Experience the Divine Journey to the Himalayas
Embark on a pilgrimage with Pilgrim Way Tours and experience India's spiritual heartland with trusted logistics. We combine knowledgeable local guides, experienced mountain drivers, comfortable hotels, and optional helicopter transfers for parts of the journey where trekking is steep. Whether you seek the full Char Dham or a focused Kedarnath or Badrinath trip, our packages are designed to match your pace and devotion.
What Makes Our Pilgrimage Packages Special
- Transparent pricing, clear inclusions and no hidden charges.
- Multiple package tiers β Budget, Classic, Deluxe, and Luxury (with helicopter options).
- Experienced local support: guides, porters, drivers and medical assistance.
- Customizable itineraries to fit seniors, families, and special interest groups.
Pilgrim Way Tours has facilitated thousands of pilgrims with end-to-end planning. Our priority is safe, meaningful travel β from Haridwar's Ganga Aarti to Kedarnath's mountain sanctum.
Featured Pilgrimage Packages
Char Dham Yatra β 10 to 14 Days (Complete Package)
The Char Dham Yatra connects four sacred shrines β Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Our inclusive 12-day classic itinerary balances spiritual rituals with comfortable travel and rest days. Options exist for 10-day express tours and 14-day relaxed itineraries with extra sightseeing.
Sample 12βDay Itinerary (Classic)
- Day 1: Arrival at Haridwar β Ganga Aarti & overnight.
- Day 2: Haridwar β Barkot / Uttarkashi.
- Day 3: Barkot β Yamunotri day trip and return (hot springs & puja).
- Day 4: Barkot β Uttarkashi β Gangotri β Darshan & stay.
- Day 5: Gangotri β Haridwar/Joshimath (transit to Kedarnath region).
- Day 6: Approach to Kedarnath (trek/helicopter) β Temple darshan.
- Day 7: Kedarnath β Sonprayag β Rudraprayag (rest & travel).
- Day 8: Rudraprayag β Joshimath β Badrinath arrival.
- Day 9: Badrinath darshan & nearby visits (Mana Village, Tapt Kund).
- Day 10: Badrinath β Rishikesh β optional yoga session.
- Day 11: Rishikesh local sightseeing (Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram).
- Day 12: Drop to Haridwar / Departure.
Inclusions (Classic): Pickup/drop, AC transport, hotel stays twin/double, breakfast, local guides, permits and tolls. Optional helicopter or VIP services available at extra cost.
Kedarnath Package β 5 to 7 Days (Focus on Shiva)
Kedarnath is a prime destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and is often combined with a Gangotri or Badrinath trip. Pilgrim Way Tours offers multiple Kedarnath-centric packages with optional helicopter transfers to shorten the high-altitude approach.
Detailed 6βDay Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival Haridwar/Rishikesh β transfer to Guptkashi/Sonprayag.
- Day 2: Reach Gaurikund; trek (approx 16 km one way) or fly by helicopter to Kedarnath. Darshan & return logistics.
- Day 3: Local rest & visits β Rudraprayag or Sonprayag.
- Day 4: Guptkashi β Rishikesh β yoga or local leisure activities.
- Day 5: Rishikesh sightseeing & Ganga Aarti.
- Day 6: Departure from Haridwar/Dehradun.
Trek & Safety: The trek to Kedarnath is high-altitude and involves steep sections. We provide trek support, porters, oxygen cylinders (on demand), and this route is best attempted with acclimatization and a short fitness routine prior to travel.
Badrinath Package β 3 to 5 Days (Vishnu Shrine)
Badrinath is celebrated as the home of Lord Vishnu in the Himalayas. It is well-connected by road and pairs perfectly with a shorter Gangotri or Rishikesh retreat. Our Badrinath packages include temple assistance, local sightseeing of Mana village and Tapt Kund (hot sulphur springs), and comfortable stays in Joshimath or Badrinath.
Sample 4βDay Itinerary
- Day 1: Haridwar β Rudraprayag β Joshimath.
- Day 2: Joshimath β Badrinath β darshan & local sightseeing.
- Day 3: Early morning aarti, optional puja arrangements & return to Joshimath.
- Day 4: Return to Haridwar / Departure.
