Char Dham - the most sacral places in Himalaya

Culture and History tour in Haridwar, Rishikesh

Tour Price : $930-1350 Duration : 12 days Languages: English, French

Char Dham’, the most sacred pilgrimage circuit, the circuit of mythologies, the circuit that cossets four abodes of God ( or 4 Dhams) ; you can simply go on defining these two words in different and beautiful ways.

This pilgrimage was initiated by sage Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu intellectual and reformer. The sage started this holy journey in the 8th century with the motive of reviving the Hindu religion, and certainly the four destinations were perfect to serve his purpose. Yamunotri (the abode of Shakti Yamuna), Gangotri (the abode of Shakti Ganga), Kedarnath (the abode of Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (the abode of Lord Vishnu) are the four holy places embracing the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand.

It is believed that by visiting this pious circuit, all the sins of the devotees are forgiven; are washed off. Since ages, this belief is so prominent that the Char Dham Yatra is considered as a must for every human. Further, it is not just that people come here for getting salvation; they visit these holy sites so as to attain enlightenment, to experience serenity and spirituality.

The Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand commences from April-May and lasts till Diwali (one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals), in October-November. The accommodation facilities in most places are quite basic and food is predominantly vegetarian in keeping with the spirit of the pilgrimage.

Season: May – June & September – October

Region: Garhwal Himalaya

Max Altitude: 3384 mts (Kedarnath)

Duration: 12 days

Accommodation : The best available basic hotel in each destination

Meals : Full board ( Breakfast, Packed Lunch) dinner ( all vegetarian)

Highlights of Char Dham Pilgrimage Yatra 2017 :

Haridwar, Mussoorie, Kempty fall, Yamuna River, Bandar punch Peak view from Barkot, Sri Yamunotri Temple, Prakateshwar Cave, Kashi Vishwnath Temple, Shakti Temple, Bhagirathi River, Sri Gangotri Temple, Gomukh, Tehri Dam, Mandakini River, Sri Kedarnath Temple, Gaurikund, Alaknanda River, Sri Narsingh Temple, Adi Shankarcharya Samadhi, Dhauli River, Sri Badrinath Temple, Byas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Bheem Pul, Saraswati River, Mana Village, Pinder River, Nandakini River, Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River, Rishikesh, Laxman Jhoola, Ram Jhoola, Swarga Ashram etc

Day 01Haridwar (205 Kms. 6 hrs)

In the morning briefing about the tour and checking basic requirements of clothing and gear for the tour.Later, in the evening visit the pious Har Ki Pauri for Aarti Darshan. Thereafter unwind yourself through a comfortable overnight stay in the hotel.

Accommodation : Haridwar

Meals : Full board

 

Day 02Haridwar – Barkot (215 Kms/5 – 6 hrs)

Post breakfast, drive to Barkot via Dehradun and Mussoorie. En-route enjoy lunch in Mussoorie and then continue the journey. You will reach Barkot by evening, upon arrival check into a luxury Swiss tent for an overnight stay.

Accommodation :Barkot

Meals : Breakfast

 

Day 03Barkot – Yamunotri Barkot (42 kms Drive / 6 kms trek)

In the morning after an early breakfast, head off for a 42 km drive towards Janki Chatti. Upon arrival, begin your 6 km trek towards Yamunotri. Once reached, visit the main Yamunotri temple for darshan; fold your hands and bow your head down before the Goddess Yamuna, and take her blessings for the pilgrimage. After paying homage, trek back to Janki Chatti in evening. From here our driver will take you back to Barkot, there you will enjoy an overnight stay in the camp.

Accommodation : Barkot

Meals : Full board

 

Day 04Barkot – Uttarkashi (Drive 82 Kms, 04 hrs)

Begin the morning with an 82 km long drive to Uttarakashi. In the journey visit the Prakateshwar Cave, a natural limestone cave that is famous for having formations resembling the holy shivling. Upon arrival at Uttarakashi, check into a hotel. In the evening visit the Vishwanath Temple and later return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation : Uttarkashi

Meals : Full board

Uttarakashi : It is situated at the bank of the Bhagirathi River and is bestowed with various famous shrines. To name a few- Vishwanath, Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Kuteti Devi Temple.

Accommodation : Uttarkashi

Meals : Full board

 

Day 05Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (220 kms 6 hours)

Drive to Gangotri early in the morning. Once reached, take a holy dip in the pious water of the holy river Ganges, (also known as Bhagirathi). Perform the respective rituals and bask in the splendid and serene surroundings of the place. In the afternoon drive back to Uttarakashi and check into the hotel on arrival.

