Chardham Yatra Tour

Day - 1

New Delhi - Haridwar (230 kms/6-7hrs)

1. Arrival in Delhi:

   • Meet and assist upon arrival at Delhi Airport/Railway Station.
   • Proceed for a scenic drive to Haridwar.

2. Check-In & Relaxation:

   • Upon arrival in Haridwar, check in to your hotel and unwind.

3. Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri:

   • Visit Har Ki Pauri, the sacred ghat of the Ganges River.
   • Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, where devotees offer prayers with floating diyas (lamps), creating a spiritually uplifting experience.

4. Overnight Stay in Haridwar:

   • Return to the hotel for a restful night halt.

About Haridwar

• Nestled at the foothills of teh Shivalik range, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in India.
• According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed intense penance here to bring the Ganges to Earth and liberate teh souls of his ancestors.
• The river Ganga, believed to has originated from Lord Shiva’s locks, flows through Haridwar, making it a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination.
• Haridwar serves as the gateway to the sacred sources of teh Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, situated in the Himalayas (3,000–4,500 meters high).
• Ganga Aarti: The evening ritual at Har Ki Pauri is a divine experience, where thousands gather to witness teh offering of prayers and floating lamps on the holy river.

Day - 2

Haridwar to Barkot via Dehradun & Mussoorie (210kms/7-8hr)

• Morning Departure:

  • After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Barkot via Dehradun and Mussoorie.

• En Route Sightseeing:

  • Kempty Falls:
    • A famous waterfall in Mussoorie, ideal for relaxation and photography.
  • Other Scenic Stops:
    • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges, lush valleys, and serene landscapes along the way.

• Drive to Barkot/Chami:

  • Continue the journey through picturesque mountain roads towards Barkot.

• Evening Check-in & Relaxation:

  • Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Chami/Barkot and unwind.

• Overnight Stay:

  • Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at teh hotel in Chami/Barkot.

Day - 3

Barkot – Yamunotri Excursion – Return to Barkot/Vajri {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)}

1. Early Morning Drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti:

   • Depart early in the morning for Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, the base point for the Yamunotri trek (approx. 45 km drive).

2. Trek to Yamunotri (6 km):

   • Start the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple by:
     • Walking, or
     • Hiring a horse or doli (at your own cost).

3. Sacred Rituals & Pilgrimage Activities at Yamunotri:

   • Holy Dip in Jamunabai Kund: Pilgrims take a bath in the thermal waters before entering the temple.
   • Surya Kund:
     • The most significant thermal spring near the temple.
     • Devotees cook rice by tying it in a cloth and dipping it in the boiling water; this rice is taken home as Prasad.
   • Divya Shila:
     • A sacred rock pillar, which is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
   • Yamunotri Temple Darshan:
     • Offer prayers to Goddess Yamuna in the temple, originally built in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.

4. Return Journey:

   • Trek back to Jankichatti.
   • Drive back to Barkot/Vajri.

5. Overnight Stay:

   • Rest and relax wif an overnight stay at the hotel in Barkot/Vajri.

This day is a blend of devotion, scenic trekking, and spiritual experiences, marking the visit to the first Char Dham pilgrimage site – Yamunotri.

Day - 4

Barkot/Vajri to Uttarkashi – Visit Vishwanath Temple (100kms/4hr)

1. Morning Drive to Uttarkashi:

   • After breakfast, drive towards Uttarkashi, a sacred town situated on teh banks of the Bhagirathi River (approx. 80 km drive).

2. Visit Vishwanath Temple & Other Attractions:

   • Vishwanath Temple:
     • Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple houses a massive iron trident, which holds great religious significance.
   • Other Temples & Attractions:
     • Explore the spiritual aura of Uttarkashi by visiting nearby temples and ashrams.

3. Check-in & Leisure Time:

   • Check in to you're hotel in Uttarkashi and relax.
   • Spend the rest of the day at leisure, preparing for teh next day’s Gangotri Yatra.

4. Overnight Stay:

   • Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi.

This day offers a transition from Barkot to Uttarkashi, blending spiritual exploration with natural tranquillity along teh Bhagirathi River.

Day - 5

Uttarkashi – Gangotri Darshan – Return to Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side)

1. Morning Departure to Gangotri (3,048 meters):

   • After an early breakfast, drive towards Gangotri, teh origin of the holy River Ganga (approx. 100 km from Uttarkashi).

2. Scenic En Route Attractions:

   • Harsil Village: A picturesque and serene hamlet known for its breathtaking landscapes and apple orchards.
   • Bhagirathi River: Witness the majestic flow of this sacred river as it winds through the valley.
   • Himalayan Views: Enjoy mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks on the journey.

