🚗 Morning: Journey from Delhi to Haridwar

• Pickup from Delhi Airport/Railway Station in the morning.
• Enjoy a comfortable 5-6 hour drive to Haridwar, the holy gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
• On arrival, check in to your hotel, freshen up, and take some rest.

🏯 Afternoon: Temple Visits

• Visit Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mansa, believed to fulfill wishes. Reach by trekking or ropeway (cable car).
• Next, visit Chandi Devi Temple, another sacred shrine located on a hill. The ropeway ride offers amazing views of Haridwar.

🌅 Evening: Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

• Witness the breathtaking Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri – a divine experience with chanting, lamps floating on the Ganga, and an amazing spiritual vibe.
• Take a holy dip in the Ganges (optional) and collect Ganga Jal in a bottle for blessings.

🍽️ Night: Relax & Stay

• Return to the hotel for a delicious dinner.
• Overnight stay in Haridwar, preparing for the next day’s journey.

✅ Travel Tip: Try Haridwar’s famous street food like aloo puri, kachoris, and jalebi before heading back to the hotel.

🌅 Morning: Start of the Char Dham Yatra

• Begin your day with a holy bath in the River Ganga in Haridwar for a spiritual start.
• At 7:00 AM, depart for Barkot, a beautiful town near Yamunotri, via Mussoorie.
• Enjoy the scenic drive through lush green hills, valleys, and winding roads.

⛰️ Afternoon: Stopover in Mussoorie

• On the way, stop at Kempty Falls, a stunning waterfall where you can take a short break and capture beautiful pictures.
• Enjoy refreshments at a peaceful spot outside Mussoorie, away from the crowd.

🏕️ Evening: Arrival & Stay in Barkot

• Reach Barkot by evening and check in to your hotel.
• Rest and prepare for the Yamunotri trek the next day.
• Dinner & overnight stay in Barkot.

✅ Travel Tip: Barkot is cooler than Haridwar, so carry light woolens to stay comfortable at night.

🌅 Morning: Journey to Yamunotri

• Start your day early in the morning with a healthy breakfast at the hotel.
• Depart for Janki Chatti by car (approx. 2 hours), which is the last motorable point before Yamunotri.
• From Janki Chatti, begin your 5 km trek to Yamunotri Temple. You can either walk or hire a pony, palki, or doli for assistance.
• The trek is surrounded by lush green mountains, waterfalls, and the Yamuna River, offering breathtaking views.

🛕 At Yamunotri Temple – The First of the Char Dham

• Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is worshipped as the giver of life and salvation.
• The temple is 3,235 meters (10,614 ft) above sea level, and the Yamuna River originates from the Champasar Glacier, 1 km ahead of the shrine.
• It is said that Asit Muni, a revered sage, once lived here and bathed in the waters of both the Yamuna and Ganga.

🚩 Rituals & Sacred Places at Yamunotri

1️⃣ Surya Kund – A natural hot water spring near the temple. Pilgrims cook rice here by tying it in a cloth and dipping it into the boiling water. This rice is later taken as Prasad (holy offering).
2️⃣ Jamunabai Kund – A warm water pool where devotees take a bath before visiting the temple. It is believed to purify the soul.
3️⃣ Divya Shila – A sacred rock pillar near the temple. Before entering the temple, devotees first offer prayers here.

• After bathing in Jamunabai Kund, performing Pooja at Divya Shila, and having darshan of Goddess Yamuna, you can spend some time enjoying the peaceful and divine atmosphere of the temple.

🌄 Afternoon: Return to Barkot

• After completing the rituals and darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti and take a car back to Barkot.

🌅 Morning: Departure from Barkot

• Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
• After breakfast, explore local sightseeing in Barkot, a beautiful town known for its scenic landscapes and serene environment.
• After freshening up, depart for Uttarkashi, traveling via Radi and Dharasu.

🚗 Today’s Route & Stopovers

📍 Chami (25 km) → Radi (53 km) → Dharasu (28 km) → Uttarkashi (80 km) → Harsil

• Dharasu is an ideal stop for a tea break, but please note that this route does not have good washroom facilities, so plan accordingly.
• Enjoy the scenic drive through mountain roads, valleys, and rivers, making this journey a refreshing experience.

🏡 Afternoon: Arrival in Uttarkashi

• On reaching Uttarkashi, check in to your hotel and relax for a while.
• The evening is free for leisure, so you can explore local attractions at your own pace.

🏞️ Evening: Exploring Uttarkashi – The “Kashi of the North”

Uttarkashi is a small yet beautiful town located at an altitude of 1,588 meters. It is situated between two rivers, Varuna and Ashi, which merge into the Bhagirathi River. The town resembles Kashi (Varanasi), with similar temples, ghats, and a north-facing river.

