Tucked within the tranquil peaks of the majestic Himalayas lies a quartet of sacred destinations: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, known collectively as the Char Dham. These sites are the most frequented pilgrimage spots in all of Northern India, serving as pivotal centers for spiritual journeys. The traditional route of the pilgrimage starts in the West and concludes in the East, initiating at Yamunotri, moving to Gangotri, and culminating at Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Each location is consecrated to a particular divinity. Yamunotri honors Goddess Yamuna, accompanying devotees to the scenic Rawai Valley’s lofty elevations, where it’s believed that bathing in her waters wards off premature demise. Gangotri venerates Goddess Ganga, with the temple facing the Bhagirathi River, Ganga’s alternate name, attributed to King Bhagirath’s successful asceticism that brought her from the heavens to earth. Kedarnath, part of the Panch Kedar, is a shrine to Lord Shiva, situated near the Mandakini River’s origin and recognized as the northernmost Jyotirlinga. Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, rests beside the Alaknanda River, where, according to myth, Vishnu meditated under the shade of a berry tree, manifested by his consort Lakshmi.
Embarking on this pilgrimage requires readiness for both physical and mental challenges encountered along the Himalayan pathways. Despite being relatively accessible, the Char Dham Yatra is a demanding endeavor. The route through the state is lively, particularly in the summer months, and the solemn grandeur of the mountains offers solace and fortitude to the pilgrims on their sacred quest.
DAY 1 - DRIVE FROM HARIDWAR TO BARKOT
210 KM DRIVE, DURATION: 7-8 HRS & ALTITUDE - 1220 MT.
Early Morning meet our representative at Our Hotel / Airport
/ Railway Station. After some basic Breifing about the Yatra
start your journey to Barkot. Barkot is known for its natural
beauty Located at the confluence of Yamuna and Tons River .
Barkot offers Panar
Check into the hotel Upon arrival in Barkot. Overnight stay at
Barkot.
(Meals: Dinner).
DAY 2 – BARKOT - JANKICHATTI - YAMUNOTRI -
JANKICHATTI - BARKOT
DRIVE - 35 KM TREK- 12 KM ALTITUDE - 3293m.
Good morning with breakfast. Drive to Jankichatti /
Phoolchatti. Start your trek from here to Yamunotri Temple
(6km Trek) (Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at Your
own cost). The trek is through a lush valley, dense conifers,
rhododendrons, cacti, and numerous Himalayan shrubs.
After arrival at Yamunotri Temple take bath in warm
waters of Surya Kund (Hot Spring). Enjoy Darshan of
"Yamunaji". Return trek to Jankichatti. Later drive towards
Barkot. Overnight stay at Barkot.
(Meals: Breakfast and
Dinner)
DAY 3 – BARKOT TO UTTARKASHI
DRIVE - 100 KM |DURATION: 4 HR ALTITUDE: 1352 M
Move after breakfast and drive 100km to Uttarkashi. VisitShiv gufa on the way to Uttarkashi. In Uttarkashi visit KashiVishwanath Temple which is One of the pious templesbelieved to be the oldest one. If you believe the literature ofSkanda Purana, Uttarkashi is the home to Lord Shiva forKaliyug. Uttarkashi is the hub of adventures and spirituality.
After that, check in hotel. Free for rest of the Day . Overnightstay at Uttarkashi.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner).
DAY 4 – UTTARKASHI - GANGOTRI - UTTARKASHI (100KM EACH SIDE) DRIVE - 200 KM
ALTITUDE - 3050M.
Early morning with breakfast. Drive to Gangotri. On the way visit Gangnani Hot Spring. Take a holy dip in Kund. Later drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil valley. On arrival at Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later return drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner)
Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river,this natural rock Shivling is the place where Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
DAY 5 – UTTARKASHI - SITAPUR
DRIVE - 245 KMDURATION: 9 HRS
ALTITUDE: 1352 M
Good Morning with breakfast, Drive to Sitapur. En-route you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini River Originates from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptkashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptkashi, Guptkashi means hidden ‘Varanasi’ as per the Puranas. Check into the hotel arrival in Sitapur. Overnight stay at Sitapur.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner).
