Full Char Dham Yatra
Planning 10 days in Badrinath? A 10-day pilgrimage through the Chota Char Dham circuit, culminating at Badrinath, the sacred abode of Vishnu, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar/Rishikesh
Day 1
Arrive at Haridwar or Rishikesh, the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. Acclimatize to the lower altitudes and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh).
Activities
- Check into hotel/ashram
- Visit Har Ki Pauri or Triveni Ghat for Ganga Aarti
- Attend evening aarti and explore local markets
Meals
- •Vegetarian dinner at hotel
- •Light snacks from local shops
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (via Mussoorie)
Day 2
Drive from Haridwar to Barkot (approx. 220 km, 7-8 hours), passing through Dehradun and Mussoorie. Enjoy scenic views of the Himalayas and the Yamuna river valley. Check into a hotel in Barkot, the base for Yamunotri.
Activities
- Scenic drive through Mussoorie
- En-route visit to Kempty Falls (optional)
- Arrive in Barkot and rest
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch en route
- •Dinner at hotel in Barkot
Day 3: Yamunotri Darshan and Return to Barkot
Day 3
Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (approx. 30 km), then trek 6 km to Yamunotri temple (3,235m). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and the nearby Surya Kund hot spring is used to cook rice offered to the deity. Trek back and return to Barkot for the night.
Activities
- Trek to Yamunotri temple (6 km one way)
- Offer prayers at Yamunotri and Surya Kund
- Trek back to Janki Chatti and drive to Barkot
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Packed lunch for trek
- •Dinner at hotel
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 4
Drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi (approx. 110 km, 4-5 hours), a town on the Bhagirathi river. Visit the Vishwanath Temple and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (if time permits). Rest overnight in Uttarkashi, the base for Gangotri.
Activities
- Drive to Uttarkashi
- Visit Vishwanath Temple
- Explore local market and rest
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch en route
- •Dinner at hotel in Uttarkashi
Day 5: Gangotri Darshan and Return to Uttarkashi
Day 5
Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (approx. 100 km, 3-4 hours), the source of the Ganges. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, sits at 3,100m near the Bhagirathi river. Perform rituals and take a dip in the icy waters before returning to Uttarkashi.
Activities
- Drive to Gangotri
- Darshan at Gangotri temple
- Visit Gangotri ghat and return to Uttarkashi
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch at Gangotri
- •Dinner at hotel in Uttarkashi
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (via Gaurikund)
Day 6
Drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (approx. 220 km, 8-9 hours), passing through Rudraprayag and Sonprayag. This long drive offers stunning views of the Mandakini river. Check into a hotel in Guptkashi, the base for Kedarnath.
Activities
- Long scenic drive
- En-route visit to Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini)
- Arrive in Guptkashi and rest
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch en route
- •Dinner at hotel in Guptkashi
Day 7: Kedarnath Darshan and Return to Guptkashi
Day 7
Drive to Gaurikund, then trek or take a helicopter (optional) to Kedarnath temple (3,583m). The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. After darshan, return to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi.
Activities
- Trek to Kedarnath (16 km one way) or helicopter ride
- Darshan at Kedarnath temple
- Return to Guptkashi
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Packed lunch for trek
- •Dinner at hotel
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (via Joshimath)
Day 8
Drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath (approx. 200 km, 8-9 hours), passing through Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Joshimath. The road follows the Alaknanda river, offering breathtaking views. Arrive in Badrinath and check into a hotel near the temple.
Activities
- Scenic drive through the Alaknanda valley
- En-route visit to Joshimath (winter abode of Badrinath)
- Arrive in Badrinath and rest
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch en route
- •Dinner at hotel in Badrinath
Day 9: Badrinath Darshan and Mana Village
Day 9
Wake up early, take a holy dip in Tapt Kund, and have darshan at the Badrinath temple. After darshan, visit Mana village (3km away), the last Indian village before Tibet. Explore Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bheem Pul, and the Saraswati river. In the evening, perform pind daan at Brahma Kapal.
Activities
- Darshan at Badrinath temple
- Visit Mana village and its mythological sites
- Evening aarti at Badrinath temple
- Pind daan at Brahma Kapal
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch at local eatery in Mana
- •Dinner at hotel
Day 10: Departure from Badrinath
Day 10
After morning darshan (optional), drive back to Rishikesh or Haridwar (approx. 317 km, 9-10 hours). En route, stop at Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, where the Ganges begins. Continue to your onward destination.
