HIMALAYAN CHAR DHAM YATRA

Himalaya has always been the abode of the Gods.

The Vedas and Upanishads tell us fascinating stories about gods and demons that dwelt here. Ancient literature refers to this region as Badrikashram, Himavat, Tapobhoomi, Devabhoomi and Kedarkhand. Every cave, rivulet, brook and valley is associated with the memory of a sage or saint and fascinating legends.

Here, where the individual merges with the macrocosm.

To Uttrakhand, long called Devbhumi belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines, and for more than a thousand years, pilgrims have been visiting the region in the hopes of salvation and purification from sin. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of both the Ganges and Yamuna fall in the upper reaches of the state and together with Badrinath (dedicated to Vishnu) and Kedarnath (dedicated to Shiva) form the Char Dham of Uttrakhand, one of Hinduism most spiritually auspicious pilgrimage circuits.

More than a hundred years ago in 1891, Swami Vivekananda wandered in these of hills as a pilgrim.

The Pilgrim’s Express – Himalayan Chardham Special

Duration – 11 Days

SECTOR – DELHI, HARIDWAR, YAMUNOTRI, GANGOTRI, KEDARNATH, BADRINATH, RISHIKESH, DELHI.

Day 1: Delhi / Haridwar (210 Kms/ 07 Hrs)

Embark on your transformational journey to Chota Chardham popularly known as Himalayan Chardham. Arrive hotel The Godwin, Haridwar. Welcome followed by Express C-In in the well appointed rooms. Dinner & O/N The Godwin at Haridwar.

Host City - Haridwar
Hotel – Godwin – Deluxe Category

Haridwar - Haridwar (the Gateway to God Har & Hari) is one of the seven holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living world cities. It is made up of a fascinating and colorful collection of sadhus, pundits and pilgrims. Every evening, the Ganges comes alive with the magic of the Aarti (worship with fire), as lamps are lit, prayers are offered and small candles are floated down to the river. There are numerous other interesting sights and ancient heritage temples on which our trip guide would share information on. For us, a visit to Haridwar is believed to provide liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth.

Day's engagement -
Evening Arti at Har Ki Paudi -
The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (step 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.

Day 2: Haridwar / Barkot

Early morning wake up call for Ganges bathing and Surya Namaskar at Saptrishi Ghat,Take breakfast and later leave for journey to first of your Dham Yamunotri, daughter of the Sun god Surya and Sangya. The Yamuna like the Ganges has been elavated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization. Have Lunch en-route at kalindi resort. Bonfire, dinner & O/N stay at Him Dershan, Barkot.

Expected Departure Time, Haridwar - 0730 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Barkot - 1830 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 200 Kms/ 10 Hrs

Host City - Barkot
Hotel –Chardham Camp - Deluxe Category

Barkot – Situated at an elevation of 1220 m above sea level. Amongst the many popular destinations in Uttrakhand, Barkot sometimes tend to get faded into insignificance. Only a Tour to Barkot will help you understand how charming it is. Unaffected by the vagaries of modern civilization, it stands in all its pristine beauty to entice each and every visitor who comes to visit it. The mesmerizing view of the peaks of Bandar Punch which remain snow capped throughout the year is sure to remain embedded in your minds forever. When you are going to visit Yamunotri, you can stopover at Barkot and take pleasure in its idyllic setting. This place promises to be a very lucrative proposition with all its beautiful mountains and valleys.

Day 3: Barkot / Yamunotri/ Barkot

Wake up call, leave with packed breakfast / fruits for trek to Yamunotri, your first of Himalayan Chardham. Return in time for Lunch at Jankichatti. Evening Folk Cultural Program, bonfire followed by Dinner. Take O/N stay at hotel Him Dershan, Barkot.

Expected Departure Time, Barkot - 0600 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Yamunotri - 1100 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time – 40 kms+05 Kms trek / 05 Hrs
Expenses Approximate - Janakichatti/ Yamunotri - Horse Rs.1000 & Doli Rs.2500
 These are only approximate cost based on earlier season. Actual rate may vary.

Host City - Barkot
Hotel –Chardham Camp – Deluxe Category

Day's Engagement - Yamunotri, First pilgrimage of The Chardham: The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. The temple of Yamuna situated on the left bank of the Yamuna was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The temple 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 could 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: Barkot / Uttarkashi(115 kms /06 Hrs)

Host City - Uttarkashi
Hotel –The Great Ganga – Deluxe Category

Uttarkashi – Uttarkashi is a small and beautiful town, situated between two rivers: Varuna and Ashi, whose water flow into the Bhagirathi from either side of the town. Elevated, at a height of 1588 meters, this little town is very similar to Kashi and Varanasi, in that it has the same kind of temples and ghats and likewise, a north or 'Uttar' facing river. The major temple in Uttarkashi is The Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two other very important temples are located in the Chowk area are the Annapurna Temple and the Bhairav Temple. Once it is said, there were 365 temples here. Hiuen Tsang referred to this place as Brahma Pura, while the Skanda Puran has recorded it as Varunavata. It is believed that in the second millennium of Kaliyug Kashi will be submerged, and Uttarkashi will replace it as an important religious centre.

Day 5: Uttarkashi / Gangotri / Uttarkashi(190 Kms /9 hrs)

Early morning wakeup call and after light breakfast proceed for Gangotri. In route journey break at Ganganani, have bath in hot water spring, later continue for Gangotri temple. Later leave for Uttarkashi. Dinner & O/N Uttarkashi.

