CHARDHAM YATRA

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year round. Among the countless religious sites and circuits that devotees visit in Uttarakhand, one of the most prominent is the Char DhamYatra. This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas. In Hindi, 'char' means four and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.

The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). It is believed that one should complete the Char DhamYatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath. The journey can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even do a Do DhamYatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines - Kedarnath and Badrinath.

The Chardham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage journey to four sacred shrines in the Indian Himalayas, attracting both spiritual seekers and nature lovers. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, these sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—are considered highly auspicious in Hinduism and are collectively known as the "Char Dham" or "Four Abodes." Each destination has its unique significance, scenic beauty, and spiritual essence, making the journey a profound experience.

1. Yamunotri: The starting point of the Chardham Yatra, Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Situated at an elevation of around 3,293 meters, it is the source of the Yamuna River, which is sacred in Hindu mythology. The trek to Yamunotri offers breathtaking views of lush valleys and snow-clad peaks, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.

2. Gangotri: Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Gangotri is the origin of the sacred River Ganges. Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters, Gangotri is known for its natural beauty, glacial rivers, and deep spiritual energy. Devotees perform rituals and take a holy dip in the river to seek blessings and purification.

3. Kedarnath: Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by the majestic Kedarnath range, this ancient temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. The arduous trek to Kedarnath is both challenging and rewarding, drawing pilgrims from around the world.

4. Badrinath: The final destination of the Chardham Yatra, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at 3,300 meters, it is situated between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges along the banks of the Alaknanda River. Badrinath is a vibrant, spiritually rich town with hot springs and snow-capped peaks, offering pilgrims a serene environment to reflect and pray.

The Chardham Yatra typically runs from late April to early November. This period is considered the best time to undertake the journey due to favorable weather conditions, allowing pilgrims to enjoy both the spiritual and scenic dimensions of the trek. The Yatra not only holds immense spiritual significance but also provides a unique opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, making it a must-experience journey for travelers of all backgrounds.

Day 01: Dehradun Airport-Mussoorie-Barkot (200 km, 07 hr drive): 

Today drive to Barkot/Syanachatti. Enroute you can halt for some time at Mussoorie & Kempty falls.Later proceed to Barkot and transfer to your Hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel. 

Important places to visit: Mussoorie, Kempty Falls & (Lakhamandal* Additional charges).

Day 02: Barkot-Yamunotri return: 

Drive to Jankichatti and then trek for 07 kms to reach Yamunotri. Visit the temple of Goddess Yamuna which is situated on the banks of the river. There is a hot water spring adjacent to this temple. The pilgrims take a holy dip in this spring before darshan of the temple. You can also cook rice in these hot waters.

After darshan return back to Jankichatti. Stay overnight at the hotel. Important places to visit: Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund & Divya Shila.

Day 03: Barkot-Uttarkashi (115 km/5 hr drive): 

After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. You can visit the famous Vishwanath Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Important places to visit: Vishwanath Temple & Shakti Temple.

Day 04: Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi (100 km each side, 3 1/2 Hrs): 

After breakfast, we proceed to Harsil. This is one of the most beautiful valleys in Uttarakhand. On the way we can halt at Gangnani which again has hot water springs. You can take a dip here. Then drive to Gangotri (22 kms/1 hr). Over here devotees take a holy dip in the most Holy River of Hindus- The Ganges. It is also called Bhagirathi from where it originates. You can then perform pooja and enjoy in the picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon return back to Uttarkashi. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Important places to visit: Harsil, Hot Water Springs at Gangnani, Gangotri Temple.

Day 05: Uttarkashi- Guptkashi-Sitapur (200 km/7 hrs.): 

After early breakfast, we will proceed to Guptkashi. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Guptkashi-Sitapur -Kedarnath (10 km by road,16 km by trek oneway): 

After breakfast, we proceed to Sonprayag, take sharing jeeps for 5 km to Gaurikund and trek 16 km to Kedarnath. Arrive at Kedarnath ji and transfer to hotel. There are 8-10 small private hotels available and they have neat and clean rooms with attached toilet and bath. They also serve hot water buckets. After freshen up proceed for the darshan at Kedarnath ji. After darshan at Kedarnath overnight stay at Kedarnath.

Important places to visit: Gauri Mata Temple in Gaurikund, Kedarnath Temple, Evening aarti, Bharav Baba.

(You can go to Kedarnath ji by Helicopter and stay overnight and return on the next day, we will make the changes in the itinerary accordingly)

Day 07: Kedarnath-Sitapur/Guptkash: 

Trace your steps back and return to Sonprayag. Drive back to Sitapur/Guptkashi. Stay overnight in hotel.

Important places to visit: Triyuginarayan, Kalimath*Additional charges.

Day 08: Sitapur/Guptkashi- Badrinath (200 km / 7hrs.): 

After an early breakfast, we proceed to Badrinath. We halt for some time enroute at Chopta. Chopta is popularly called as the "Mini Switzerland". You can enjoy a splendid view of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks from here. Enjoy the beautiful drive through medicinal forests. When you arrive at Badrinath check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 09: Badrinath –Rudraprayag: (165 Km/ 6 Hr): 

Get up early in the morning and see the beauty of the majestic Neel Khant peak. There is a hot water spring here called as Tapt Kund. The devotees take a holy dip here before taking Darshan of the Badrinath Temple. Have your breakfast and then drive to Mana Village. This is the last village on the Indo-China border. Dep 11:00 then drive to Rudraprayag. Dinner & stay overnight at the hotel.

Important places to visit: Sri Badri Vishal Temple, Tapt Kund, Bhrama kapal, Narad Kund, Sheshnetra and Mata Murti Temple.

Important places in Manna Village: Bheem pul, Ganesh Gufa, Vyas Gufa

On the way sightseeing: Yogdhyan Badri, Vishnuprayag, Shankracharya Mutt in Joshimath, Nandprayag and Karanprayag.

Day 10: Rudraprayag– Rishikesh- Dehradun Airport (160 km/05 hr): 

After  breakfast, we proceed to Rishikesh. Transfer to Dehradun Airport.

Important places to visit: Rudraprayag confluence, Dhari Devi Temple, Devprayag confluence.

Tour ends….