ITINERARY

DAY 01: DELHI / DEHRADUN – HARIDWAR     

Upon arriving at Dehradun or Delhi station or airport, you will be assisted and proceed to Haridwar. Upon arriving in Haridwar, transfer you to the hotel/resort. After freshening up, you can savor your spiritual and leisure time in this sacred city. In the evening, a visit to Har-ki-Pauri awaits, where you can witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti. 

“To reach Haridwar, Dehradun Airport and Railway Station, approximately 50 kilometers or around just 1-hour drive time, serve as the nearest major transportation hub. However, Delhi Airport or Station, located around 210 kilometers or a 4 to 5-hour drive time”.

Haridwar, cradled at the foothills of the Shivaliks in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, is a portal to spiritual enlightenment. This sacred city, one of Hinduism’s seven holiest places, bears a rich history. Originally known as Kapila, it’s now named “Door to Hari” or “Gateway to God”. The city is graced with ancient temples and ashrams, and it hosts the grand Kumbha Mela every 12 years. The mesmerizing ‘Aarti’ ceremony at sunset, accompanied by the floating lamps, is a deeply captivating ritual that enchants all who witness it.

DAY 02: HARIDWAR – BARKOT   

After breakfast, embark on a picturesque journey to Barkot via Mussoorie. Along the way, be captivated by the charm of Kempty Fall. Your drive will then lead you to Barkot. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to hotel/resort, freshen up, and enjoy a day of relaxation.

Weather: During the summer months, you experience generally pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. In the Winters bring a different charm, with cool days and chilly nights. Temperatures during this season range from 10 degrees to 5 degrees Celsius.

DAY 03: BARKOT – YAMNOTRI / BARKOT 

In the morning, we embark on a journey to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, the starting point for a 6-kilometer trek to Yamunotri. You have the option to walk or choose the convenience of a horse or Doli. Upon reaching Yamunotri, a unique ritual awaits – cooking rice by immersing it in the hot waters of the sacred hot kund. This cooked rice is cherished as “Prasad” and taken home by pilgrims. You can also offer “Pooja” to the Divya Shila near the temple. After a purifying dip in Jamunabai Kund’s warm waters and seeking blessings from the divine “Yamunaji,” we retrace our steps to Jankichatti and then return to Barkot for an overnight stay.

Weather: During summer in this region, you can expect maximum temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperatures drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. The days are generally pleasantly cool, but the nights can be quite cold.

DAY 04: BARKOT – UTTARKASHI  

In the morning, we set out for Uttarkashi. Explore the sacred Vishwanath Temple and other notable attractions in the area. In the evening, you’ll have free time for leisure and relaxation.

Uttarkashi, a place of profound spiritual importance, is graced with ashrams, temples, and the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Its name, resembling Kashi (Varanasi), signifies its northern location. Much like Varanasi, Uttarkashi is nestled on the banks of the Ganges, beside the Varun Parvat hill, at the confluence of the Varuna and Asi rivers. It boasts the Manikarnika Ghat and a central temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Vishwanath Temple, one of Northern India’s oldest Shiva temples, stands as a masterpiece of ancient architecture. This temple, at the town’s heart, houses a colossal iron trident symbolizing the divine mother, venerated for centuries. The temple complex also includes shrines for Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, and Markandeya Rishi. Visitors can partake in the Akhand Jyoti and Akhand Abhishek rituals, as well as special morning and evening aartis. According to the Skanda Purana, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi,’ the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug, and is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Adjacent to the Vishwanath temple, you’ll find the Shakti Temple. It houses a monumental ‘Trishul’ (trident) standing at approximately 6 meters in height, with a base circumference of 90 cm. This Trishul is believed to have been wielded by Goddess Durga (Shakti) against demons, giving it its name. The upper part of the Trishul seems to be made of iron, while the lower part is copper, as per ancient scriptures. It stands as a symbol of divine power and protection.

Weather: During the summer, Uttarkashi experiences generally hot weather with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the nights are pleasantly cool. In contrast, winters are very cold in this region.

DAY 05: UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI / UTTARKASHI   

Early in the morning, we embark on our journey to Gangotri. En route, we make a stop at Gangnani, where you can take a holy dip in the soothing waters of Garam Kund. Continuing our drive, we pass through the stunning Harsil Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, Deodar trees, and mountain vistas. Upon reaching Shree Gangotri, you have the opportunity to take a sacred dip in the pristine waters of the River Ganges, known as Bhagirathi at its source. Engage in Pooja and Darshan, and then unwind amidst the beautiful surroundings. Finally, we drive back to Uttarkashi.

DAY 06: UTTARKASHI – GUPTKASHI

In the morning, we embark on a scenic drive to Guptkashi via Moolgarh and Lambgoan. En route, you’ll be treated to the beautiful sight of the Mandakini River at Tilwara. This river originates from Kedarnath, and our journey will follow its course as we drive alongside it, eventually reaching Guptakashi. Upon arrival in Guptakashi, you will be transferred to your hotel or resort. After freshening up, in the evening, you can visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple, a deep spiritually significant site.

