Overview

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimage journeys for Hindus, comprising four sacred shrines located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The journey to these revered destinations is believed to purify the soul and offer spiritual liberation. The Char Dham are: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these shrines holds profound religious and cultural importance, attracting millions of devotees every year.

Highlights

Sacred Pilgrimage: Comprises four holy shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Spiritual Liberation: Considered a journey that purifies the soul and offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death).
Yamunotri: Source of the Yamuna River, with the sacred Surya Kund hot springs for rituals
Gangotri: Source of the Ganges River, with the revered Gangotri Temple located on the river's banks.
Kedarnath: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, situated in the Kedarnath Range of the Himalayas.
Badrinath: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located near the Alaknanda River with breathtaking mountain views.
Challenging Terrain: Involves long treks and difficult terrain, offering a physically rewarding experience.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas.

Day 1 :

HARIDWAR – BARKOT (180KMS / 07 HRS DRIVE)

Pick up from Haridwar Railway Station/Prescheduled destination and proceed to Barkot (Barkot is a beautiful hill station which is located on the foot of Yamunotri). On the way you optional visit the “Kempty Falls” on the way if time permit. Upon arrival at Barkot, check-in the Hotel/Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.

Day 2 :

BARKOT - JANKICHATTI/YAMUNOTRI – BARKOT (45 KMS DRIVE BY ROAD/06 KMS TREKKING/PONY/PALKI)

Morning proceed to Jankichatti (45 Km). Here you will begin the First hill Yatra of Yamunotri (6Kms trekking).Those who want to hire Pony/Palki at own cost. Return via the same route back to Barkot. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.

Day 3 :

BARKOT – UTTARKASHI (80 KMS / 04 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Uttarkashi (Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams) En-route visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Upon arrival Uttarkashi check into the hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 4 :

UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI – UTTARKASHI (200 KMS / 08 HRS)

Morning drive to Gangotri. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges (which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. After performing Pooja, drive back to Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 5 :

UTTARKASHI – GUPTKASHI/PHATA (200 KMS / 08 HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Guptkashi (It’s situated at a distance of 47 km from the holy shrine, Kedarnath) The town holds immense religious importance. Have your dinner and stay overnight in the hotel/camp.

Day 6 :

GUPTKASHI/PHATA – SONPRAYAG - KEDARNATH (25 kms drive & 19 kms Trekking)

Early morning drive to Sonprayag till Transport Parking. You have to take local vehicle/jeep to reach at Gaurikund (02 kms) at own cost. After reaching at Gauri Kund, you can start trekking for Kedarnath (19 Kms one way).
Note: Please book your Helicopter/Poni/Palki prior to avoid last minute price hike and start early morning 4:00 AM those who are going by Trekking/Pony/Palki.
Upon arrival, visit Kedarnath Temple, after performing Pooja, Go for a small trekk of bhairav baba temple if time permits. Overnight stay in Kedarnath .

Day 7 :

KEDARNATH – GUPTKASHI/PHATA

Wake in early morning visit Kedarnath Temple, after performing pooja again start trekking to return back to Sonprayag on right time and co-ordinate with driver who will waiting for you in Sonprayag/Phata/Sirsi on your respective time. Later back to hotel Have Dinner and Overnight Stay
at Guptkashi.

Day 08 :

GUPTKASHI/ PHATA – BADRINATH (via Pipalkoti)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath, Pipalkoti. Upon arrival Pipalkoti, check into the hotel and visit Badrinath Temple if time permit. Overnight stay. After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath, Pipalkoti. Upon arrival Pipalkoti, check into the hotel and visit Badrinath Temple if time permit. Overnight stay. After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath, Pipalkoti. Upon arrival Pipalkoti, check into the hotel and visit Badrinath Temple if time permit. Overnight stay. Badrinath is an important pilgrimage site which holds immense importance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is set at a height of 3133 meter. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. After some rest and refreshments you are all set to go to Badrinath Temple for darshan in the evening. But first you have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple.

Day 09 :

DAY 09: BADRINATH – RISHIKESH – HARIDWAR

Those who has been not visited Badrinath Temple earlier day has visit Badrinath Temple. Do the rituals and pooja. And
back to the hotel. After breakfast check out from the hotel and after breakfast, you drive downhill to Haridwar via
Rishikesh a spiritual city and the Yoga capital of th e world. Upon arrival Rishikesh visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula if
time permits. Later drive to Haridwar (25 Kms) drop at Railway Station/ Airport as per your pre-scheduled departure.
Tour Concludes.

FAQs

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How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.