CHARDHAM YATRA EX-DEHRADUN - 11 Days

Arrive at Dehradun Airport/Railway Station; get transferred to your booked hotel in Haridwar by our representative.

Check in at hotel and rest of the day is at leisure.

Evening you can enjoy the Ganga Aarti at Hari ki Pauri.

Overnight Stay in Haridwar.

Morning 8:00 am, meet our representative at Tulsi Chowk Haridwar. 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 at the arrival in Barkot. Overnight stay at Barkot.

(Meals: Lunch and Dinner)

Barkot Weather – Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.

Early morning get packed breakfast, drive to Jankichatti / Phoolchatti. Start your trek from here to Yamunotri (6 km) (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. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

• Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the Tapti kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila.

• Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs near temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

• Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshiped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

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.

Morning after 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. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

• 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 tourist while driving to UttarKashi.

• 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 everyday morning and evening. As per Sound Puran, Uttarkashi is known 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 cm at bottom. Though there are 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 by Shakti (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 winters.

Early morning get packed 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 its natural beauty and majestic views of the Himalayan Mountains. On arrival at Shree 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.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

• 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 remain closed throughout winter due to heavy snowfalls.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. En-route you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini River comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptkashi, visit ArdhNarishwar Temple in Guptkashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptkashi. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

• Guptkashi:-The name Guptkashi means “Hidden Benares. According to mythology when the Pandavas brothers were searching for the Lord Shiva, Shiva first concealed himself at Guptkashi. Later from there he went further up to the valley of Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Guptkashi 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.

Morning after breakfast, check out from hotel. Drive to Gauri kund. From here start your trek to Kedarnath. You can also take horse / pony / palkhi for trekking at your own cost. Check in to the hotel. Enjoy Kedarnath Darshan& return to your hotel. Overnight stay at Kedarnath. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

• By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your helipad for the helicopter. You should book next day return ticket so your program will remain same like other members in group. In case you don’t want night stay at Kedarnath let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for stay in Guptkashi. Same day return customers might need VIP tickets in case of long waiting at temple. It can be purchased directly at Helipad. Different companies have helipad at different locations.

• By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gauri kund. From here your trek will start for Kedarnath Ji. Next day you follow same &trek down to Gauri kund and take local jeep to Sonprayag.

• 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 Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Weather – Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for the most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During the summer season, the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with the 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 visits Kedarnath Temple for morning Aarti. After breakfast check out from the hotel. Visit Shankaracharya Samadhi. Trek down to Gauri kund. Later transfer to Guptkashi hotel. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

• By Helicopter: Take helicopter from Kedarnath Helipad. At return drive to Guptkashi.

• By Trek: Trek down to Gauri kund. Take local jeep for Sonprayag, where you meet our driver will wait.

The morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Tapti kund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in the evening. Brahamakapal is significant for PinddanShraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, VyasGufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just within the three km of Badrinathjee. Overnight stay at Badrinath. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

• 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 the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neel Kant Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name “Badri van”, meaning “forest of berries”.

• Tapti 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 km. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms is by road up to 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.

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 climatic conditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.

Morning enjoys the after breakfast, drive for Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Visit on the way Darshan of Vishnu Prayag, Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, KarnPrayag, and NandPrayag. Check into the hotel arrival in Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

• Joshimath: is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four ‘Maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya, 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 a 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 20 deg to 05 deg.

The morning after breakfast, drive for Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh ‘place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and 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 Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula in Rishikesh. Drop at Haridwar. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Rishikesh: Named after the Lord Vishnu, Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. It is home to many world-renowned ashrams. It is surrounded by Himalayan Mountains and Rajaji National Park. The fast-flowing Ganges is surrounded by forested hills inside the city. Apart from temples and ashrams, Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting center, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.

After breakfast, get transferred to Dehradun Airport/Railway Station to board your flight/train for your hometown.

Tour Ends..