Char Dham Yatra with Shree Hemkund Sahib

Ex–Haridwar, Rishikesh / Dehradun Airport

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Overview

The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand — comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Shree Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath — is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India. This sacred journey through the Garhwal Himalayas is believed to cleanse the soul and grant moksha (liberation). Each destination holds deep mythological significance, natural splendor, and centuries-old spiritual tradition.

Short Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Haridwar – Barkot
Day 02: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
Day 03: Barkot – Uttarkashi
Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Day 05: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi
Day 06: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
Day 07: Kedarnath – Guptkashi
Day 08: Guptkashi – Joshimath
Day 09: Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria
Day 10: Ghangaria – Shree Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria
Day 11: Ghangaria – Govindghat – Badrinath
Day 12: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag
Day 13: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Haridwar / Dehradun

Main Sightseeing Highlights

⛰️ Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
💦 Kempty Fall – A famous cascading waterfall near Mussoorie
🕉️ Shiv Gufa – A sacred cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
🛕 Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttarkashi) – An ancient and revered Shiva temple
🏞️ Harsil Valley – A serene Himalayan valley known for apple orchards and river views
🌄 Chopta – The “Mini Switzerland of India,” base for Tungnath trek
🙏 Panch Prayag – The five sacred river confluences of Uttarakhand
🏔️ Joshimath – A holy town and gateway to Badrinath and Auli
🎿 Auli – A popular hill resort and skiing destination
🥾 Govindghat – The starting point for Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers
🏘️ Mana Village – India’s last village near the Indo-Tibetan border
🌊 Devprayag – The confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers
🌊 Rudraprayag – The sacred meeting point of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers
🧘 Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World

Detailed Itinerary with Destination History

Day 01: Haridwar – Barkot

Distance/Time: 210 km / 7–8 hrs

Drive from Haridwar via the beautiful hill station of Mussoorie, visiting Mussoorie Lake and Kempty Falls on the way. Check into your hotel at Barkot and relax.

Destination History

Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, known as the gateway to the Gods.
Mussoorie, founded in the 19th century by the British, became a popular hill retreat for officers of the Raj.
Barkot is a serene Himalayan town along the Yamuna River, serving as the base for the sacred Yamunotri trek.

Overnight stay in Barkot.

Day 02: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot

Distance: 36 km drive + 6 km trek (each side)

Early morning drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti and start your trek to Yamunotri Temple. After a holy dip in Tapt Kund and darshan of Goddess Yamuna, return to Barkot.

Destination History

Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century.
It marks the source of the Yamuna River, daughter of Surya (Sun God).
Mythology believes bathing in Yamuna’s waters frees devotees from the fear of untimely death.

Overnight stay in Barkot.

Day 03: Barkot – Uttarkashi

Distance/Time: 100 km / 4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi, visiting Shiv Gufa on the way. On arrival, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and check in at your hotel.

Destination History

Uttarkashi, meaning “Kashi of the North,” lies on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
It is home to many ashrams and temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple here mirrors the famous Varanasi shrine.

Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Bhojbasa

Drive: 100 km / ~4 hrs | Trek: 14 km / 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 3,775 m

Early morning departure from Uttarkashi towards Gangotri via the scenic Harsil Valley. On arrival, take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River and perform darshan at Gangotri Temple. Later, begin the trek towards Bhojbasa via Chirbasa, following the Bhagirathi River.

Reach Bhojbasa by evening. Relax and enjoy the sunset over the Bhagirathi group of peaks.

Gangotri Temple – Overview

Gangotri Temple, built in the 18th century, is a white granite shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Nearby is the sacred Bhagirath Shila, believed to mark the spot where Ganga descended to Earth.

The temple opens on Akshay Tritiya and closes on Diwali. In winter, the idol is shifted to Mukhba village.

Gangotri Weather

Summer temperature up to 20°C
Nights can drop to around 10°C
Light woollen clothing recommended
Heavy snowfall during winter months

Overnight stay at camps in Bhojbasa.

Day 05: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Bhojbasa

Trek Distance: 8 km (round trip) | Altitude: 3,890 m

After breakfast, trek to Gaumukh Glacier, the sacred source of the River Ganga. Spend time exploring the glacier area and absorbing the spiritual atmosphere before returning to Bhojbasa.

Overnight stay at camps in Bhojbasa.

