Chardham Yatra (11N/12D Days)

Arrive Haridwar. Meeting on arrival and transfer to hotel. In the evening witness the aarti at Har Ki Pauri. It is truly a divine experience, aroma of incense, flowers, and musical instruments create an ambiance of divine bliss. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Haridwar.
Haridwar
Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.

Morning check-out and drive via Mussoorie and visit Kempt Falls on the way (If time permits). On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel/camp. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hill) Yatra of Yamunotri the very next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.
Barkot
Barkot is a town and a nagar palika in Uttarkashi District in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna river. Barkot is located 48 km from Yamunotri. NH-123 and NH-94 are major highways connecting in Barkot.
Note – During day 2nd in Rishikesh / Haridwar it will take 3 to 4 hrs to do registration for Char Dham Yatra and get hill permit / certificate as well as Clarence of transport for Chardham Yatra.

After breakfast, depart for Hanumanchatti (34 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km). Here you will begin trekking to Yamunotri (5 Km trek each side). You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon in Yamunotri take 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.
Yamunotri
Yamunotri Temple is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,291 metres in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and has a black marble idol of the goddess.

After breakfast check-out and drive 100 kms to reach Uttarkashi. Arrive and check-in at hotel. Evening free for Relax or you can explore local temple and market. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi & Vishwanath Temple

Situated on the banks of River Bhagirathi is Uttarkashi, an important pilgrim centre which is

often equated with Kashi (Varanasi). It is situated at an elevation of 1150 meters. During Megh Mela, people visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with their village deity. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashi

Vishwanath Temple is an ancient and the most famous temple in Uttarkashi. It is said to have initially been built by Sage Parshuram and which was later renovated by Maharani Khaneti, wife of Sudarshan

Shah in 1857. The Shivling is 60 cms in height and 90 cms in circumference. This is the most important shrine of Uttarkashi and should not be missed if you are traveling to this part of the country.

Early morning breakfast at 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 Visit the Gangotri Temple. The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirathi 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 hotel in Uttarkashi.

Gangotri Temple

The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirathi 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 early morning breakfast check out from the hotel and drive for Guptkashi/Rampur/Sitapur. Upn arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the Guptkashi town and local temples. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/Camps in Guptkashi.

Guptkashi

The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Gupt Kashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (hereditary pilgrimage priests) live in

Gupt Kashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the

image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.

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). 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. On arrival check in at Govt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight stay at Govt. Camps/Lodges in Kedarnath.

Kedarnath

The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majesticKedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having

killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

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. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After darshan and puja you come out of the temple and return to the Camps / Lodges. 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 (Sitapur)/Guptkashi. Dinner and Overnight at hotel/ Camp in Guptkashi.

This morning, you check out of the hotel 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 in Badrinath.

Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal : A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Mana is a village in the district of Chamoli in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Mana is the last Indian village situated at Indo-China Border.

Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.

Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.

This morning, go for Badrinath darshan. After darshan return back to hotel, breakfast at hotel and proceed for Badrinath local sightseeing visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and Mata Murti temple. Afternoon driver to Rudraprayag via Karanprayag. Rudraprayag is a small pilgrim town on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini. On arrival check in at hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Rudraprayag.

Morning breakfast at hotel, and you are on your last lap of this Chardham Yatra journey. Drive back to Haridwar en-route visiting Dev Prayag and Rishikesh. On arrival in Haridwar check-in at hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Haridwar.

Rudraprayag

This town is at a of 40 KM from Srinagar located at the confluence of two rivers Alaknanda & Mandakini. River Alaknanda which starts from Alakpuri glacier comes from Badrinath Dham. River Mandakini flows from Kedarnath and joins Alaknanda at this place. After Rudraprayag the river is known as Alaknanda.

Today in time transfer to rail way station/ airport to board train/ flight back home. *** SERVICES END ***