Chardham Yatra

• Altitude: 1220 m

• Distance: 210 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs

• Barkot is a town in the Uttarkashi district

• The ride passes through Mussorie and Kempty Falls

• It is recommended to have lunch near Kempty Falls as good restaurants are not available henceforth

• You will arrive at Barkot in the evening

• There are apple orchards and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains of Bandar Poonch

• Weather - Generally pleasent in summer, the temperature ranges from 25 to 30°C. In winter, the days are pleasantly cool but nights are cold, and the temperture ranges form 10 to 5°C.

The journey to the Char Dham begins at the holy city of Haridwar from where we will travel to Barkot, a town in the Uttarkashi district.

Haridwar which translates to ‘gateway to God’ is a popular pilgrimage destination. Located by the banks of the Ganges in Uttarakhand, it is a city of temples and ashrams and a pious environment. It is also one of the four holy cities in India where Kumbh Mela takes place. There are many religious places surrounding the vicinity of Hari Dwar including Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kankhal, Kushwart, Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple), and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Haridwar is an ancient city that is deeply rooted in the traditions of ancient Vedic times and there are many institutions as well that impart the traditional teachings of wellness.

Located in Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 1,220 m, Barkot is a town in Uttarkashi district, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Barkot is a scenic town where the landscape stretches beautifully in with colorful apple orchards and the slopes verdant green with vegetation. The road to Barkot is very scenic and we will reach Barkot in the evening, and en route, we will also pass the beautiful and charming town of Mussorie, making a stop at Kempty Falls for lunch. From Barkot, you will get stunning views of Bandarpoonch Peak and it is a major stopover for pilgrims who wants to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri during the Char Dham season. Check into the hotel, have dinner, and rest well, tomorrow your day of actual trekking starts.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: D

• Altitude: 3293 m

• Drive distance: 36 km approx. (Barkot - Jankichatti/Phoolchatti)

• Trek distance: 6 km (Jankichatti/Phoolchatti)

• The trek is through a lush valley, dense conifers, rhododendrons, cacti, and numerous Himalayan shrubs. 

• Surya Kund - is one of several hot springs in the area.

• Many pilgrims carry rice in a cloth and dip it in the hot water to get cooked rice.

• The Divya Shila is a rock pillar worshipped before stepping into the temple

• After hot water dips and a peaceful mind, return to Barkot

Today is the biggest day as you will visit one of the first Char Dhams, Yamunotri Dham. After our breakfast from Barkot, we will head towards Gangotri Dham. First, it’s a short drive to Janki Chatti/Phool Chatti. From here, it’s approximately a 6 km hike to Yamunotri. The trek is through the lush valley, dense conifers, rhododendrons, cacti, and numerous Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri is the origin of River Yamuna, a highly revered place situated in the north of Uttarakhand. The Yamunotri Glacier at an elevation, of 6,387 meters is the source of the river Yamuna. The real source is Champasar Glacier closer to the temple. Yamunotri Dham is located at an altitude of 3293 m in the Western Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand and is the seat of Goddess Yamuna. Goddess Yamuna's idol here is made of black marble. According to the legends, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Yama (the god of death), and taking a bath in the river is believed to bring a peaceful death. Apart from being a place of spiritual significance, Yamunotri is also blessed generously with nature’s beauty. The temple set with the backdrop of the Yamuna River that jests down along on side of the temple makes for a wonderful sight. You will hear and see the sounds and sights of beautiful waterfalls and lush valleys along the way. The Bandarpoonch Massif is very prominent here and you will get expansive views of the peak.

Yamunotri is also a pleasant spot with many options for sightseeing. One of the significant is Surya Kund which is among several hot springs in the area. The hot water spring is believed to have medicinal properties. Many pilgrims carry rice in a cloth and dip it in the hot water. The cooked and steamed rice is then treated as "prasad" and offered to Divya Shila of the temple. The Shila is a rock pillar that is worshipped before stepping into the temple. After visiting the temple take a dip in the Kund, offer your prayers, and after spending some time in the serenity of the temple return back to Barkot.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Altitude: 1352 m

• Drive distnace: 90 km | Duration: 4 hrs

• Uttarkashi is the hub of adventures and spirituality

• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in Uttarkashi

• The town is considered comparable to Varanasi, which is also on the banks of River Ganga.

• One of the pious temples is the Vishwanath temple believed to be the oldest one.

• If you believe the literature of Skanda Puran, Uttarkashi is the home of Lord Shiva for Kaliyug

• It is also a part of the twelve Jyotirlingas

From Barkot today you will visit the hub of adventures and spirituality, Uttarakashi. It is the renowned district of Uttarakhand where mountaineers, hikers, and pilgrims come every year for their mountain endeavours. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in Uttarakashi along with a variety of ashrams and temples. The town is considered comparable to Varanasi which is also on the banks of the river Ganges. Uttarkashi is located at a distance of approximately 90 km from Barkot and it takes 4 hrs to reach the town.

