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Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destination: Char Dham - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Badrinath - Kedarnath - Gangotri - Yamunotri
Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Upon arrival, a warm welcome by our representative at the airport followed by transfer to the hotel. Over night stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. At a short distance we see the famous bazaar of Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. Drive on to see the Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Memorial). Later on visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Connaught Place, Quatab Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple. Over night stay at the Hotel. Optional: Proceed for sightseeing tour of Tajmahl & Agra Fort and return by evening in Delhi. Over night stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Day 3: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
Proceed early morning to the Holy city of temples of Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu, Haridwar, now in Uttrakhand. The Hindu pantheon allows freedom of worship of gods in any form. Uttarakhand abounds in shrines of gods & goddesses and Haridwar from time immemorial has been the gateway to these shrines. Upon arrival at Haridwar, perform snan (bath) in the holy Ganges and visit the holy temples on the bank of the Holy Ganges. Later in the afternoon, proceed to Rishikesh, situated on the trisection of three districts of Garhwal division and most of the city lies on the right bank of the River Ganga. The place of sages is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, god appeared by the name of Hrishikesh and thus this area henceforth came to be known as Rishikesh.
It is the starting point for the char Dham pilgrimage of the Hindus in which pilgrims go to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath to seek spiritual salvation. Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks, 10 km up steam at Shivpuri is the site for river running, rafting activities, on the roaring white water of Ganga, from October to May. The international yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year from 2nd to 7th Feb. on the bank of Ganga River. Places to see: Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhoola, Ram Jhoola, Bharat mandir, Shivanand ashram & the divine life society. Over night stay at Rishikesh.
Day 4: Rishikesh - Joshimath
Leave Rishikesh early morning for Joshimath via Devprayag, Ruderprayag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag. Arrival: at Joshimath late in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later in the evening, visit Adi Guru Shankracharya seat Narshimha temple. Over night stay at Joshimath.
Day 5: Joshimath - Badrinath
Leave Joshimath early in the morning for Badrinath Dham. Reach Badrinath at 11 am. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. After Lunch, proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Badrinath Dham. Badrinath is one of the four Dhams of the country and situated at an elevation of 3133 meters above sea level, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as NAR & NARAYAN, with the towering NEEL KANTH PEAK providing a splendid back-drop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gage it the name "Badri Van" meaning forest of berries. Facing the temple at the back of Alaknanda River there is a hot water spring known as TAPT KUND. Badrinath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is 15 meters in height. Over night stay at Badrinath.
Day 6: Badrinath - Rudraprayag
After early morning darshan at Badrinathji, start drive to Rudraprayag via Chamoli-Nandprayag- Gauchar, for Rudraprayag, famous for two river confluences Alaknanda and Mandakini River. Visit the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples and perform pooja in the evening. Over night stay at Rudraprayag.
Day: 7: Rudraprayag - Trijuginarayan - Sonpryag
Leave Rudraprayag for Sonprayag via Guptkashi. Arrival early afternoon at Sonprayag, situated at the confluence of Soneganga and Mandakini River Check in at the hotel at Sonpryag. Proceed for Triguginarayan after lunch about 24 km up and down distance.
According to legend, Trijuginarayan is the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva temple, is an eternal flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. After the darshan at Trijuginarayan temple proceed back to Sonpryag. Evening is free to enjoy the surroundings. Over night stay at Sonprayag.
Day 8: Sonpryag - Kedarnath
Early morning departure to Gaurikund (14 km trekking). After having morning bath at hot spring "KUND" Gaurikund leave for trek to Kedarnathji temple by dolly-pony (14 km) reach Kedarnathji in afternoon. Kedarnath Temples: An imposing sight standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by snow covered peaks. The present temple built in 18th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent tot he site of earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with fixtures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi bull stands as guard. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured, Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large heavy and evenly cut grey slavs of stones. It evokes wonder as to how these heavy slavs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a "Garbha Griha" for worship and mandap apartments for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. Rest at bunglow visit to Kedarnath ji temple for aarti, darshan. Over night stay at Kedarnath.
Day 9: Kedarnath ji - Gaurikund - Siyalsore
Trek down from kedarnath ji to Gaurikund to reach the parked vehicle and drive to Syalsore 70 km from away. Enjoy evening at the riverside resort. Over night stay at Siyalsore.
Day 10: Siyalsore - Uttarkashi
Leave Siyalsore to Uttarkashi (180 km) via Ghansil-Baldianaa. Arrive Uttarkashi late afternoon visit to famous Nehru Mountaineering Institute and surrounding area temples. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 11: Uttarkashi - Gangotri
Leave Uttarkashi to Gangotri via Lanka-Bjaironghati. Arrive Gangotri in the afternoon. Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 meters above sea level. Evening is free for darshan-pooja at Ganga ji. Gangotri Temple: As legend goes Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone near which the temple is located. It is believed that goddess, Ganga first descended to earth from heaven at this stone. Amar Singh Ghapa, the Gokha Commander of Garhwal, in the 18th century A.D. constructed this temple. It is also believed that the Pandavas come here to perform the great Deva yagya to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of MAHABHARATA. Over night stay at Gangotri.
Day 12: Gangotri - Hanumanchatti
Leave Gangotri to Hanumanchatti (210 km) via- Barkot, Arrival Hanumanchatti late afternoon. Spend evening at leisure. Over night stay at Hanumanchatti.
Day 13: Hanumanchatti - Yamunotri Temple at Synachatti
Trek to Yamunotri temple (13 km) situated at a elevation of 3235 meters above sea-level. The shrines of Yamunotri are one of the Four Dhams of Uttakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about 11 km ahead at an attitude of about 4421 meters. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer Pooja at the temple itself. Darshan pooja trek back or come down to Jankichatti 6 km below the temple. Over night stay at Synachatti.
Day 14: Synachatti - Rishikesh - Haridwar.
Leave Synachatti to Haridwar. Over night stay at Haridwar.
Day 15: Haridwar - Delhi
Early morning check out from the hotel. Take a dip in the holy Ganga Ghat and then proceed for the sightseeing tour of Luxman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola. After lunch, proceed back to Delhi (230 km) International Airport to board flight for your return journey with the sweet memories of Char Dham Yatra.
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