3. Gangotri Temple Darshan:

   • Visit the Gangotri Temple, built in the 18th century by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa.
   • Located on the right bank of teh Bhagirathi River, this temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

4. Other Sacred Sites in Gangotri:

   • Submerged Shivling:
     • A natural rock formation submerged in the river, believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva held the Ganges in his matted locks.
     • Visible during the winter months when the water level recedes.
   • Kedar Ganga Sangam:
     • Just 100 yards from the Gangotri Temple, where the Kedar Ganga River meets the Bhagirathi River.

5. Return to Uttarkashi:

   • After Gangotri Darshan, drive back to Uttarkashi.

6. Overnight Stay:

   • Rest and relax with an overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi.

This day offers a divine and scenic journey to Gangotri, blending spirituality, mythology, and natural beauty in the heart of the Himalayas.

Day - 6

Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr)

1. Early Morning Departure:

   • After an early breakfast, depart for Guptkashi (approx. 220 km drive).

2. Scenic Drive:

   • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, rivers, and lush green valleys en route.
   • Pass through Rudraprayag, where the Alaknanda River meets the Mandakini River.

3. Arrival & Check-in:

   • Upon arrival in Guptkashi, check in to your hotel and relax.

4. Evening Leisure:

   • Spend the evening at leisure, preparing for the next day’s Kedarnath Yatra.

5. Overnight Stay:

   • Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

This day serves as a travel transition toward the sacred Kedarnath pilgrimage, offering stunning Himalayan landscapes along the way.

Day - 7

Guptkashi to Kedarnath – Trekking & Temple Visit (30kms by road & 14kms Trek)

1. Morning Drive to Gaurikund:

   • After an early breakfast, drive to Gaurikund (approx. 30 km from Guptkashi).
   • Gaurikund Highlights:
     • Take a holy bath in the natural hot water pond.
     • Visit the Gauri Temple, where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.
     • This serves as the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.

2. Trek to Kedarnath (16 km, 3,584 meters altitude):

   • Begin the trek on foot, or hire a pony/doli (at own cost).
   • Pilgrims should carry:
     • Personal medicines
     • Heavy woolens (due to extreme cold temperatures)
     • Toiletries and essential clothing for an overnight stay at Kedarnath.

3. Arrival & Check-in at Kedarnath:

   • Upon arrival in Kedarnath, check in to you're accommodation and relax.

4. Visit Kedarnath Temple:

   • Pay respects at the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
   • Experience the spiritual ambiance in the lap of the majestic Kedarnath Range.

5. Overnight Stay in Kedarnath:

   • Stay overnight near the temple, amidst the serene and divine surroundings of Kedarnath.

Spiritual Significance of Kedarnath:

• Kedarnath Temple Legend:
  • According to mythology, after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings for redemption.
  • Lord Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and dived into the ground at Kedarnath, leaving only his hump visible.
  • The other parts of his body appeared at:
    • Tungnath (Arms)
    • Rudranath (Face)
    • Madhmaheshwar (Belly)
    • Kalpeshwar (Hair & Head)
  • These five temples together form the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

This day offers a sacred journey to one of the holiest Shiva shrines, blending devotion, adventure, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Day - 8

Kedarnath to Rudraprayag via Gaurikund & Guptkashi (14Kms Down Trek & 75kms/3hr by Road)

1. Early Morning Temple Darshan:

   • Begin the day with an early Darshan at Kedarnath Temple for a final spiritual experience.

2. Trek Back to Gaurikund (16 km):

   • Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund on foot or by pony/doli (at own cost).
   • Take a short break at Gaurikund before proceeding further.

3. Drive to Rudraprayag via Guptkashi:

   • After reaching Gaurikund, drive towards Rudraprayag, passing through Guptkashi.

4. Arrival & Check-in at Rudraprayag:

   • Upon arrival, check in to you're hotel in Rudraprayag and relax.

5. Evening Exploration:

   • Visit the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers, a sacred site offering serene views.

6. Overnight Stay:

   • Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at the hotel in Rudraprayag.

About Rudraprayag:

• Spiritual Significance:
  • Rudraprayag is one of the five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) in Uttarakhand, where the Mandakini River merges with the Alaknanda River.
• Serene Ambiance:
  • Surrounded by mountains and pristine rivers, it serves as a tranquil resting point for pilgrims.

This day marks the completion of the Kedarnath pilgrimage, offering time for rest and spiritual reflection before continuing the journey.

Day - 9

Rudraprayag to Badrinath via Joshimath – Temple Visit & Aarti (Approx. 160 km)

• Morning Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath

  • After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams.
  • En route, pass through Joshimath, a spiritually significant town.

