CHAR DHAM YATRA

After you arrive at the Delhi Airport or the Railway Station, meet our tour representative. After a brief introduction, you will be preceded towards Haridwar by road. Once you arrive, you can check into your selected hotel. Haridwar is located at the foothills of Shivaliks and is the entrance into God’s realms. Named among the seven holiest cities according to Hindu religion, this sacred town by the mighty River Ganga is a virtual treat as well therapy for your weary souls. As legends say, the great Suryavanshi Prince Bhagirath had performed penance to salvage the souls of his ancestors who were cursed by the great sage Kapila. As the response from his austerities, the river Goddess flowed down from the locks of Lord Shiva’s hair. This phenomenon blessed sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Following the same tradition of Bhagirath, devotees and pilgrims pray for the salvation of their ancestors in the holy water of Ganga. In the evening, you will be taken to attend a Ganga Aarti by the banks of the river at Har ki Pauri. Witness the beautiful sight where hundreds of earthen lamps float on the surface of the river. After the ceremony, get back to the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Start your day with a refreshing morning and indulge in a delicious breakfast to energize yourself for the day ahead. Following breakfast, embark on a picturesque road journey to Barkot (Kharsali), passing through the charming towns of Dehradun and Mussoorie. Along the way, take a delightful break to admire the breathtaking beauty of Kempty Falls, immersing yourself in the serenity of nature. Continue your scenic drive to Barkot, soaking in the lush views of the mountains that surround you. Upon arrival in Barkot, proceed to check into your comfortable hotel room. Later in the evening, relish a delectable dinner served at the hotel, followed by a peaceful overnight stay, rejuvenating yourself for the adventures that lie ahead.

Following an early morning breakfast, commence your sacred journey to the first destination of the Char Dham, Yamunotri. Barkot serves as the starting point for this pilgrimage to the revered site of the River Goddess Yamuna, who is also known as the sister of Lord Yama, the deity of death. It is believed that seeking the blessings of the Goddess can prevent untimely and tragic demise, granting salvation not only to the devotee but also to their ancestors. The trek to Yamunotri spans over 5 kilometers, which can be undertaken on foot. Alternatively, horseback and palki services are available to facilitate the journey, ensuring comfort for pilgrims. Before proceeding to the temple for worship, immerse yourself in the healing waters of Jamunabai Kund, a natural hot spring renowned for its therapeutic properties. Among the various hot-water springs surrounding the temple, Surya Kund holds particular prominence. Pilgrims often follow the ritual of wrapping rice in cloth, dipping it into the water to cook, and then accepting it as prasad, symbolizing the blessings of the divine. Additionally, pay homage to the Divya Shila, a sacred rock pillar, before entering the Yamunotri temple premises. This revered temple, originally constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th Century, has withstood the test of time despite being destroyed twice and rebuilt. Yet, it retains its original allure and charm. After completing your visit to Yamunotri, begin your return trek to your hotel in Barkot, where you will spend the night and enjoy a delicious dinner.

After enjoying breakfast, it’s time to check out from your hotel and embark on a scenic drive to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, settle into your hotel accommodation and take the remainder of the day to relax and unwind at your leisure. Uttarkashi, named after the revered city of Kashi, shares similar legendary significance. Nestled along the banks of the Bhagirathi River, this town holds religious importance due to the presence of the Lord Vishwanath Temple, housing a massive iron trident. Take some time to explore the town and soak in its spiritual ambiance before returning to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay and a delightful dinner.