🛕 Famous Temples & Attractions in Uttarkashi:

1️⃣ Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the most significant temple in Uttarkashi, attracting devotees from all over.
2️⃣ Annapurna Temple – A shrine dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment.
3️⃣ Bhairav Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, located in the Chowk area.

📜 Historical & Mythological Significance of Uttarkashi

• According to legend, Uttarkashi is the future Kashi. It is believed that in the second millennium of Kaliyuga, Kashi (Varanasi) will be submerged, and Uttarkashi will become the new religious center.
• The famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang referred to Uttarkashi as Brahma Pura, while the Skanda Purana recorded it as Varunavata.
• At one time, there were 365 temples in this town, symbolizing one temple for each day of the year!

🌙 Night: Rest & Stay in Uttarkashi

• After exploring the town, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

✅ Travel Tip:
✔️ Start early to reach Uttarkashi by the evening and have ample time to explore.
✔️ Carry snacks and drinking water, as the journey has limited stopovers.
✔️ Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the evening for a peaceful experience.

🌅 Morning: Journey to Gangotri

• Start your day early in the morning with tea/coffee and a packed breakfast.
• Depart for Gangotri, the second dham of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Enjoy the scenic mountain drive, passing through lush valleys, rivers, and beautiful landscapes.

🏞️ Stopover at Gangnani – A Natural Hot Spring

• On the way, stop at Gangnani, a famous hot water spring.
• Take a dip in the Rishikund, a natural thermal spring known for its healing properties.
• Near the kund, visit the Parashar Temple, dedicated to Sage Parashar, the father of Ved Vyas (author of the Mahabharata).
• Enjoy Maggi, tea, and coffee, which are popular refreshments at this stop.

🛕 At Gangotri – The Second of the Char Dham

• Gangotri is home to the sacred Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
• The temple, built in the 18th century, is 20 feet high and made of white granite, adding to its divine aura.
• According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Ganga first descended to Earth, after King Bhagirath’s penance to Lord Shiva.
• Another legend says that the Pandavas performed the Deva Yagna here to atone for the loss of their kinsmen in the Mahabharata battle.
• Offer prayers & pooja, seek the blessings of Goddess Ganga, and witness the mesmerizing Bhagirathi River flowing from the Himalayas.

🌄 Afternoon: Return Journey to Uttarkashi

• After completing darshan & rituals, begin your return journey to Uttarkashi.
• Stop at a place of your choice for lunch en route.
• Take another break at Gangnani to enjoy the peaceful views.

🌙 Evening: Rest & Stay in Uttarkashi

• Reach Uttarkashi by evening and check in to your hotel.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the next part of your journey.

📜 Significance of Gangotri & Gangnani

1️⃣ Gangotri Temple – Marks the spot where Ganga touched Earth, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.
2️⃣ Bhagirath Shila – A sacred stone where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated for Ganga’s descent.
3️⃣ Gangnani – A natural hot spring, perfect for a refreshing bath and spiritual rejuvenation.
4️⃣ Rishikund – A thermal pool in Gangnani where devotees take a dip before heading to Gangotri.
5️⃣ Parashar Temple – Dedicated to Sage Parashar, located near the hot spring.

✅ Travel Tips:
✔️ Start early as the roads in the mountains can be unpredictable.
✔️ Carry warm clothes, as Gangotri is at a higher altitude and can be very cold.
✔️ Take some packed snacks and a water bottle, as food options are limited.
✔️ Try Maggi & tea at Gangnani, a favorite stop for pilgrims.

🌅 Morning: Long Journey to Guptkashi

• Start early in the morning for a long but scenic drive to Guptkashi, an important stop before Kedarnath.
• Enjoy the picturesque route through winding roads, lush green valleys, and beautiful riverbanks.
• The journey takes 8-9 hours, so carry snacks and water for the road.

🛤 Possible Travel Routes:

🔹 Route 1:
📍 Uttarkashi (Start) → Chamba (90 km) → Peepaldali (40 km) → Maletha (30 km) → Kirtinagar (4 km) → Srikot (6 km) → Guptkashi (74 km)

🔹 Route 2:
📍 Uttarkashi (Start) → Chaurangikhal (40 km) → Peepaldali (60 km) → Maletha (30 km) → Kirtinagar (4 km) → Srikot (6 km) → Guptkashi (74 km)

📌 Note: The route via Chamba is more commonly used and offers better road conditions.

🏕️ Afternoon: Arrival & Stay in Guptkashi

• Upon reaching Guptkashi, check in to your hotel or guesthouse.
• Freshen up and rest after the long journey.

🛕 Evening: Visit to Vishwanath Temple

• Visit Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• This ancient temple is said to be spiritually connected to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi).
• Pilgrims visit this temple to seek blessings before heading to Kedarnath.

