The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, deeply rooted in spirituality and adventure. This holy journey takes devotees to four revered shrines - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath - nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Each of these destinations carries immense religious importance, symbolising purification of the soul and closeness to divine energy. Adding to this sacred circuit, the Gaumukh Trek offers a rare opportunity for pilgrims and trekkers to witness the origin of the holy River Ganga. This detailed itinerary will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring that you experience both divine blessings and Himalayan beauty.
A Complete Guide to the Day-Wise Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar - Evening Ganga Aarti
Your journey begins in Haridwar, a city where the sacred River Ganga flows with divine grace. On arrival, check into your hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (via Mussoorie)
After breakfast, drive towards Barkot, a beautiful hill town located en route to Yamunotri. The drive takes you through the hill station of Mussoorie, where you can take short halts for sightseeing and refreshments. On reaching Barkot, check into your hotel and relax. Barkot serves as the base camp for the Yamunotri visit, making it a key stop in the Char Dham Yatra tour package.
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri Darshan – Return to Barkot
Early morning, drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point of the Yamunotri trek. From here, trek for about 6 km to reach the sacred Yamunotri temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Take a holy dip in the natural hot springs near the temple and offer prayers. Later, trek back to Janki Chatti and return to Barkot for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi - Kashi Vishwanath Temple Visit
Today, proceed to Uttarkashi, a spiritual hub located on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. After reaching, visit the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important shrines in Uttarkashi. Spend the evening exploring the peaceful surroundings before resting overnight.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri: Darshan & Overnight Stay
Trek to Gangotri, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Take part in the rituals, offer prayers, and soak in the sacred aura. After darshan, stay at a nearby hotel or lodge for the night.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Bhojwasa (Gaumukh Trek begins via Gangotri)
This day marks the beginning of your adventurous Gaumukh trek. From Gangotri, start trekking towards Bhojwasa, located around 14 km away. On reaching Bhojwasa, check into a guesthouse or campsite for an overnight stay under the stars. The mix of spirituality and trekking here is what makes the Char Dham and Gaumukh Tour truly unique.
Day 7: Bhojwasa to Gaumukh Glacier - Return to Bhojwasa
Wake up early to continue the trek towards the sacred Gaumukh Glacier, the very source of the holy River Ganga. Spend time in meditation or prayer, then trek back to Bhojwasa for the night.
Day 8: Bhojwasa to Gangotri - Drive back to Uttarkashi
Retrace your steps from Bhojwasa to Gangotri. From Gangotri, drive back to Uttarkashi. This concludes the adventurous part of the trek, allowing you to rest and prepare for the continuation of the pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath. For many pilgrims, this combination of shrines and trek makes the Char Dham Yatra even more fulfilling.
Day 9: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
After breakfast, proceed towards Guptkashi, a serene town surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Guptkashi is known for its temples, especially the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 10: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Trek/Helicopter)
Begin your journey to Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. You can trek 16 km from Gaurikund or opt for helicopter services for convenience. On reaching Kedarnath, visit the sacred temple and attend evening rituals. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
Day 11: Kedarnath to Guptkashi - Drive to Badrinath
In the morning, offer prayers at Kedarnath before returning to Guptkashi. From here, continue your drive towards Badrinath, another major shrine of the Char Dham circuit. On arrival, check into your hotel for the night.
Day 12: Badrinath Darshan - Return to Haridwar/Dehradun Departure
Visit the Badrinath temple early morning for darshan of Lord Vishnu. After seeking blessings, explore the surroundings, including Mana village, the last Indian village before the Tibetan border. Later, drive back to Haridwar or Dehradun for departure, concluding your 12-day journey.
