Char Dham Standard
Sacred Himalayan Devotion
About the Journey
Overview
The Sacred Calling
Our classic standard overland pilgrimage covering the entire Char Dham circuit—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—with comfortable 3-star lodging and experienced local guides.
Experience Highlights
Day-by-Day Path
Journey Itinerary
Activities & Schedule
- Pick up from Haridwar and drive to Barkot (220 km, 7-8 hours)
- Sightseeing stop at scenic Kempty Falls in Mussoorie
- Check in at Barkot hotel, evening rest for acclimatization
- Hot vegetarian dinner at the hotel
Stay
Hotel Himalayan Nature Resort or similar
Meals
Distance
220 km drive
Activities & Schedule
- Early morning drive to Janki Chatti (45 km, 1.5 hours)
- Start 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple (options: walk, pony, or doli)
- Take holy dip in Surya Kund hot springs and offer prayers to Goddess Yamuna
- Trek back to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot hotel for dinner
Stay
Hotel Himalayan Nature Resort or similar
Meals
Distance
45 km drive + 12 km trek
Activities & Schedule
- Breakfast at hotel and checkout
- Drive to Uttarkashi on the banks of River Bhagirathi (100 km, 4-5 hours)
- Visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Evening walks around the sacred town, dinner at hotel
Stay
Hotel Shiv Murti or similar
Meals
Distance
100 km drive
Activities & Schedule
- Early drive to Gangotri Temple at 3,100m altitude
- Prayers at the white granite shrine marking the descent of River Ganga
- Visit Bhagirath Shila and holy caves along the river
- Drive back to Uttarkashi hotel for dinner
Stay
Hotel Shiv Murti or similar
Meals
Distance
200 km return drive
Activities & Schedule
- Long scenic drive to Guptkashi along the Mandakini river (220 km, 8-9 hours)
- Stopover views of the massive Tehri Dam
- Check in to hotel and prepare for the Kedarnath high altitude trek
- Acclimatization rest and dinner
Stay
Hotel Mandakini or similar
Meals
Distance
220 km drive
Activities & Schedule
- Drive to Sonprayag/Gaurikund basecamp early morning
- Begin the challenging 18 km trek up to Kedarnath Temple
- Arrive at the mountain plateau facing the majestic peaks
- Witness the powerful evening aarti ceremony at Kedarnath
- Overnight stay in simple guest houses near the temple
Stay
Local Guest House (Basic sharing basis)
Meals
Distance
18 km trek
Activities & Schedule
- Morning Abhishek puja prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of Kedarnath Temple
- Trek back down 18 km to Gaurikund basecamp
- Re-join private coaches and transfer back to Guptkashi hotel
- Rest day after the trek, delicious hot dinner
Stay
Hotel Mandakini or similar
Meals
Distance
18 km trek + local drive
Activities & Schedule
- Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath mountain pass (190 km, 8-9 hours)
- En route visit Narsingh Temple at Joshimath (winter seat of Badrinath)
- Arrive Badrinath, take holy dip in Tapt Kund natural hot water pool
- Receive Darshan at the grand Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Stay
Hotel Narayan Palace or similar
Meals
Distance
190 km drive
Activities & Schedule
- Morning sightseeing at Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Bhim Pul
- Checkout and drive to Rudraprayag confluence point (160 km, 7 hours)
- Arrive Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers)
- Check in and dinner at hotel
Stay
Hotel Tulip or similar
Meals
Distance
160 km drive
Activities & Schedule
- Breakfast and check out from hotel
- Drive back to Haridwar (160 km, 6 hours)
- Visit Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi forming Ganga)
- Arrive Haridwar by evening, drop at railway station / airport
Stay
End of Journey
Meals
Distance
160 km drive
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 1,220m. A peaceful town on the banks of the Yamuna River, serving as our gateway before embarking on the trek to Yamunotri.
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 1,158m. A holy city on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Home to the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 1,319m. Located in the Mandakini river valley on the road to Kedarnath, home to the ancient Vishwanath temple.
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 3,583m. The sacred basecamp right opposite the Kedarnath temple. Features clean, simple pilgrim shelter stays surrounded by snowy peaks.