🌙 Night: Dinner & Stay in Guptkashi

• Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.
• Overnight stay in Guptkashi, Sitapur, or Phata, depending on your accommodation choice.

📜 About Guptkashi – The Land of Shiva

• Guptkashi means “Hidden Kashi,” and it holds great religious significance.
• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva hid here for some time before appearing in Kedarnath.
• The town offers stunning views of the Chaukhamba mountain range and is known for its peaceful environment.

✅ Travel Tips:
✔️ Start early, as the journey is long, and roads may have traffic due to landslides or narrow pathways.
✔️ Carry snacks & water, as food stops are limited on the way.
✔️ Dress comfortably and keep a light jacket, as Guptkashi has cool weather in the evenings.
✔️ Book your hotel in advance, as this is a key stop before Kedarnath, and accommodations fill up quickly.

🌅 Early Morning: Journey to Kedarnath

• Wake up at 4:00 AM and have an early breakfast before starting the journey.
• Travel by vehicle to Sonprayag (the last motorable point).
• From Sonprayag, take a government shuttle/bus to Gaurikund (the official starting point of the Kedarnath trek).

🏔️ Trekking to Kedarnath (16 km)

• Begin the challenging yet spiritual trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple.
• The trek follows this route:
  📍 Gaurikund (Start Point) → Rambara (7 km) → Garudchatti (5 km, near Hanuman Gufa) → Kedarnath (Final Destination, 4 km more).
• Ideal Stopovers:
  ✔️ Rambara – A good place to rest and have lunch.
  ✔️ Garudchatti (Hanuman Gufa) – Meet the sage who meditates here all year, even in extreme weather.

💡 Alternative: If you prefer not to trek, you can hire ponies, palkis (palanquin), or take a helicopter from Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi (advance booking required).

🛕 At Kedarnath – The Third Dham

• On reaching Kedarnath, meet the yatra representative for assistance.
• Visit the holy Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• The temple, built over 1,000 years ago, has:
  ✔️ Conical Shivling (Main idol)
  ✔️ Nandi Statue (The celestial bull of Lord Shiva)
  ✔️ Garbh Griha (Inner sanctum for worship)
  ✔️ Mandap (Hall) for pilgrims and visitors

🔆 Evening: Exploring Kedarnath

1️⃣ Shankaracharya Samadhi – Located behind Kedarnath Temple, this is the final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who revived Hinduism and set up the four dhams.
2️⃣ Bhaironath Temple – About 500 meters away from Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Bhaironathji, the guardian deity of Kedarnath. It is believed that when the Kedarnath temple is closed for winter, Bhaironathji protects the land from evil forces.

🌙 Night: Stay at Kedarnath

• After darshan, pooja, and spiritual experiences, check in at Kedarnath Ashram or GMVN guesthouse for an overnight stay.
• Rest well, as the next day will include the return trek.

📜 Significance of Kedarnath Temple

• The temple was originally built by the Pandavas and later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi) to escape the Pandavas but later blessed them here.
• The temple remains covered in snow during winter and is relocated to Omkareshwar Temple (Ukhimath) for six months.

✅ Travel Tips:
✔️ Start early as the trek is long and can take 6-8 hours.
✔️ Dress in warm layers, as Kedarnath is very cold, even in summer.
✔️ Carry essential medicines, raincoats, and energy bars for the trek.
✔️ Book accommodation in advance, as rooms in Kedarnath are limited.
✔️ If trekking is difficult, pre-book helicopter or pony/palki services.

🌅 Early Morning: Final Darshan at Kedarnath

• Wake up at 4:00 AM to attend the morning aarti and pooja at Kedarnath Temple.
• Experience the divine atmosphere as priests perform rituals in the early morning chill, making it a truly spiritual moment.
• Seek blessings from Lord Shiva before beginning the return journey.

🏔️ Morning: Trek Back to Gaurikund (16 km)

• After darshan, start the trek down to Gaurikund (16 km).
• The descent is easier than climbing up but still requires caution and stamina.
• Stop at Rambara or Garudchatti for a quick tea/snack break.
• Alternative: You can also hire ponies, palkis, or book a helicopter ride (if pre-arranged) for an easier journey.

🚗 Afternoon: Travel from Gaurikund to Guptkashi

• Upon reaching Gaurikund, take a government shuttle/bus to Sonprayag.
• From Sonprayag, drive back to Guptkashi in your private vehicle.
• Enjoy the scenic drive, with stunning views of the Mandakini River and the Himalayan ranges.

🏡 Evening: Arrival & Stay in Guptkashi

• Check in to your hotel in Guptkashi and relax after the long trek.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay in Guptkashi, preparing for the next leg of the yatra.