Activities
- Morning darshan (optional)
- Drive back to Rishikesh/Haridwar
- En-route visit to Devprayag
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch en route
- •Dinner at hotel (if staying)
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
7 activities
Afternoon
Arrival and check-in
Arrive at Haridwar or Rishikesh by train, bus, or flight (Dehradun airport). Check into your pre-booked hotel or ashram. Keep your ID and yatra registration handy. Tip: Choose accommodation near Har Ki Pauri or Triveni Ghat to avoid traffic. Cost: Hotel check-in is free, but taxi from airport costs around ₹1500-2000.
Lunch at hotel or local eatery
Enjoy a simple vegetarian thali at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Try local specialties like aloo puri or kachori. Cost: ₹200-400 per person. Tip: Drink only bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Explore local markets
Stroll through the bustling bazaars near Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or the Ram Jhula area (Rishikesh). Buy essentials like walking sticks, raincoats, and woolen caps for the yatra. Cost: Bargain for items; walking stick costs ₹50-100. Tip: Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
Proceed to Ganga Aarti venue
Head to Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh) early to get a good spot for the evening aarti. The ghats fill up quickly. Tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM during summer; aarti starts around 6:15 PM. Cost: Free entry, but boat rides for aarti view cost ₹100-200.
Evening
Witness Ganga Aarti
Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti with lamps, incense, and chanting. The priests perform rituals as devotees offer prayers. Tip: Keep your camera ready but be respectful during the ceremony. Cost: Free, but donations are optional.
Dinner at hotel
Return to your hotel and enjoy a warm vegetarian dinner. Many hotels serve thali with rice, dal, roti, and sabzi. Cost: Included in hotel package or ₹300-500 per person. Tip: Avoid heavy or spicy food to sleep well.
Rest and prepare for next day
Pack your bags for the early morning drive to Barkot. Keep a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and medications. Tip: Set an alarm for 5:00 AM and sleep early.
Day 2
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Have an early breakfast at your hotel. Opt for light items like porridge, toast, and tea. Cost: Included in hotel package. Tip: Carry some dry fruits and biscuits for the long drive.
Depart for Barkot
Start your scenic drive to Barkot (approx. 220 km, 7-8 hours). The route passes through Dehradun and Mussoorie. Tip: Hire a comfortable SUV or tempo traveller; ensure the driver is experienced on hilly roads. Cost: Fuel and driver charges included in package.
En-route stop at Kempty Falls (optional)
Take a short detour to Kempty Falls near Mussoorie. Enjoy the waterfall and take photos. Cost: Entry fee ₹150 per person; parking ₹50. Tip: The water is cold; carry a change of clothes if you plan to dip.
Afternoon
Lunch en route
Stop at a roadside restaurant in Mussoorie or Dhanaulti for lunch. Choose a place with hygienic food. Cost: ₹300-500 per person. Tip: Try local Garhwali dishes like kafuli or chainsoo if available.
Continue drive to Barkot
Resume your journey, enjoying views of the Yamuna river valley and Himalayan foothills. Tip: Keep windows closed on dusty stretches. Cost: No extra cost.
Evening
Arrive in Barkot and check-in
Reach Barkot, a small town on the banks of the Yamuna. Check into your hotel and rest. Tip: Some hotels offer mountain views; request a room facing the hills. Cost: Included in package.
Dinner at hotel
Enjoy a hearty vegetarian dinner at the hotel. Cost: Included in package. Tip: Try the local madua (ragi) roti if offered.
Rest and prepare for Yamunotri trek
Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, and a raincoat for the trek. Tip: Keep your trekking shoes ready and sleep early.
Day 3
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Have an early breakfast as you have a long day ahead. Cost: Included in hotel package. Tip: Eat light but energizing food like paratha and curd.
Drive to Janki Chatti
Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (approx. 30 km, 1.5 hours). The road is narrow and winding. Tip: Keep motion sickness tablets if needed. Cost: Included in package.
Start trek to Yamunotri
Begin the 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple. The trail is steep but well-defined. You can hire a palanquin or horse if needed. Cost: Horse ₹2000-3000, palanquin ₹3000-4000 (one way). Tip: Carry water and energy bars; take breaks as needed.
Arrive at Yamunotri temple
Reach the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, located at 3,235m. Offer prayers and visit the Surya Kund hot spring nearby. Cost: Free entry; donations optional. Tip: Dip your feet in the hot spring but be careful of the temperature.
