Chardham Yatra 2025: 12 Days of Spiritual Bliss

Begin your Chardham journey with an early morning drive from Delhi to Haridwar (approx. 5 hours). Take a holy dip at Har Ki Pauri and visit key temples in this sacred city—the gateway to the gods. Continue to Rishikesh (1 hour) for a walking tour of Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and spiritual visits to Parmarth Niketan and other ashrams. Conclude your day with the soul-soothing Ganga Aarti on the ghats of Rishikesh.

Ideal for pilgrims wanting to experience Haridwar and Rishikesh in one day.

After completing Chardham Yatra registration in Rishikesh, begin your scenic drive to Barkot (200 km / 6–7 hrs), nestled in the Uttarkashi district. En route, enjoy optional sightseeing at Mussoorie, the “Queen of Hills.” Barkot, set along the Yamuna River, serves as the base for Yamunotri Dham. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind with an evening stroll by the river.

Travel Tip: Prepare for hilly roads: carry motion sickness medicine if needed.
Barkot Weather: Pleasant in summer, chilly nights in winter.

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (45 km / 2 hrs), the base point for the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Dham. Choose to walk or hire a pony, palki, or doli for the uphill journey. Visit the ancient Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund hot spring, and Divya Shila. After darshan, return via the same route to Barkot for an overnight stay.

Yamunotri Weather: Cool days, chilly nights. Ideal for trekking.

Leave Barkot and drive towards the serene Himalayan village of Harsil (160 km / 6 hrs), a scenic gem in Uttarkashi district. En route, stop at Radi Top for panoramic views of the Ganga and Yamuna valleys. Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Harsil is known for its apple orchards, deodar forests, and tranquil mountain charm. Visit nearby Mukhba Village, the winter home of Goddess Ganga. Check in to your hotel and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Start your day with a picturesque 25 km drive to Gangotri Dham, perched along the Bhagirathi River. Pay homage at the 18th-century Gangotri Temple, believed to mark the spot where Goddess Ganga descended to Earth. In winter, the sacred Shivlinga submerged in the river becomes visible—a rare spiritual sight. Post darshan, head to Uttarkashi (100 km / 3 hrs). By evening, visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Uttarkashi Weather: Hot during summer days (30–35°C); pleasant and cool at night.

Today, drive to Guptkashi or Sitapur, your base for the sacred Kedarnath Yatra, the third and most renowned Dham. Sitapur is closest to Gaurikund, the trek starting point for Kedarnath. After a long and scenic mountain drive, check in to your pre-booked hotel and rest.

Travel Tip: If you’re opting for helicopter darshan, staying near your designated helipad in Guptkashi or Sitapur is recommended.

Begin your sacred journey to Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, nestled in the Himalayas.

By Helicopter: Early transfer to your pre-booked helipad. Coordinate arrival timing with your driver for a smooth pickup post-darshan. (Helicopter tickets not included)

By Trek: Drive to Sonprayag, then take a local jeep to Gaurikund—the trek starting point for Kedarnath (19 km). Post darshan, return the same way. Expect parking and connectivity issues; backup travel may be needed.

Kedarnath Significance: According to the legend, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull here to elude the Pandavas, seeking penance after the Kurukshetra war. He dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump, now worshipped at the temple.

Kedarnath Weather: Owing to its high altitude, Kedarnath stays cold year-round. Summers are cool (~20°C), requiring light woolens, while winters are harsh with snowfall and freezing temperatures. Winters are typically avoided by tourists.

After morning puja and breakfast at Kedarnath, begin your 19 km downhill trek to Sonprayag. Your driver will be waiting at the pre-discussed pickup point. From there, drive back to your hotel in Guptkashi for a well-deserved overnight rest.

Distance: 19 km trek + 30 km / 1 hr by road

Begin your early morning journey to Badrinath (approx. 190 km / 7–8 hrs), passing through lush forests and winding Himalayan roads. Stop en route for lunch and refreshments. Cross Joshimath, a key hub for treks and pilgrimages in the region.

By evening, reach Badrinath, a sacred town nestled on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Check in to your hotel and prepare for darshan the next day.

Start your day with a holy dip at Tapt Kund, the natural hot spring near Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the revered Chardham sites. After darshan, explore nearby attractions like Mana Village (India’s last village near the Indo-China border), Vyas Gufa, and Ganesh Gufa.

Post breakfast, check out and head to Rudraprayag, one of the sacred Panch Prayags where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers converge. Visit the local Rudraprayag temple and enjoy an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Haridwar (165 km / 5–6 hrs), stopping en route at the serene spiritual hub of Rishikesh, nestled along the holy Ganges and flanked by the Shivalik Hills. Visit iconic landmarks such as Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, and learn about the town’s origin linked to Raibhya Rishi and Lord Hrishikesh.

Check-in to your hotel in Haridwar and unwind with an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your Haridwar hotel and begin your return journey to Delhi. Carry with you the divine memories of your 12-day Char Dham Yatra. You’ll be dropped off at Delhi Airport or Railway Station as per your schedule. For a stress-free departure, it's best to book an evening flight or train.