Yamunotri & Gangotri β 3 to 5 Days (River Sources)
Explore the spiritual sources of two of India's most sacred rivers. Yamunotri features hot springs and a small temple dedicated to the river goddess, while Gangotri's expansive glacier and temple are deeply tied to the Ganges' origin myths. Ideal for pilgrims interested in nature and rituals at the river headwaters.
Helicopter & Luxury Packages
For travellers seeking comfort, or for senior pilgrims who cannot trek, our helicopter packages provide air transfers to Kedarnath and nearby landing zones (subject to seasonal availability and government permissions). Luxury packages include private vehicles, upgraded hotels, exclusive guides and bespoke puja arrangements.
Kedarnath β The Mountain Abode of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath Temple sits within the mandakini valley and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The site is a mix of deep devotion, challenging trekking, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. Pilgrims come for darshan, to perform rituals, and to experience the quiet grandeur of the mountains.
Historical & Mythological Context
The legend of the Pandavas and Lord Shiva's appearance as a bull at Kedarnath is central to the temple's mythos. Historical records tie the temple to ancient Puranic narratives and successive waves of pilgrims over centuries. For a detailed read, see the Kedarnath page on Wikipedia.
Practical Advice for Kedarnath Pilgrims
- Acclimatize well β schedule rest days before the high-altitude ascent.
- Carry warm and waterproof clothing; mountain weather changes rapidly.
- Use porter or pony services if needed; consider helicopter transfers for those with limited trekking ability.
"Our Kedarnath trek was flawlessly managed β the Pilgrim Way guides were experienced and kept our group safe. Truly a spiritual experience." β Neha K., Delhi
Badrinath β The Sacred Shrine of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath is one of the four Char Dham shrines and dominates the Garhwal landscape with its stone temple and mountainous backdrop. The temple town is a hub for daily worship, festivals and pilgrim services.
Why Pilgrims Visit Badrinath
Beyond darshan, pilgrims visit Mana Village, explore local caves associated with sages, and bathe in Tapt Kund (hot springs) which tradition says has healing properties. The experience blends devotion with a glimpse into high Himalayan village life.
Visitor Tips for Badrinath
- Respect daily temple timings and local priests' instructions.
- Combine Badrinath with short excursions to nearby natural attractions and the Janmabhoomi-related sites around Mana.
Yamunotri & Gangotri β Origins of Yamuna & Ganga
Yamunotri and Gangotri are pilgrimage sites where devotees perform river-centric rituals close to the glaciers that feed these rivers. The Yamunotri trek includes hot springs and a modest shrine; Gangotri offers glacier views and the Gangotri temple perched by the Bhagirathi river.
Read more: Yamunotri | Gangotri.
Best Time & Packing
Both sites are accessible mainly between April/May and October. Pack trekking-friendly gear, sun protection, and comfortable footwear; the terrain ranges from paved roads to rocky trails.
Helicopter & Luxury Options
Helicopter transfers offer a time-efficient and less strenuous way to visit high-altitude shrines, especially Kedarnath. We partner with certified operators and only confirm flights after weather and regulatory checks.
- Helicopter landing zones vary by season and permission: Phata, Sitapur, Guptkashi, and Kedarnath helipads.
- Luxury itineraries include upgraded hotels, private guides, and bespoke puja arrangements.
Note: Helicopter services are seasonal and subject to Government of Uttarakhand approvals. Prices fluctuate with demand β booking early is recommended for peak months.
Travel Tips β Health, Safety & Packing Checklist
Health & Altitude Advice
- Consult your physician if you have pre-existing conditions. Carry prescriptions and necessary medications.
- Be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): ascend slowly, hydrate, and avoid strenuous exertion for the first 24β48 hours at altitude.
- Pilgrim Way Tours provides a basic medical kit and oxygen cylinders for emergencies.
Packing Checklist
- Layered clothing: thermal innerwear, fleece, windproof jacket, waterproof outer layer.
- Trekking shoes, warm socks, gloves, cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Power bank, flashlight/headlamp, basic first-aid and water purification tablets.
- Small offerings (flowers/prasad) and portable change for local purchases.
Cultural Context & Pilgrim Practices
Uttarakhand β often called Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods) β is steeped in Vedic and Puranic traditions. Many pilgrims undertake the Char Dham for spiritual merit, penance, or to honour family traditions. Pilgrim Way Tours encourages respectful engagement with local customs β modest dress in temples, patience during darshan queues, and support for local handicrafts and services that sustain mountain communities.
