Suggested 10-Day Itinerary (Mid-September)

Day 1 – Arrive Rishikesh/Haridwar

• Reach early—check into a budget dharamshala or gurudwara (free/₹300–₹500)
• Evening Ganga Aarti in Haridwar or Rishikesh

Day 2 – Rishikesh → Barkot

• Drive ~200 km via picturesque routes (Chamba, Mussoorie)
• Stay in Barkot (guesthouse ~₹800–1,200)

Day 3 – Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot

• Early morning drive to Janki Chatti (~25 km), then 6 km trek to Yamunotri
• Local guest house stay in Barkot

Day 4 – Barkot → Uttarkashi

• En route visit Divya Shila & Nachiketa Shivling
• Stay in Uttarkashi (budget lodges available)

Day 5 – Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi

• Drive 100 km to Gangotri, return same day
• Overnight in Uttarkashi

Day 6 – Uttarkashi → Guptkashi/Phata

• Long drive (270 km). Overnight in Guptkashi or Phata (₹800)

Day 7 – Kedarnath Darshan

• Trek (16 km one-way, moderate-high altitude) or chopper from Phata to Kedarnath (~₹6k–8k)
• Return and stay in Guptkashi/Phata

Day 8 – Guptkashi → Badrinath

• Drive via Joshimath (210 km), Dham darshan
• Stay in Badrinath (₹1k basic lodging)

Day 9 – Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar

• Return journey: Badrinath→Rudraprayag→Haridwar (~320 km)
• Overnight in Haridwar

Day 10 – Departure

• Early start for onward journey

💡 Budget & Tips

• Stay: Government-run dharamshalas and private guesthouses cost ₹300–₹1,500/night—book in advance.

• Transport: State buses or shared taxis ~₹2/km; full-day private hire ~₹5–7k/day

• Chopper: Phata–Kedarnath return ~₹12–16k/pair

• Meals: Simple local dhabas ~₹150–300 per meal