Afternoon
Lunch (packed)
Enjoy a packed lunch near the temple or at a small eatery. Cost: ₹150-250 if buying at eatery. Tip: Try the rice cooked in the hot spring as prasad.
Trek back to Janki Chatti
Descend the same trail back to Janki Chatti. The downhill trek is easier but still takes 2-3 hours. Tip: Use walking sticks for support. Cost: No extra cost.
Drive back to Barkot
Return to Barkot by road. Rest in the car and enjoy the scenery. Tip: Have a warm drink en route. Cost: Included in package.
Evening
Dinner at hotel
Have dinner at your hotel. Cost: Included in package. Tip: Take a hot water bath to relax your muscles.
Day 4
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Cost: Included in hotel package. Tip: Pack a light day bag for the drive.
Drive to Uttarkashi
Depart for Uttarkashi (approx. 110 km, 4-5 hours). The road follows the Bhagirathi river. Tip: Keep a camera for scenic stops. Cost: Included in package.
Afternoon
Lunch en route
Stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant in a town like Dharasu. Cost: ₹300-400 per person. Tip: Choose a place with clean washrooms.
Arrive in Uttarkashi and check-in
Reach Uttarkashi and check into your hotel. Rest for a while. Tip: Ask for a room with a view of the Bhagirathi river. Cost: Included in package.
Visit Vishwanath Temple
Visit the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town center. It is an important pilgrimage site. Cost: Free entry. Tip: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
Explore local market
Stroll through the local market near the temple. Buy woolen items or puja materials. Cost: Varies. Tip: Bargain for souvenirs.
Evening
Dinner at hotel
Have dinner at your hotel. Cost: Included in package. Tip: Try local dishes like phaanu or jholi.
Rest and prepare for Gangotri
Pack a small bag for the day trip to Gangotri. Tip: Sleep early as you have an early start.
Day 5
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Have an early breakfast. Cost: Included in hotel package. Tip: Carry water and light snacks for the drive.
Drive to Gangotri
Depart for Gangotri (approx. 100 km, 3-4 hours). The road passes through beautiful valleys and small villages. Tip: Enjoy the views of the Bhagirathi river. Cost: Included in package.
Arrive at Gangotri and darshan
Reach Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, at 3,100m. Perform rituals and offer prayers. Cost: Free entry; donations optional. Tip: The temple opens at 6:15 AM; arrive early to avoid crowds.
Visit Gangotri ghat
Walk to the ghat on the Bhagirathi river and take a holy dip if you dare (the water is icy). Tip: Be cautious; the current is strong. Cost: Free.
Afternoon
Lunch at Gangotri
Have lunch at a local eatery near the temple. Cost: ₹200-300 per person. Tip: Try the local kachori or samosa with chai.
Return drive to Uttarkashi
Start your return journey to Uttarkashi. The drive takes 3-4 hours. Tip: Take short breaks to avoid fatigue. Cost: Included in package.
Evening
Arrive in Uttarkashi and rest
Check back into your hotel and rest. Tip: Have a hot cup of tea. Cost: No extra cost.
Dinner at hotel
Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Cost: Included in package. Tip: Prepare for the long drive to Guptkashi the next day.
Food Recommendations
Badrinath Temple Prasad
Temple PrasadMust Try: Kheer and halwa offered to Badrinarayan
₹50–₹100
Hotel Sarovar, Badrinath
North Indian VegetarianMust Try: Aloo puri, dal tadka, and steamed rice
₹200–₹400 per meal
Mana Village Local Dhaba
Garhwali SnacksMust Try: Kachmauli (local bread) with potato curry, and chai
₹100–₹200 per person
Transportation Tips
- Hire a private SUV or tempo traveller for the entire circuit; it's the most flexible option for a 10-day yatra.
- Book shared jeeps for local transfers (e.g., Barkot to Janki Chatti) to save time and money.
- For Kedarnath, consider a helicopter from Phata or Guptkashi if you have limited time or mobility; book well in advance.
- Start driving early each day (by 6 AM) to avoid traffic and landslides, especially on narrow mountain roads.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹48,000–₹82,000
Accommodation
₹15,000–₹25,000
Food
₹8,000–₹12,000
Transport
₹20,000–₹35,000
Miscellaneous
₹5,000–₹10,000
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