Local Experiences to Enhance Your Pilgrimage
- Attend a morning satsang or bhajan session where available.
- Participate in Ganga Aarti at Haridwar or Rishikesh for a moving communal ritual.
- Explore local markets for woollen handicrafts and traditional snacks.
Pilgrim Stories & Testimonials
"We travelled as a family with elderly parents. Pilgrim Way Tours suggested a helicopter transfer to Kedarnath and arranged comfortable vehicles β the entire journey was smooth and memorable. The staff assisted with temple formalities and ensured our parents were comfortable at every step." β Suman & Vijay R., Mumbai
"The Char Dham package covered all four shrines with thoughtfully spaced rest days. Our guide explained the legends behind each temple and arranged a small puja at Gangotri which was deeply moving." β Arjun S., Bangalore
Longβform Pilgrim Narrative β 600 words approximate (sample):
My pilgrimage began in Haridwar, a city humming with devotees preparing for the Ganga Aarti. As dawn broke over Har Ki Pauri, we joined the crowd and witnessed the lamps being offered into the river. The sense of collective devotion was palpable and set the tone for the days ahead. We travelled by road into the hills, watching the plains fold into terraced fields and then into pineβclad slopes. At Yamunotri, the steam from hot springs rose in the cold morning air and pilgrims lined up for the brief trek to the shrine. In Gangotri, the air was brisk and the Ganges felt both wild and sacred, its source a glacier high above. The Kedarnath leg tested our endurance β the final ascent was steep, and yet each step felt sanctified by the panoramic vistas and the determined faith of fellow pilgrims. At the temple, the darshan was intimate and overwhelming; the priests performed the rituals with deep reverence. Badrinath offered a contrast: a serene high plateau with a temple complex reflecting centuries of worship and community life. Throughout the journey, our guides shared local legends, helped us navigate the practicalities, and introduced us to the small but warm hill communities that made the pilgrimage possible. The trip ended back in Haridwar with a quieter sense of fulfilment and reflection that lingered long after we returned home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When is the Char Dham Yatra open?
- A: Typically from late April/May to October or early November. Exact opening/closing dates are announced by local temple authorities and may vary due to weather.
- Q: Are children and seniors allowed?
- A: Yes β families commonly travel. For seniors and children, consider helicopter transfers or slower itineraries with more rest days.
- Q: How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?
- A: Book via our website or contact support. A deposit secures the booking; cancellations incur charges depending on lead time. Full policy is provided at checkout.
- Q: Are permits required for any parts of the journey?
- A: Certain high-altitude regions and helicopter operations may require permits; Pilgrim Way Tours handles permit coordination as part of the package when applicable.
- Q: What if the weather cancels a helicopter?
- A: Helicopter operations are weather-dependent. If flights are cancelled, we provide alternatives like ground transfers or rescheduling where possible; refunds or credits for cancelled flight segments are processed per our terms.
Booking, Pricing & Customisation
Our booking process is straightforward: choose a package, select travel dates, provide passenger details and pay the deposit. We confirm hotels, vehicles and guide allocation immediately after booking. For custom requests (group yatras, corporate retreats, specialised puja rituals) contact our sales team and we will draft a bespoke itinerary.
Group Tours & Corporate Bookings
We manage large-group logistics β multiple vehicles, coordinated hotel blocks, and group discounts. Our team can also provide printed itineraries, name badges, and on-ground coordinators for seamless group yatra experiences.
Contact & Booking: Call us at +91 63612 98910 or email info@pilgrimwaytours.in. Alternatively, visit our Contact Page to send a booking request.
Safety, Cancellation & Terms
Guest safety is a priority. Vehicles are maintained regularly, drivers are trained for mountain conditions and our local teams are equipped to respond to common emergencies. Cancellation charges depend on lead time; full terms are shared during booking. Insurance for medical evacuation and trip cancellation is recommended for high-altitude travel.
Local Attractions & Optional Excursions
- Rishikesh: Yoga retreats, whitewater rafting and Laxman Jhula.
- Joshimath & Auli: Cable car to Auli (skiing in winter).
- Mana Village: Cultural visits and craft shopping near Badrinath.
- Haridwar: Ganga Aarti and local bazaars.