Trek Overview
The 9-days trek takes you along some of the most beautiful destinations in Uttarakhand that are blessed with an abundance of nature and steeped in spirituality. The mind is greeted with joy at the sight of the scenic vistas and being in the mystical environs of the pilgrimage spots. It is believed that the journey should be done in a clockwise direction.
The journey starts at Haridwar and proceeds towards Barkot en route to the ‘Queen of hills’, Mussorie. The first shrine we will visit on our journey is Yamunotri, which is also the origin point of the river Yamuna. One needs to trek from Barkot to Yamunotri which takes about 6 to 8 hrs. The mystic aura and the calmness of the region offer a serene reprieve from the hectic day-to-day life. On the fourth day, we will travel from Barkot to Uttarkashi, where we will stay the night. Uttarkashi, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River is a popular pilgrim town with many revered temples. The Vishwanath temple is the most popular here and is located in the center of the town. It is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva. From Uttarkashi, we travel towards Gangotri, the second of the Char Dhams. Gangotri is the birthplace of the River Ganga and you can admire the River flowing in its full force here. You can hear holy hymns and witness the beautiful aarti at the Gangotri temple.
On the 5th day, we will leave Uttarkashi and travel to Guptakashi. Here you will get a glance of the beautiful confluence of Devprayag where Alakananda and Bhagirathi merge beautifully. There’s also an Ardha Narishwar temple, dedicated to the half male and half female form of Lord Shiva. The next day, you will travel to Gaurikund and trek to Kedarnath. It is a 16 km trek. There is a hot water spring in Gaurikund that naturally stays hot all year round. You can either trek to Kedarnath on foot or you have the option to take a helicopter from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. After spending the night at Kedarnath, on the 9th day, we will trek down to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi.
The Char Dham Yatra coming close to the end, on the 9th day, we will visit Badrinath Dham, the last of the 4 holy shrines. Following your prayers at Badrinath, we will drive back to Rudraprayag followed by the pilgrim city Rishikesh the next day and from there on, you can book your onward ticket towards your destination.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Barkot
- Distance: 170 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs
- Altitude: 1,220 m / 4,000 ft
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot
- Drive Distance: 36 km
- Trek Distance: 6 km (one way) | Duration: 6 hrs
- Altitude: 3,293 m / 10,804 ft
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Distance: 100 km | Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Altitude: 1,158 m / 3,800 ft
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Uttarkashi
- Distance: 100 km (one way) | Duration: 3-4 hrs
- Altitude: 3,415 m / 11,204 ft
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Sonprayag
- Distance: 250 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs
- Altitude: 1,829 m / 6,000 ft
Day 6: Sonprayag to Kedarnath
- Drive Distance: 5 km
- Trek Distance: 16 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs
- Altitude: 3,583 m / 11,755 ft
Day 7: Kedarnath to Sonprayag
- Trek Distance: 16 km | Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Drive Distance: 5 km
Day 8: Sonprayag to Badrinath
- Distance: 225 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs
- Altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Day 9: Badrinath to Dehradun
- Distance: 330 km | Duration: 10-11 hrs
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Barkot
The journey to the Char Dham begins at the Dehradun from where we will travel to Barkot, a town in the Uttarkashi district. Located in Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 1,220 m, Barkot is a town in Uttarkashi district, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Barkot is a scenic town where the landscape stretches beautifully in with colorful apple orchards and the slopes verdant green with vegetation. The road to Barkot is very scenic and we will reach Barkot in the evening, and en route, we will also pass the beautiful and charming town of Mussorie, making a stop at Kempty Falls for lunch. From Barkot, you will get stunning views of Bandarpoonch Peak and it is a major stopover for pilgrims who wants to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri during the Char Dham season. Check into the hotel, have dinner, and rest well, tomorrow your day of actual trekking starts.
Day 02: Yamunotri Dham Darshan And Back To Barkot
Today is the biggest day as you will visit one of the first Char Dhams, Yamunotri Dham. After our breakfast from Barkot, we will head towards Gangotri Dham. First, it’s a short drive to Janki Chatti/Phool Chatti. From here, it’s approximately a 6 km hike to Yamunotri. The trek is through the lush valley, dense conifers, rhododendrons, cacti, and numerous Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri is the origin of River Yamuna, a highly revered place situated in the north of Uttarakhand. The Yamunotri Glacier at an elevation, of 6,387 meters is the source of the river Yamuna. The real source is Champasar Glacier closer to the temple. Yamunotri Dham is located at an altitude of 3293 m in the Western Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand and is the seat of Goddess Yamuna. Goddess Yamuna's idol here is made of black marble. According to the legends, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Yama (the god of death), and taking a bath in the river is believed to bring a peaceful death. Apart from being a place of spiritual significance, Yamunotri is also blessed generously with nature’s beauty. The temple set with the backdrop of the Yamuna River that jests down along on side of the temple makes for a wonderful sight. You will hear and see the sounds and sights of beautiful waterfalls and lush valleys along the way. The Bandarpoonch Massif is very prominent here and you will get expansive views of the peak.
