Overview
The majestic and enchanting Himalayas have
since time immemorial inspired saints and sages from all over India. This
sublime spectacle has attracted tourists and pilgrims’ world over to experience
its blissful beauty. Char Dham, which literally translates to “the four abodes
or seats” refers to the four pilgrimage sites or holy shrines of Hindus –
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. All of these temples are situated
within the Garwhal region of Uttarakhand state in North India and are widely
revered by Hindus. A visit to Char Dham during one’s lifetime is considered
highly sacred. The four dhams receive holy water in the form of four streams –
Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Mandakini and Alaknanda.
Highlights
- Darshan at Yamunotri Gangotri temple.
- Darshan and Attend aarti at Badrinath Kedarnath temple.
- Attend the mesmerizing evening Aarti in Rishikesh.
- Ponies and Palkies at Yamunotri Temple.
- Doli, Ponies and Palkies at Kedarnath Temple.
- Camp stays at various destinations.
- Visit to Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi in Kedarnath.
- Visit to Mana village, the last village before border of Tibet.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi to Haridwar - 05 Hrs. Drive
Day 03: Haridwar to Barkot – 6 Hrs
Day 04: Barkot/Yamunotri (38Kms/2hrs, local
taxi drive 7 Kms/1hrs, 6 Kms/3hrs trek one side)
Day 05: Barkot – Harsil (151 Kms, 6-7hrs)
Day 06: Harsil/Gangotri (44 kms + 70 Kms) -6
hrs Drive total
Day 07: Harsil to Guptakashi (270 Kms/ 8-9
Hrs.)
Day 08: Guptakashi – Kedarnath - Guptkashi
Day 09: Guptakashi – Joshimath by Chopta (141
Kms / 5-6 Hrs.)
Day 10: Joshimath – Badrinath – Joshimath (45
Kms drive one way/ 2 Hrs)
Day 11: Joshimath – Rishikesh (250 Kms/ 8-9
Hrs.)
Day 12: Drive back from Rishikesh – Delhi
(225 kms / approx. 5.5 hours)
Day 13: Departure from Delhi
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi
Meet our representative upon arrival in Delhi
and check-in at the hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the
country, Delhi is a contemporary and bustling metropolis which successfully
combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. New Delhi also reflects the
legacy the British left behind. Stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi to Haridwar - 05 Hrs. Drive
After breakfast, drive to Haridwar – the most
popular holy city of India, placed in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is
also the entry point of the ‘Ganges’ into the plains of Northern India. Hindu
pilgrims and devotees gather at Haridwar to offer prayers on auspicious
occasions.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and later
visit Har-Ki-Pauri to bathe in the holy waters or witness the evening Aarti,
which is the most spectacular and spiritual ritual of Haridwar. Stay overnight
in Haridwar.
Day 03: Haridwar to Barkot – 6 Hrs
After breakfast, proceed to Barkot. Barkot is
a place of great scenic beauty with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains
all around. A magnificent view of the eternal snow peaks of Bandar punch can be
seen from here. Have a lovely dinner and stay overnight at The Chardham Camp,
Barkot.
Day 04: Barkot/Yamunotri (38Kms/2hrs, drive 7
Kms/1hrs, 6 Kms/3hrs trek one side)
After early breakfast, proceed to
Hanumanchatti via Syanachatti (5 Kms. Before Hanumanchatti). From here local
taxis are available to go to Jankichatti. From Jankichatti begin our trek to
Yamunotri (6 km/3 hrs) to visit the temple of Goddess Yamuna, situated on the
bank of the river. You can take a holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot
springs and cook rice in its water - the common rituals performed by devotees. Return
to Barkot in the evening. Have a lovely dinner and stay overnight at the
Chardham Camp, Barkot.
Day 05: Barkot – Harsil (151 Kms, 6-7hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Harsil – one the
most beautiful valleys in the world. En-route stop at Gangnani for a hot water
spring dip. Enjoy your dinner and stay overnight at The Chardham Camp, Harsil.
Day 06: Harsil/Gangotri (44 kms + 70 Kms) -6
hrs Drive total
After breakfast, we proceed to Gangotri (22
Kms/1 hr). On arrival take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges, also called
Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform a pooja and relax, taking in the lovely
surrounding. After darshan return to The Chardham Camp Harsil, have lunch and
then proceed onwards to Uttarkashi. Stay overnight at The Chardham Camp Harsil.
Day 07: Harsil to Guptakashi (270 Kms/ 8-9
Hrs.)
After early breakfast, proceed to Guptakashi
(270 Kms). Have a packed lunch en route and enjoy your dinner and overnight
stay at The Chardham Camp, Guptakashi.
Day 08: Guptakashi – Kedarnath - Guptkashi
After breakfast, take a Helicopter as per the
designated helipad - the closest one is 500 yards from the camp site - to
Kedarnath. Return on the same day to Guptkashi.
Day 09: Guptakashi – Joshimath by Chopta (141
Kms / 5-6 Hrs.)
After breakfast, proceed to Joshimath (141
Kms / 5-6 hrs), one of the most beautiful sites on the whole trip. Enjoy the
picturesque drive through the medicinal forest. On arrival, check in to your
Chardham camp. The evening is free for you to explore and enjoy Joshimath on
your own. Post this, enjoy your dinner and overnight stay at The Chardham Camp,
Joshimath.
Day 10: Joshimath – Badrinath – Joshimath (45
Kms drive one way/ 2 Hrs)
After breakfast, proceed to Badrinath. On
arrival take holy Darshan and spend time visiting Mana Village. Return to Joshimath
in the evening. Enjoy your dinner and overnight stay at The Chardham Camp,
Joshimath.
Day 11: Joshimath – Rishikesh (250 Kms/ 8-9
Hrs.)
After breakfast, proceed to Rishikesh and
enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner and stay overnight at Rishikesh.
Day 12: Drive back from Rishikesh – Delhi
(225 kms / approx. 5.5 hours)
After breakfast, drive back from Rishikesh to
Delhi. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure and stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 13: Departure from Delhi
After breakfast, you will be transferred to
Delhi airport for your return flight home.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.
