Char Dham Yatra 12 Days Itinerary from Delhi (With Hotel and Meal Inclusions)
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Planning the Char Dham Yatra 12 Days Itinerary from Delhi ? This detailed 12-day itinerary covers everything you need, including where to stay, what to eat, how far to drive each day, and what to expect at each of the four sacred shrines.
Whether you are a first-time pilgrim, traveling with family, or joining a group tour, this guide will help you plan a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Start your Char Dham Yatra planning today with TravelsYatra and get customized packages with hotel and meal inclusions.
What Is Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. It covers four holy shrines located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand:
- Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna River)
- Gangotri (source of the Ganga River)
- Kedarnath (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva)
- Badrinath (one of the four Dhams of Lord Vishnu)
The yatra is traditionally completed from west to east, starting with Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath.
Quick Trip Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Days / 11 Nights |
| Starting Point | Delhi |
| Total Distance | Approx. 1,200 km (round trip) |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June and September to October |
| Meals Included | Breakfast and Dinner daily |
| Transport | AC Volvo or Private Cab |
Best Time to Do Char Dham Yatra
The shrines open in late April or early May and close in November (on Diwali or Bhai Dooj). The two best windows are:
May to June: Pleasant weather, clear roads, and manageable crowds. Ideal for families and seniors.
September to October: Post-monsoon greenery, fewer tourists, and stable temperatures. Great for photographers and nature lovers.
Avoid: July and August due to heavy rain, landslides, and road closures.
12-Day Char Dham Yatra Itinerary from Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar (250 km, 5 to 6 hours)
Your journey begins early in the morning from Delhi. Depending on your package, you will travel by AC Volvo bus or private cab via NH58.
Arrive in Haridwar by afternoon and freshen up at your hotel.
In the evening, head to Har Ki Pauri for the iconic Ganga Aarti. This experience is unlike anything else. Thousands of diyas float on the river as priests chant hymns at sunset.
Stay: Budget (Dharamshalas), Mid-Range (Hotel Ganga Lahari or similar), Premium (Haveli Hari Ganga or similar)
Meals: Dinner included. Try the satvik thali at a local restaurant near the ghats.
Day 2: Haridwar to Rishikesh (Leisure Day)
This day is set aside for exploring Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world.
Visit:
- Triveni Ghat for morning prayers
- Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges
- Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram) if you enjoy history
Rishikesh also offers rafting, bungee jumping, and yoga sessions for those who want activity alongside spirituality.
Stay: Rishikesh or return to Haridwar (based on your package)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 3: Haridwar to Barkot (200 km, 6 to 7 hours)
Today you leave the plains behind and enter the mountains. The drive to Barkot takes you through Dehradun, Mussoorie, Naugaon, and Damta.
The roads get narrower as you climb higher. You will cross dense forests, waterfalls, and steep ridges. Keep your camera ready.
Barkot is the base camp for Yamunotri and a quiet Himalayan town perfect for resting before the trek.
Stay: GMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Valley View, or premium camps
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4: Barkot to Yamunotri and Back (First Dham)
Wake up early. Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (45 minutes), the starting point of the trek to Yamunotri.
The Trek: 5 to 6 km one way. Takes about 2 to 3 hours. The path runs alongside the Yamuna River through pine trees and rocky terrain.
Options: Horse or palkhi (palanquin) are available for those who cannot trek.
At the top, visit the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Dip a cloth pouch of rice in the Surya Kund hot spring to cook your prasad. Offer prayers at the Divya Shila pillar.
Return to Barkot by evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included. Carry a packed lunch as no restaurants are available near the shrine.
Day 5: Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km, 3 to 4 hours)
The drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi is one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire yatra. You pass through dense forests, cross the Yamuna at Hanuman Chatti, and follow the river all the way to Uttarkashi.
Stop at Maneri Dam and Bhairon Ghati for photos and a short break.
Uttarkashi is a large town with good facilities and is known as the gateway to Gangotri.
Stay: GMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Doon Valley, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Back (Second Dham)
Start early in the morning. The drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is about 100 km and takes 3 hours through spectacular mountain scenery.
En route: Pass through Harsil Valley, famous for its apple orchards and pine forests. The village of Harsil is one of the most scenic spots in all of Uttarakhand.
At Gangotri, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Take a dip in the icy cold Bhagirathi River at the ghat below the temple. Visit Bhagirath Shila, the rock where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated.
For those with extra time, the Gaumukh Glacier (18 km trek) is the actual source of the Ganga. This is a separate two-day trek and requires a permit.
Return to Uttarkashi by evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km, 7 to 8 hours)
Today is the longest drive of the trip. You cross from the Yamuna valley to the Mandakini valley via the famous Tehri Dam.
The Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India and the view of the reservoir is stunning. Stop here for photos and a short break.
Continue through Devprayag (where the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda to form the Ganga), Srinagar, and Rudraprayag before reaching Guptkashi.
Guptkashi is 47 km from Gaurikund, the base of the Kedarnath trek.
Stay: Hotel Shiv Lok, GMVN Ukhimath, or premium resort options in Sitapur
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8: Guptkashi to Kedarnath and Night Stay (Third Dham)
This is the most spiritually intense day of the yatra.
Wake up before dawn. Drive to Gaurikund (47 km) and begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
Trek options:
- Trek (5 to 7 hours, 16 km one way)
- Pony or palkhi (for those who need support)
- Helicopter (book in advance from Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi helipads)
The Kedarnath Temple sits at 3,583 meters above sea level surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The idol of Lord Shiva here is in the form of a triangular rock. The atmosphere, especially in the early morning, is beyond words.