Yamunotri is also a pleasant spot with many options for sightseeing. One of the significant is Surya Kund which is among several hot springs in the area. The hot water spring is believed to have medicinal properties. Many pilgrims carry rice in a cloth and dip it in the hot water. The cooked and steamed rice is then treated as "prasad" and offered to Divya Shila of the temple. The Shila is a rock pillar that is worshipped before stepping into the temple. After visiting the temple take a dip in the Kund, offer your prayers, and after spending some time in the serenity of the temple return back to Barkot.
Day 03: Drive From Barkot To Uttarkashi
From Barkot today you will visit the hub of adventures and spirituality, Uttarakashi. It is the renowned district of Uttarakhand where mountaineers, hikers, and pilgrims come every year for their mountain endeavours. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in Uttarakashi along with a variety of ashrams and temples. The town is considered comparable to Varanasi which is also on the banks of the river Ganges. Uttarkashi is located at a distance of approximately 90 km from Barkot and it takes 4 hrs to reach the town.
Uttarkashi is popular for its rich cultural heritage and immense natural abundance. Sweeping mountain views, decorate the town on all sides. The entire town is lined with many temples and holy places. One of the pious temples is the Vishwanath temple, believed to be the oldest one. It was redeveloped by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in 1857. The entire temple is a huge site that comprises other shrines of Markandeya Rishi, Ganpati, and Sakshi Gopal. While you are at the premises take full advantage of the Akhand Abhishek and Akhand Jyoti. They are of prime importance and bring happiness. An interesting thing that you will observe at Vishwanath Temple is that the Shivalingam is almost 56 cm in height and there’s a slight tilt in the southwards direction. There’s also a Nandi Statue outside the temple. If you believe the literature of Skanda Puran, Uttarkashi is the home of Lord Shiva for Kaliyug and it is also part of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Vishwanath temple is an ancient temple and you can witness the age-old architectural style of the temple building.
Another incredible spot not to miss is the Shakti temple which is exactly opposite Vishwanath. It has a massive linga called ‘Trishul’ of 20 feet in height and a circumference of 90 cm. It is made of iron and copper. The legend goes that Shakti (Trishul) was thrown by Goddess Shakti (Durga) to kill some demons and hence the name of the temple. When in Uttarkashi also visit other notable temples like Markandey Rishi, Kuteti Devi, Sakshi Gopal, Gopeshwar Mahadev, Koteshwar Mahadev, and Sakshi Gopal Temple.
Apart from pilgrim spots and temples, Uttarkashi is also a hub for all adventure lovers as it serves as the base for many popular treks like Dyara Bugyal Trek, Dodital Trek, Kedartal Trek, Sartal Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, etc. Uttarkashi has a considerably big market, so if you want to withdraw any cash from ATM or buy some last-minute miscellaneous stuff for the trek.
Day 04: Uttarkashi To Gangotri And Back To Uttarkashi
Along the way, at Gangnani take the chance to bathe in Garam Kund. Henceforth the landscapes get mesmerizing as you pass through Harsil valley with Deodar trees blooming everywhere. Again at Gangotri wash away your sins and tiredness by taking a dip in the holy Ganga. Ganga river here is also called Bhagirathi. The revered Gangotri temple on the river banks was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century. Gangotri Temple is located at an altitude of 3,100 m and is nestled in the Gangotri Ranges. The sacred river Ganga originates from the Gaumukh glacier in the Gangotri Valley. There are many legends attached to the origin of the River Ganga here. One tale goes such that sage Kapila once burnt the 60,000 sons of King Bhagirath to ashes and cursed them that they will attain Moksha only if their ashes were washed in the holy River Ganga, who at that time seated in heaven. Bhagirath thus prayed to Goddess Ganga, who transformed into a River to wash away the ashes of Bhagirath’s son. Another tale goes that when Ganga was descending to Earth in response to the prayers of King Bhagirath, her intensity was such that it would submerge the entire earth. To protect the world from being submerged Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his locks and released Ganga in three streams, one of which came down to earth as Bhagirathi. There’s a Bhagirath Shila located close to the temple, where Bhagirath has been said to have been meditating. To witness the origin of the River Ganga, one has to trek from Gangotri all the way to the Gaumukh Glacier. Some people also trek 4 km further to Tapovan.
Another major attraction is the submerged Shivling which comes into sight only in winter when the river level is less. But is an epic view. Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Along with the Ganga temple, there is also a Kedar Ganga temple which you must visit. About 10 km downstream from Gangotri lies the Bhairon Nath temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was chosen by Lord Shiva to protect the temple. After a day full of exploration you will head back to Uttarkashi. You will stay the night at Uttarkashi.
