Chardham Pilgrimage Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Haridwar. Upon reaching, check-in at the hotel and unwind. Later, explore the spiritual charm of Haridwar by visiting Bharat Mata Mandir, Bhuma Niktan, Pawan Dham, Doodhadari Temple, and other significant temples in the area. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har ki Pauri, a ritualistic offering to the sacred river Ganga. Afterward, return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Haridwar.

Haridwar, situated at the base of the Shivalik hills in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, holds profound significance as a gateway to the divine. Legend has it that Prince Bhagirath performed rigorous penance here to absolve the souls of his ancestors. The river Ganga, believed to flow from Lord Shiva's locks, emerged to purify the souls. Devotees flock to the holy waters, seeking salvation for their departed elders. Haridwar serves as a gateway to the origins of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, nestled in the snowy peaks of the central Himalayas. Witnessing the evening 'Aarti' ceremony by the Ganges, with floating lamps, is a deeply moving ritual that epitomizes the spiritual essence of Haridwar.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a picturesque journey to Barkot. En route, make a stop to admire the beauty of Kempty Fall. Continuing your drive, arrive at Barkot (elevation 1352 mts) and check-in at the hotel. Barkot boasts stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains, including the majestic Bandar Punch peak. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this scenic destination. Overnight stay will be at the hotel/campsite in Barkot.

Early morning drive to Jankichatti or Phoolchatti. From there, begin your trek to Yamunotri, covering a distance of 6 Kms, or opt for a mule or Doli ride at your own expense. Upon arrival at Yamunotri, visit the temple, which has been rebuilt twice in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. Devotees have the unique opportunity to cook rice by immersing it in the hot water of the natural thermal springs, known as the hot kund, and take it home as blessed "Prasad". Offer prayers at the Divya Shila, a sacred rock pillar, before entering the temple premises. After a holy bath in the warm waters of Jamunabai Kund and seeking blessings from Yamunaji, begin your return trek to Jankichatti. Drive back to Barkot and overnight stay at the hotel/ campsite.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Uttarkashi, known for its ashrams, temples, and the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Later, visit the Vishwanath Temple, one of Northern India's oldest and holiest Shiva temples, reconstructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in ancient architectural style. Adjacent to it is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, housing a massive 6-meter high trident, a prominent attraction. Explore other places of interest at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi, named for its resemblance to and location north of Kashi (Varanasi), sits on the banks of the Ganges, flanked by Varun Parvat hill and the confluence of rivers Varuna and Asi. Like Varanasi, it features the Manikarnika Ghat and the centrally located Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Embark on an early morning drive to Gangotri. En route, make a sacred stop at Garam Kund in Gangnani for a holy dip, then continue through the picturesque Harsil Valley renowned for its natural beauty, Deodar trees, and mountain vistas. Upon arrival at Gangotri, the source of the river Ganges, immerse yourself in the pristine waters of the Bhagirathi River, also known as Ganga at its origin. Perform rituals and seek blessings at the Gangotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, constructed in the 18th century by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa on the right bank of the river Bhagirathi. Explore the serene surroundings and witness the Submerged Shivling, a natural rock formation where Lord Shiva is believed to have sat while receiving the Ganga in his matted locks. Also, visit Kedar Ganga Sangam, where the Kedar Valley river meets the Bhagirathi. Return to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3100 meters, holds immense religious significance as the place where King Bhagirath meditated to bring the holy river Ganga to earth. The Gangotri Temple, housing the idol of Goddess Ganga, remains open from May to October, while during winter months, the idol is kept at Mukhba village, 20 km downstream.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive straight to Guptkashi, known as the "Hidden Benares." According to mythology, it is believed that when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Lord Shiva, they came via Moolgarh and Lambgoan to this sacred place. En route, witness the picturesque Mandakini River at Tilwara, originating from Kedarnath, as you drive alongside its banks. Upon arrival in Guptakashi, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening, you have the option to visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple or, if time permits, explore the revered Trijuginarayan Temple (on direct payment basis). Spend the night at the hotel in Guptakashi, ready to continue your spiritual journey the next day.

After medical check-up proceed to Sonprayag. From here you have to take local shuttle taxis to Gaurikund (on your own cost). Gaurikund is the last roadhead before Kedarnath and serves as the starting point for the trek. The trek start to Kedarnath from here. Alternatively, you have the option to hire ponies or dolis (palanquins) for the journey, but this will be at an additional cost. It is advisable you to carry personal medicines, warm clothing and any other essentials required for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. On arrival check into lodge. Evening, if time permits can have sacred darshan at temple. Spend the night at Kedarnath, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site. A pilgrimage to Kedarnath is a spiritually enriching experience, offering devotees the opportunity for introspection and connection with the divine. Enjoy your journey and may it be blessed with safety and fulfillment.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Wake up before dawn and freshen up with a bath. Reach at the temple by 4:45 am to participate in 'Abhishek' ceremony. During the Abhishek ceremony you will have the opportunity to go inside the Garbha Griha (sanctum) and have a close-up darshan of Lord idol. Devotees are usually allowed to touch the idol and offer their prayers in various ways, including prostrating with their heads touching the deity, as per tradition. After Darshan and prayer begin your descent to Sonprayag. The trek down from Kedarnath to Sonprayag offers beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and is a chance for reflection and gratitude for the spiritual experience. Further drive back to hotel in Guptkashi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptakashi.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and embark on a scenic drive to Badrinath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. As you drive to Badrinath, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, with the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges flanking the route. Upon arrival in Badrinath, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up before further exploration.In the evening, proceed to the iconic Badrinath Temple for the Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing ritual that celebrates the divine presence.

Before entering the temple, it's customary to take a holy bath at Tapt Kund, the thermal springs located on the banks of the river Alaknanda. This purifying bath prepares devotees for the darshan (sacred viewing) of Lord Badrinath. After the Aarti ceremony and darshan at Badrinath Temple, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the Badrinath Temple after bathing in the Taptkund, the thermal springs. Experience the divine presence of Badrivishal and seek blessings for yourself and your ancestors. For those wishing to perform Pinddan Shraddha for their deceased ancestors (Pitras), Brahmakapal offers the sacred ground for such rituals. Participate in this tradition to honor and remember your ancestors.

There are other interesting sightseeing spot like Mana village - the last Indian village before Tibet in habited by an Indo Mongolian tribe, Vyas Gufa - a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries, Maata moorti temple - devoted to mother of Sri Badrinath Ji, Urvashi Temple, Sesh Netra temple, Charanpaduka - a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers. All these places are just within the three kms of Badrinathjee.

Later Drive back to Rudraprayag via Joshimath, a town situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Explore Joshimath, known as the winter seat of Badrinath, and visit the temples, including Nir Singh Temple with the idol of Lord Vishnu. If time permits, visit the Shankaracharya Temple in Joshimath. Upon reaching Rudraprayag, check into your hotel and unwind after a day filled with spiritual and cultural exploration. If time allows, visit the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple in Rudraprayag, another significant religious site. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Rudraprayag, reflecting on the day's experiences and the spiritual insights gained.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rishikesh, a renowned spiritual town situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River. As you drive, soak in the breathtaking views of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, which surrounds Rishikesh on three sides.

Upon reaching Rishikesh, you'll be greeted by the serene ambiance and spiritual vibes that permeate the town. Rishikesh is known as the "place of sages" and holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It offers an opportunity for introspection, spiritual growth, and connection with the divine amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight for onward destination. Safe travels!