Guptkashi, often referred to as the “Hidden Benares,” has a deep-rooted connection to Hindu mythology. According to legend, when the Pandava brothers were in search of a divine encounter with Lord Shiva, they first found him concealed in Guptkashi. However, Shiva later moved further up the valley to Kedarnath, where he finally granted the Pandavas their wish. There are also more tangible connections between the two places – the hereditary pilgrimage priests of Kedarnath, known as Kedarnath pandas, reside in Guptkashi during the winter months. Additionally, when the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter season, the image of Kedarnath is brought through Guptkashi on its way to Ukhimath, where it remains for the winter.

Weather: During the summer, Uttarkashi experiences generally hot weather with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the nights are pleasantly cool. In contrast, winters are very cold in this region.

DAY 07: GUPTKASHI – PATHA HELIPAD – KEDARNATH – PATHA – GUPTKASHI 

In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Phata (Helipad), where you’ll transfer to a helicopter for a journey to the sacred Sri Kedarnath Ji Temple. After a divine darshan at Sri Kedarnath Ji, return to Phata by helicopter and then continue your journey to Gupt Kashi.

Sri Kedarnath Ji, the Kedarnath shrine, is a breathtaking location nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. This sacred spot holds profound significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. “Kedar” is another name for Lord Shiva, symbolizing both his role as the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, after emerging victorious in the Kurukshetra war against the Kauravas, the Pandavas were burdened by guilt for having fought and killed their own kin. In search of redemption, they sought the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, Shiva repeatedly eluded them. While trying to escape, he took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The Pandavas pursued him, but he eventually dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The other parts of Lord Shiva’s divine form appeared in four different places, and they are venerated as his manifestations. His arms materialized at Tungnath, his face at Rudranath, his belly at Madhmaheshwar, and his locks, along with his head, are revered at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath, along with the four aforementioned shrines, is collectively known as the Panch Kedar.

DAY 08: GUPTKASHI – BADRINATH   

After Breakfast proceed to Badrinath via Joshimath, arriving at Badrinath where you will be transferred to your hotel or resort. After refreshing, head to the Sri Badrinath Temple for a visit, and in the evening, experience the divine serenity of the Sri Badrinath Temple’s enchanting Aarti ceremony.

Badrinath Ji, one of the ‘Four Dhams,’ is among the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the country. It is nestled at an elevation of 3,133 meters, flanked by the imposing mountain ranges known as Nar and Narayan, while the majestic Neelkanth Peak serves as a breathtaking backdrop. This sacred location was once blanketed with wild berries, earning it the name ‘Badri van,’ which translates to the ‘forest of berries.

• Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

• Narad Kund: A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

• Brahama Kapal: A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

• Sheshnetra: 1.5 kms away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag’s eye.

• Charanpaduka: 3 kms away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

• Mata Murty Temple: Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple, and Charanpaduka.

• Mana Village: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

• Vasundhara: As the name suggests, Vasundhara is a magnificent waterfall. This place is 5 kms from Badrinath, out of which 2 kms is motorable up to Mana.

• 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.

• Vyas Gufa (Cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the Puranic commentaries.

DAY 09: BADRINATH – JOSHIMATH / RUDRAPRAYAG   

In the early morning, pilgrims bathe in the purifying waters of Taptkund before having the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal holds great significance for Pinddan Shraddh, a ritual of offering to ancestors (Pitrus). Additionally, there are several other fascinating sightseeing spots nearby, including Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the ‘Mukh’ of the Saraswati River. All of these places are located within a three-kilometer radius of Badrinathjee. Afterward, the journey continues with a drive to Rudraprayag.

Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. Of the four ‘Maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is significant in the Badrinath to Joshimath route and has a temple installed for people to worship. The township boasts several temples, with the most important being the Nir Singh Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

DAY 10: RUDRAPRAYAG – RISHIKESH    

After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. Upon arrival, explore the attractions in Rishikesh, and in the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Ashram.

Rishikesh, known as ‘The Gateway to the Himalayas,’ is located in the Himalayan foothills. It is named after Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Lord Hrishikesh. The town is also called Agni Tirth, a place where Lord Agni sought penance. The sacred Ganges flows through Rishikesh, and it is home to several ancient temples along its banks.

DAY 11: RISHIKESH – DEHRADUN / DELHI     

After breakfast, proceed with a drive to Dehradun or the Delhi Station/Airport for your departure transfer.

“From Rishikesh, Dehradun Airport and Railway Station, approximately 45 kilometers or around just 1-hour drive time, serve as the nearest major transportation hub. However, Delhi International Airport is located around 230 kilometers or a 4 to 5-hour drive time”.

Experience a transformative journey where the tapestry of faith weaves seamlessly with the majestic Himalayan landscape. Each step draws you closer to profound serenity, where the divine presence is palpable. Embark on the Chardham Yatra, a transcendent fusion of spirituality, culture, and nature. Let your heart and soul unite in this timeless pilgrimage, and allow the Himalayas to whisper their ageless secrets, forging a lifelong bond with the divine.