Accommodation : Uttarkashi

Meals : Full board

 

Day 06Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (223 kms. Drive 9 – 10 hrs)

After an early breakfast, drive to Guptkashi. A late lunch is scheduled en-route at Molgarh/Tilwara/Ghansali. In the way, see the heritage city of Tehri slowly sinking into the mighty waters of the Holy River Ganges due to the construction of the Tehri Dam. Take a lunch break and then continue your journey with the wonderful view of the beautiful river Mandakini. You will reach Guptkashi by evening. Upon arrival check in to a hotel and have a relaxing overnight stay.

Accommodation : Guptkashi

Meals : Full board

 

Day 07Guptakashi – Kedarnath (32 kms Drive, 14 kms trek)

In the morning drive to Gaurikund (32 km from one side). Upon arrival, you will have to walk through a zigzag route. En-route the lunch is scheduled at Rambara. Post lunch continue trekking towards the Kedarnath Temple. On arrival, check into a hotel or tourist bungalow. Freshen up and visit the Kedarnath Temple. Pay homage at the holy shrine and then in the evening visit the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, located just behind the temple. Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation : Near Gaurikund

Meals : Full board

 

Day 08Kedarnath – Pipalkoti (14 Kms trek 145 kms Drive)

Trek down to Gaurikund in the morning, and on arrival drive towards Pipalkoti. By evening you will check into a hotel at Pipalkoti. Relax and enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel.

Accommodation : Pipalkoti

Meals : Full board

 

Day 09Pipalkoti – Badrinath (72 kms)

In the morning, post breakfast drive to Shri Badrinath Ji. There are various temples that will fall in the way like the Narsingh Temple and Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. Visit these shrines for attaining peace of mind and then continue the drive to Badrinath. Upon arrival, check into a hotel. Later, take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund, followed by a visit to the main temple. In the late afternoon, visit the Mana Village, the last village before the Tibetan border, Bheem Pul, Byas Cave & Ganesha Cave. Drive back to Badrinath and in the evening you can visit the shrine for Aarti Darshan. Later, enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel.

Accommodation : Badrinath

Meals : Full board

 

Day 10Badrinath – Rudraprayag (160 kms)

If you want to see the Holy bath of the Sri Badrinath then wake up early in the morning by 03:30 am and enjoy the beautiful sight.

After breakfast drive to Rudraprayag via Joshimath, Chamoli, Nanda Prayag and Karna Prayag. On arrival, check in to a hotel and have a comfortable overnight stay.

Accommodation : Rudraprayag

Meals : Full board

 

Day 11Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (135 Kms 7 hrs)

In the morning drive to Rishikesh via Srinagar and Devprayag. Devprayag is the confluence of holy rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi; after meeting at this place, these two holy water bodies unite together to form the Ganges. Once arrived at Rishikesh, check into a hotel. Later visit the Laxman Jhula, followed by an overnight stay in the hotel.

Accommodation : Rishikesh

Meals : Full board

 

Day 12Rishikesh – Hardiwar (34 km)

In the morning after breakfast, drive back to Haridwar.

Accommodation :

Meals : Breakfast

 

Useful Things to carry on a Chardham trip:

Woolen Cap

Wind breaking jacket/ Rain Coat

Good walking /Tennis Shoes

Thermal wear , heavier woollens ,woollen/thick cotton socks, mittens, mufflers, shawls, especially in late September /October

Head Lamp/Flash Light/

Moisture Cream/Sun block cream/lip balm.

 

Personal medicine and basic first aid.

Additional information

Tour information:
Tour Price: $930-1350
Duration: 12 days
Group Size: 2-9 tourists
Languages: English, French
Tour package includes:
Airport Transfer :	YES
Hotel pick-up:	YES
Drop-off :	YES
Tour Transportation (car, van, limo, boat, etc…):	YES
Food and Drinks :	YES
Other services (fees apply):
Attraction tickets (concerts, theater, museum, circus...) :	NO
Translation services :	YES
Reservations (hotels, restaurants, airline) :	YES
Visa support :	NO
Additional information:
This tour must be booked at least 7 days in advance of your travel date :	YES
Tour groups must include a minimum of 2 passengers :	YES
Tour prices are flexible and based on your requirements :	YES