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 – 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 07: 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.