Char Dham Yatra 10 days Pilgrimage

Overview

Char dham Yatra

CHAR DHAM YATRA


Day 1 : Delhi- Haridwar ( 230 Kms 06 Hrs )
Assemble at Comesum Restaurant to board your coach. Later leave for Haridwar; Welcome Drink and Snacks on Board; Late Lunch en route at Khatauli; Arrive Haridwar in time to attend evening Ganga Arti at famous Har Ki Pauri.  Transfers to Laxmi Sadan Pilgrim Habitat and Meet & Assistance on Arrival at The Hotel. Your host town is gateway of God; Haridwar means Gateway of Lord Vishnu and Hardwar, Gateway of Lord Shiva.
 Today's Route - DELHI ---- 19 kms ---- Ghaziabad ---- 24 kms ---- Modinagar ---- 21kms ---- Merrut ---- 31kms ---- Khatauli *---- 52 kms ---- Muzzaffarnagar ---- 51kms ---- Roorkee ---- 32 kms ---- Haridwar Route Remarks Khatauli is your midway destination for en route refreshments & washroom facilities. Sight of The Day Evening Arti at Har Ki Paudi - This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har-ki-Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Hardwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s.  O/N  Laxmi Sadan Pilgrim Habitat.


Day 2 : Haridwar-Barkot- Janakichatti  ( 222 Kms  08 Hrs. )
Post early morning Ganga Snan & breakfast, leave for Janakichatti. En route lunch on outskirts of Mussorie. Post lunch continue your drive towards your onward destination Janakichatti. Evening Tea at Barkot . Dinner and night stay. Today's Route Haridwar/ Janakichatti 184 kms Haridwar ---- 55 kms - Dehradun ---- 35 kms ---- Mussorie* Kempty Falls ---- 27 kms ---- Yamuna Bridge ---- 55 kms ---- Lakhamandal ---- Naugaon ---- 12 kms ---- Barkot ---- 38 kms ---- Janakichatti

Route Remark Mussorie On the outskirts of Mussorie, away from summer hill station rush, en route stopover for refreshments & washroom. O/N Atithi Niwas Pilgrim Habitat


Day 3 : Jankichatti -Yamunotri (5 Kms/3Hrs on Foot )
In the morning leave for Yamunotri Darshan. One has an option of taking Pony/ Palaquin. Here, one can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of pious Devi Yamuna return to Janakichatti. O/N stay at Janakichatti. Today's Route Barkot ---- 25 kms ---- Ranachatti ---- 13 kms ---- Hanumanchatti ---- 6 kms ---- Phoolchatti ---- 01 km ---- Janakichatti 5 kms trek Yamunotri & Return Route Remark Local taxis ply from Hanumanchatti to Janakichatti on first come first serve basis only.Today's Sight - Yamunotri, First of The Chardham: Yamunotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Yamunotri is the source of revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 Km. Ahead of the shrine situated at an elevation of 3235 mts above sea level. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer Pooja at the temple itself. Yamunotri was the home of an ancient sage Asit Muni. Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun just like Yama who is considered his son. It is believed that Yama would not torment any person at the time of death who bathes in Yamuna, his sister Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.  O/N Atithi Niwas Pilgrim Habitat


Day 4 : Janakichatti - Uttarkashi  ( 158 Kms / 05 - 06 Hrs )
After breakfast leave for Uttarkashi. Arrive around Lunch time. Evening free for leisure & local attractions. Dinner & O/N stay Uttarkashi.
Today's Route Janakichatti ---- [38] ---- BARKOT---- [55] ---- DHARASU ---- [28] ---- UTTARKASHI Route Remark A short drive relatively, Dharasu is an ideal Tea Break midway. Today's Sight Uttarkashi - Uttarkashi is a small and beautiful town, situated between two rivers: Varuna and Ashi, whose waterflow into the Bhagirathi from either side of the town. Elevated, at a height of 1588 metres, this little town is very similar to Kashi and Varanasi, in that it has the same kind of temples and ghats and likewise, a north or 'uttar' facing river. The major temple is the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two other very important temples are located in the Chowk area. These are the Annapurna Temple and the Bhairav Temple. Once, it is said, there were 365 temples here. Hiuen Tsang referred to this place as Brahma Pura, while the Skanda Puran has recorded it as Varunavata. It is believed that in the second millennium of Kaliyug, Kashi will be submerged, and Uttarkashi will replace it as an important religious centre.  O/N 5 Elements Pilgrim Habitat


Day 5 : Uttarkashi- Harsil -Gangotri Uttarkashi ( 100 Kms / 04 hrs One Way )
With packed breakfast & On Board Tea/ Coffee leave for Gangotri early in the morning. En route stopover at Gangnani, a hot water spring. Post offering prayers & pooja darshan, stop enroute at place of your choice for Lunch. Post lunch drive back to Uttarkashi, en route visit Gangnani. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Today's Route UTTARKASHI -[46] -GANGNANI - [23] - HARSIL - [23] -GANGOTRI UTTARKASHI Route Remarks Gangnani is the hot water spring & good stopover. Maggi & Tea/ Coffee have emerged as big food at this stopover.  Ganganai offers good panoramic view.

