- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath
Tour Overview
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year round. Among the countless religious sites and circuits that devotees visit in Uttarakhand, one of the most prominent is the CharDham Yatra. This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas. In Hindi, ‘Char’ means four and ‘Dham’ refers to religious destinations.
The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri and finally ends at Badrinath. The journey can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available).
Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Yamuna, Gangotri Dham is dedicated to the goddess Ganga, Kedarnath dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra is as divine as it is arduous but fulfills the soul!
Days Itinerary
In the morning departure for Barkot, located on the foot of Yamunotri. Drive via Mussoorie and visit Kempty Falls on the way. On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hill) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.
After breakfast, will depart for Hanumanchatti (40 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km). From here you will begin the trek to Yamunotri (5 Km trek). You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). The trek passes through a lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti, and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the westernmost shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Yama, the Lord of Death. The Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon in Yamunotri take a holy dip in Yamuna River and perform Pooja, and take the same route back to Barkot, check-in at Hotel / Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.
After breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check-in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, Visit the famous Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangotri. Nestled in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is set at an altitude of 3048 mts. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin then Visit to the Gangotri Temple. The 18th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot.
The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite. After performing Pooja Late afternoon drive back to Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
After early morning breakfast check out from the hotel and drive for Phata. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the Guptkashi town. Dinner and Overnight stay in Phata hotel. Here we have designed this program compatible to cover Kedarnath Ji Yatra by trek or helicopter. Hence we are providing here 03 consequent nights stay in Phata.
Early morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Sonprayag. From where you will start your 20 km trek to Kedarnath. You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). On arrival check-in at Govt. Camps/Tent/Ashram/Dham. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Tent/Ashram/Dham. Or you can return back to Sonprayag as per your strength and choices.
Note : Passengers who are opting for helicopter services here might come back to Sitapur or back to the hotel on the same day. We have kept the stay arrangement here for consequent 03 nights. But in case of night stay in kedarnath JI, is not included. Will be directly payable by the passengers. Yes, we can assist sometimes with the arrangements for the stay in Kedarnath Ji. Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Trudging with you are pilgrims chanting “Jai Bholenath.” Sometimes the mist would envelop the mountains and slowly lift away, revealing a shiny blinding-white peak that threatens to rupture the skies.
Reference to Helicopter service:
Kindly Note: There will be some changes in the itinerary for those who are unable to get Heli service due the weather condition for visiting Kedarnath on day 02. The alternative programme for day 03 would be as follows:
Those who are unable to get Heli Service, for visiting the Kedarnath Temple, start the trek early in the morning of day 03 by pony/Doli/walk (approx 20 Kms one side), so that you can come back the same day by late evening.
Early morning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Later you’ll start the return trek of 20 km from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. The vehicles wait for you in Sonprayag Car Parking and you’ll drive to your hotel (Phata). Dinner and Overnight at Phata hotel.
This morning, you check out of the hotel at 08:00 am and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. After driving through some wonderful Ghat road you arrive at Badrinath. On arrival check into the hotel. After some rest and refreshments, you are all set to go to Badrinath Temple for darshan in the evening. But first, you have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinath Ji is 15 meters in height, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. Later back to hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There is another interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the Mukh of the Saraswati River. Just within the three km of Badrinathjee. Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four Maths established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship. There are many other temples in the township. The most important is the temple of Nir Singh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popular belief holds that the day the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri. Nandprayag (confluence of river Nandakini and Alaknanda River). On this last day, our services conclude here in Haridwar. But the passengers who are looking forward to having departures from Delhi Or want to make one more night in Haridwar can ask our assistance regarding these services to be arranged bypaying nominal costs. We wish here a prosperous and spiritual, healthy life ahead, and may you have all blessings from the almighty Godheads and abodes. Jai Kedarnath Ji !!
Sighteeing
HARSHIL- UTTARKASHI
In Harsil, there is a reclining stone image of Lord Shri Hari, which is located at the base of the Lakshminarayan Temple on the banks of the Bhagirathi Ganga River. This is why the place is named Harsil.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple – Uttarkashi
In Uttarakhand, there is a beloved place of Lord Shiva where Goddess Durga is enshrined in the form of a Trishul (trident)!
This is a temple in Uttarakhand that is compared to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
It is said that visiting this temple is equivalent to visiting Kashi Vishwanath.
The most special thing about this temple is the temple of Goddess Parvati located here. Right in front of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Goddess Parvati is enshrined in the form of a trident. It is said that after slaying the demon Mahishasura, Goddess Durga threw her trident to the earth. This trident landed here. Since then, the power of Goddess Durga has been worshipped at this place in the form of a pillar. The trident present here does not move even with all one’s strength. However, it starts to move when touched with just the little finger.
Panch Prayag Darshan
The Panch Prayag are the five sacred river confluences of the holy Alaknanda River, which hold immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. A pilgrimage to these prayags is considered highly auspicious.
1. Devprayag
Devprayag is the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers. It is at this holy junction that the river is officially known as the Ganga. The spiritual atmosphere of Devprayag makes it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
2. Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva (Rudra). Here, the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers merge together. From Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda continues its journey and later meets the Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form the holy Ganga River.
3. Karnaprayag
Karnaprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers. The Pindar River is also known as Karna Ganga. This sacred place is associated with Karna, the legendary warrior from the Mahabharata, and is believed to be a powerful spiritual center.
4. Nandaprayag
Nandaprayag marks the confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini Rivers. Surrounded by serene Himalayan landscapes, this prayag offers a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience for devotees and travelers alike.
5. Vishnuprayag
Vishnuprayag is the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga Rivers. It is believed to be blessed by Lord Vishnu, and the meeting of these rivers creates a deeply spiritual and scenic environment.
Dhari Devi Temple Darshan
The Dhari Devi Temple is situated on the banks of the sacred Alaknanda River. The temple enshrines the upper half of Goddess Dhari Devi’s idol, while the lower half is worshipped at Kalimath in the form of Goddess Kali.
Goddess Dhari Devi is revered as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is believed to protect the holy Char Dham shrines. The temple is considered one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India and holds great religious importance.
Mana Village – The First Village of India
Mana Village is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati Rivers, near the Indo- Tibetan border, approximately 26 km from the India–Tibet frontier. The village is named after Manik Shah, a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Mana Village is deeply connected with the Mahabharata. It is home to the sacred Vyas Gufa, where Maharishi Ved Vyasa is believed to have composed the epic Mahabharata. Nearby is the Ganesh Gufa, where Lord Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata as dictated by Ved Vyasa.
The village offers a unique blend of spirituality, mythology, and breathtaking Himalayan beauty, making it an essential part of the Badrinath pilgrimage.
