🕉️ Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra – 12 Days
“A Sacred Pilgrimage Through the Abode of Gods”
The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, believed to cleanse the soul and grant spiritual liberation. The four sacred shrines — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — are nestled amid the majestic Himalayas, each representing a unique facet of divine energy. Undertaking this 12-day yatra is not just a journey of faith but also a magnificent exploration of natural beauty, devotion, and Himalayan serenity.
Curated by Nature Craft Tours, this 12-day Char Dham Yatra offers travelers a seamless spiritual experience—comfortable accommodations, safe transport, and opportunities for reflection amidst snow-clad peaks and sacred rivers.
🛕 Overview of the Char Dham Circuit
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand symbolizes the journey to the four abodes of the Almighty. Each Dham holds deep mythological significance:
- Yamunotri: Source of the holy river Yamuna and seat of Goddess Yamuna.
- Gangotri: Origin of the river Ganga, dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
- Kedarnath: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, surrounded by snow peaks.
- Badrinath: Sacred abode of Lord Vishnu, located on the banks of River Alaknanda.
These shrines collectively form the spiritual spine of Northern India. Traditionally, the yatra starts from Yamunotri and proceeds sequentially to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.
🗓️ Day-Wise Itinerary (12 Days)
Day 1 – Arrival at Haridwar (Gateway to the Gods)
Arrive at Haridwar, a city sanctified by the Ganges. Check into your hotel and spend the evening witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. The flickering diyas on the river, chants, and bells create an unforgettable aura of devotion.
- Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2 – Haridwar to Barkot (220 km / 7 hrs)
Drive through Dehradun and Mussoorie to reach Barkot, the base camp for the Yamunotri Dham. En route, enjoy scenic views of Kempty Falls and Himalayan valleys.
- Check into your resort or guesthouse near Barkot.
- Evening at leisure to acclimatize.
Day 3 – Barkot to Yamunotri and Back (36 km drive + 7 km trek each way)
Early morning drive to Janki Chatti, from where the 7 km trek to Yamunotri Temple begins. You can hire a pony or palanquin for convenience. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, stands beside a hot water spring called Surya Kund, where devotees cook rice as a sacred offering.
- Return to Barkot by evening.
- Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 4 – Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi—the spiritual town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and relax amidst serene surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 5 – Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Back (200 km round trip)
Begin early for Gangotri Dham (3,100 m), dedicated to Goddess Ganga. On the way, stop at Gangnani Hot Springs to take a holy dip. At Gangotri, witness the grand aarti on the banks of the river, believed to be the point where Ganga descended to earth.
- Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay.
Day 6 – Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km / 9 hrs)
Drive through scenic valleys, crossing Tehri Dam and Mandakini River routes. Guptkashi, the base camp for Kedarnath, is known for the Ardhnareshwar Temple.
- Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
Day 7 – Guptkashi to Kedarnath (30 km drive + 19 km trek)
Proceed early to Gaurikund, the trek start point for Kedarnath. You can opt for pony, palki, or helicopter services. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Kedar massif. Evening aarti here is an ethereal experience.
- Overnight stay near the temple or at Kedarnath base camp.
Day 8 – Kedarnath to Guptkashi
After morning darshan, trek back to Gaurikund and return to Guptkashi. Rest and rejuvenate after the spiritually intense day.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 9 – Guptkashi to Badrinath (190 km / 8 hrs)
Drive through Joshimath and Chamoli to reach Badrinath, the final Dham. En route, visit Vishnuprayag and other confluences of sacred rivers. On arrival, take part in the evening aarti at Badrinath Temple, a deeply soul-stirring ceremony.
- Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 10 – Badrinath Sightseeing
Early morning darshan at the Badrinath Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Visit Tapt Kund (a natural hot spring), Brahma Kapal, and Mana Village — the last Indian village near Tibet. See Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa, where the Mahabharata was written.
- Return to hotel for rest.
Day 11 – Badrinath to Rudraprayag (160 km / 6 hrs)
Drive to Rudraprayag, a sacred town located at the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. En route, visit Joshimath’s Narsingh Temple, winter seat of Lord Badrinath.
- Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Day 12 – Rudraprayag to Haridwar (165 km / 6 hrs)
Depart from Rudraprayag after breakfast. Drive down through Devprayag — where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the holy Ganga. Arrive at Haridwar by evening. The yatra concludes with blessings from the sacred river and divine memories for a lifetime.
