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Char Dham Yatra
13 Nights/14 Days
13 Nights/14 Days
Itinerary: Yamunotri - Gangotri - Kedarnath – Badrinath
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi- Haridwar
On arriving at the Delhi airport, you will be met by a Yatra representative and taken in an air-conditioned vehicle to Haridwar, about 230 kilometers from Delhi (approx. 6 hours). Snacks will be served to you onboard. A stop will be made for a late lunch at Khatauli. After arriving at Haridwar, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and relax for sometime. In the evening, an English-speaking host will show you around this spiritual town and take you to the Har-ki-Paudi ghat to witness the ‘aarti’ (ceremony). The aarti takes place at twilight on the holy river Ganges. It is a beautiful ceremony in which a group of priests hold fire bowls in their hands and offer their homage to the river, Lord Shiva, the sun and the universe.
Spend a few hours at Har-ki-Paudi - one of the most sacred ghats in India, and watch the tiny earthen oil lamps drift down the Ganges in a display of myriad flickering lights. This ghat is believed to be built by king Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari who had come to meditate here on the bank of Ganga. There are many legends associated with this ghat.
The ambience of Hari-ki-Paudi brings upon a sense of clam on you. Return to your hotel in Haridwar, enjoy your dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel in Haridwar, start on your journey to Barkot, about 184 kilometers from Haridwar. It is a very scenic mountain route. Stop by at the roaring Kempty Falls, Lakahamandal – an Archaeological Survey of India protected site (about 5 kilometers from the main road). Further on, visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After paying your tribute at this shrine, continue on your drive to Barkot.
Barkot is a beautiful town nestled in the Rawain Valley of Uttarkashi District on the banks of the Yamuna. The locals of Rawain are very warm and friendly, though they have been cut off from the rest of Garhwal due to its remote location. Their culture is similar yet distinct from the rest of Garhwal; and it is this that makes this area exceptionally interesting. This tour is a great chance to meet the locals, share a meal with them, and learn a thing or two about their culture and heritage. You can take in stunning views of the Banderpunch Range and the little villages speckled on the lower reaches of the surrounding hills. The town is en route to the Yamunotri dham.
On arrival, check-in at a pre-booked hotel in Barkot and spend the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Today you will travel for about 8 hours before halting for the night in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot - Jankichatti - Yamunotri - Barkot
After breakfast, set out on a morning drive about 45 kilometers up to Jankichatti. Further on, travel approx. 5 kilometers on foot to Yamunotri. Here you can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the kund (hot water spring). Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as a "Prasad". Near the temple "Pooja" can be offered at Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warm water and paying tribute to "Yamunaji". After offering prayers at the shrine, return to Hanumanchatti, and further back to Barkot.
Return to your hotel in Barkot and spend the night.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi
A fortifying breakfast at your hotel in Barkot prepares you for your journey ahead to Uttarkashi, about 120 kilometers away (an approx. 5-hour drive). You will arrive around lunch time in Uttarkashi. Check-in at a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay.
Situated at an elevation of 1158 meters, the picturesque town of Uttarkashi is nestled on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi is home to a many ashrams and temples, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It is the land of holiest of pilgrimages of Hindus, the Gangotri and Yamunotri - within the bounds of its land the two holiest rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna originate. You are at leisure in the evening to stroll around, mingle with the locals, browse the attractions, and take pictures.
Dine at your hotel and spend the night.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Harsil – Gangotri - Uttarkashi
With packed breakfast leave for Gangotri early in the morning. En route, a stop will be made at Gangnani, a hot water spring. After offering prayers at the shrine and pooja darshan, again pause along the way for lunch at a place of you choice. Post lunch, you will be driven back to Uttarkashi, en route visit Gangnani. Return to your hotel in Uttarkashi and spend the night. Today you will cover about 100 kilometers (approx. 5-hour drive to and fro).
