Chardham Yatra (Uttarakhand)
Start From: 10,000/Person
Uttarakhand, renowned as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is a sanctuary of numerous temples that warmly embraces devotees throughout the year. Among the myriad of sacred sites that draw the faithful in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra stands out as one of the most prominent. This pilgrimage entails a spiritual journey to four holy destinations nestled high in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In Hindi, ‘char’ signifies four, while ‘dham’ alludes to religious destinations.
These high-altitude shrines, ensconced in the majestic Himalayan heights, remain closed for approximately six months each year, opening their gates in the warmth of summers (April or May) and bidding farewell with the arrival of winter (October or November). Tradition holds that the Char Dham Yatra should be undertaken in a clockwise direction. Consequently, the pilgrimage commences at Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, advances to Kedarnath, and culminates at Badrinath. The odyssey can be undertaken by road or air, with helicopter services facilitating the journey. Some devout pilgrims also embark on a Do Dham Yatra, visiting two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Yamunotri temple, nestled in a narrow gorge near the source of the sacred River Yamuna (second only to the Ganges in holiness) in Uttarkashi district, venerates Goddess Yamuna. In the same district, Gangotri pays homage to Goddess Ganga, the holiest of all Indian rivers. Kedarnath, situated in the Rudraprayag district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Badrinath, housing the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, reveres Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra is both divine and demanding, a journey that not only challenges the pilgrim but also nourishes the soul.
Tour Itinerary
Morning drive to Rishikesh via visiting Haridwar.
Haridwar is the gateway to the Gods, is situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga and is regarded among the seven sacred cities of India. Arrive Haridwar and explore ashram and temples. Later drive to Rishikesh, known for its Ganga Ghats and spirituality. Apart from that, there are a Plethora of Ashrams throughout the city offering the best Yoga and Meditation experience in the world. Arrive and check in at hotel. If time permits witness the Arti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.
Dinner & Overnight.
After breakfast drive to Barkot(200 Kms –07-08 hours drive). Barkot is in Uttarkashi district and the last big town near Yamunotri dham. Arrive and check in at Hotel. Barkot city is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. In the evening you can go for a walk near to river Yamuna and explore the nature.
Dinner & Overnight.
Morning drive to Janki Chatti which is 45 kms – 2hrs drive. The Motorable road ends at Janki Chatti and from here 6 kms trek (one way) starts to reach Yamunotri dham. (Pony, Palki and Doli services are also available for Janki Chatti to Yamunotri). Arrive and go for darshan at Yamunotri dham temple, the idol here is made of black marbles and dedicated to goddess Yamuna and was initially built in the 18th Century by Tehri Naresh Later reconstructed by queen of Jaipur in 19th century. Also visit Surya Kund famous for hot springs in which prashad is prepared and Divya Shilla which is rock in reddish-brown colour.
Return to Barkot.
Dinner & Overnight.
Morning drive to Uttarkashi (80 Km –2.5 hrs drive). Don’t forget to stop midway for tea or snack break at Radi Top which is a viewpoint which offers a panoramic view of Ganga valley on one side and Yamuna valley on the other side. Arrive and check in at hotel Later in the evening you will visit Kashi Vishwanath temple and other temples at Uttarkashi.
Dinner & Overnight.
Morning drive to Gangotri ( 3 hours drive one way ).
On arrival you will attend Puja and darshan of Gangotri temple dham which is situated on the bank of holy river Bhagirathi and it was constructed in the 18th century by Nepali Gurkha General Amar Singh Thapa. River Ganga originates from Gaumukh of Gangotri glacier which is 19kms tough trek from Gangotri dham temple. Bhagirathi River originating from Gaumukh became river Ganga after meeting river Alaknanda at Devprayag. You can see submerged lord Shiva shivlinga on the rock where Shiva received Ganga in his matted lock during winter time at Gangotri dham.
Dinner & Overnight.
Morning drive to Guptkashi (200kms/6-7hrs) for darshan of the third and most famous dham Kedarnath. Sitapur is the nearest place from Gaurikund which is the starting point for trek to Kedarnath temple Guptakashi (“hidden Kashi”) – a temple city with beautiful views of the snowy peaks, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most important and beautiful centers of pilgrimage. It is believed
that the Pandavas after the Battle of Kuruksetra, described in the Mahabharata, wanted to atone for Shiva for fratricide.
Dinner & Overnight.
Today is very important day on your CharDham yatra journey, there are two ways to reach Kedarnath Temple.
1) Going by 18 kms trek one way. You can opt to take pony, doli or Mule directly and
2) Fly by Helicopter and return next day .
Trekking option is toughest one and it takes minimum 02 days. For helicopters you can take a drop at your helipad in the morning and drop to the hotel post darshan and return to the helipad, Normally Kedarnath helicopter passengers get a VIP entry and have to return back to the helipad within 30-60 mins. For trekking or Poni ride you have to take a local Taxi from Sonmarg to Gaurikund from where the trek/pony journey starts. You can take a bath at the hot spring at Gaurikund. Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple is 16kms each side and Rambara is the midpoint for Kedarnath trek. It takes 4-5 hrs by pony each way and 7-8 hrs by trek reach. Way. On arrival, go for the darshan of ancient Kedarnath temple dedicated to lord shiva, you will be amazed with the beauty of this temple and this temple is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Post darshan, return back to your Sitapur. Overnight at Sitapur) (for charter option) Overnight at Kedarnath – for trekking, poni or mule option
Dinner & Overnight.
Morning Darshan, Later check out & down trek to Gaurikund & Later drive to Guptkashi, Check in at Hotel & overnight stay.
Dinner & Overnight.