• Joshimath Highlights

  • Adi Shankaracharya Math: One of the four sacred monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya.
  • Narsingh Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where it is believed that once the deity’s left arm withers completely, the Badrinath temple will shift to Bhavishya Badri.

• Arrival & Check-in at Badrinath

  • Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax.

• Evening Visit to Badrinath Temple & Aarti

  • Visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled between the Nar and Narayan Mountain Ranges, with the Neelkanth Peak providing a stunning backdrop.
  • Participate in the evening Aarti, an unforgettable spiritual experience.

• Overnight Stay

  • Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Badrinath.

Day - 10

Badrinath Sightseeing & Return to Rudraprayag (160kms/7hr)

1. Morning Rituals at Badrinath Temple

   • Take a holy dip in Tapt Kund, a natural thermal spring on the banks of the Alaknanda River, before entering the temple.
   • Visit Narad Kund, where the idol of Lord Badrinath was discovered.
   • Perform Pind Daan (ancestral rites) at Brahma Kapal, a sacred site along the Alaknanda River.

2. Nearby Attractions in Badrinath

   • Sheshnetra (1.5 km): A boulder with the impression of Sheshnag’s eye.
   • Charanpaduka (3 km): A meadow where Lord Vishnu’s footprints can be seen on a boulder.
   • Mata Murti Temple: Dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath.
   • Other Important Temples: Visit Sesh Netra Temple and Urvashi Temple.

3. Excursion to Mana Village (Last Indian Village, 5 km from Badrinath)

   • Bhim Pul: A massive natural rock bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to have been placed by Bhim (one of the Pandavas).
   • Vyas Gufa (Cave): The legendary rock cave where Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata.
   • Vasundhara Falls: A stunning waterfall, 5 km from Badrinath (last 2 km requires a trek).

4. Return Journey to Rudraprayag via Joshimath

   • After sightseeing, drive back to Rudraprayag for an overnight stay.

Spiritual Significance of Badrinath

• One of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
• Named "Badri Van" (Forest of Berries) as the area was once covered in wild berries.
• Believed to be the meditation site of Lord Vishnu, with Nar and Narayan mountains serving as divine protectors.

Day - 11

Rudraprayag to Rishikesh – Spiritual Exploration & Ganga Aarti (140kms/4hr)

1. Morning Drive to Rishikesh (Approx. 140 km / 5 hrs)

   • After breakfast, depart for Rishikesh, a renowned spiritual town located on the banks of the Ganges River.
   • Surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides, Rishikesh is a place of meditation, yoga, and divine energy.
   • According to legend, Raibhya Rishi performed intense penance here, and Lord Vishnu appeared as Hrishikesh, giving the town its name.

2. Check-in & Relaxation:

   • Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check in to your hotel and relax.

3. Afternoon Sightseeing in Rishikesh:

   • Visit famous temples and landmarks, including:
     • Laxman Jhula: A historic suspension bridge associated with Lord Lakshman, offering scenic views of the Ganges River.
     • Ram Jhula: Another iconic bridge that connects Swarg Ashram with Sivananda Ashram.
     • Triveni Ghat: A sacred ghat where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers meet, perfect for holy dips and prayer rituals.
     • Bharat Mandir: One of the oldest temples in Rishikesh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
     • Shivananda Ashram: A spiritual center promoting meditation, yoga, and divine wisdom.

4. Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ashram:

   • Witness the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ashram, where priests chant Vedic hymns, and devotees offer diyas (lamps) to the sacred river.
   • The spiritual energy and divine atmosphere of the aarti create a mesmerizing experience.

5. Overnight Stay:

   • Return to the hotel and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Rishikesh.

Spiritual Significance of Rishikesh:

• Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World", Rishikesh is a hub for yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats.
• It serves as the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage, attracting devotees, sages, and seekers of enlightenment.
• The town is home to numerous ashrams, temples, and ancient Vedic learning centers.

Day - 12

Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi (250 km / 7-8 hrs)

• Morning Departure from Rishikesh:

  • After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey back to Delhi.
  • En route, make a brief stop at Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India.

• Haridwar Sightseeing (Optional, Time Permitting):

  • Har Ki Pauri: A sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges, where devotees take holy dips.
  • Mansa Devi Temple: A revered temple atop teh Bilwa Parvat, accessible via cable car or trekking.
  • Chandi Devi Temple: Another sacred temple offering panoramic views of Haridwar.

• Continue Drive to Delhi:

  • Proceed towards Delhi, enjoying teh scenic drive along teh Ganges and Yamuna plains.

• Arrival in Delhi & Departure:

  • Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to teh Railway Station / Airport for your onward journey.
  • The Char Dham Yatra concludes, leaving you with divine blessings and unforgettable memories.