Day 6: Uttarkashi - Guptkashi
Leave early in the morning for almost a day long drive to Guptkashi, about 211 kilometers (approx. 9 hours). En route, halt for breakfast at Charangikhal. This will be one of the most beautiful and scenic drives you have ever experienced. Continue your journey and be prepared for a late lunch at Kirtinagar. On your drive after Charangikhal, you will pass through the Ganges giving way to Tehri Dam (the Electro Hydro Project). With a bit of rest, continue on your way to Guptkashi. On arrival, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.
Day 7: Guptkashi - Kedarnath
Post breakfast, set out on another scenic drive to Gaurikund, and from their join other pilgrims on a 14-kilometer-long trek to Kedarnath. On reaching Kedarnath, you will be met by a representative who will lead you to your hotel and guide you through other logistics at these high altitude destinations. Check-in at the hotel in Kedarnath and relax for sometime, maybe get some sleep after the long arduous trek.
In the evening visit the Kedarnath Temple, attend the pooja ceremony. Pay your tribute at the shrine and spend some time soaking up the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Later, return to your hotel in Kedarnath and spend the night.
Day 8: Kedarnath - Guptkashi
After a fortifying breakfast, begin the 14-kilometer descent on foot to Gaurikund, and further on drive another 38 kilometers to Guptkashi. En route, optional visit can be made at Triyugi Narayan - a sacred place. You will reach Guptkashi in about 3 hours. Check-in at a pre-booked hotel in Guptkashi and spend the night.
Day 9: Guptkashi - Badrinath
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and take off on a morning drive for Badrinath, about 200 kilometers from Guptkashi (approx, 8 hours). En route, you will visit Chopta – a beautiful forest with medicinal plants, affording plentiful views of the Himalayas. On arriving at Badrinath, check-in at the pre-booked hotel and get some rest.
In the evening, visit the Badrinath temple and pay your respects at the shrine. Attend the pooja ceremony, see how the local rituals are performed at the temple. After ‘darshan’ (visit to a holy place), you can take a stroll around, photograph the temple, the spine of Himalayas canvassing the horizon, and breathe in the divine ambience of Badrinath.
Later, return to your hotel for the night
Day 10: Badrinath – Joshimath - Kirtinagar
Tuck into a hearty breakfast, and set out on a drive for about 3 kilometers to the last village of India – Mana Village, and visit the Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. These are some truly scenic spots with great views of the gushing Ganges, the frosted pinnacles of the Himalayas and some green hills flecked with country houses, lush farms, crystal springs cutting through rocks and a sapphire blue sky. Depart for Joshimath at 1100 hours.
En route, a stop will be made at Vishnu Prayag, the confluence of Dhauli and Alaknanda Rivers. But for the gurgling of the rivers, no sound of any kind catches your ear. The atmosphere is one of sheer peace and tranquility often broken by the twittering of birds or the chatter of monkeys. On arriving at Joshimath, you will visit the Adi Guru Sankarcharya Math. And after lunch proceed to Kirtinagar.
En route, make pauses to enjoy the brilliant scenery of Karn Prayag - the confluence of rivers Pindari and Alaknanda, and Nandprayag – the confluence of rivers Nandakini and Alaknanda.
On arrival at Kirtinagar, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night. Today you will travel about 198 kilometers on road, an approx. 8-hour drive.
Day 11: Kirtinagar - Haridwar
After a sumptuous breakfast, drive to Rishikesh, about 155 kilometers from Kirtinagar (approx. 5 hours). A stop will be made en route to visit Deoprayag – the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers. Arrive in Haridwar and check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Relax for sometime before attending the evening aarti at Parmath Niketan Ghat. Spend a few hours on the ghat and watch thousands of earthen lamps float down the Ganges. Quite a mesmerizing sight, this. And brings about a sense of calm on you.
After witnessing the spectacle of fire and water against a colorful sunset sky, return to your hotel and spend the night.
Day 12: Haridwar - Delhi
After an early breakfast, set out on a nostalgic return journey to Delhi, about 230 kilometers from Haridwar (approx. 6 hours). On arrival you will be dropped at the international airport or any point convenient to you in Delhi for your onward journey.
Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.
On arriving at the Delhi airport, you will be met by a Yatra representative and taken in an air-conditioned vehicle to Haridwar, about 230 kilometers from Delhi (approx. 6 hours). Snacks will be served to you onboard. A stop will be made for a late lunch at Khatauli. After arriving at Haridwar, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and relax for sometime. In the evening, an English-speaking host will show you around this spiritual town and take you to the Har-ki-Paudi ghat to witness the ‘aarti’ (ceremony). The aarti takes place at twilight on the holy river Ganges. It is a beautiful ceremony in which a group of priests hold fire bowls in their hands and offer their homage to the river, Lord Shiva, the sun and the universe.
Spend a few hours at Har-ki-Paudi - one of the most sacred ghats in India, and watch the tiny earthen oil lamps drift down the Ganges in a display of myriad flickering lights. This ghat is believed to be built by king Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari who had come to meditate here on the bank of Ganga. There are many legends associated with this ghat.
The ambience of Hari-ki-Paudi brings upon a sense of clam on you. Return to your hotel in Haridwar, enjoy your dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel in Haridwar, start on your journey to Barkot, about 184 kilometers from Haridwar. It is a very scenic mountain route. Stop by at the roaring Kempty Falls, Lakahamandal – an Archaeological Survey of India protected site (about 5 kilometers from the main road). Further on, visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After paying your tribute at this shrine, continue on your drive to Barkot.
Barkot is a beautiful town nestled in the Rawain Valley of Uttarkashi District on the banks of the Yamuna. The locals of Rawain are very warm and friendly, though they have been cut off from the rest of Garhwal due to its remote location. Their culture is similar yet distinct from the rest of Garhwal; and it is this that makes this area exceptionally interesting. This tour is a great chance to meet the locals, share a meal with them, and learn a thing or two about their culture and heritage. You can take in stunning views of the Banderpunch Range and the little villages speckled on the lower reaches of the surrounding hills. The town is en route to the Yamunotri dham.
On arrival, check-in at a pre-booked hotel in Barkot and spend the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Today you will travel for about 8 hours before halting for the night in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot - Jankichatti - Yamunotri - Barkot
After breakfast, set out on a morning drive about 45 kilometers up to Jankichatti. Further on, travel approx. 5 kilometers on foot to Yamunotri. Here you can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the kund (hot water spring). Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as a "Prasad". Near the temple "Pooja" can be offered at Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warm water and paying tribute to "Yamunaji". After offering prayers at the shrine, return to Hanumanchatti, and further back to Barkot.
Return to your hotel in Barkot and spend the night.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi
A fortifying breakfast at your hotel in Barkot prepares you for your journey ahead to Uttarkashi, about 120 kilometers away (an approx. 5-hour drive). You will arrive around lunch time in Uttarkashi. Check-in at a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay.
Situated at an elevation of 1158 meters, the picturesque town of Uttarkashi is nestled on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi is home to a many ashrams and temples, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It is the land of holiest of pilgrimages of Hindus, the Gangotri and Yamunotri - within the bounds of its land the two holiest rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna originate. You are at leisure in the evening to stroll around, mingle with the locals, browse the attractions, and take pictures.
Dine at your hotel and spend the night.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Harsil – Gangotri - Uttarkashi
With packed breakfast leave for Gangotri early in the morning. En route, a stop will be made at Gangnani, a hot water spring. After offering prayers at the shrine and pooja darshan, again pause along the way for lunch at a place of you choice. Post lunch, you will be driven back to Uttarkashi, en route visit Gangnani. Return to your hotel in Uttarkashi and spend the night. Today you will cover about 100 kilometers (approx. 5-hour drive to and fro).
Day 6: Uttarkashi - Guptkashi
Leave early in the morning for almost a day long drive to Guptkashi, about 211 kilometers (approx. 9 hours). En route, halt for breakfast at Charangikhal. This will be one of the most beautiful and scenic drives you have ever experienced. Continue your journey and be prepared for a late lunch at Kirtinagar. On your drive after Charangikhal, you will pass through the Ganges giving way to Tehri Dam (the Electro Hydro Project). With a bit of rest, continue on your way to Guptkashi. On arrival, check-in at a hotel and spend the night.
