellent trekking routes.

Badrinath

Badrinath is one of the holy towns in the state of Uttarakhand and is part of Chota Char Dham. It is the place where the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located. The abode situated between the ranges of Nar and Narayana gives spiritual comfort along with the beauty of nature.

Joshimath

Joshimath is a city in Uttarakhand serving as the winter seat of Lord Badri. It is also the point from which many Himalayan expeditions start, and several treks and tours include a visit to the city for getting acclimatized. Known for its spiritual and natural value, Joshimath provides a silent place for visitors.

Mana Village

Mana Village is the last village of India, which is located just near Badrinath in Uttarakhand. This destination is crucial for the mythological values as well as for natural beauty. This place also comprises some other points like Bheem Pul and Saraswati River. It’s a place that will give the traveler a brief about the culture and lifestyle of the region.

Bheem Pul

Bheem Pul is a natural rock bridge situated in Mana Village, near Badrinath in the state of Uttarakhand. Mythology has it that this rock bridge was placed by Bheem, one of the Pandavas, while he was going to heaven. This bridge lays across the Saraswati River and becomes a spot of interest not only for pilgrims but also for tourists.

Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is a town in the state of Uttarakhand sited at the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. It is a religious place and a passway location to Kedarnath and Badrinath. The town is scenic and provides a serene ambiance to the visitors.

Devprayag

It is a religious city of Uttarakhand, where two rivers- Bhagirathi and Alaknanda confluences at Ganges. It is one of the five confluences and holds spiritual importance. Devprayag has pleasing views of the confluence of rivers and hills around.

Keshavprayag

Keshavprayag is the fifth confluence in Uttarakhand, with the Saraswati River joining the Ganges. This holy place is considered a highly auspicious confluence and an important pilgrim center. The peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere make it a quiet retreat.

Saraswati River

The Saraswati River in Hindu mythology flows near Mana Village in Uttarakhand. It is said to have mystical origins and is considered to be the goddess of knowledge: Saraswati. The spiritual environment contributes to the attention that the river draws among devotees and nature lovers; it attracts nature lovers as well.

Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag is among the Panch Prayag (five confluences) in Uttarakhand. At this point, the Alaknanda River flows in with the Dhauliganga River. Named after Lord Vishnu, this divine landhold is popular among pilgrims and nature lovers alike.

Nandaprayag

This is the second confluence in the series of Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand, where the Alaknanda River converges with the Nandakini River. The town is named after King Nanda, and its environment is calm, and it has a certain religious importance attached to it as a significant pilgrimage destination.

Karnaprayag

The place is known as Karnaprayag and occurs where two rivers, Pindar and Alaknanda, join in. It is the third prayag in the series of Panch Prayag confluences, which is in Uttarakhand. One great warrior of Mahabharata, Karna, led to the place getting its name. This site has really great spiritual value attached to it, with some nice views of the surrounding hills.

Rudraprayag

The fourth prayag in the Panch Prayag series is Rudraprayag, and it is the place where Alaknanda meets Mandakini. It has been named after Lord Shiva and is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites, offering very serene and spiritual surroundings within beautiful scenery.

Devprayag

It is the fifth and final confluence inside Panch Prayag, where the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda River to form the Ganga. This is a place of enormous religious importance and famous for the cool and peaceful environment, along with the great views it offers of the river confluence and surrounding hills.

Chardham
Day wise Trip Itinerary for 12 Days
Day 1: Delhi – Haridwar

Distance: 230 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Pickup Time: Around 10 AM from Akshardham Metro Station.
  • Travel: Onwards journey to Haridwar and reaching there in the afternoon hours.
  • Activities: Arrive and check in at the hotel, evening attend the holy Ganga Arti at Har-ki-Pauri
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Haridwar
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot/Janki Chatti

Drive/Distance: 195 km | Duration: 6 hours

  • Breakfast: At the hotel
  • Travel: Drive to Barkot with a stopover for lunch at a restaurant or dhaba on the way.
  • Services: Drive to Kempty Fall, Mussoorie, proceed to Barkot, upon arrival check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure and free for self-activities.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Barkot.