📍 Major Attractions & Spiritual Highlights
- Yamunotri Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna; surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
- Gangotri Temple: Symbolizes the origin of the Ganges; set amidst deodar forests.
- Kedarnath Temple: One of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, located near the Mandakini River.
- Badrinath Temple: Sacred shrine of Lord Vishnu, adorned with gold spires and colorful motifs.
- Har Ki Pauri: Spiritual gateway to the Himalayas in Haridwar.
- Mana Village: Last Indian village before the Tibet border, filled with mythological legends.
🗺️ Major Distances
- Haridwar – Barkot: 220 km
- Barkot – Yamunotri: 36 km drive + 7 km trek
- Barkot – Uttarkashi: 100 km
- Uttarkashi – Gangotri: 100 km
- Uttarkashi – Guptkashi: 220 km
- Guptkashi – Kedarnath: 30 km drive + 19 km trek
- Guptkashi – Badrinath: 190 km
- Badrinath – Rudraprayag: 160 km
- Rudraprayag – Haridwar: 165 km
🚗 How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 220 km from the base at Haridwar. Taxis and private vehicles are easily available.
By Train: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the closest railway stations with regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Haridwar is well connected to major North Indian cities. From Haridwar, a combination of cars and buses takes pilgrims through the Char Dham circuit.
🏨 Staying Options (Suggested Properties)
1. Haridwar & Rishikesh
- Ganga Lahari Hotel: Riverside property offering views of the evening Aarti.
- Aloha on the Ganges: Wellness retreat with yoga sessions and Ganga views.
2. Barkot & Yamunotri Base
- Camp Nirvana: Eco-friendly cottages with scenic Himalayan surroundings.
- Chardham Camp, Barkot: Comfortable stays with modern amenities and sattvic meals.
3. Uttarkashi & Gangotri Base
- Shikhar Nature Resort: River-facing property with cozy cottages.
- GMVN Guest House: Government-run stay offering basic comfort.
4. Guptkashi & Kedarnath
- Char Dham Camp Guptkashi: Premium tents and cottages near Mandakini River.
- Kedarnath GMVN Camp: Basic stay option near the temple premises.
5. Badrinath
- Sarovar Portico: Modern comforts near Badrinath Temple.
- Hotel Snow Crest: Offers Himalayan views and vegetarian cuisine.
6. Rudraprayag
- Monal Resort: River-facing resort ideal for relaxation post-yatra.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
- May to June: Ideal for comfortable weather and open temples.
- September to October: Post-monsoon freshness with fewer crowds.
Note: The Char Dham shrines remain closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall. The official yatra season begins in May each year after the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya festival.
🍃 Why Choose Nature Craft Tours
- Expertly organized 12-day pilgrimage itinerary with safety and comfort.
- Accommodation in handpicked hotels and government-approved guesthouses.
- Private AC transport with experienced drivers familiar with hilly terrains.
- Assistance for helicopter bookings for Kedarnath Darshan.
- 24×7 tour support and on-route coordination.
- Special vegetarian meal arrangements throughout the yatra.
Amidst the Himalayas, my spirit soared,
Where silence spoke, and gods were adored.
In Yamunotri’s chill, my fears were gone,
At Gangotri’s flow, my faith was born.
At Kedarnath, the bells did ring,
In Shiva’s realm, my soul took wing.
At Badrinath’s gate, I bowed in peace,
And felt my heart in divine release.
Through valleys deep, through snows above,
Each step I walked was filled with love.
The Char Dham path — a sacred thread,
Where body ends, the soul is led.
📋 Quick Summary
| Duration | 12 Days / 11 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Haridwar, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath |
| Activities | Temple Darshan, Trekking, Holy Baths, Spiritual Aartis |
| Best Time | May – June & September – October |
| Ideal For | Devotees, Families, Pilgrims, Spiritual Travelers |
| Travel Mode | Private Car / Deluxe Bus / Helicopter Option |
The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra is not just a religious pilgrimage — it’s a soulful expedition through the Himalayas that awakens faith and humility. With every river crossing and every temple bell, one feels closer to eternity. The blend of devotion, nature, and culture makes this journey unforgettable.
Let Nature Craft Tours guide you through this sacred journey — where divine blessings meet Himalayan tranquility, and every sunrise feels like salvation itself.
🌿 Crafted by Nature Craft Tours – Because Every Journey is a Sacred Story.