10D|9N
Specific Tour
10 people
English, Hindi
Char Dham Yatra:
Introduction:
Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, encompassing four sacred Hindu shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This spiritual journey holds immense significance for devout Hindus, who seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
Yamunotri:
Source of the Yamuna River: Yamunotri, the first stop of the yatra, is home to the source of the Yamuna River. Devotees embark on a trek through picturesque landscapes to reach the Yamunotri Temple, offering prayers and taking a holy dip in the river’s icy waters.
Gangotri:
Origin of the Holy Ganges: Gangotri, situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, marks the origin of the sacred River Ganges. Pilgrims visit the Gangotri Temple to pay homage to the river goddess Ganga, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti, and immerse themselves in the divine aura of this holy site.
Kedarnath and Badrinath:
Abodes of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu: Kedarnath and Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively, are the final stops of the Char Dham Yatra. Kedarnath is known for the ancient Kedarnath Temple, nestled amidst majestic Himalayan peaks, while Badrinath is revered for the Badrinath Temple, set against the backdrop of awe-inspiring vistas.
Morning meet our representative at your Hotel / Airport / Railway Station. After some basic information start your journey to Barkot. On the way visit Mussoorie Mall Road and Kempty Falls. Later drive to Barkot. Check into the hotel arrival in Barkot. Overnight stay at Barkot.
Breakfast at Hotel. Post breakfast proceed to Jankichatti / Phoolchatti. Start your trek from here to Yamunotri (6kms) (Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost). After arrival at Yamunotri 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. Yamunotri Weather - In summer the maximum temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.
After morning breakfast, relax for a while. Later drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Shivgufa on the way to Uttarkashi. In Uttarkashi visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After that, check in hotel. Day free for rest. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams & temples. Due to its similarity to Kashi (Varanasi) it is known as Kashi of North (Means Uttar-kashi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga. Shivgufa: Shivgufa is small temple at Shivkhori between Barkot & Uttarkashi. It is widely visited by tourists while driving to Uttarakashi. Vishwanath Temple: Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massive iron trident, symbol of divine mother is erected and worshiped from ancient time at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal,Akhand Jyoti & Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Special Aarti & Abhishek is done every day morning and evening. As per Skund Puran, Uttarkashi isknown as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug. Shakti Temple: Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big trident (Trishul) about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms at bottom. Though thereare different materials for making this trident, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the religious belief this trident was thrown byShakti (Durga) on the devils hence it gets its name. Uttarkashi Weather: Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 Degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, cold in winter.
Early morning 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. Harsil is famous for itsnatural beauty and majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains. On arrival at Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later return drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Gangotri Weather - The maximum temperature during summer can go up to 20° Celsius. Summer nights can get cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Light woolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri during summer. Winter season is very chilly in Gangotri. Gangotri will be covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remains closed throughout winter due to heavy snow falls.
Breakfast at Hotel. Post breakfast proceed to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini River comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check in to the hotel arrival in Guptkashi. Overnight stay at Guptkashi. Guptkashi:-The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. According to mythology when the Pandava brothers were searching for the Lord Shiva, Shiva first concealed himself at Guptkashi. Later from there he went further up tothe valley of Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. Kedarnath pandits (priests) live in Guptkashi 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. Guptkashi Weather - pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.
After morning breakfast, today we will go to Kedarnath. To reach Kedarnath you will have two options. One if by trekking and other is by Air via Helicopter. By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you to your Helipad location (Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi etc.) as per helicopter ticket time. Kindly inform the driver timings ofhelicopter mentioned on the ticket previous day. Different aviation has different location for their helicopter service. Our driver will provide you pick and drop to hotel. Kindlyinform the driver timings of helicopter mentioned on the ticket. Advance booking is highly recommended for the helicopter. By Trek: To reach Kedarnath by trekking route first you have to reach Gaurikund. We will drive to Sonprayag early in the morning after breakfast. Our car will drop to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag 5 kms drive to Gaurikund local jeep is available. This sharing basis jeep guests can book directly at own cost. Gaurikund to Kedarnath is further 14 Kms trek. After reaching the Kedarnath visit Kedarnath Temple. Check in to the hotel / Ashram. Visit Shankaracharya Samadhi. Overnight stay 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. 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 PanchKedar. Kedarnath Weather - Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 0° Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.
Morning after breakfast explore nearby areas by walk at Kedarnath. Later reach Guptkashi as per your choice by trek or Helicopter. By Helicopter: Inform the driver when you leave for Kedarnath about your approximate return time and helipad name according to ticket. Our driver will pick up you from helipad and transfer you to your hotel. By Trek: Inform the driver approximate return time. Once you reach Gaurikund from Kedarnath by trek you can take local jeep till Sonprayag. Our driver will meet there. Due to parking issue keep driver’s contact number with you and call him when you reach sonprayag so he can pick up you. Gaurikund to Sonprayag local jeep at your own cost. Get packed breakfast from hotel to start early. Horse / Pony / Palakhi is also available for trekking at Gaurikund. Guests can book that at own cost. At arrival check in to hotel in Guptkashi. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
Breakfast at Hotel. Post breakfast proceed to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel. Arrived at Badrinath temple, Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan - Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh of the Saraswati River”. Just within the three kms of Badrinath. Overnight stay at Badrinath. Badrinath one of the 'Ancient Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by thetwo mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place gotthe name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries". Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bath before entering the Badrinath temple. 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 fall. This place is 5 kms. From Badrinath out of which 2 kms is by road upto Mana. BhimPul : 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. Badrinath Weather: The average maximum temperature will be around 18° Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Warm and woolen clothes are hence required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year. Winter in Badrinath is often accompanied by snow falls. Winter is very chilly with an average temperature of 5° Celsius. Due to the extreme climaticconditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.
Enjoy morning view, after the breakfast, proceed to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Visit on the way Darshan of VishuPrayag, Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, KarnPrayag and NandPrayag. Checkinto the hotel arrival in Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag. Joshimath: is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. One Of the four 'Maths' established by AdiShankaracharya, 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 Nar Singh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. Rudraprayag: It is one of the PanchPrayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 km from Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag Weather: Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 35-40 degree Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp ranges from 20deg to 05 deg.
After breakfast, complete your check out procedure. Proceed to Haridwar. Rishikesh 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga. It is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh. Later visit LaxmanJhula, Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. Drop at Hotel / Airport / Railway station.
A Divine Journey with Helm Holidays