Day 06: Bhojbasa – Gangotri – Uttarkashi

Trek: 14 km / 6–7 hrs | Drive: 100 km / ~4 hrs

After breakfast, trek downhill to Gangotri. On arrival, continue the drive to Uttarkashi. Check in at the hotel and rest.

Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 07: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi

Distance/Time: 220 km / 8–9 hrs

Drive to Guptkashi along the Mandakini River. Visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple, symbolizing the unity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Destination History

Guptkashi means “Hidden Kashi,” associated with the Pandavas’ search for Lord Shiva.
During winter, deities from Kedarnath are brought here when snow blocks higher routes.

Overnight stay in Guptkashi.

Day 08: Guptkashi – Kedarnath

Trek: 18 km from Gaurikund

Early morning drive to Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Trek to Kedarnath or take pony/doli (own cost). After darshan, stay near the temple.

Destination History

Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located at 3,583 meters.
According to legend, Shiva appeared as a bull and disappeared into the earth.
The temple was revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Overnight stay in Kedarnath.

Day 09: Kedarnath – Guptkashi

Morning pooja at Kedarnath Temple, followed by trek back to Gaurikund. Drive onward to Guptkashi.

Weather Note

Kedarnath remains cool even in summer (8°C – 20°C).
Winters bring heavy snowfall and extreme cold.

Overnight stay in Guptkashi.

Day 10: Guptkashi – Joshimath

Distance: 200 km | Drive Time: 9–10 hrs | Altitude: 3,133 m

After early breakfast (around 07:00 AM), depart from Guptkashi towards Joshimath. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Chopta Valley, famous for its alpine meadows and Himalayan landscapes.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for rest and acclimatization.

Overnight stay in Joshimath.

Day 11: Joshimath – Govindghat – Ghangaria

Drive: ~14 km | Trek: Govindghat to Ghangaria | Altitude: 3,049 m

After breakfast, drive to Govindghat, the base point for the trek to Ghangaria. Begin your trek to Ghangaria, a small Himalayan village and base camp for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization.

About Ghangaria

Ghangaria is a seasonal settlement located at the confluence of the Bhyundar Ganga and Pushpawati Rivers. It is the last human habitation in the Bhyundar Valley and remains open from May to September due to heavy winter snowfall.

It serves as the primary base for visiting Hemkund Sahib (approx. 6 km).

Overnight stay in Ghangaria.

Day 12: Ghangaria – Shri Hemkund Sahib – Ghangaria

Early morning trek from Ghangaria to Shri Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Sikh pilgrimage sites in the world. The trail passes through alpine meadows, rare Himalayan flora, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Upon reaching Hemkund Sahib, spend time in prayer near the sacred glacial lake. Trek back to Ghangaria by afternoon.

Overnight stay in Ghangaria.

Day 13: Ghangaria – Govindghat – Badrinath

Trek: 14 km (downhill) | Drive: ~30 km | Altitude: 3,133 m

After breakfast, trek down from Ghangaria to Govindghat and then drive to Badrinath. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

Pilgrims may take a holy bath at Tapt Kund before attending Darshan and Evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple. Later, visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Mata Murti Temple, Charan Paduka, Bhim Pul, Vasundhara Waterfall, and the origin of the Saraswati River.

About Badrinath

Badrinath is one of the Ancient Four Dhams of India, located between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges with Neelkanth Peak in the backdrop. The name “Badri Van” comes from the wild berries that once covered the region.

Badrinath Weather

Summer temperature: 8°C to 18°C
Woollen clothing required throughout the year
Winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall
Temple remains closed during winter months

Overnight stay in Badrinath.

Day 13: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag

Distance/Time: 160 km / ~7 hrs

After breakfast, visit Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Continue the drive to Rudraprayag, the sacred confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers.

Destination History

Joshimath, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, is one of the four cardinal maths of Hinduism.
Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayags and is named after Lord Rudra (Shiva).

Overnight stay in Rudraprayag.

Day 14: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Haridwar

Distance/Time: 165 km / 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. Visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and local temples before proceeding to Haridwar or Dehradun Airport for departure.

Destination History — Rishikesh

Rishikesh means “Lord of the Senses.”
It is believed Lord Vishnu appeared here to sage Raibhya.
Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, famous for its ashrams and Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.