Tour Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days (Ex-Delhi)
Destinations Covered : Delhi- Haridwar - Janakichatti Yamunotri -Janakichatti- Gangotri - Uttarkashi - Srinagar - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Birahi - Badrinath - Srinagar - Haridwar - Delhi
Day 1: Delhi / Haridwar
Welcome Drink & Mini refreshments at Comesum Restaurant, Hazzrat Nizamudin railway Station. Meet & greet and introduction of Your Manager on Coach. Later, embark on your transformational journey to Chardham. Enroute break for Lunch at Midway. Arrive Laxmi Sadan Pilgrim Habitat by evening for Hi Tea. Dinner & overnight stay at Haridwar. Post Dinner, Trip Leader's brief on Holy Chardham Yatra.
Day's engagement
Evening Arti at Har Ki Paudi - The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Hardwar.
About Haridwar
Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places in India stands for Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God, 'Hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. The Holy River Ganges after traveling 253 km from its source at Gaumukh, 3,139 m (10,300 ft) above sea level, at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain of North India for the first time at Haridwar. For the same very reason, the city bears its ancient name, Gangadwára, the place where the Ganges descends to the plains.
Pilgrim attractions of Haridwar – In Hindu traditions, the 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar are Gangadwara (Har-ki-pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).
Day 2: Haridwar / Janakichatti (210 Kms/ 10 Hrs)
Early morning wake up call for ganges bathing and Surya Namaskar at Saptrishi Ghat, breakfast and later leave for journey to first of your Dham, Yamunotri, daughter of The daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya. The Yamuna, like the Ganges, has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization. Lunch enroute. Another journey breaks before Barkot to continue our final overnight destination Janakichatti. Bonfire, Dinner & overnight stay at Janakichatti
About Janakichatti - Janki Chatti is where the 5-kilometre trek to Yamunotri begins. There is only one word to describe Janki Chatti — serpentine. The narrow main road starts from the jeep stand and trails off after 2 kilometres. Everything from a Post Office to the PWD guest house to the Police Chowki can be found along this one narrow road.
The rates for mules, dandis, kandis and coolies – which you will need to hire for your trek up to Yamunotri – may vary depending on the distance and the load. However, these rates are fixed by the government every year and you can get more information on this at the Yatri Vyavastha Karyalaya run by the Zila Panchayat of Janki Chatti.
Janki Chatti has a small temple dedicated to Nairan Bhagwan, which has led to the suggestion that the place be renamed Narainpuri. Apart from this, you can get some fantastic views of lush green valleys as well as snow-capped mountains, primarily the Banderpunch.
Day 3: Janakichatti / Yamunotri/Jankichatti (05 Kms trek / 06 Hrs)/
Wake up call, leave with packed breakfast / fruits for trek to Yamunotri, your first of Himalayan Chardham. Return in time for Lunch at Janakichatti. Free time for leisure post lunch. Evening Folk Cultural Program, bonfire followed by Dinner. Stay overnight at Janakichatti. Approximate Expenses Janakichatti - Yamunotri: Horse Rs.700 & Doli Rs.1000
About Yamunotri -
Yamunotri, First of The Chardham: The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. Yamunotri was the home of an ancient sage Asit Muni. Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun just like Yama who is considered his son. It is believed that Yama would not torment any person at the time of death who bathes in Yamuna, his sister. It is Yamuna, who being a holder of infinite love and compassion can grant us freedom from even death, in the realm of her elder brother.
Day 4: Janakichatti / Gangotri (223 kms/ 10 hrs)
Post leisurely wakeup call and breakfast, leave for Uttarkashi, literally meaning Banaras / Kashi of north. Enroute Journey breaks at Brahamkhal and Dharasu band. Later reach Uttarkashi in time for Lunch. Post Lunch proceed for Gangotri. Attend evening Ganga Aarti. Early dinner & stay overnight at Gangotri.
About Gangotri
Gangotri, second of Chardham: Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.
This small town is centered around a temple of the goddess Ganga, which was built by the Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The temple is closed on Diwali day every year and is reopened in April/ May. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.
No other river is wound as closely with the warp and weft of Hinduism as the Ganga in India. Venerated since time immemorial as spiritual purifier, and the giver of health and prosperity, it is part of the country’s social and religious fabric. The irresistible attraction of these sacred waters, enhanced by the myths and legends woven around the river and its origins, has drawn ascetics and adventurers alike since mythical times. The pilgrimage to Gangotri, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Ganga near the source of the river, and one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, is among the most sanctifying experiences of a Hindu’s life; and as uplifting and inspiring for the traveller. Millions of pilgrims and travellers have undertaken the yatra to Gangotri for centuries in search of salvation and the sacred river has provided them succor and hope.
Day 5: Gangotri / Uttarkashi (100 Kms / 3 Hrs)
Morning wakeup call, pooja and post breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi. Enroute journey break at Gangnani, hot water spring, later continue for Uttarkashi. Dinner & stay overnight at Uttarkashi.
