12 Days Chardham (Haridwar, Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Auli, Rishikesh)

Dehradun > Haridwar 1N > Barkot 2N > Uttarkashi 2N > Guptkashi 3N > Auli 2N > Rishikesh 1N > Dehradun

Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Spiritual

Group Size

18 persons

Location

Uttarakhand

Sketch Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun Airport - Haridwar (1.5 hrs)

Arrive at Dehradun airport and drive to Haridwar. Upon reaching the hotel, relax and rejuvenate. In the evening, visit Har Ki Pauri to witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti and offer your prayers.

Overnight Stay in Haridwar

 

Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot (6 hrs drive)

Drive to the serene town of Barkot, a place where even silence speaks volumes. Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time exploring the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight Stay in Barkot

 

Day 3: Barkot - Jankichatti – Yamunotri Darshan – Barkot (6 km trek one way & 2 hrs drive one way)

Start early for Jankichatti with a scenic two-hour drive along the Yamuna River, surrounded by lush forests and quaint villages. From Jankichatti, begin the 6 km trek to Yamunotri. At Yamunotri, visit the temple and take a dip in the warm waters of Jamunabai Kund. Return to Jankichatti by afternoon and drive back to Barkot.

Overnight Stay in Barkot

 

Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi (3 - 3.5 hrs drive)

Depart in the morning for Uttarkashi and arrive by the afternoon. In the evening, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Overnight Stay in Uttarkashi

 

Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri Darshan – Uttarkashi (2 hrs drive one way)

Embark on an early morning drive to Gangotri along the Bhagirathi River, passing through dense forests. Upon reaching Gangotri, offer prayers at the temple and explore other key sites in the area. Return to Uttarkashi in the late afternoon.

Overnight Stay in Uttarkashi

 

Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (6–7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, proceed to Guptkashi. Reach the hotel by late afternoon and relax. Visit the Vishwanath and Narayankoti temples, and participate in the evening aarti.

Overnight Stay in Guptkashi

 

Day 7: Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath (1.5 hrs drive & 18 km trek)

Start early for Gaurikund, the base point for the 18 km trek to Kedarnath. Trek through picturesque landscapes and join fellow pilgrims along the way. Alternatively, opt for ponies or a dolly for the trek. Reach Kedarnath by late afternoon.

Overnight Stay in a basic guesthouse or ashram

 

Day 8: Kedarnath Darshan – Gaurikund – Guptkashi (18 km trek & 1.5 hrs drive)

Begin the day with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple and spend time soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi.

Overnight Stay in Guptkashi

 

Day 9: Guptkashi – Auli/Joshimath (5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Auli, visiting Gopinath Temple in Gopeshwar and Narsingh Devta Temple in Joshimath along the way. Arrive in Auli by evening.

Overnight Stay in Auli

 

Day 10: Auli/Joshimath – Badrinath Darshan – Auli/Joshimath (2 hrs drive one way)

After an early breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Visit the Tapt Kund, Narayan Kund, Mata Murti Temple, Bhim Pul, and Mana Village (India's last village). Depending on time, take a trek to Vasundhara Falls (3-hour round trip). Return to Auli by evening.

Overnight Stay in Auli

 

Day 11: Auli/Joshimath – Rishikesh (9 hrs drive)

Drive to Rishikesh, stopping at Devprayag to witness the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, forming the Ganges. In Rishikesh, attend the mesmerizing evening Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Overnight Stay in Rishikesh

 

Day 12: Rishikesh – Dehradun Airport (1 hr drive)

Check out in the morning and drive to Dehradun airport for departure.