Also visit the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, located behind the main temple.
Night stay at Kedarnath: GMVN Dome Tents, luxury camp options, or basic lodges. Night temperatures can drop to 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. Carry warm clothes.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 9: Kedarnath to Badrinath (220 km via Gaurikund and Joshimath)
Trek down or take a helicopter back to Gaurikund early in the morning.
Drive through Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Joshimath before the final climb to Badrinath (3,133 meters).
Joshimath is worth a brief stop. It is the winter seat of Lord Badrinath and home to the ancient Adi Shankaracharya Math. The Auli ropeway is also nearby if you want a detour.
Arrive at Badrinath by evening and rest.
Stay: GMVN Tourist Bungalow, Hotel Snow Crest, Sarovar Portico (premium)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10: Badrinath Temple Visit and Mana Village (Fourth and Final Dham)
Today is the highlight of the entire yatra.
Start with a dip in Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring just below the temple. The water is geothermally heated even in freezing temperatures.
Visit the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The idol here is a black stone image of Vishnu in a meditative posture. The morning Abhishek puja is especially sacred.
After the temple, visit Mana Village (3 km from Badrinath), the last inhabited village before the Tibet border. Here you can see:
- Saraswati River (underground river emerging briefly before disappearing)
- Bhim Pul (a massive rock bridge said to have been placed by Bhima)
- Ganesh Gufa (cave where Ganesha is said to have written the Mahabharata)
- Vasudhara Falls (a 122-meter waterfall, 5 km trek from Mana)
In the evening, attend the Badrinath Aarti. Check timings in advance as they change by season.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 11: Badrinath to Rishikesh (300 km, 8 to 9 hours)
The last long drive of the trip takes you from the high Himalayas back to the foothills.
Stop at Devprayag for photos. This is where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to officially become the Ganga. The view from the bridge is stunning.
Arrive in Rishikesh by evening and check in to your hotel.
Stay: Ananda in the Himalayas (premium), Glasshouse on the Ganges (mid), or budget ashrams near the ghats
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 12: Rishikesh to Delhi (240 km, 5 to 6 hours)
Spend the early morning by the Ganga. You can attend the sunrise Aarti at Triveni Ghat or simply sit by the river and reflect on the journey.
After breakfast, begin the drive back to Delhi. Arrive by afternoon or early evening.
Your Char Dham Yatra is complete.
Hotel and Meal Inclusion Summary
| Category | Type of Hotels | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | GMVN Rest Houses, Dharamshalas | Breakfast + Dinner |
| Mid-Range | 2 to 3 Star Hotels, Tourist Lodges | Breakfast + Dinner |
| Premium | Resorts, Heritage Hotels, Luxury Camps | Breakfast + Dinner |
Meals typically include a satvik (vegetarian) menu. Most packages include simple North Indian food like dal, rice, roti, sabzi, and khichdi. At higher altitudes, food options are limited, so always carry dry snacks.
Char Dham Yatra Cost Estimate (Per Person)
| Budget Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| Mid-Range | Rs 50,000 to Rs 65,000 |
| Premium | Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,20,000 |
Costs include transport, accommodation, and meals. Helicopter rides, personal shopping, pony/palkhi charges, and temple donations are extra.
Distance Chart: Delhi to Each Dham
| Route | Distance | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Haridwar | 250 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Haridwar to Yamunotri (Janki Chatti) | 235 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Yamunotri to Gangotri | 220 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Gangotri to Kedarnath (Gaurikund) | 250 km | 7 to 8 hours |
| Kedarnath to Badrinath | 220 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Badrinath to Delhi | 520 km | 12 to 14 hours (2 days) |
Packing Checklist for Char Dham Yatra
Clothing:
- Warm woolen jacket (temperatures drop to 5 to 10 degrees even in summer)
- Raincoat or poncho
- Thermal innerwear
- Comfortable trekking shoes with grip
- Light layers for lower altitudes
Health and Safety:
- Personal medicines and prescriptions
- Diamox (consult doctor) for altitude sickness prevention
- ORS sachets and glucose
- Basic first aid kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm (UV is strong at high altitude)
Documents:
- Char Dham Yatra registration card (mandatory)
- Government ID proof
- Aadhar or Voter ID
Other Essentials:
- Power bank and charging cables
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry snacks and energy bars
- Small daypack for treks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can senior citizens do Char Dham Yatra? Yes. With proper planning, helicopter services for Kedarnath, palkhi options at Yamunotri, and vehicles to Gangotri and Badrinath, seniors can complete the yatra comfortably.
Is it safe to travel during monsoon? It is not recommended. July and August bring heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand. Stick to May to June or September to October.
Is vegetarian food available throughout? Yes. All major towns and most hotels serve vegetarian food. Near the shrines, only satvik (no onion, no garlic) food is available.
What is the registration process? You need to register on the Char Dham Devasthanam Board portal before the trip. Your guide or travel company can help with this.
Should I book helicopters in advance? Absolutely. Kedarnath helicopter slots sell out weeks in advance during peak season. Book as early as possible.
Book Your Char Dham Yatra Package
Planning a pilgrimage of this scale takes time, research, and careful coordination. From hotels and transport to meal plans and permits, there is a lot to manage.
TravelsYatra offers ready-made and customizable Char Dham Yatra packages from Delhi with all inclusions. Their team handles bookings, route planning, vehicle arrangements, and on-ground support so you can focus on the spiritual journey.
Visit travelsyatra.com to explore packages, check availability, and get in touch with their travel experts.
May your Char Dham Yatra be safe, peaceful, and filled with blessings. Jai Badri Vishal. Jai Kedarnath.
