Chardham Yatra
Theywere established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. Arelatively smaller circuit of Hindu pilgrimage is formed by the fourhallowed places of Indian Himalayas, which are also known as ChotaChar Dham. Chota means small in Hindi. Alternately called Char Dhamof Himalayas or Char Dham of Uttarakhand, the revered group possessesfour sacred sites – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri.There are three major sects in Hinduism – Shaivism, Vaishnavism andShaktism. The Char Dham of India consists of three Vishnava locations(Dwarka, Badrinath and Puri) and one Shaiva (Rameshwaram). Hindupilgrimage circuit of Indian Himalayas represents all the primarycults by having two Shakta sites (Yamunotri and Gangotri), oneVaishnava site (Badrinath) and one Shaiva site (Kedarnath). AdiShankaracharya, who has been credited with the creation of the fourholiest abodes in India, is believed to have attained freedom fromhis bodily form in Kedarnath.
Startyour drive to Haridwar form Delhi. On your way to Haridwar, get yourBiometric test done for the Yatra. On reaching Haridwar, check-in toyour hotel. In the evening, visit the Har- Ki- Pauri to attend thegrand Ganga Aarti on the banks of Ganges. Later, return to the hotelfor dinner and have a comfortable stay at night.
This morning, you depart for Barkot / Jankichatti. Barkot is a beautifulhill station which is located on the foot of Yamunotri. As you drivethrough Mussoorie, you can visit the famous Kempty Falls on your way.On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel/camp. Rest of the day isfree to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hiII) Yatra ofYamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot
Afterbreakfast, depart for Hanumanchatti (40 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km).Here you will begin the First Pahad Yatra of Yamunotri (6 Km trek).You have an option of hiring palki or a horse for your trek. (CostNot Included). The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusionof conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayanshrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine of theChar Dhams, is snuggled in the Banderpunch range (6,361 m). Yamunotriis the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lordof Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actualsource of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head ofthe shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon inYamunotri take holy dip in Yamuna River and perform Pooja. Return viathe same route back to Barkot, check in at Hotel / Camp. Dinner andOvernight stay at hotel in Barkot.
Afterbreakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. Onarrival check in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banksof river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments,Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, Visit the famous VishwanathTemple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Earlymorning breakfast at hotel and drive to Gangotri. Nestled in themagnificent Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is set at an altitude of 3048mts. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred riverGanges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin Visit theGangotri Temple. The 18th centurys temple dedicated to Goddess Gangais located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirathi worshipped LordShiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. Thetemple 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.
Leave for your next destination, Guptkashi after having your breakfast early in the morning. On reaching, check-in to the hotel. Guptkashi is located at a distance of 47 km from the holy shrine, Kedarnath. The town holds immense religious importance as it houses famous ancient temples like Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Get your medical checkup done for your next day’s journey to Kedarnath. Have your dinner and stay overnight in the hotel/camp.
Earlymorning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive toSonprayag. 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 atKedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Trudging with you are pilgrimschanting "Jai Bholenath." Sometimes the mist would envelopthe mountains and slowly lift away, revealing a shiny blinding-whitepeak that threatens to rupture the skies. On arrival check in atGovt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Lodges
Earlymorning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at thetemple by 4:45 am for the Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyonecan go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostratewith your head touching the deity etc. After darshan and puja youcome out of the temple and return to the Govt. Camps / Lodges. Lateryoull start the return trek of 20 km from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. Thevehicles wait for you in Sonprayag Car Parking and you’ll drive toyour hotel (Guptkashi/Rudraprag). Dinner and Overnight at Guptkashi/Rudraprayag.
Thismorning, you check out of the hotel at 08:00 am and drive toBadrinath via Joshimath. After having your breakfast in the morning,check out of the hotel and start driving towards your nextdestination, Badrinath via Joshimath. Badrinath is an importantpilgrimage site which holds immense importance for both Hindus andBuddhists. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is set ata height of 3133 meter. After driving through some wonderful Ghatroad you arrive at Badrinath. On arrival check into the hotel. Aftersome rest and refreshments you are all set to go to Badrinath Templefor 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 LordVishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinath Ji is 15 meters in height, builtin 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.
Thismorning, visit Badrinath Temple for Darshan. Later, return to thehotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you can leave for localsightseeing at Badrinath. Visit major attractions of Badrinath suchas Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and Mata Murti temple. Inthe afternoon, check out from the hotel and head towards Rudraprayagvia Joshimath. En-route visit Karanprayag. Rudra Prayag holds greatreligious importance. Also, the town features stunning natural beautyand tranquility. On reaching Rudraprayag, check-in to the hotel. Youcan relax for the rest of the day or explore the beauty ofRudraprayag. Have your dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.
Earlymorning, after breakfast, you drive downhill to Rishikesh a spiritualcity and the Yoga capital of the world. On reaching Rishikesh youlldo the Rishikesh sightseeing visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.Evening drive to Haridwar. On arrival check in at hotel. Dinner andOvernight stay at hotel.
Morningbreakfast at hotel, and you are on your last lap of this ChardhamYatra journey. Drive back to Delhi. On reaching Delhi transfer toRailway Station / Airport.