DAY 6 – SITAPUR- SONPRAYAG - KEDARNATH TEMPLEDRIVE 20 KM
TREK 18KM
ALTITUDE - 3500M.
Good morning with breakfast, Drive from Sitapur to Sonprayag and take govt. taxi From Sonprayag and drive 5km to Gaurikund by own later start your trek to Kedarnath. you will have Many options. One by trekking and other is by Air via Helicopter (at your own cost) or By Palki Etc. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner ]
NOTE : members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen,toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath .
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath 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 to the surface. the remaining portion 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 l above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
DAY 7 – KEDARNATH - SONPRAYAG- SITAPUR
DRIVE - 20 KM
TREK 18KM
ALTITUDE: 1352 M
Good Morning with breakfast, After Temple Darshan trek down 18km to Sonprayag, start your journey towards Sitapur. Reach Sitapur in the evening, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Sitapur
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner).
DAY 8 – DAY 8 : SITAPUR - JOSHIMATH/ PIPALKOTI
DRIVE - 150 KM
ALTITUDE: 1800M
Good Morning with breakfast, start your journey towards Joshimath through Chopta, Gopeshwar . Reach Joshimath in the evening, check in at the hotel, visit Narsingh Mandir,explore the local market. Overnight
stay in Joshimath/ Pipalkoti.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner).
DAY 9 - JOSHIMATH - BADRINATH - JOSHIMATH
DRIVE - 90 KM
ALTITUDE- 3300M
After breakfast, start your journey to Badrinath, visit Badrinath temple and take a bath in hot spring Tapt kund. Visit Mana (India's first Village). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Vyas Gufa, Mata Murti, Bhimkund and the Origin of the Saraswati River . All the things are within 3km of Badrinath Temple. Drive back
to Joshimath 45km.Overnight stay in Joshimath.
(Meals: Breakfast and Dinner).
Mana Village: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet. Vasundhara: As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water all. This place is 5km from Badrinath.
Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it
is customary to bath 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 . Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.
Vyas Gufa - A cave near Mana Village, this rock cave is where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the Pauranic commentaries.
Shesh netra : 1.5km away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.
DAY 10 - JOSHIMATH - HARIDWAR
DRIVE 280KM
DURATIONS - 10 HOURS.
Good morning With breakfast, start your journey to Haridwar, in route sightseeing of Nandprayag sangam, karanprayag sangam, Devprayag sangam. reach Haridwar before evening. Drop at Hotel / Airport / railway station.
(Meals: Breakfast)
Tour end with lots of beautiful memories
What is included in the tour
- Neat, hygienic accommodation on Double/Triple/quad Sharing basis(Hotel, Guest house, Camp & Cottages).
- 9 Dinner and 9 Breakfast (A mix of north, & south Indian menu).
- Transportation from Haridwar to Haridwar as per the itinerary. (Ac not allowed in the hills).
- Trikon expertise charges
- Parking fees and all transport related expense including Driver services, all toll taxes, fuel and driver allowances.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any extra meals apart from the ones mentioned under inclusions.
- Items of a personal
- nature like porterage, mineral water, tips, laundry etc.
- Any entry fees, extra expenses for optional activities or tickets, unless
- quoted in Inclusions.
- Ponies / Dollies during trekking.
- Entrance fees during sightseeing.
- Any other costing involved due to circumstances like natural calamity,
- weather conditions, riots, roadblocks, landslides or any other forced
- circumstances which are out of our control.
- Anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions. Travel insurance.
- Taxi fee from Sonprayag to Gaurikund (Approx 50 per person eachway)
- Hot water Bucket in kedarnath guest house.