Uttarkashi is popular for its rich cultural heritage and immense natural abundance. Sweeping mountain views, decorate the town on all sides. The entire town is lined with many temples and holy places. One of the pious temples is the Vishwanath temple, believed to be the oldest one. It was redeveloped by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in 1857. The entire temple is a huge site that comprises other shrines of Markandeya Rishi, Ganpati, and Sakshi Gopal. While you are at the premises take full advantage of the Akhand Abhishek and Akhand Jyoti. They are of prime importance and bring happiness. An interesting thing that you will observe at Vishwanath Temple is that the Shivalingam is almost 56 cm in height and there’s a slight tilt in the southwards direction. There’s also a Nandi Statue outside the temple. If you believe the literature of Skanda Puran, Uttarkashi is the home of Lord Shiva for Kaliyug and it is also part of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The Vishwanath temple is an ancient temple and you can witness the age-old architectural style of the temple building.

Another incredible spot not to miss is the Shakti temple which is exactly opposite Vishwanath. It has a massive linga called ‘Trishul’ of 20 feet in height and a circumference of 90 cm. It is made of iron and copper. The legend goes that Shakti (Trishul) was thrown by Goddess Shakti (Durga) to kill some demons and hence the name of the temple. When in Uttarkashi also visit other notable temples like Markandey Rishi, Kuteti Devi, Sakshi Gopal, Gopeshwar Mahadev, Koteshwar Mahadev, and Sakshi Gopal Temple.

Apart from pilgrim spots and temples, Uttarkashi is also a hub for all adventure lovers as it serves as the base for many popular treks like Dyara Bugyal Trek, Dodital Trek, Kedartal Trek, Sartal Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, etc. Uttarkashi has a considerably big market, so if you want to withdraw any cash from ATM or buy some last-minute miscellaneous stuff for the trek.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Altitude: 3,415 m

• Drive distance: 100 km

• Second Dham after Yamunotri

• Gangotri is by far one of the world'd most eminent religious destinations

• Along the way at Gangnani take the chance to bath in the Garam Kund

• Ganga River here is also called Bhagirathi

• The revered Gangorti Temple was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century

• Another attraction is the submerged Shivling which comes into sight onty in winter when the water level in winter has receded

• Around 100 yards from Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga

• There is also a Kedar Ganga River that you must visit

• After a full day of exploration return back to Uttarkashi

Wake up with new vigor as today you will be witnessing the next Dham of the Char Dhams, Gangotri. Gangotri is by far the world's eminent tourist and religious destination. With mountaineers, adventurers, trekkers, and pilgrims visiting in thousands, this is the most acclaimed place in the Indian Himalayas.

Along the way, at Gangnani take the chance to bathe in Garam Kund. Henceforth the landscapes get mesmerizing as you pass through Harsil valley with Deodar trees blooming everywhere. Again at Gangotri wash away your sins and tiredness by taking a dip in the holy Ganga. Ganga river here is also called Bhagirathi. The revered Gangotri temple on the river banks was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century. Gangotri Temple is located at an altitude of 3,100 m and is nestled in the Gangotri Ranges. The sacred river Ganga originates from the Gaumukh glacier in the Gangotri Valley. There are many legends attached to the origin of the River Ganga here. One tale goes such that sage Kapila once burnt the 60,000 sons of King Bhagirath to ashes and cursed them that they will attain Moksha only if their ashes were washed in the holy River Ganga, who at that time seated in heaven. Bhagirath thus prayed to Goddess Ganga, who transformed into a River to wash away the ashes of Bhagirath’s son. Another tale goes that when Ganga was descending to Earth in response to the prayers of King Bhagirath, her intensity was such that it would submerge the entire earth. To protect the world from being submerged Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his locks and released Ganga in three streams, one of which came down to earth as Bhagirathi. There’s a Bhagirath Shila located close to the temple, where Bhagirath has been said to have been meditating. To witness the origin of the River Ganga, one has to trek from Gangotri all the way to the Gaumukh Glacier. Some people also trek 4 km further to Tapovan.

Another major attraction is the submerged Shivling which comes into sight only in winter when the river level is less. But is an epic view. Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Along with the Ganga temple, there is also a Kedar Ganga temple which you must visit. About 10 km downstream from Gangotri lies the Bhairon Nath temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was chosen by Lord Shiva to protect the temple. After a day full of exploration you will head back to Uttarkashi. You will stay the night at Uttarkashi.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Altitude: 1,319 m

• Drive distance: 220 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs

• The route is extremely tranquil through Moolgarh and Lambgaon 

• Guptkashi means hidden 'Varanasi' as per the Puranas

• Some people say the hereditary priests stay in Gupt Kashi in winters when the Kedarnath temple is closed

• Visit Ardh Narishwar Temple, it's stunning at night lights

From Uttarkashi, the next celebrated stop is Guptkashi. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will start the drive towards Guptkshi. The route is extremely tranquil through Moolgarh and Lambgoan. Also, the sight of the beautiful Mandakini river at Tilwara is serene. The water body follows from Kedarnath (which you will be visiting soon). The path to Guptkashi goes side by side with the Mandakini river. En route, you will also the Tehri Dam, the highest dam in the world and we will reach Guptakashi by evening.