Day 7: Guptkashi - Kedarnath
Post breakfast, set out on another scenic drive to Gaurikund, and from their join other pilgrims on a 14-kilometer-long trek to Kedarnath. On reaching Kedarnath, you will be met by a representative who will lead you to your hotel and guide you through other logistics at these high altitude destinations. Check-in at the hotel in Kedarnath and relax for sometime, maybe get some sleep after the long arduous trek.
In the evening visit the Kedarnath Temple, attend the pooja ceremony. Pay your tribute at the shrine and spend some time soaking up the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Later, return to your hotel in Kedarnath and spend the night.
Day 8: Kedarnath - Guptkashi
After a fortifying breakfast, begin the 14-kilometer descent on foot to Gaurikund, and further on drive another 38 kilometers to Guptkashi. En route, optional visit can be made at Triyugi Narayan - a sacred place. You will reach Guptkashi in about 3 hours. Check-in at a pre-booked hotel in Guptkashi and spend the night.
Day 9: Guptkashi - Badrinath
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and take off on a morning drive for Badrinath, about 200 kilometers from Guptkashi (approx, 8 hours). En route, you will visit Chopta – a beautiful forest with medicinal plants, affording plentiful views of the Himalayas. On arriving at Badrinath, check-in at the pre-booked hotel and get some rest.
In the evening, visit the Badrinath temple and pay your respects at the shrine. Attend the pooja ceremony, see how the local rituals are performed at the temple. After ‘darshan’ (visit to a holy place), you can take a stroll around, photograph the temple, the spine of Himalayas canvassing the horizon, and breathe in the divine ambience of Badrinath.
Later, return to your hotel for the night
Day 10: Badrinath – Joshimath - Kirtinagar
Tuck into a hearty breakfast, and set out on a drive for about 3 kilometers to the last village of India – Mana Village, and visit the Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. These are some truly scenic spots with great views of the gushing Ganges, the frosted pinnacles of the Himalayas and some green hills flecked with country houses, lush farms, crystal springs cutting through rocks and a sapphire blue sky. Depart for Joshimath at 1100 hours.
En route, a stop will be made at Vishnu Prayag, the confluence of Dhauli and Alaknanda Rivers. But for the gurgling of the rivers, no sound of any kind catches your ear. The atmosphere is one of sheer peace and tranquility often broken by the twittering of birds or the chatter of monkeys. On arriving at Joshimath, you will visit the Adi Guru Sankarcharya Math. And after lunch proceed to Kirtinagar.
En route, make pauses to enjoy the brilliant scenery of Karn Prayag - the confluence of rivers Pindari and Alaknanda, and Nandprayag – the confluence of rivers Nandakini and Alaknanda.
On arrival at Kirtinagar, check-in at a pre-booked hotel and spend the night. Today you will travel about 198 kilometers on road, an approx. 8-hour drive.
Day 11: Kirtinagar - Haridwar
After a sumptuous breakfast, drive to Rishikesh, about 155 kilometers from Kirtinagar (approx. 5 hours). A stop will be made en route to visit Deoprayag – the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers. Arrive in Haridwar and check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Relax for sometime before attending the evening aarti at Parmath Niketan Ghat. Spend a few hours on the ghat and watch thousands of earthen lamps float down the Ganges. Quite a mesmerizing sight, this. And brings about a sense of calm on you.
After witnessing the spectacle of fire and water against a colorful sunset sky, return to your hotel and spend the night.
Day 12: Haridwar - Delhi
After an early breakfast, set out on a nostalgic return journey to Delhi, about 230 kilometers from Haridwar (approx. 6 hours). On arrival you will be dropped at the international airport or any point convenient to you in Delhi for your onward journey.
Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.
