Haridwar>Barkot>Uttarkashi>Guptakashi>Kedarnath>Badrinath>Haridwar
10 N /11 D
This is a journey that’s meant to wash sins, committed unknowingly. Hindus are advised to take this journey at least once in a lifetime.
Char Dham Yatra: This pilgrimage of Hindus referred to as Char Dham Yatra. The below mentioned both the routes are known Char Dham Yatra circuits.
(a) This first route goes through the 4 holy sites - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These destinations are nestled high up in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or an ‘Abode of Gods’. Being at high-altitude, these shrines remain closed for 6 months in a year. Opens during April/May and closes in October /November.
(b) The second route is believed to help in attain Moksha or Salvation. Each of these 4 destinations represent 4 Yugas (Yuga, in Hindu cosmology, means world ages). Badrinath represents Satyuga, Rameshwaram represents Tretayuga, Dwarka represents Dwaparyuga and Puri represents Kaliyuga.
Reach Haridwar. Start the tour by visiting temples and attend evening Aarti ceremony at Ghat - Har Ki Pauri (6:00 pm-7:00 pm (You will be notified in advance in case of timing changes) Known as 'Ceremony of Light', Aarti is performed by waving bright lighted oil lamps on the bank of holy river Ganges. The radiance emitted from them is considered auspicious as they represent enlightenment, prosperity and wisdom. Overnight in Haridwar.
Travel from Haridwar to Barkot / Janki Chatti. Distance from Haridwar to Barkot is approximately 195 km and from Barkot to Janki Chatti approximately 45 km)
Barkot town is located on the banks of river Yamuna.
Janki Chatti is a mid-point of the trek to Yamunotri which is accessible by jeeps. Janki Chatti is 7 kms before Yamunotri and the place is popular for thermal springs.
Enroute, today visit the famed Kempty Falls via Mussoorie. This man-made waterfall was created around 150 years ago. Overnight in Barkot / Janki Chatti.
After making the pilgrimage to Yamunotri, resume your 7 km journey there and spend the night at Barkot or Janki Chatti. This stunning sacred site honouring the Yamuna River comforts visitors' minds and exudes a peaceful atmosphere. Overnight at Janki Chatti or Barkot.
Continue to make your pilgrimage to Uttarkashi. Situated on the banks of Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is famous for its historical structures and a bouquet of wonderful activities it offers. Vishwanatha Temple, which is located in the heart of the town, is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva. Overnight in Uttarkashi.
(Distance 100 Km. Duration 3.5 hr one way)
Uttarkashi loosely translates as Kashi of North India. It is a religious place of Hindus known for spirituality and adventurous tourism.
The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries. Legend states that Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance. Gangotri is a popular pilgrim place in India, which stands at an altitude of 3, 042 metres and emits a highly pious aura. Return to Uttarkashi for night stay.
Leave early morning by road to Guptakashi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Guptakashi.
Start very early in the morning to reach Gaurikund by 6:00 am. (Travel time from Gaurikund to Guptakashi is 35 km and takes around 2 hr time). Begin your adventure with trek to Kedarnath Temple. Overnight at Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple is located in the midst of beautiful snow-clad Himalayas. Experience an out-of-the-world phenomenon as you will be welcomed by the sounds of temple bells and chants praising Lord Shiva.
Optional: Helicopter service is also available till Kendarnath. If interested, you may check price and availability with us.
Trek back to Gaurikund. Upon reaching, proceed for 35 km journey to Guptakashi where you will be staying. Optional: Instead, proceed to Rudraprayag for night stay. It is 75 km from Gaurikund, but saves a lot of time on day 9 while travelling to Badrinath.
Start your day by proceeding to Badrinath. This entire town is felt immersed in the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Must visit is the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini. Overnight in Badrinath.
Indulge in spirituality by experiencing morning and evening Aartis at Badrinath Temple. You may enjoy the pony rides as you move towards the temple complex. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Tapt Kund (hot springs). Overnight in Badrinath.
Start early for Haridwar as you enter the last leg of your journey. It will be approximately 310 km and it will take 10 hr. Upon arrival in Haridwar, check in at hotel for night stay. On return, you may consider overnight at Rishikesh. If time permits, you may also take a late evening flight from Dehradun or a late evening train from Haridwar. We can make the arrangements for you on your request.
For the other 4 abodes which are also marked Char Dham in Hindu mythology.
We suggest that visit to any of the 4 abodes (Char Dham) to be taken as add on / extension or pre-tour along with any of your outlined India trip.
Reason being, these are located at a significant distance from each other. Badrinath is in North India and the nearest airport is Dehradun at a travelling distance of 310 km. Rameshwaram is in south in Tamil Nadu and the nearest airport is Madurai at a traveling distance of 175 km. The city also has good rail connectivity with rest of India. Dwarka is in Gujrat and the nearest airport is Jamnager at a traveling distance of 140 km and Puri in Orissa and the nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar at a traveling distance of 70 km.