End Of Trip

Included/Excluded

Transport from & back to Dehradun airport (Please note AC will not be operated on hills)
Accommodation for 11 nights as below: Note: While every effort would be made to get the reservations in the above hotels, in case of non-availability, hotels in a similar category would be booked
Vegetarian breakfast and dinner at all locations, except in Kedarnath. Guest can order whatever they want to have and pay directly
1 litre of bottled water every day while travelling
Helicopter tickets, Special Pooja & VIP Darshan charges (Can be arranged at extra cost whenever required)
Mule/Porters/Dolis - Can be arranged at extra cost wherever required
Soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc
Any still/video camera charges, entry charges, special darshan charges, etc.
Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, etc
Insurance

Hotel Details

One of these Hotels would be booked for your trip at the mentioned locations.
Haridwar (1 Night)
hotel/dls-ganga-bliss DLS Ganga Bliss
Deluxe Room
hotel/renest-hotel Renest Hotel
Canary Rooms
hotel/sterling-mantra-hotel Sterling Mantra Hotel
Classic Rooms
Barkot (2 Nights)
hotel/the-monkey-trail-resort The Monkey Trail Resort
Family Rooms
Uttarkashi (2 Nights)
hotel/hotel-ankit-residency Hotel Ankit Residency
Double Bed Rooms
Guptkashi (1 Night)
hotel/village-retreat-resort Village Retreat Resort
Deluxe Room
Kedarnath (1 Night)
hotel/white-house-resort White House Resort
Family Rooms
hotel/patliputra-guest-house Patliputra Guest House
Guest House
hotel/gayatri-sadan Gayatri Sadan Guest House
Guest Houses
Guptkashi (1 Night)
hotel/village-retreat-resort Village Retreat Resort
Deluxe Room
Auli (2 Nights)
hotel/aaryam-resort Aaryam Resort
Mountain View Premium Rooms with Balcony
Rishikesh (1 Night)
hotel/one-earth-hotel One Earth Hotel
Executive Rooms

Experiences

Adventure & Thrill Adventure & Thrill
Culinary & Food Culinary & Food
Culture, Heritage & History Culture, Heritage & History
Lakes & Rivers Lakes & Rivers
Luxury Train Journeys Luxury Train Journeys
Mountain & Hill Stations Mountain & Hill Stations
Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife
Pilgrimage & Spiritual Pilgrimage & Spiritual
Scenic Drives Scenic Drives
Shopping & Local Markets Shopping & Local Markets
Spa & Wellness Retreats Spa & Wellness Retreats