Today's Sight -Gangotri, IInd of Chardham: Gangotri temple is 18th Century temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is located near a sacred stone where king Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. Accordingly to another legend, Pandavas performed the great "Deva Yagna" here to atone the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite.

Gangnani: Further up on way to Gangotri, is the hot water spring at Gangnani, where one can have refreshing bath in the kund called Rishikund. There is a temple near the kund dedicated to the Sage Parashar, believed to be the father of Ved Vyas.  O/N 05 Elements Pilgrim habitat


Day 6 : Uttarkashi - Guptkashi  ( 211 Kms - 04 Hrs)
Leave very early in the morning for almost day long drive to Guptkashi. En route, Breakfast at Charangikhal, the most beautiful & scenic drive of your journey so far. Continue your journey & be prepared to get late for your Lunch at Kirtinagar. On your drive after Charangi Khal, you would pass through Ganga giving way to Tehri Dam (The Electro Hydro Project). With bit of rest continue your journey to Guptkashi.

Today's Route
UTTARKASHI - [21] - CHARANGIKHAL - [34] -LAMBAGAON -[40] -PEEPALDALI -[30] - MALETHA -[4] -KIRTINAGAR -[4] ---- SRINAGAR ---- [6] - SRIKOT ---- [20] ----RUDRAPRAYAG ---- [46] ---- GUPTKASHI

Route Remarks On this long day, Charangikhal & Kirtinagar would be two stopovers for Breakfast & Lunch respectively. Charangikhal is set up amongst beautiful forest & is the highest point en route. Our supervisor would assist in laying the breakfast here. Kirtinagar would be the stopover for Lunch.

Today's Sight
Guptkashi - Guptkashi has a great importance quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardhnareshwar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed to meet, are the main places of attraction in Guptkashi.

It is believed that after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva and seek his blessing. But Lord Shiva evaded from Guptkasi to Kedarnath as he did not want to meet the Pandavas, the reason being that although they had fought for the right cause, they were also responsible for destroying their own dynasty.

Guptkashi is situated at an elevation of 1319 mts. The one Stupa is situated in Nala which is quite close to Ukhimath. Some local people call it the grave of Rana Nal.
03 kms from Guptkashi, the remains of Ramgarh (in Ronitpur) still seem to echo the love between Lord Krishna's son Anniruddha and Vanasur's daughter Usha.  O/N The Camp, Kedarnath


Day 7 : Guptkashi / Kedarnath
Post your leisurely breakfast; leave by vehicle for Gaurikund and from their join other pilgrims for 14 kms trek of Kedarnath. On reaching Kedarnath, meet our representative at Kedarnath. Our representative would lead you to hotel & guide you through other logistics at these high altitude destinations. One has an option in taking the helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath. Evening Darshan and Pooja at Kedarnath Temple. O/N stay at Kedarnath.
 Today's Route Srikot---- [29] ---- RUDRAPRAYAG ---- [46] ---- GUPTKASHI ----  [32] ---- Gaurikund ---- [7 kms trek] ---- Rambara ---- [5 kms trek] ---- Garudchati (Hanuman Gufa) ---- [2 kms trek] ---- Kedarnath

  Route Remarks - Ideal stopover is at Rambara for Lunch, take a break at Garudchati to meet the sage, who lives here 12 months facing even extreme weather conditions.

 Today's Sight
Kedarnath Temple, IIIrd of Chardham: The present temple built in 8th Century A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya lies adjacent to the site of an ancient temple built by Pandavas. The temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nandi - the celestial bull, a 'Garba Grah' for worship and a man dap for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is more than 1000 years old.

Other Important Sights
Shankaracharya Samadhi: The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his Samadhi at an early age of 32 years. The lake fascinates the visitors.
Bhaironath temple: About half a kilometer away from Kedarnathji, a small temple is dedicated to Bhaironath. It is worshipped on the opening and closing day of Sri Kedarnath Shrine. Ii is believed that when Kedarnathji temple is closed. Bhaironathji protects this land from evil.  O/N Punjab & Sindh Awas, Kedarnath


Day 8 : Kedarnath Birhi ( 14 Kms trek / 150 Kms Drive /6 -7 Hrs  )
After breakfast begin your downward journey of 14 kms trek to Gaurikund and drives 38 km to reach Guptkashi. En route optional visit to Triyugi Narayan a sacred place (14km/1hrs extra from main road).O/N stay at Birhi. Today's Route - Kedarnath ---- [14 kms trek] ---- Gaurikund ---- [32] Guptkashi  ---- [42] ---- Rudraprayag ---- [76] ---- Birhi Today's Sight - Triyugi Narayan: About 14 kms, on the main road, Sonprayag a place where marriage of Lord Shiva & Parvati (Gauri). Lard Vaman Avtar Lord Vishnu) temple and Surya kund & Yagya Mandap. O/N Tapovan Pilgrim Habitat
 