From the name Guptkashi, you might have guessed, that it means "hidden Varanasi". It is one of the most prominent pilgrimage places in the country. Located on the way to the Kedarnath trek, Guptkashi lies in Mandakini Valley and the presence of the Champak flower is pretty prominent here. Guptkashi is nothing less than a natural wonder with the lush green valleys and the backdrop of the Chaukhamba Peak, standing tall in its snow-ensconced beauty. As per the Puranas when the Kurukshetra War was over, Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to atone for their sins from the crimes they committed during the war, and as such the Pandavas went out in search of Lord Shiva. Pandavas were trying to reconcile with Lord Shiva for their journey to heaven. Shiva concealed in Gupt Kashi in the disguise of Nandi. Later Shiva escaped to Kedarnath where Pandavas found him. Some people say hereditary priests stay in Gupt Kashi in winters when the Kedarnath temple is closed.

When you reach in the evening try to catch up at Ardh Narishwar temple, a unique temple that presents the idol representing half Lord Shiva and half Goddess Shakti. It is stunning at night lights. 14 km from Guptkashi lies Phata, which offers helipad services for Kedarnath. Later on, enjoy your night in your comfy hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Altitude: 3,553 m

• Drive distance: 30 km

• Trek distance: 16 km

• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

• Kedar is the synonym name of Lord Shiva who is both protector and destroyer

• Kedarnath is also part of Panch Kedar Yatra

Today will be a milestone of life as you will go to Kedarnath. There will be a medical check-up after which you will head to Sonprayag.
Option 1 - Trekking On Foot. Hike up to Kedarnath from Gaurikund. You can also take a pony or a doli.
Option 2 - Take a Helicopter from Guptkashi/Phata

Kedarnath needs no introduction. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, a perfect Himalayan getaway with terrific historical and mythological prominence. More importantly, it is just a magnificent spot of beauty and serenity with the Kedarnath Range as the backdrop. Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and perches at an altitude of 3553 m. Kedar is a synonym of Lord Shiva who is both protector and the destroyer. As per the Mahabharata, the Pandavas after winning the war against Kauravas felt guilty for ending the lives of their own brothers. They, therefore, wanted to take the blessing of Lord Shiva. He then escaped and hid in many places. When he finally appeared at Kedarnath. Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar Yatra where parts of Shiva are believed to be found.

The motorable road is till Guarikund, from where you will have to trek 16 km to complete the trek. From Guarikund start your trek and continue through Rambada Bridge to reach Jungle Chatti, your first stop point. Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti is at a distance of 4 km. If you are tired take a break here, have some water and refreshments and continue on your journey. From Jungle Chatti, the next stop is at Bheembali, which is at a distance of 3 km from Jungle Chatti. There are accommodations along Bheembali as well. The third stop is at Linchauli, which is 4 km Linchauli, accommodations are available at Linchauli as well. The mountain views from Linchauli are extraordinary and will take all your tiredness away. From Linchauli, it is another 4 km to Kedarnath base camp. From the base camp, you will get a panoramic view of the mountain environs and the temple not very far away. You can feel the divine mysticism and the spiritual aura of the place as soon as you set foot on the Kedarnath shrine. The Kedarnath peak stands tall behind the temple adding to the divine aura of the temple.

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Camp

Meal: B, D

• Trek distance: 16 km

• Drive distance: 30 km | 1-2 hrs

• Visit the temple early morning by 4:45

• Everyone can go inside the Garbha Griha and touch the idol

• You can  also prostrate with your head touching the deity, etc

• After Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag

• Drive to Guptkashi and check-in at the hotel

Get up early morning before dawn and after taking a bath visit the temple by 4:45 am for the 'Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After Temple Darshan and Post breakfast begins your downwards journey from Kedarnath. Trek down to Gauri Kund, which is known for its hot spring. There is a famous Parvati temple as well. According to legends, Gaurikund is where Parvati did penance involving yogic and ascetic practices to win Lord Shiva’s heart and it is believed that Lord Shiva accepted to marry Parvati here and they got married in the Tijuginarayan temple. From Gaurikund you will drive to Guptkashi, where you will stay the night.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Altitude: 3,133 m