Day 3: Barkot – Janakichatti – Yamunotri – Barkot

Distance: 31 km | Driving Time: 1 hour (one way)

  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travels: Drive to Janakichatti for about 5-6 km trek for Yamunotri.
  • Activities: Yamunotri temple visit before heading back to Barkot.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Barkot’s hotel.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi

Distance: 100 km | Duration: 3 hours

  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travel: Hit the road to Uttarkashi. Enjoy mountain and Bhagirathi river view while driving.
  • Activity: Check-in and hotel up, Uttarkashi Market visit, if time permits Kashi Vishwanath Mandir
  • Meal: Dinner
  • Hotel Name: Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi

Distance: 198 km | Duration: 7 hours (one way)

  • Breakfast: Served at the hotel.
  • Travel: This day is devoted to travel to Gangotri.
  • Activities: Visit the Gangotri Temple for darshan and prayers, take a bath in the holy river, and collect water from Maa Ganga in the form of prasad. Then later drive back to Uttarkashi. If time permits, you will have an optional stopover at the Harsil village viewpoint.
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi/Sonprayag

Distance: 226 km | Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travel: Drive to Guptkashi, following the Mandakini River.
  • Activities: Arrival at Guptkashi/Sonprayag, check-in to the hotel, local tales about Pandavas and Shiva.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Guptkashi/Sonprayag.
Day 7: Guptkashi/Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Shri Kedarnath Ji

Distance: 21 km trek

  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travel: By coach to Gaurikund and 21 km trek to Kedarnath. Pony, porter, palki, or helicopter services are available at an extra cost.
  • Activities: Perform puja and abhishek at Kedarnath Temple, visit Bhairav Nath Temple.
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Kedarnath Valley.
Day 8: Shri Kedarnath Ji – Guptkashi/Sonprayag

Distance: 21 km trek

  • Activities: Early morning sunrise view of the Kedarnath Valley.
  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travel: Return to Sonprayag/Guptkashi.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Sonprayag/Guptkashi.
Day 9: Sonprayag/Guptkashi – Badrinath/Joshimath

Distance: 210 km | Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Breakfast: At the hotel.
  • Travel: Drive to Badrinath. Enroute, appreciate the lush green view of the mountains and valleys.
  • Activities: Reach Badrinath by evening. In the evening, explore the local market.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath/Joshimath – Rudraprayag

Distance: 150 km | Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Activities: Visit the Badrinath Temple early in the morning to attend the pooja. After that, visit places like the village of Mana, Bheem Pul and the Saraswati River.
  • Travel: Drive to Rudraprayag, visit the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Rudraprayag.
Day 11: Joshimath/Rudraprayag – Haridwar

Distance: 163 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Travel: Drive to Haridwar, en route visiting Devprayag – the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers that form the Ganga.
  • Activities: Check-in on arrival in Haridwar in the afternoon.
  • Meals: Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at the hotel in Haridwar.
Day 12: Haridwar – Delhi

Distance: 230 km | Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Travel: Drive to Delhi.
  • Drop-off: Akshardham Metro Station.
  • End of Tour: Conclude the yatra with cherished memories.
Chardham Yatra
Inclusions
  • All transfers and sightseeing by Sedan car, Innova Crysta, and Tempo Travellers.
  • 11 nights’ accommodation on a double-sharing basis.
  • Breakfast and dinner (pure veg.) at the hotels.
  • Chardham Yatra pass and Trip Card for each passenger.
  • Driver allowances, toll taxes, permit, interstate taxes, parking, etc.
Exclusions
  • Lunch for all days in the yatra.
  • Pony, palki/doli charges during trekking to Yamunotri & Kedarnath.
  • Helicopter ticket.
  • Special darshan charges, if any.
  • Any other transport cost not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation for extra night when required.
  • Entrance and monument charges as per the itinerary.
  • Personal bills.
  • Additional use of vehicle or any other travel not included in the itinerary.
  • Insurance, medical facilities, camera/video fee at monuments, or any other expenses that are not covered under inclusions.
  • Any further services on yatra due to delay—accommodation, food, or evacuation.
  • Anything not mentioned above, such as bottled water, cold drinks, tips, telephone expenses, and all items of personal nature and meals not described within the itinerary.
  • Any kind of puja or entry in the temple.
Open chat
Hello, Can we assist you?
Rental Car in Delhi, Varanasi & Chandigarh
Adi Kailash and Chardham Yatra Sep & Oct
Drop your message
We send reply soon
We'll only use your mobile for travel queries with you.