Day 9 : Birhi Badrinath ( 84 Kms / 05 Hrs )
O/N Parmarth Niketan, Badrinath
Morning after breakfast drive for Badrinath. En-route visit Chopta beautiful medical forest and nice view of Himalayas Evening Darshan & Pooja at Badrinath temple. O/N stay at Badrinath.
Today's Route Birhi [6] Peepalkothi [32] Joshimath - [21] Govindghat [23] Badrinath
Route Remarks Once again, two en route stopovers are proposed namely, Birhi & Joshimath.
Today's Sight - Badrinath, 4th Dham of Uttarakhand's Chardham & only original Chardham as proposed by Adi Guru Shankaracharya: Arti at Badrinath.

Cradled in the twin Mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines - Badrinath along the left bank of river Alaknanda with the towering Neelkantha Peaks as the splendid backdrop. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as Badri van. Legend has it, when the Ganga was requested to descend to earth to help suffering humanity; the earth was enable to withstand the force of its decent. Therefore the mighty Ganga was split into 12 holy channels. Alaknanda was one of them that later became the abode of Lord Vishnu or Badrinath.

Badrinath ji sightseeing;
Narad Kund: A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered. Brahama Kapal: It is a flat platform a few yards north of the temple and on the bank of river Alaknanda. It is an important place for shhradh ceremony or offering of pinds to ensure a heavenly place for dead ancestors or manes. It is said that offering pind here, the manes are permanently enshrined in heaven and no more pinds are to be done elsewhere ever afterwards. Legends have it that when Shiva chopped of the fifth head of Brahma, it got stuck to his trident. Lastly with the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badrivan, the head of Brahma fell down from the trident at this place & hence the name Brahma-Kapal (head).

Sheshnetra : It is a large block of stone between tow small seasonal lakes carrying an eye of "Sheshnag" The eye formation is quite natural, 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye, it is believed that the seshnag waits at this place patiently to accompany the lord on his reincarnation.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet. The women of the village offer Choli to the deity on closing day of the temple each year.

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.  O/N Parmarth Niketan, Badrinath


Day 10 : Badrinath Joshimath-Srikot or Kirtinagar, (198kms/07-08 Hrs.)
Today's Route Badrinath ---- [44] ---- Joshimath ---- [38] ---- Birhi ---- [76] ---- Rudraprayag ---- [39] ---- Kirtinagar Route Remarks Stopover at Birhi for enroute refreshment option, facility of washroom is available here. Today's Sight Mana Village - Morning after breakfast drives 03 kms for last village of India is Mana Village and sightseeing visiting Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. Departure for Joshimath at 1100 am. En route visit Vishnu Prayag which two river confluences Dhauli and Alaknanda River. Arrival Joshimath and visit Adi Guru Sankarcharya Math and after lunch proceed to Kirtinagar.

En route Karn Prayag (confluence of river Pindari and river Alaknanda) and Nandprayag (confluence of river Nandakini and Alaknanda River). O/N Riverside Resort


Day 11 : Kirtinagar- Haridwar ( 126 Kms / 05 Hrs )
Morning after breakfast drive for Rishikesh. En-route visit Deoprayag two rivers confluence Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River. Evening Arti Pooja at Parmath Niketan Ghat. O/N stay at Haridwar. Today's Route Kirtinagar ---- 28 ---- Deoprayag ---- 75 ---- Rishikesh ---- 23 ---- Haridwar


Route Remarks Stopover Refreshment option at Rishikesh.
Today's Sight Rishikesh - Rishikesh is a small town in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram (now closed), and the town is still known as the World Capital of Yoga.

The center of town where the train and bus stations can be found is of little interest to most travelers. Further north-east is 2 bridges spanning the Ganges, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, and either end of these bridges is the main hubs of activity and interest.  O/N Laxmi Sadan Pilgrim Habitat, Haridwar


Day 12 : Haridwar - Delhi  (215 Kms / 07 Hrs. )
Post early breakfast, leave for Delhi to come home.

Package Inclusions

• Delhi to Delhi by Deluxe coach
• 11 nights accommodation on twin / triple sharing basis
• Daily Best vegetarian food (Multi cuisine - Marwari, Gujarati, Punjabi & South Indian) and local delicacies.
• Bonfire & Cultural Evening.
• All applicable hotel

Package Exclusions

• Any personal expenses like tips, portage, mineral water, cold drink etc.
• Any entrance fee & Guide charges.
• Meals other than mentioned.
• Ponies / Dolisduring trekking.
• All other expenses not mentioned above.