• Drive distance: 215 km | Duration: 7 hrs

• Badrinath is the final stop of the Char Dham

• You will take a 7 hrs long ride to Badrinath via Joshimath

• Badrinath is protected by Nar and Narayan mountains sideways

• This religious place is also filled with hot water springs of which Tapt and Narad kunds are popular

• Tapt Kund is on the Alakananda River banks and it is compulsory to bathe in this kind before stepping into the Badrinath Temple

• Narad Kund is the pool whrer the Badrinath idol was discovered

• Brahma Kapal - A platform where rituals for the deceased are performed

• Sheshnetra - It is a boulder 1.5 km away from Badrinath and has the impression of a snake

• Charanpaduka - Another boulder 3 km away from Badrinath that has an impression of Vishnu's footprint 

• Maha Murty - A shrine dedicated to the mother of Badrinath

• Vasundhara - A waterfall, 5 km from Badrinath

• Mana Village - Near Badrinath, has attractions like Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa

• Bhim Pul - On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock believed to have been placed there by Bhim forming a natural bridge

• 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

The last but not the least, Badrinath is the final stop of the Char Dhams. You will take a 7 hours long ride to Badrinath via Joshimath. It will also be your halting point for the day. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is the seat of Lord Vishnu. Not many know of the epic behind the name of Badrinath. The location is decored by wild berries, therefore, the name, "Badri van" or "forest of berries". En route Joshimath, you can also see Adi Shankaracharya Math and Narsingh Temple at Joshimath.

At 3000 meters height, Badrinath is protected by Nar and Narayan mountains on either side. This religious place is also filled with hot water springs of which Tapt and Narad kunds are popular. Tapt Kund is on Alaknanda river banks and it is compulsory to bath in this kund before stepping to the Badrinath temple. Narad Kund is the pool where Badrinath idol was discovered.

Other attractions are Brahama Kapal (a platform where rituals for deceased are performed), Sheshnetra (it is boulder 1.5 km far that has an impression of a snake), Charanpaduka (another boulder 3 km far that has an impression of Vishnu's footprint), Maha Murty temple (this shrine dedicated to mother of Badrinath), Vasundhara (a waterfall, 5km from Badrinath) etc. Mana village near Badrinath is also of major importance as it houses other attractions like Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa. Mana lies in the Indo-Tibetan border and is steeped in natural beauty.

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.

The dreamlike setting of Badrinath and the mesmerizing vistas add to the sanctity of the place and it is where you can experience true tranquility. Just like other Dhams, the Badrinath temple is also full of legends. It is said that Lord Vishnu came here and immersed himself in complete meditation after Sage Narada rebuked him for being to occupied with worldly pleasures. Badrinath also has mrntions in Vedic scriptures like Srimad Bhagvatam. The presiding deity inside Badrinath is an idol of Lord Vishnu immersed in meditation. Enjoy a day full of sightseeing and basking in the natural glory, head back to your hotel and rest the night.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Distance: 160 km

• Time to head back home after your Yatra

• Usually, the devotees take a quick bath in Taptkund before starting the return journey

• You can capture the tourist locations of Mana village if you missed them yesterday

• To Rudraprayag via Joshimath (Rudraprayag is a holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini)

• Joshimath is one of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya

Now it's the day to say goodbye to all the Dhams and head back home. The return journey follows a devotional path with Rudraprayag and Rishikesh on its way. Usually, the devotees take a quick bath in Taptkund before starting the return journey. You can capture the tourist locations of Mana village if you missed them yesterday.

Before Rudraprayag, you will again touch Joshimath. It is on the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. It is one of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya. One of the Panch Prayag or joining of Alaknanda is Rudraprayag. It is the convergence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Many tourists are coming for rafting and tea breaks here. Overnight stay is at Rudraprayag.

Accommodation: Hotel/Cottage/Swiss Camp

Meal: B, D

• Distance: 160 km | Duration: 5 hrs

• In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar

• On the way to Haridwar, Explore Rishikesh, Visit Ramjhula, Laxmanjhula, Tiveni Ghat

• Later Driver will drop you at Haridwar Railway Station so you can catch our train back home

The final destination is Haridwar or the place of sages. It is an all-rounder town on the banks of river Ganga surrounded by green lower Himalayas. You will drive along the same scenic route that you came in and en-route, you can make a stop at Devprayag, witnessing the merging of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River and Rishikesh. As the saga says, Raibhya Rishi did his meditation and God appeared using the name Hrishikesh therefore this adventure hub got its name. Rishikesh has become extremely amongst youth and adventure seekers for rafting and bungee jumping. It is also popular as the Yoga Capital Of The World as it is the hub-spot for yoga and meditation. As you explore the city, you will come across many yoga centers. Major attractions for sight-seeing are the Beatles ashram, Triveni Ghat and of course Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla.

Meal: B