CHARDHAM YATRA
11 Nights/12 Days Chardham Yatra From Delhi
Delhi – 02N Haridwar - 02N Barkot – 02N Uttarkashi – 02N Sitapur – 01N Sonprayag – 01N Badrinath – 01N Rudraprayag - Delhi
CHAR DHAM YATRA
YAMUNOTRI: The first chardham (going from left to right, as is traditionally stipulated), is one of the most revered temples in India. Yamunotri is the source of the sacred river Yamuna that originates from the glacial lake of SaptarishiKund, at an altitude of 4,421 meters. Dedicated to capricious Goddess Yamuna, this ancient temple has been a pilgrimage for centuries. Starting at Rishikesh, the yatra takes the pilgrim through some of the most beautiful panoramas, and eventually on the 14 kilometer arduous trek from Hanuman Chatti that is not merely visually and physically stimulating but spiritually uplifting.
GANGOTRI: Ganga, India’s most sacred river is inextricably linked to our past, present and future; it is the very essence of our cycle of life and death. The journey to its source is to reinforce those systems of belief that have been held sacred by our ancestors for centuries. The pilgrimage begins at Rishikesh, an ancient holy town, and leads the traveler through majestic vistas, stunning valleys, and beautiful meadows to eventually end at the holy temple of Gangotri. All through the journey, it is the glimpses of the Ganga in all its moods – playful, placid, and turbulent – that inspire the pilgrim to continue this journey towards spiritual salvation.
KEDARNATH: Set in the beautiful Mandakini valley, cupped by lofty peaks, the majestic Kedarnath Temple stands on a glacial terrace, remnant of an ancient glacier – long since melted. This is Lord Shiv’s territory – and the region is a living testimony to his adventures and exploits. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavs, protagonists of theMahabharat, as a tribute to Lord Shiv having forgiven them for fratricide after an exciting chase through the Himalayas. The journey to Kedarnath – the most significant of the 12 jyotirlings located in different parts of India -- is to relive these ancient tales and legends, and to become one with God.
BADRINATH: The Badrinath shrine is believed to be as old as time itself. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was re-established by AdiShankracharya in the 8th century as part of his mission to revitalise Hinduism. Located on the banks of the Rishi Ganga (Alaknanda), the temple, and the numerous ancient sites around it, is indeed a worthy goal to aim for. The last 11 kilometres to Badrinath is a steep ascent. At Devdarshni, the vista of the entire Badrinath valley appears before you – the township, the magnificent façade of the temple and the twin peaks Nar and Narayan as if standing guard on its either side, and the Neelkanth shining like a crown on its head! And immediately you feel the spiritual upliftment that such a magnificent site inspires.
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: DELHI – HARIDWAR (220 KMS / 7 HOURS DRIVE)
Meet our driver at Delhi Airport / Railway station and drive to Haridwar. Check into Hotel on arrival in Haridwar. Evening visit Ganga Aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri on your own. Overnight stay at hotel.
Haridwar: The Holy City of Haridwar translates to "Gateway to Gods," and the breath-taking city, replete with Temples, is a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe.
DAY 2: HARIDWAR – BARKOT (225 KMS / 8 HOURS DRIVE)
In the morning meet our driver at hotel & drive to Barkot via Mussoorie and en-route visit Mussoorie lake & Kempty Fall in Mussoorie. Later drive straight to Barkot. Check into hotel on arrival .Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 3: BARKOT – YAMUNOTRI - BARKOT (36 KMS DRIVE & 6 KMS TREK)
After breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti / Phool Chatti & start trek from here to Yamunotri 6 kms long (either walk / horse / Doli at own cost or pre booked from US). After taking bath in Jamunabaikund's warm water and having Darshan of "Yamunaji", return to Janki Chatti. Later drive towards Barkot. Overnight stay at hotel.
Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the Temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, one can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in hot water of 'Tapt Kund'. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Near the Temple "Pooja" can be offered to 'Divya Shila'.
Surya Kund: There are a number of thermal springs near the Yamunotri Temple, which flow into numerous pools. The most important of this is Surya Kund.
Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple- all wishes and prayers come true.
DAY 4: BARKOT TO UTTARKASHI (100 KMS / 4 HOURS DRIVE)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi and visit 'Shiv Gufa' en-route to Uttarkashi. Upon arrival, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and after praying, check-in at Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Uttarkashi : Uttarkashi is home to a number of Ashrams and Temples. Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga. This place is also knows as North of Kashi.
Shiv Gufa: Shiv Gufa is a small temple between Shivkhori, Barkot & Uttarkashi. All devotees come for Darshan here and then go to Uttarkashi.
Vishwanath Temple : Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest Shiva Temple in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. It is a massive iron trident, and worship from ancient time. Shree Ganesh ji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s mini shrines are also a part of the Temple complex. Special Aarti in the morning and evening are offered along with Akhand Jyoti and Akhand Abhishek. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and is counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Shakti Temple: Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti Temple. It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90cms at bottom. Though there are different views about making of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As the saying goes , this Shakti was thrown on the devils by Goddess Durga (Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.
