Overview
Char Dham Yatra Package is the most popular and easiest way for devotees, especially families and groups, to visit the four abodes of Uttarakhand. These include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath by car and driver. This tour itinerary is usually 10 to 12 days in duration, including a day-to-day detailed breakdown of an average 12 days Char Dham Yatra by Car, which maintains a perfect balance between driving duration, darshan of deities, and rest to overcome fatigue on mountainous roads. The journey usually begins and ends in Haridwar or Delhi.
Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot
The spiritual journey begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh, gateway cities to the Himalayas. The tour starts early in the morning with a long drive to Barkot, a quaint city on the banks of the Yamuna River and the first halt before the Yamunotri Dham. The route cuts across the plains and then winds up to the mid-Himalayan Mountains. Along the way, the car often passes the famous tourist spot of Kempty Falls near Mussoorie, offering a refreshing break and a lunch stopover. The day is spent on the road as tourists get used to the hill roads that twist and turn. As the group reaches Barkot, they check into their hotels and retire early to get ready for the arduous climb to Yamunotri the next morning.
Day 2: Yamunotri Day Trip
The pilgrimage tour starts in Haridwar or Rishikesh, the gateway cities to the Himalayas. Following an early breakfast, the tour begins with a long drive to Barkot, a scenic town on the banks of the Yamuna River and the first major halt before gradually ascending to the mid-Himalayan mountain. The car en route frequently passes the famous tourist destination of Kempty Falls near Mussoorie, giving a nice respite and refreshment. The day is devoted to a road trip, during which the travellers get familiar with the winding hill routes. As you reach Barkot, check into the hotel and unwind early to prepare for the hard climb to Yamunotri early next morning.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
After the Yamunotri darshan is completed, the attention swiftly shifts to the sacred Dham, Gangotri. There’s a relatively quick and lovely drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi. It is often known as the “Kashi of the North” and is a significant town located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The drive offers for mid-morning rest. In the afternoon, discover the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi, one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India and the nearby Shakti Temple with its giant iron trident. The day is an important rest stop before the tour to Gangotri.
Day 4: Gangotri Day Trip
The day is devoted to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges River, known as Bhagirathi here. The drive from Uttarkashi is one of the most scenic, passing through the beautiful Harsil Valley, renowned for its apple orchards and enormous Deodar trees. A short visit to Gangnani hot springs for an auspicious bath is also common. At Gangotri Dham, devotees take a holy wash in the icy-cold Bhagirathi River, visit the submerged Shivalinga, and then seek Darshan at the stately Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Gangotri Temple. After seeking spiritual and natural tranquillity in the high-altitude town, return to Uttarkashi by car.
Day 5: Guptkashi Transfer
This is one of the longest days of drives when you will reach Guptkashi for the base point of Kedarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva. The car shuttle will go south-east to Guptkashi or Sitapur, the nearest comfortable base for Kedarnath. The long route passes through some important geographical crossroads like Devprayag or Rudraprayag, where the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda can be seen. The route will take you through the Mandakini River valley that flows from Kedarnath. As you arrive, get a transfer to Guptkashi, check into the hotel. The evening can be planned for the local Vishwanath Temple or the Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptkashi, offering the town its spiritual significance.
Day 6: Kedarnath Transfer
This would be the most physically challenging day, as it focuses solely on reaching Kedarnath. The morning begins early with a trip to Sonprayag, where devotees undergo biometric registration. From there, take a local jeep for the 5 km drive to Gaurikund. There begins the toughest trek of 18 to 20 km by walk, pony or Doli. Though the walk is strenuous, spiritually it’s very rewarding as it is amidst lush valleys and breathtaking mountain scenery. Devotees arrive in Kedarnath and check into a simple lodge near the temple before attending the enthralling Sandhya aarti at the Kedarnath Temple.
Day 7: Guptkashi/Sitapur Transfer
Embark on a darshan and abhishek at the Kedarnath Temple, followed by praying at the Jyotirlingam. Later, explore the Shankaracharya Samadhi and the Bhairavnath Temple, an uphill walk from the main temple. Post morning rituals have a breakfast, get transfers for a Gaurikund-bound downhill trek. It is certainly faster downhill compared to uphill. On reaching Gaurikund, get transferred back to the hotel in Guptkashi or Sitapur for a much-needed night's rest after the tiring Kedarnath tour.
Day 8: Badrinath Transfer
The day consists of another long journey to Badrinath, which is Lord Vishnu’s abode. The tour includes driving past major confluence points before going uphill to the magnificent Badrinath Valley via Joshimath. The scenery changes as the terrain becomes more inhospitable and barer of vegetation, but at higher altitudes. On arrival at Badrinath, travellers will check into the hotel. The evening is important to visit the temple: devotees first take a dip in the sacred Tapt Kund, proceed to Lord Badrinarayan’s Darshan and attend evening aarti.
Day 9: Badrinath Local Sightseeing & rest
The day is kept for leisure time in Badrinath for a more relaxed experience of the last dham and ample darshan. The day begins with darshan in the morning, followed by a local tour. The prime attraction is Mana Town, also known as the “Last Indian Town” before the Tibetan border, about 3 km from the temple. Witness the Vyas Gufa and Bhim pul, a natural rock bridge across the Saraswati River. Other attractions are Mata Murti Temple and the famous Narad Kund. The afternoon is utilized for rest or for personal rituals like Pind Daan for ancestors at Brahma Kapal.
Day 10: Rudraprayag Transfer
Today, you will return to Rurdraprayag. The car drives down from Badrinath to the midpoint of Rudraprayag or Srinagar, both lower Himalayan towns. The drive is considerably shorter than the long drives earlier and helps the traveller to get rid of some stress. Rudraprayag is known for the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. After arriving, check into the hotel and spend the evening visiting the local markets or the confluence site, reflecting on their further trip.
Day 11: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh/Haridwar
After a healthy breakfast, check out from the hotel and descend the last stretches of Himalaya roads. The main highlight of the day is the visit to Devprayag – the ultimate and holy confluence where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers formally merge to become the sacred Ganga. The group can witness the spectacular union before it proceeds towards Rishikesh or Haridwar. The last night is spent at Haridwar or Rishikesh, which means that the mountain part of the Yatra has been completed.
Day 12: Departure
The tour concludes today after a last meal, possibly with a morning bath in the Ganga at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar. The car makes a last transfer to Haridwar Railway Station, the Dehradun Airport, or returns to Delhi for the next journey. The concluding day of the spiritual trip, carrying home the benefits and memories of the Himalayas.