At the Source of India's Two Most Sacred Rivers — Yamuna and Ganga
The Do Dham Yatra to Gangotri and Yamunotri is the gentler of Uttarakhand's two Do Dham circuits — visiting the source shrines of the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, both considered profoundly purifying to visit, without the demanding 16 km Kedarnath trek required on the other Do Dham route.
Yamunotri, the westernmost of the four Chardham shrines, is reached via a 6 km trek (on foot, pony, or palanquin) from Janki Chatti, where pilgrims traditionally cook rice wrapped in cloth in the temple's natural thermal springs as prasad, before bathing in the warm waters of Surya Kund and seeking darshan of Goddess Yamuna — believed in Hindu tradition to spare from suffering at death anyone who bathes in her sacred waters.
From Barkot, the route continues to Uttarkashi — literally 'the Kashi of the North' — for the drive to Gangotri, an 18th-century temple of white granite on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, marking the spot where the Ganges is believed to have first touched earth in response to King Bhagirath's penance. The true glacial source, Gaumukh, lies a further trek beyond the temple for those with extra time.
This shorter Do Dham circuit makes an excellent introduction to Himalayan pilgrimage for families, senior citizens, or first-time yatris, with two comfortable nights at each of Barkot and Uttarkashi allowing a relaxed pace before the journey concludes back at Haridwar.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Meet our representative at Haridwar Railway Station or Dehradun Airport, and begin the drive to Barkot (approximately 180-220 km, ~7-8 hours) via Dehradun and Mussoorie. En route, stop at Kempty Falls — a dramatic waterfall and one of the most popular picnic spots near Mussoorie, developed over 150 years ago. Continue the drive to Barkot. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Early morning, drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti via Hanuman Chatti and Phool Chatti (approximately 36-50 km). From Janki Chatti, trek approximately 6 km (one way) to the Yamunotri Temple — on foot, or by pony or palanquin (doli) at your own cost. At the shrine, take a holy dip in the warm waters of Surya Kund, where pilgrims traditionally cook rice wrapped in cloth as prasad, and seek darshan of Goddess Yamuna at the Divya Shila rock pillar before entering the temple. Trek back to Janki Chatti and drive to Barkot for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi (approximately 100 km, ~4 hours) — literally meaning 'the Kashi of the North'. On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Vishwanath Temple, home to a massive iron trident, along with other notable shrines in the area including Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar, and Kuteti Devi temples.
Early breakfast, then drive to Gangotri (approximately 100 km, ~3-4 hours each way), with stops en route at Gangnani's hot water spring and the picturesque village of Harsil, known for its deodar forests and dramatic mountain views. Gangotri Temple, an 18th-century structure of white granite on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, marks the spot where the Ganges is believed to have first touched earth. Seek darshan, take a holy dip in the sacred waters, and perform pooja, before driving back to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay.
Early morning after breakfast, drive back toward Haridwar (approximately 170-190 km, ~5-6 hours), passing a scenic view of Tehri Lake en route. Optionally stop in Rishikesh to visit Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula — both pedestrian-only, so the vehicle will wait while you explore the ghats, temples, and ashrams on foot. Continue to Haridwar, where you will be dropped at the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (hotels)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast & dinner)
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven vehicle suitable for hill roads, for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ Chardham biometric registration assistance
- ✓ All toll, tax, parking, and driver allowances
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Delhi or Dehradun
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✗ Pony/palanquin charges at Yamunotri (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at temples and attractions
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
Yes — this is the gentler of the two Do Dham options, without the demanding 16 km Kedarnath trek. The only walking required is the 6 km (one-way) Yamunotri trek, which can be done entirely by pony or palanquin for those unable to walk, making this route genuinely well-suited to families, senior citizens, and first-time pilgrims.
Yes, for travellers with extra time and a good level of fitness — Gaumukh lies approximately 18 km beyond Gangotri Temple via a moderate Himalayan trek, typically requiring 2 additional days (one each way, often with an overnight camp). This is not included in the standard 5-day itinerary but can be added on request.
Yes — both of our Do Dham itineraries are sub-circuits of the complete Chardham Yatra, which visits all four shrines (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) in a single 11-12 day journey. If you would like to undertake the full circuit, see our Chardham Yatra page, or let us know and we can combine both Do Dham itineraries into one continuous trip.
Yes — Uttarakhand's tourism department requires biometric registration for Char Dham pilgrims, completed online in advance or at registration counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh. We handle this registration on your behalf as part of the booking process; please provide ID and passport-size photographs ahead of your travel dates.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can add a Rishikesh stay, arrange a helicopter upgrade, or adjust the pace. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, particularly given the route's dependence on mountain weather conditions.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
