A visit to the charming Char Dham temples is not like a conventional pilgrimage but rather a memorable journey. However, owing to the rugged trail and the locations of the temples, this can be a gruelling one and evokes a sense of spirituality that must be experienced. The road trips are extremely thrilling as the rocky tracks run by a river running in parallel and the mountains stretching on the other side. The vast stretch of the glorious Himalayas is a treat to the eyes and the locations offer great scenic and panoramic views.
Depart for Haridwar from Delhi (5 hrs) early morning. Haridwar is an ancient city and an important Hindu pilgrimage site. It serves as the base point for the Char Dham Yatra. Once you reach, perform the evening arti at Har Ki Pauri.
Today, depart from Haridwar and reach Barkot (190 kms, 7 hrs).
Start early for Hanuman Chatti (35 kms, 1.5 hrs) and after reaching, take a local jeep/taxi to reach Janaki Chatti (7 kms). Start a rigorous trek of 5 kms for Yamunotri, which is the source of the Yamuna River. At Yamunotri, start the Chardham Yatra by taking a holy Achman (Holy Dip) in the Garam Kund. Return to Janaki Chatti in the evening and proceed back to Barkot.
Leave for Uttarkashi (155 kms, 6 hrs), which is a riverside stay, and which acts as a base point to visit the sacred site of Gangotri.
Leave for Gangotri (75 kms) and on arrival, take a holy dip in the sacred River Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Offer prayers and then, return to Uttarkashi by the evening.
Leave early for Guptkashi (200 kms, 6 hrs). Have lunch enroute and drive along the scenic Mandakini river to reach Guptkashi in the evening.
Leave for Gaurikund (32 kms) with a packed lunch and it is here that trekking commences. Arrive at Kedarnath late afternoon (14 kms trek) and perform darshan at Shri Kedarnathji in the evening. You can also visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple later.
Leave for Badrinath (200 kms, 8 hrs) and reach by late evening. In the evening, perform arti at Shri Badrinathji.
Take a holy dip in Tapt Kund, visit Mana Village, Vyas Cave, etc. Leave for Rudraprayag (150 kms, 6 hrs).
After breakfast, drive to Haridwar via Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World. Enjoy some local sightseeing such as Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni ghat temples and Ashrams. Reach Haridwar by the evening.
Depart from Haridwar to New Delhi for your return journey.