Char Dham

Arriving Delhi either by flight or train, you will be met by our chauffeur with the vehicle and following brief introduction we will drive you to Haridwar (225km/5-6 hrs), the entry gate to the abode of God.

Situated in the foothills of the lower Hiamalayan Range of Shivalik mountains by the bank of holy river Ganges or Ganga, Haridwar is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Leaving the mountainous terrain, the first major town that the Ganges touches is Haridwar. Haridwar has earned fame as being the place, which has been blessed by the Trinity of Hinduism, Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer). It is also one of the major Shakti Peethas (Shakti Peeth is a sacred spot where the temple of goddess Shakti has special mythological significance). Through the centuries, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul of people not only in spiritual or religious terms but as a major learning centre for arts, science and culture.

Upon arrival at Haridwar, check-into the hotel. Later in the evening (time permitting), visit Mansa Devi temple and enjoy the spectacular view of ‘Aarti’ at Har ki Pauri. Later spend your time on the Ghat or visit market around the ghat.

Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Haridwar

Before heading out to our next destination Barkot (225km/7 hrs) via Mussoorie, we first complete the Char Dham documentation for the passenger and to get the Char Dham green card for our vehicle. We may also visit Kempty Falls soon after we cross Mussoorie (depending upon route permission by the authorities) and finally reach Barkot by the evening.

On arrival we check-in the Campsite. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at Tented Camp, Barkot – 2 nights

Following an early breakfast or better with packed breakfast, we leave for a day excursion to Yamunotri. We drive to Janki Chatti (45 km/2 hrs) via Hanuman Chatti (40km/1½ hrs). From Janki Chatti we start our 5 km trek called Pahad Yatra to reach Yamunotri (Palanquins/Dolis or horses are available on hire). The trek passes through lush green valley,a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and other Himalayan herbs and shrubs. Yamunotri (3293m) is dominated by Banderpoonch peak (6391m) and is source of river Yamuna, the daughter of Surya (the sun) and the twin sister of Varna, the God of Death. The actual source of the river is Champasar Glacier which is 1 km further away at 4321m.

To start our sacred pilgrimage, we take a holy Achman/dip (blessing by holy water) before performing prayer at Yamunotri temple.  You can also take a holy dip in the nearby tank filled with water from the hot springs and cook rice in its water. Later, we trek back to Janki Chatti and drive back to our Camp site in Barkot.

Dinner and overnight at Tented Camp, Barkot – 2 nights

After having leisurely breakfast this morning, we leave for Harsil via Uttarkashi (160km/6-7 hrs), one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. We stop enroute at Uttarkashi for Lunch reaching Harsil by late afternoon.

On arrival check-in at the Camp, where the rest of the day will be free to relax giving you opportunity to enjoy the serenity and tranquil atmosphere of the valley.

Dinner & overnight stay at the Camp in Harsil

Following early breakfast/packed breakfast, we leave for Gangotri (25 km/1 hr). Situated on the banks of Bhagirathi (the origin of River Ganges), Gangotri (3200m) is in lap of Greater Himalayan Range. Upon arrival at Gangotri, take a holy dip and perform the prayers (Pooja) at Gangotri temple before seeing and admiring the lovely natural surroundings. This 18th century temple is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Shiva and prayed for Ganga, and she touched the earth on this very point. The true origin of the holy river Ganga is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and requires arduous trekking of 19 km/one way to reach.

After visiting Gangtri, we drive back to Uttarkashi (100km/3-4 hrs) via Harsil.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Uttarkashi

Following a very early breakfast this morning, we leave Guptakashi, which is by far going to be one of the longest road journeys of the trip (215 km/7-8) via Srinagar and Rudraprayag. On our way to Guptakashi, we see the beautiful river Mandakini (a tributary of Alaknanda) for the first time as we drive pass Raudraprayag., that runs all along upto to Guptakashi. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. Arrive Guptakashi by late evening.

On arrival check-in the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Guptakashi

After early breakfast we drive to Gaurikund (30km/1½ hrs) with packed lunch. On arrival at Gaurikund, we start our 15 km trek to Holy Shrine of Kedarnath (3584m), which will take about 5 hours. (Palanquins/Dolis or horses are available on hire). We will enroute for the lunch. We arrive at the Holy Shrine by late afternoon. On arrival check-in Hotel / Guest house. After freshening up we perform Pooja (prayers) and Darshan (Holy view of the deity) at Kedarnath temple. Later visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, which is just behind the temple.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel / Guest house in Kedarnath

After early breakfast we start trekking back to Gaurikund (15km/3-4 hrs). On arrival we will drive back to Guptakashi (30 km/ 1½ and reach our hotel, where rest of the day will be at leisure.

Optional visit to Triyuginarayan Temple: Located at around 13 km from Gaurikund in opposite direction to Guptakashi, there is famous temple known as Triyuginarayan Temple. Acccording to Hindu mythology, the wedding of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati was solemnised in the presence of Lord Vishnu. An eternal fire, which according to legend never extinguishes, is special feature of this temple.

Dinner and overnight at Guptakashi

After breakfast we leave for Joshimath via Chopta and Pipalkoti, one of the most beautiful drives of the whole trip through the thick forest of Himalayan tree that included many medicinal herbs as well. We stop at Pipalkoti for lunch arriving Joshimath by late afternoon. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at Joshimath

After breakfast we drive to the Holy Shrine of Shri Badrinath (3100m)(45km/2 hrs). On arrival perform Pooja (prayers) & Darshan (Holy view of the deity). Traditionally, one is supposed to take a holy dip in Tapt Kund (Hot Spring) or in the Alaknanda river. Time permitting, we may also visit Mana, the last village before the Tibet border. Late afternoon we drive back to Joshimath.

Dinner and overnight stay at Joshimath

After early breakfast, we drive to Rishikesh (260 km/7-8 hrs) via Rudraprayag and Srinagar.

Rishikesh is yet another important Hindu pilgrimage site of Uttarakhand. There are many Ashrams and temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. Situated on the banks of Ganga with its crystal clear water with several small islands adds to the beauty and the purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga and meditation centres  that have mushroomed over the last few decades. It is where Beatles spent time in one of the Ashrams. It is also a very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian medicine system). Besides the sadhus and saints, a mass of tourists too visit this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. In addition to wonderful scenery and the numerous pilgrimage sites, Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations of India like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking, para gliding etc.

Upon arrival at Rishikesh, we check-in the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Rishikesh

Following early breakfast today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan and other temples before driving back to Delhi (250 km/6-7 hrs) to connect your late evening train or for flight back home.

OR YOU COULD EXTEND THE TRIP TO SEE MORE OF NORTHERN INDIA.