Day 05: Drive From Uttarkashi to Sonprayag
From Uttarkashi, the next celebrated stop is Sonprayag. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will start the drive towards Sonprayag. The route is extremely tranquil through Moolgarh and Lambgoan. Also, the sight of the beautiful Mandakini river at Tilwara is serene. The water body follows from Kedarnath (which you will be visiting soon). The path to Guptkashi goes side by side with the Mandakini river. En route, you will also the Tehri Dam, the highest dam in the world and we will reach Sonprayag by evening.
Day 06: Sonprayag to Kedarnath
Today will be a milestone of life as you will go to Kedarnath. There will be a medical check-up after which you will head to Sonprayag. Kedarnath needs no introduction. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, a perfect Himalayan getaway with terrific historical and mythological prominence. More importantly, it is just a magnificent spot of beauty and serenity with the Kedarnath Range as the backdrop. Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and perches at an altitude of 3553 m. Kedar is a synonym of Lord Shiva who is both protector and the destroyer. As per the Mahabharata, the Pandavas after winning the war against Kauravas felt guilty for ending the lives of their own brothers. They, therefore, wanted to take the blessing of Lord Shiva. He then escaped and hid in many places. When he finally appeared at Kedarnath. Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar Yatra where parts of Shiva are believed to be found.
The motorable road is till Guarikund, from where you will have to trek 16 km to complete the trek. From Guarikund start your trek and continue through Rambada Bridge to reach Jungle Chatti, your first stop point. Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti is at a distance of 4 km. If you are tired take a break here, have some water and refreshments and continue on your journey. From Jungle Chatti, the next stop is at Bheembali, which is at a distance of 3 km from Jungle Chatti. There are accommodations along Bheembali as well. The third stop is at Linchauli, which is 4 km Linchauli, accommodations are available at Linchauli as well. The mountain views from Linchauli are extraordinary and will take all your tiredness away. From Linchauli, it is another 4 km to Kedarnath base camp. From the base camp, you will get a panoramic view of the mountain environs and the temple not very far away. You can feel the divine mysticism and the spiritual aura of the place as soon as you set foot on the Kedarnath shrine. The Kedarnath peak stands tall behind the temple adding to the divine aura of the temple.
Day 07: Kedarnath to Sonprayag
Get up early morning before dawn and after taking a bath visit the temple by 4:45 am for the Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After Temple Darshan and Post breakfast begins your downwards journey from Kedarnath. Trek down to Gauri Kund, which is known for its hot spring. There is a famous Parvati temple as well. According to legends, Gaurikund is where Parvati did penance involving yogic and ascetic practices to win Lord Shiva’s heart and it is believed that Lord Shiva accepted to marry Parvati here and they got married in the Tijuginarayan temple. From Gaurikund you will drive to Sonprayag, where you will stay the night.
Day 08: Sonprayag to Badrinath
The last but not the least, Badrinath is the final stop of the Char Dhams. You will take a 7 hours long ride to Badrinath via Joshimath. It will also be your halting point for the day. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is the seat of Lord Vishnu. Not many know of the epic behind the name of Badrinath. The location is decored by wild berries, therefore, the name, \"Badri van\" or \"forest of berries\". En route Joshimath, you can also see Adi Shankaracharya Math and Narsingh Temple at Joshimath.
At 3000 meters height, Badrinath is protected by Nar and Narayan mountains on either side. This religious place is also filled with hot water springs of which Tapt and Narad kunds are popular. Tapt Kund is on Alaknanda river banks and it is compulsory to bath in this kund before stepping to the Badrinath temple. Narad Kund is the pool where Badrinath idol was discovered.
Other attractions are Brahama Kapal (a platform where rituals for deceased are performed), Sheshnetra (it is boulder 1.5 km far that has an impression of a snake), Charanpaduka (another boulder 3 km far that has an impression of Vishnu\'s footprint), Maha Murty temple (this shrine dedicated to mother of Badrinath), Vasundhara (a waterfall, 5km from Badrinath) etc. Mana village near Badrinath is also of major importance as it houses other attractions like Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa. Mana lies in the Indo-Tibetan border and is steeped in natural beauty.
Bhim Pul: On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers. Vyas Gufa (cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
The dreamlike setting of Badrinath and the mesmerizing vistas add to the sanctity of the place and it is where you can experience true tranquility. Just like other Dhams, the Badrinath temple is also full of legends. It is said that Lord Vishnu came here and immersed himself in complete meditation after Sage Narada rebuked him for being to occupied with worldly pleasures. Badrinath also has mrntions in Vedic scriptures like Srimad Bhagvatam. The presiding deity inside Badrinath is an idol of Lord Vishnu immersed in meditation. Enjoy a day full of sightseeing and basking in the natural glory, head back to your hotel and rest the night.
Day 09: Badrinath to Dehradung
Now it's the day to say goodbye to all the Dhams and head back home. The return journey follows a devotional path with Rudraprayag and Rishikesh on its way. Usually, the devotees take a quick bath in Taptkund before starting the return journey. You can capture the tourist locations of Mana village if you missed them yesterday.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.