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 3,133m. Nestled in a scenic valley between Nar and Narayana mountain ranges, featuring thermal springs and majestic temple views.
About this Basecamp Stop
Altitude: 895m. The sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, providing a serene rest stop during the return leg.
Package Cost Details
Inclusions & Exclusions
Cost Includes
Covered items
- Accommodation in standard 3-star hotels on twin-sharing basis
- Pure vegetarian Satvik meals (daily breakfast & dinner)
- All transfers by comfortable AC coaches (Haridwar to Haridwar)
- Dedicated, initiated spiritual tour guide throughout the circuit
- All necessary forest permits, inner line entry cards, and tolls
- Wilderness medical safety kit and oxygen cylinders in coach
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
Out-of-pocket items
- International or domestic airfare/train tickets to Haridwar
- Pony, doli, porter, or helicopter tickets for Kedarnath/Yamunotri treks
- Lunch meals during transit days (unless packed/included in daily activities)
- VIP temple entry tickets or personal puja expenses
- Personal items: laundry, tips, telephone calls, cold drinks
- Travel or medical emergency insurance
- 5% GST charges (applicable on final billing)
Reserving Your Spot
How to Book
Payment Schedule
Booking Advance
At time of reservation
Final Payment
7 days prior to departure date
Required Documents
Booking Guidelines
- Temperatures can drop to 0°C at Kedarnath/Badrinath—bring heavy thermals
- Kedarnath trek is physically demanding, start physical prep 30 days prior
- Helicopter slots are highly limited and must be requested at booking time
Expedition Readiness
Pre-Departure Guide
Clothing Guide
What to wear & pack
- Warm jacket (down feather recommended) & fleece sweaters
- Thermal innerwear (top & bottom layers)
- Waterproof windbreaker or high-quality raincoat/umbrella
- Sturdy, broken-in trekking shoes with good grip
- Woolen gloves, woolen cap, and trekking socks
- Saris are not recommended for the 18km Kedarnath trek; opt for salwars or track pants
Essential Gear
Required equipment
- Personal medical kit with general altitude medicines
- High UV protection sunglasses and sunscreen lotion
- Refillable water bottle with purification tablets
- Dry fruits, energy bars, glucose powder, and oral rehydration salts
- Biometric Yatra Registration Card printout
- Power bank for mobile charging due to remote locations
Health & Fitness Advisory
High Altitude Medical Advisory
Undertaking a trek at altitudes above 3,583m (11,755ft) requires excellent cardiovascular fitness and medical clearance. Please consult your physician before reserving your path.
Must be physically active and do regular cardio walks pre-trip
Get a clinical checkup if you have heart or high blood pressure concerns
Ascent should be slow; communicate any breathlessness immediately to the guide
Stay fully hydrated, drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily
Avoid smoking or consumption of alcohol during the yatra
Currency & Financial Guidelines
Indian Rupee (INR). Carry sufficient physical cash since ATMs at Kedarnath/Badrinath are often out of cash or service.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Government of Uttarakhand has made biometric registration mandatory for all Char Dham pilgrims. We will handle the registration process for you; you just need to provide your ID and photo.
Yes, ponies, dolis (palkis), and local porters are readily available at both Janki Chatti (for Yamunotri) and Gaurikund (for Kedarnath). Our tour guide will help you coordinate and book them at official local government rates.
Yes, helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. Since slots are regulated by the state aviation authority, bookings fill up months in advance. Please request a helicopter upgrade immediately upon booking.
Policies & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
Travel Insurance
We recommend purchasing comprehensive high-altitude mountain medical insurance.
Changes
Itinerary changes due to landslides or roadblocks will be accommodated on best effort basis. Any extra lodging cost is to be paid directly.
Company Rights
We reserve the right to modify itinerary sequences depending on local administration guides or weather constraints.
Refund Policy
No refunds will be provided for unutilized hotel nights or meals if the yatra is cut short due to personal health reasons.
Age Restriction
Recommended for age groups between 8 and 70 years old due to high elevation.