DAY 5: UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI – UTTARKASHI (100 KMS / 4 HOURS DRIVE)
Early morning drive to Gangotri, en-route at Gangnani take a holy dip in Garam Kund, and further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its natural beauty and for the majestic views of Deodar trees and mountains.
On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the 'Maa Gangee' which is also called 'Bhagirathi' at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in lovely surroundings. Later drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at hotel.
Gangotri Temple: The Temple was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in 18th Century and is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi.
DAY 6: UTTARKASHI-SITAPUR
After breakfast at Uttarkashi checkout from hotel and drive to Sitapur. Arrival at Sitapur check in to hotel. Overnight stay at Sitapur.
DAY 7: SITAPUR-KEDARNATH
After breakfast at Sitapur, check-out from Hotel and drive to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag cover 18 kms trek to Kedarnath Jyotinling (Helicopter Services - Pony -Palki can all be pre arranged by US at extra cost).
History of Kedarnath Jyotirling: The Kedarnath Devasthanam -one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiv Ji, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Bhagwan Shiv Ji. The Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought blessings of Bhagwan Mahadev for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath Ji in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Bhagwan Shiv Ji appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath JI, the face at Rudranath JI, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned Mandirs are treated as Panch Kedar JI.
DAY 8: KEDARNATH - SITAPUR
After Darshan at Kedarnath Ji , return back to Sitapur. Check into Hotel at Sitapur and overnight stay at Sitapur.
DAY 9: GUPTKASHI-BADRINATH (165 KMS/7 HOURS)
After breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check into hotel on arrival at Badrinath. After having a bath in 'Taptkund'- have Darshan of Sri 'Badri Vishal' and Aarti in evening. 'Brahamakapal' is significant for Pind Daan Shradh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, Gaon ,Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and Mukh of Saraswati River -just within 3 kms of Shri 'Badrinath Ji'. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Badrinath : One of the 'Ancient Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus, the place got the name "Badri Van", meaning "forest of berries".
Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bath before entering the Badrinath temple.
Mana Gaon : 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 Gaon.
BhimPul : On the other side of Mana Gaon, 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 Ji, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
Vyas Gufa (Cave) : Near Mana Gaon this is a Rock-Cave where Ved Vyas Ji is believed to have composed the Mahabharata.
DAY 10: BADRINATH – JOSHIMATH - RUDRAPRAYAG (210 KMS / 8 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast, drive to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Visit on the way Narsingh Temple in Joshimath , later drive back to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Check into hotel on arrival at Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Joshimath : Joshimath is situated on slopes above confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four 'Maths' established by Adi Shankaracharya, Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath and installed in Temple for people to worship. There are many other temples in the township. The most important is the Temple of Nir Singh with idol of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popular belief holds that the day the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri.
Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is one of the PanchPrayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 km from Rudraprayag.
DAY 11: RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR (165 KMS / 6 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast, drive for Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh 'Place of Sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Maa Gangee and is surrounded by Shivalik range of Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penance, Bhagwan appeared by the name of Hrishikesh and this area henceforth came to be known as Rishikesh Ji. Later, visit Rishikesh Temples sightseeing at – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla. Drop at Haridwar.
Rishikesh: Named after the Lord Vishnu, Rishikesh is a Holy city for Hindus. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India it is also known as the yoga center of the world and is home to many world-renowned Ashrams. Rishikesh styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of Ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. The fast-flowing Ganges is surrounded by forested hills inside the city. Apart from Temples and Ashrams, Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalayas.
DAY 12: HARIDWAR – DELHI (240 KMS / 6 HOURS DRIVE)
After breakfast, drive to Delhi. Drop at Delhi Airport / Railway Station. The trip end with Happy Memories.
Inclusions :
- Breakfast & Dinner (Veg)
- Pick-Up and Drop from New Delhi.
- Hotel Accommodations (Quad Sharing)
- All Toll Tax, Parking, Fuel and Driver Allowances
- Upto 4 pax : Dzire Car and 5 pax and above : Bolero, Scorpio, Innova, Innova Crysta (Special Rates)
- Tempo Traveller (For Groups)
Package Exclusion:
- GST
- Insurance.
- Entrance Fees & Guide charges.
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & amp, gratuity, mineral
- water, soft & hard drinks, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, joy ride (Toy Train),porterage.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Anything which is not included in the inclusion
Points to Note :
- Helicopter to Kedarnath Jyotirling at special rates.
- VIP Darshans at Kedarnath & Badrinath Dham - Rudrabhishek - Mahabhishek Pujan - can also be organised
- Pony Ride to Yamunotri can also be pre arranged
- Palki & Pony for Kedarnath Darshan can also be pre organized
- Air fare/Train fare.
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