About Uttarkashi - The sprawling Uttarkashi is a town that begs to be explored, and its proximity to Gangotri makes it an important pilgrim destination. However, Uttarkashi is primarily a temple town in its own right, and more than that it is the town of Lord Shiv. There is saying here that Uttarkashi contains as many Shivlings as there are pebbles in the town. Many of the town’s 32 temples are dedicated to this god. Spiritualism has deep and ancient roots in Uttarkashi -- its myriad mandirs see thousands of devotees abase themselves daily in front of their favourite gods, loud bhajans set to Hindi film tunes blare from every street corner, believers throng its ghats to cleanse their bodies and souls, and numerous ashrams here are home to a vast population of sadhus and ascetics.
Day 6: Uttarkashi / Srinagar (10 Hrs)
Leisurely wakeup call and post breakfast leave for special Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath temple before leaving for Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. En route Picnic Set up Lunch at Chamba. Dinner & stay overnight Srinagar.
About Srinagar - Dating back to Puranic times, the ancient city of Srinagar en route Badrinath & Kedarnath has continually transformed itself throughout history to survive. From Sripur or Srishetra and then to Nagar, Srinagar was the only town in the region before Tehri came into being. It had a population of more than 7,000 in 1680 and, as a commercial centre, was also known as Bazar and became the site of the court of the Panwar dynasty. After several devastating floods it emerged as a well-planned town under British rule, and is now the largest seat of learning in Garhwal. Through the rigors of numerous settlements and displacements, it has never lost its spirit of resilience and continues to prosper as a stopover for pilgrims on their way to the Badri and Kedar Dhams and as an educational and cultural centre.
Day 7: Srinagar / Gaurikund / Kedarnath (10 Hrs)
Very Early morning wakeup call and breakfast proceed to Gaurikund with packed lunch to later trek for Kedarnath. Stay overnight at Kedarnath.
About Kedernath - Kedarnath Temple, third of Chardham: Kedarnath, the remotest and the most magnificent of the Chardham, is located in Lord Shiva’s own country. The sheer majesty of the shrine’s natural setting – the towering mountains mantled in snow, the tumbling streams and rivers, and green meadows and forests and the arduous trek that gets you to it, serve to further cement the deep-rooted faith that this temple inspires in the devout. This is one sacred site that has remained almost unchanged for centuries and has a spiritual energy all its own. For the devotee of Lord Shiva, this is the last frontier, the ultimate path to salvation
Day 8: Kedarnath / Birahi (10 Hrs)
Early morning wakeup call and breakfast proceed to Gaurikund to continue your journey to Birahi. Lunch en route at Midway. Overnight at Birahi.
About Birahi - Located 8 kilometres north of Chamoli, at an altitude of 610 metres, Birahi is the place where the Birahi Ganga joins the Alaknanda. An artificial lake has been created here by blocking the Birahi Ganga. Originally, this lake was larger than Naini Lake but has shrunk over the years to about 100 by 130 metres. However, it is worth a visit, especially for the view – the reflection of the Nanda Ghunti peaks on the crystal clear waters. The lake is also an angler’s delight –it abounds in trout. A Forest Guest House is conveniently located here.
Day 9: Birahi / Badrinath (10 Hrs)
Leisurely Morning Wake Up call and post breakfast drive for Badrinath. Evening darshan & pooja at Badrinath Temple. Stay overnight at Badrinath.
Day's Engagement- Badrinath - and its route is, for the newcomer, a journey of initiation. For those who are visiting the shrine, the landmarks and vistas forever provide a newer view, a different emotion, a further nuance to an experience in memory. The journey to Badrinath can sometimes be unforgiving, but only to a closed mind. The people visiting the shrine are but the faces of the country. Journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath, to borrow from one of Sir Edmund Hillary’s expeditions, is, in many ways, a journey from the ocean to the sky, as much mental as physical. Another route to heaven and spiritual liberation.
Day 10: Badrinath / Srinagar (8-10 Hrs)
Leisurely morning wakeup call and post breakfast leave for Kirtinagar. En route lunch at Birahi. Later leave for Kirtinagar.
Day 11: Srinagar / Haridwar (7-8 Hrs)
Leisurely wakeup call and leave for after breakfast proceed to Haridwar, en route visit Dev Prayag and Rishikesh.
About Rishikesh - Hrsikesa" is a name of Vishnu that means 'lord of the senses'Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. The place gets its name after Lord Vishnu who appeared to 'Raibhya Rishi' as a result of his tapasya (austerities), as Lord Rishikesh In Skanda Purana, this area is known as 'Kubjamrak' as Lord Vishnu appeared, under a mango tree.
The name Hrishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburb Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar the home of Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhula, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. One can reach the famous Neelakanta Maha Deva Temple from here.
The Ganga Arati performed at dusk at the Triveni Ghat is popular with visitors. 'Neelkanth Mahadev Temple', situated 12 km from Rishikesh, amidst forest is also a popular local pilgrimage, along with 'Vasishtha Gufa', (Cave of sage Vasishtha), 21 km up from the town by the Ganges.
Day 12:- Haridwar / Delhi
After breakfast depart from Haridwar to Delhi for your return journey.
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