Extention Tour to Taj Mahal
Day 12: : Arrival in Delhi
After an early breakfast, set out on a nostalgic return journey to Delhi, about 230 kilometers from Haridwar (approx. 6 hours). On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. You are at leisure for the rest of the evening to do some sightseeing at your pace in the capital city.
Day 13: Delhi – Agra
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Agra in an air-conditioned vehicle, about 205 kilometers from Delhi (an approx. 4.5-hour drive). On arrival in Agra, check-in at a pre-booked hotel. You have a few hours to freshen up and get some sleep.
With the arrival of the Mughals led by Babar in 1526, Agra grew into prominence as almost all of India came under the rule of the Mughal Empire. But Agra reached its zenith between 1556 and 1658, under the rule of Akbar, Shah Jahan and Jehangir. It was under the rule of Akbar that Agra became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Agra, in terms of ambience, is still associated with the Mughal era. The Taj Mahal, which is essentially one man’s monumental testimony to love, has become synonymous not only with this city but with India as a whole.
Visit this mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction is believed to have taken 18 years (1631-1648) with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna is almost in the center of town. The fort represents the architecture in the periods of the three great Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The conspicuous structures within the complex are Jehangiri Mahal, Anguri Bagh, Khas Mahal and Moti Masjid. Explore them all, find out the fascinating history of the fort and its various clandestine chambers from your English-speaking guide who will assist you on this tour of Agra, and take back some memorable photographs.
Later return to your hotel and spend the night
Day 14: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast, set out on a drive back to Delhi en route Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive fortified city, as his new capital. Unfortunately, it was hardly ever inhabited on account of water shortage. Even today it stands magnificent – with majestic palaces, the five-tiered Panch Mahal, and the tomb of Salim Chisthi – a saint who had predicted the birth of Akbar’s son. After exploring this towering historical landmark and appreciating its Mughal architecture, continue on your drive to Delhi.
On arrival, you will be dropped at the international airport or any location convenient to you in Delhi for your onward journey.
Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.
After an early breakfast, set out on a nostalgic return journey to Delhi, about 230 kilometers from Haridwar (approx. 6 hours). On arrival in Delhi you will be taken to a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. You are at leisure for the rest of the evening to do some sightseeing at your pace in the capital city.
Day 13: Delhi – Agra
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Agra in an air-conditioned vehicle, about 205 kilometers from Delhi (an approx. 4.5-hour drive). On arrival in Agra, check-in at a pre-booked hotel. You have a few hours to freshen up and get some sleep.
With the arrival of the Mughals led by Babar in 1526, Agra grew into prominence as almost all of India came under the rule of the Mughal Empire. But Agra reached its zenith between 1556 and 1658, under the rule of Akbar, Shah Jahan and Jehangir. It was under the rule of Akbar that Agra became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Agra, in terms of ambience, is still associated with the Mughal era. The Taj Mahal, which is essentially one man’s monumental testimony to love, has become synonymous not only with this city but with India as a whole.
Visit this mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction is believed to have taken 18 years (1631-1648) with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Agra Fort on the banks of the river Yamuna is almost in the center of town. The fort represents the architecture in the periods of the three great Mughal emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The conspicuous structures within the complex are Jehangiri Mahal, Anguri Bagh, Khas Mahal and Moti Masjid. Explore them all, find out the fascinating history of the fort and its various clandestine chambers from your English-speaking guide who will assist you on this tour of Agra, and take back some memorable photographs.
Later return to your hotel and spend the night
Day 14: Agra - Delhi
After breakfast, set out on a drive back to Delhi en route Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive fortified city, as his new capital. Unfortunately, it was hardly ever inhabited on account of water shortage. Even today it stands magnificent – with majestic palaces, the five-tiered Panch Mahal, and the tomb of Salim Chisthi – a saint who had predicted the birth of Akbar’s son. After exploring this towering historical landmark and appreciating its Mughal architecture, continue on your drive to Delhi.
On arrival, you will be dropped at the international airport or any location convenient to you in Delhi for your onward journey.
Note:
- Standard check-in/check-out times at all hotels will be 12 noon.
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