✅ Travel Tips:
✔️ Start the trek early to avoid rush and reach Guptkashi by evening.
✔️ Wear comfortable shoes to avoid strain during the descent.
✔️ Stay hydrated and take short breaks while trekking down.
✔️ Book transportation in advance, as shared vehicles from Sonprayag to Gaurikund can be crowded.

🌅 Morning: Journey to Badrinath

• Start your day with a hot breakfast at the hotel.
• Depart early in the morning for Badrinath, the fourth and final dham of the Char Dham Yatra.
• Enjoy a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, river valleys, and stunning views of the Himalayas.

🛕 At Badrinath – The Fourth Dham

• On arrival, join the Badri Vishal Darshan, offering prayers and attending the sacred aarti at Badrinath Temple.
• The temple is nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, with the Neelkanth Peak in the background, creating a breathtaking spiritual experience.

📍 Exploring Badrinath – The Abode of Lord Vishnu

• Badrinath is the only original Char Dham shrine, as established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya.
• According to legend, this land was once covered with badri (wild berries), which is why it was called Badri Van.
• It is believed that when Goddess Ganga descended to Earth, her force was too great, so she was split into 12 sacred rivers, one of which became the Alaknanda River, where Badrinath is situated.

🏞️ Badrinath Ji Sightseeing

1️⃣ Narad Kund – A natural recess in the Alaknanda River near Tapt Kund, where the idol of Lord Badrinath was found.
2️⃣ Brahma Kapal – A sacred platform near the temple, where devotees perform Shradh rituals (offering pinds) for ancestors. It is believed that performing rituals here grants moksha (liberation) to the souls.
3️⃣ Bhim Pul – A natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River at Mana Village, believed to be placed by Bhim (one of the Pandavas). The roaring river underneath creates a mesmerizing view.
4️⃣ Vyas Gufa (Cave) – Located near Mana Village, this is the cave where Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

🌄 Evening: Travel to Pipalkoti

• After darshan and sightseeing, begin the return journey to Pipalkoti.
• Check in to the hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.

✅ Travel Tips:

✔️ Start early, as the journey to Badrinath takes 7-8 hours.
✔️ Carry warm clothes, as Badrinath is at a high altitude and can be very cold, even in summer.
✔️ Take a dip in Tapt Kund (hot spring) before entering the temple, as it is believed to purify the soul.
✔️ Visit Mana Village, the last village before the India-Tibet border, for a unique cultural experience.

🌅 Morning: Departure from Badrinath

• Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
• Depart early for Haridwar, as the journey is long (approx. 8-9 hours) but filled with scenic beauty.
• Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Alaknanda River, lush valleys, and the Himalayan mountains as you drive down.

🏞️ Afternoon: Stopover at Rishikesh

On the way to Haridwar, visit the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.”

📍 Places to Visit in Rishikesh:
1️⃣ Ram Jhula – A 450 ft-long iron suspension bridge over the Ganga River, offering spectacular views of the holy city.
2️⃣ Laxman Jhula – Another famous hanging bridge, believed to be the spot where Lord Laxman crossed the river using jute ropes.
3️⃣ Ganga Ghats – Witness the calm and spiritual ambiance of the Ganga, with numerous ashrams and temples lining the riverbanks.

🚩 Optional: If time permits, you can visit Triveni Ghat, where the Ganga Aarti takes place in the evening, creating a divine experience.

🌙 Evening: Arrival in Haridwar & Stay

• After sightseeing in Rishikesh, continue your journey to Haridwar.
• On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after the long drive.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner and have an overnight stay in Haridwar.

✅ Travel Tips:

✔️ Start early, as the journey is long, and traffic can be unpredictable.
✔️ Carry some snacks and water for the road trip.
✔️ Wear comfortable footwear, as exploring Rishikesh involves walking.
✔️ If time permits, attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Har Ki Pauri for a final spiritual experience before concluding the yatra.

🌅 Morning: Departure from Haridwar

• Begin your final day of the journey with a refreshing breakfast at the hotel.
• After breakfast, meet your driver for assistance and start the return journey to Delhi.
• Enjoy the smooth drive through the plains, reminiscing about the spiritual and memorable experiences of the Char Dham Yatra.

🚗 Afternoon: Arrival in Delhi – End of the Yatra

• Reach Delhi Railway Station or Airport as per your departure schedule.
• Bid farewell with happy memories, having completed one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India.

✅ Travel Tips:

✔️ Plan your departure from Delhi accordingly, keeping buffer time for traffic.
✔️ Stay hydrated and carry light snacks for the journey.
✔️ If you have extra time in Delhi, explore local attractions like India Gate, Akshardham Temple, or Lotus Temple before heading home.