FAQs

What is Uttarakhand famous for?
Uttarakhand, often called the “Dev Bhoomi” (Land of the Gods), is known for: Religious pilgrimages: Char Dham Yatra (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri); Hill stations: Nainital, Mussoorie, Lansdowne; Adventure sports: Trekking, rafting, skiing, camping; Wildlife & nature: Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers; Spiritual retreats: Rishikesh and Haridwar.
What is the best time to visit Uttarakhand?
March to June (Summer): Pleasant weather for sightseeing and trekking; July to September (Monsoon): Lush greenery, but landslide-prone in hilly regions; October to February (Winter): Snowfall in hill stations; good for skiing; Avoid: Heavy monsoon season if visiting hilly or landslide-prone areas.
How do I reach Uttarakhand?
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (for Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Haridwar); Pantnagar Airport (for Nainital, Almora); By Train: Major stations: Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam, Rishikesh; By Road: Well connected via NH34 and NH109. Regular state buses, taxis, and private cars available. Foreign tourists need a special Inner Line Permit for some regions like Nelong Valley near China border.
What kind of accommodation is available?
Uttarakhand offers a range of stays: Luxury resorts & hotels in Dehradun, Nainital, Rishikesh; Budget hotels & guesthouses across all major towns; Ashrams & spiritual retreats in Rishikesh and Haridwar; Tented camps & eco stays in Chopta, Auli, Mukteshwar, etc.
What activities can I enjoy in Uttarakhand?
Adventure: River rafting, bungee jumping (Rishikesh), skiing (Auli), trekking (Valley of Flowers, Kedarkantha); Pilgrimage: Char Dham Yatra, Haridwar Ganga Aarti; Leisure: Boating in Nainital, Cable car rides, wildlife safaris; Yoga & Wellness: Rishikesh offers world-renowned yoga retreats.
Is local transport easily available?
Yes. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses available in most towns; Shared jeeps and private cabs used for remote areas; Ropeways available in Auli, Nainital, and Mussoorie.
What should I pack for a trip to Uttarakhand?
Light jackets & woollens (even in summer for hill areas); Heavy woollens for winter travel or higher altitudes; Trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat; Medicines, water bottles, snacks, power bank; ID proof and necessary permits if trekking.
Are ATMs and mobile networks easily available?
ATMs: Available in all towns, but carry cash for remote areas; Mobile connectivity: Good in cities and towns. Limited or no signal in high-altitude trekking or remote zones (e.g., Kedarnath route).
What are the local cuisines to try?
Kumaoni Dishes: Aloo ke Gutke, Bhatt ki Churkani; Garhwali Food: Mandua Roti, Chainsoo, Jhangora Kheer; Street food: Singori, Bal Mithai, Samosa, Jalebi.
Why is Haridwar significant?
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest Hindu cities, located at the point where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas. It is a major pilgrimage site. SOme of the main attractions are Har Ki Pauri Ghat (Ganga Aarti); Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples (via ropeway); Bharat Mata Mandir; Daksha Mahadev Temple; October to April is ideal. Special visits during Kumbh Mela, Kanwar Yatra, and Kartik Purnima are popular.
Is bathing in the Ganga safe?
Yes, but only in designated ghats like Har Ki Pauri, where lifeguards are available.
What makes Rishikesh popular?
Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is a hub for spirituality, meditation, yoga, and adventure (especially river rafting). Some of the activities to do are Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula; Triveni Ghat Ganga Aarti; The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia); Adventure sports: river rafting, bungee jumping, rock climbing; Yoga classes and wellness retreats.
Is alcohol or non-veg food available in Rishikesh?
No, Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free zone due to its spiritual significance.
Where is Guptkashi and why is it visited?
1. Where is Guptkashi and why is it visited? Located en route to Kedarnath, Guptkashi is sacred due to its ancient temples and mythological link to Lord Shiva. Some of the main attractions are Vishwanath Temple; Ardhanareshwar Temple; Manikarnika Kund; Chopta (day excursion possible).
Is Guptkashi a good place to stay before Kedarnath?
Yes. Many pilgrims stay overnight at Guptkashi or nearby Sitapur/Phata before proceeding to Kedarnath via trek or helicopter.
What is Uttarkashi famous for?
Uttarkashi is a gateway to Gangotri and a hub for spiritual seekers. It's also a scenic town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Some of the key attractions are Kashi Vishwanath Temple; Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM); Day trip to Gangnani (hot springs); Start point for Gangotri and Dodital treks. One can stay overnight, and it is a common stopover for Char Dham pilgrims heading to Gangotri.
What is Barkot known for?
Barkot is a tranquil hill town on the Yamuna River and a base for Yamunotri pilgrims. It is around 50 km from Yamunotri’s base (Janki Chatti). Offers beautiful views of the Banderpoonch Range.
What type of accommodation is available?
Mostly budget hotels, lodges, and pilgrimage guesthouses.
Why should I visit Auli?
Auli is India’s premier ski destination and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi. One can enjoy activities like Skiing and snowboarding (Dec–Feb); Gondola ride from Joshimath to Auli; Trekking to Gorson Bugyal, Kuari Pass; Chair lift and artificial lake visit.
How do I reach Auli?
Reach Joshimath by road, then take a ropeway or drive up to Auli (16 km).; Ropeway is one of Asia’s longest (4.5 km); Best time to visit are December to February for snow and skiing. March to June for clear skies and trekking.
from ₹ 62,399
Year Round
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   Meal Plan
Breakfast & Dinner
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₹ 62,399