After an early morning breakfast, prepare for a scenic drive to Gangotri, situated at an altitude of approximately 3048 meters. En route, make a stop at the picturesque Harsil village, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the snow-covered Himalayas and the Bhagirathi River. The Gangotri Temple, dating back to the 18th century, stands as a testament to devotion and architectural splendor. Constructed of pristine white marble, this temple sits gracefully on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. It was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa as a dedication to the River Goddess Ganga. Take the opportunity to pay homage at the Kedar Ganga Sangam, located approximately 100 yards from the Gangotri Temple. Here, witness the convergence of the Kedar Ganga, flowing from the Kedar Valley, with the River Bhagirathi on its left bank. After offering your respects, embark on the return journey to Uttarkashi, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

Following breakfast at the hotel, commence your journey by road to Guptkashi, soaking in the picturesque beauty of the River Mandakini at Tilwara along the way. Upon reaching Guptkashi, check-in at the hotel and take some time to rest before proceeding for Kedarnath Pre-registration. Guptkashi, aptly named “Hidden Benares,” holds profound mythological significance. Legend has it that Lord Shiva concealed himself here from the Pandava brothers who were in search of him. The hereditary pilgrimage priests, known as the Kedarnath pandas, reside in Guptkashi even during the winter months when the Kedarnath temple is closed for pilgrims. During this time, the temple deities are brought to Guptkashi, crossing the valley of Ukhimath, where they stay throughout the winter. After the tour, return to the hotel for a hearty dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

On the morning of day 7, indulge in a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Sonprayag. From there, you’ll continue your journey to Gaurikund, the base for trekking to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath, situated at an elevation of 3584 meters. For those unable to walk, pony or doli services are available, and arrangements can be made at the government camps in Kedarnath. After reaching Kedarnath, enjoy a warm dinner and settle in for a comfortable overnight stay. Kedarnath holds immense significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, nestled amidst the majestic Kedarnath range. Legend has it that during the Mahabharata era, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and hid into the grounds, leaving behind a hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva manifested at four distinct places, Rudranath, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar, and Madhmaheshwar, each considered sacred and worshipped. Together with Kedarnath, these holy sites form the Panch Kedar. Experience the serenity and spirituality of Kedarnath as you spend the night in a hotel or camp amidst the tranquil surroundings.

On day 8, begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading for an early morning darshan at the temple, ideally before 4:45 am. Prior to entering the temple, partake in the sacred ceremony known as Abhishek, after which you can perform rituals and seek blessings. Following your temple visit, trek down to Sonprayag and then drive to Rudraprayag via Guptkashi. Rudraprayag holds significant religious importance as one of the Panch Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers converge in a sacred confluence. Upon completion of the tour, return to Rudraprayag and check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfort, reflecting on the spiritual experiences of the day.

Following breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to check out and embark on a scenic drive to Badrinath via Joshimath, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the landscape along the way. Badrinath, situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, holds immense religious significance as one of the Four Dhams and is revered as one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country. Encircled by the towering Nar and Narayan mountain ranges with the majestic Neelkanth Peak in the backdrop, Badrinath exudes an enchanting charm. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and later proceed to visit the revered Badrinath Temple for the aarti ceremony. Before entering the temple, purify yourself by taking a bath or a dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring located on the banks of the River Alaknanda, renowned for its medicinal properties. After seeking blessings and exploring the temple, return to the hotel for a delectable dinner and a comfortable overnight stay, cherishing the divine experiences of the day.

Itinerary ContentThe morning of day 10, you can head to the Taptkund for a customary bath and have a Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pind dan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). Here, the pilgrims perform rites for their ancestors on the bank of river Alaknanda. You can later go for sightseeing tour and visit attractions like Mana Village and other temples. Later, you can visit Rudraprayag via Joshimath. After the tour you can check in at the Rudraprayag Hotel. This will be followed by dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Rishikesh, a serene and spiritual town nestled along the banks of the River Ganga and surrounded by the majestic Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas. Rishikesh’s rich history dates back to the penances of Raibhya Rishi, resulting in the manifestation of God by the name of Hrishikesh, from which the town derives its sacred name. Renowned as the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh offers a tranquil retreat for spiritual seekers. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted with a transfer to your pre-booked hotel, where you can complete the check-in formalities and unwind. Later, explore the town’s prominent sites such as Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Bharat Mandir, and Sivananda Ashram. In the evening, witness the captivating Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ashram, immersing yourself in the divine ambiance of this spiritual ceremony. After attending the aarti, return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, enveloped in the peaceful atmosphere of Rishikesh.

After having breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to Railway Station / Airport for your onward journey.