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 Dham Yatra. 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 Dham Yatra 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 Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines - Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Yamunotri temple, lodged in a narrow gorge close to the source of River Yamuna (the second-most sacred Indian river after River Ganga) in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The district of Uttarkashi is also home to Gangotri dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers. Located in the Rudraprayag district lies Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra is as divine as it is arduous but fulfills the soul!
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar - Barkot
Pick up from Haridwar Railway Station/Prescheduled destination and proceed to Barkot (Barkot is a beautiful hill station which is located on the foot of Yamunotri). On the way you optional visit the “Kempty Falls” on the way if time permit. Upon arrival at Barkot, check-in the Hotel/Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot - Yamnotri - Barkot - Uttarkashi
Morning proceed to Jankichatti (45 Km). Here you will begin the First hill Yatra of Yamunotri (6 Kms trekking).
Those who want to hire Pony/Palki at own cost (Approximate Cost suggested for Pony- Rs 3000/-, Palki 8000/-) Return via the same route back to Barkot and drive to uttarkashi Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 3: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi
Morning drive to Gangotri. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges (which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. After performing Pooja, drive back to Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi - Guptkashi - Phata - Sonparyag
After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Guptkashi (It’s situated at a distance of 47 km from the holy shrine, Kedarnath) The town holds immense religious importance as it houses famous ancient temples like Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Have your dinner and stay overnight in the hotel/camp.
Day 5: Sonparyag - Kedarnath
In morning after breakfast departure for Kedarnath dham. In morning our vehicle will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gaurikund. By Trek: From Gaurikund trek to kedarnath ji start . Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. Enjoy Kedarnath Darshan & your hotel. Overnight stay at Kedarnath . After darshan you follow same & back to Sonprayag. Kedarnath : The Kedarnath shrine , one of the 12 jyotirlingaa of Lord Shiva , is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic 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 blessing 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. 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 various around 100 Celsius. Warm and woolen colthes are hence required for a stay in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 00 Celsius climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists. (Only accommodation in Kedarnath, No meals Included)
Day 6: Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Sonparyag
Morning after breakfast, you can check out of Kedarnath hotel start your journey back to Sonprayag. Our driver will be there at designated place which was discussed with you. Drive back to Guptkashi hotel for night stay.
Day 7: Guptkashi - Pipalkoti - Badrinath
Morning after breakfast, driver for Badrinath Dham. Visit on the way Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath . Pilgrims after having a bath in the Tapt kund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in evening. Brahamakapal is sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maata moorti, Charanpaduka, Bhim Shila and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River Just within the three kms of Badrinathji.
Day 8: Badrinath - Srinagar
Morning after breakfast, drive for Srinagar. On the Way to visit Rudra Nath Temple in Rudraprayag. check-in to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar / Rudraparyag
Day 9: Srinagar - Rishikesh - Haridwar
Morning after breakfast, Drop at Haridwar Railway station. Your tour ends here with sweet memories.
Day 10: Haridwar
Drop at Haridwar Railway station. Your tour ends here with sweet memories.
Inclusions
• Double sharing accommodation is mention or Similar Hotel • Transport for sightseeing only by Ac Vehicle • Pick up and Drops Ex. Bhubneshwar • Meal plan CPAI (Breakfast) in Hotel you are staying. • Complimentary for children below 6 years (without extra bed) • Children between 6-10 years get a 5% discount (without extra bed) • Total decided package cost will not be affected if there is any reduction in the number of persons.
Exclusions
• Any increase in the govt. taxes leading to an increase in the land arrangements which may come into effect prior to departure and escalation of taxes as are applicable. • Expenses and services of a personal nature - telephone calls, meals, refreshments and snacks not specified in camp, room service, parking, insurance, laundry and porter age. • Any service not mentioned under heading “Tour cost Includes” and the itinerary. • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary • Helicopter Tickets / Air Tickets / Train Tickets • Entry Tickets to Monuments, Auto Rickshaw, Boat Ride Charges • Any other expenses incurred due to bad weather, road closures, landslides etc. And anything not specified in the cost. • AC will not work in hills, parked vehicle. • No refund for unused services
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes plans change and you may need to cancel your trip. In such cases, our cancellation policy is as follows
:
After Booking Confirmation 10 % of Total Tour Package Cost.
20 Days Prior to The Journey Date 20 % of Total Tour Package Cost.
10 Days Prior to The Journey Date 50 % of Total Tour Package Cost.
07 Days Prior to The Journey Date 75 % of Total Tour Package Cost.
48 Hrs Prior to The Journey Date 100 % of Total Tour Package Cost.
