4 dham yatra
4 dham yatra
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Distance: 230-250 km (6-7 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Drive from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Places to see:
Har Ki Pauri: Attend the Ganga Aarti party.
Mansa Devi Temple: Accessible via cable car or a short hike.
Rishikesh: Visit the famous Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula and the peaceful Triveni Ghat.
Stay: Night in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Yamunotri
Distance: 200-250 km (6-7 hours drive to Kharsali, the base of Yamunotri)
Mode of travel: Drive to Kharsali (Yamunotri base).
Kharsali is approximately 6-7 hours drive from Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Note: Yamunotri is not directly accessible by road. You will have to travel 5 km from Kharsali to reach Yamunotri temple or opt for pony/palki services to reach the temple.
Places to see:
Yamunotri Temple: The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Surya Kund: A natural hot spring where offerings are made.
Divya Shila: A sacred pillar near the temple.
Stay: Night in Kharsali or Barkot.
Day 3: From Yamunotri to Gangotri
Distance: 200-230 km (6-7 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Drive from Kharsali to Gangotri via Uttarkashi.
The road from Kharsali to Gangotri is a long journey which takes around 6-7 hours.
Places to see:
Gangotri Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Bhagirathi Shila: The place where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated.
Ganga River: Relax by the river and enjoy the serene environment.
Stay: Night in Gangotri.
Day 4: Gangotri to Kedarnath
Distance: 210-240 km (7-8 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Drive from Gangotri to Gaurikund.
From Gangotri you will drive towards Gaurikund (around 7-8 hours).
Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. However, you can opt for helicopter services from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (around 10-15 minutes flight time) to avoid the 16 km trek.
Places to see:
Kedarnath Temple: One of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at a high altitude.
Bhairon Mandir: A temple close to the Kedarnath temple that you can visit after the main temple.
Stay: Night in Kedarnath.
Day 5: Kedarnath to Badrinath
Distance: 220-250 km (8-9 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Drive from Kedarnath to Badrinath via Joshimath.
You will return from Kedarnath (or return by helicopter to Gaurikund) and continue towards Badrinath.
The journey takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. You will pass through Joshimath (a picturesque town), where you can rest before continuing towards Badrinath.
Places to see:
Badrinath Temple: A major shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Tapt Kund: A natural hot spring near the temple.
Brahma Kapal: A sacred site for ancestor rituals.
Mana Village: A picturesque village near the Indo-Tibet border.
Stay: Night in Badrinath.
Day 6: Badrinath to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Distance: 280-320 km (9-10 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
The road from Badrinath to Haridwar or Rishikesh takes around 9-10 hours.
Stay: Night in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Day 7: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Delhi
Distance: 230-250 km (6-7 hours drive)
Mode of travel: Return from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Delhi.
Arrival: Return to Delhi in the evening or night.
Itinerary Summary:
Day 1: Drive from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh (6-7 hours).
Day 2: Road from Haridwar to Kharsali (base for Yamunotri).
Day 3: Drive from Kharsali to Gangotri via Uttarkashi (6-7 hours).
Day 4: Drive from Gangotri to Gaurikund, then hike or take a helicopter to Kedarnath.
Day 5: Drive from Kedarnath (via Gaurikund) to Badrinath (8-9 hours).
Day 6: Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar/Rishikesh (9-10 hours).
Day 7: Drive from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Delhi (6-7 hours).
Key Travel Tips:
Road Conditions: Roads leading to Char Dham can be winding and narrow, especially when approaching the mountains. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained.
Altitude: The altitude can be high in areas like Kedarnath and Badrinath, so make sure you take necessary precautions against altitude sickness.
Driving hours: Travel days involve long drives, so make sure you’re comfortable with long road trips.
Weather: The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. Pack warm clothes even during the summer months.
Stay flexible: In the event of road blockages due to bad weather or landslides, allow flexibility in your schedule.