Host City - Uttarkashi
Hotel –The Great Ganga- Deluxe Category

Day's Engagement - Gangotri, IInd 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 Devaprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Goumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

This small town is centered around the temple of 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 Bhagirathi’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. Gangotri, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Ganga near the source of the river and one of the Chardham of Uttrakhand is among the most sanctifying experiences of a Hindu’s life; and as uplifting and inspiring for the traveler. Million of pilgrims and travelers have undertaken the yatra to Gangotri for centuries in search of salvation and the sacred river has provided those scours and hope.

Day 6: Uttarkashi / Sitapur(212 Kms / 10 Hrs )

Leisurely wakeup call and post breakfast leave for special Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath temple before leaving for Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga. Dinner & Overnight stay at Shivalik Valley Resort, Sitapur.

Host City - Sitapur
Hotel – Hotel Shivalik Valley Resort – Deluxe Category

Sitapur - At an elevation of roughly 1820 meters, Sitapur is located just on the midway between Gaurikund and Guptkashi on road towards Kedarnath. Sitapur is just short of 2 kms from Son Prayag, lying at the confluence of river Basuki and Mandakini. The holy site of Sonprayag is of immense religious significance. It is said that a mare touch of the holy water of Sonprayag helps one to attain the “Baikunth Dham”. Triyuginarayan, which is supposed to be the marriage place of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is at a distance of 14 kms by bus and 5 kms on foot from here. Before proceeding for Kedarnath on foot, people bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Devi temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.

Day 7: Sitapur/ Kedarnath / Rudraprayag (90Kms + chopper from Phata)

Very Early morning wakeup call and breakfast proceed to Phata to take chopper for Kedarnath. O/N at Monal Resort, Rudraprayag.

Host City - Rudraprayag
Hotel –Monal Resort – Deluxe Category

Rudraprayag - Today’s Garhwal was known as kedar-khand in the past. In puranas kedar-khand was said to be abode of God. It seems from the facts Vedas puran, Ramayana and Mahabharata that these Hindu scriptures are scripted in kedar-khand. In Kedar-khand Puran this land is regarded the land of lord Shiva.

Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms from Srinagar (Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of great religious importance at Rudraprayag.The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.

Day's Engagement - Kedarnath Temple, IIIrd 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.

Kedarnath - Horse: Rs. 900/-* Doli : Rs. 2500/-*
* These are only approximate cost based on earlier season. Actual rate may vary.

Day 8: Rudraprayag/ Badrinath (160 Km / 8 Hrs)

Post breakfast drive for Badrinath. Have Evening Darshan & Pooja at Badrinath temple. O/N stay at Sarover Portico, Badrinath.

Host City – Badrinath
Hotel –Sarover Portico – Deluxe Category

Day's Engagement-
Badrinath - 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 and another route to heaven – and spiritual liberation.

Day 09: Badrinath / Kirtinagar(200 Kms /08 Hrs)

Leisurely morning wakeup call and post Breakfast leave for Kirtinagar.

Host City - Kirtinagar
Hotel –Riverside Resort –Deluxe Category

Kirtinagar - Nestled in the foothills of majestic Himalayas and on the banks of Alaknanda River sits.

Day 10: Kirtinagar/Rishikesh(100 kms /04 hrs)

Leisurely morning wake up and post breakfast proceed to Rishikesh.

Host City - Rishikesh
Hotel –The Ganga Kinare – Deluxe category

Rishikesh - Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalaya and attracts thousands of pilgrim and tourists each year from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, the religious town known for its religious and spiritual connections, has some of the world’s exquisite views too. Surrounded by the lesser Himalayas and holy Ganga flowing through it Rishikesh is one of the mesmerizing places in India. On Rishikesh tours tourists can visit the beautiful temples, or mediate at the various ashrams. The adventure enthusiasts can try some thrilling sports like white river rafting, trekking etc. many people visit Rishikesh for practicing yoga at the “yog ashrams”. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Here one could visit Laxman Jhulla , Ram jhulla and several ghats in and around this holy town.

Day 11: Rishikesh/Delhi (235 Kms /08 Hrs)

Leisurely morning wake up, post breakfast proceed to Delhi.

Address – Haridwar-Rishikesh Road, Near Shantikunj , Haridwar.
No of Rooms- 45 Rooms (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV, Electronic Safe ,24 hours Running Hot &Cold Water with bathroom, Swimming Pool, , in house Satellite Channels, Hair Dryers, Wally parking, Laundry services , 24 hours power backup.

The Hotel Godwin Haridwar is a showcase of contemporary international design, yet simple.

This newly built hotel is on main road connecting to Rishikesh from Haridwar. It has nice clean surroundings, lovely lobby, rooms also built to 5 star standards of big chain hotels, nice large clean bathrooms and restaurant

Hotel Godwin ,comprising with 45 rooms with five star standards. Hotel is close to the Har- ki - pouri (5 KM), Haridwar Railway station (7 Km), the city bus stand (7 km) with transport easily available to and from the hotel.

In addition to the panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the elegant appointed guest rooms feature every modern convenience like LCD TV, Remote Control for A/c, Electronic Safe, in house Satellite Channels, Hair Dryers, 24 Hors Running Hot & Cold Water and branded bathroom accessories and swimming pool.

Hotel Godwin is the fully air conditioned Hotel and an in house express laundry and dry cleaning service for its guest. Doctor on call & 24 hour electricity backup A/C working in generator.

The Chardham Camp (Barkot) –

Address – Barkot-Yamunotri Road, Barkot.
No of Rooms- 22 Dbl Camp (Deluxe)
Basic Information - 24 hors Running Hot &Cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant, Travel counter, Wally parking, Laundry services, 24 hours power backup.

The Chardham Camp is a fine Camp at Barkot. The camp located in a serene, peaceful and beautiful location on the bank of river Yamuna is committed to give gentle hospitality. From the site of camp, you can get some fantastic views of lush green valley as well as snow-capped Bandar Punch Mountains.

Chardham Camp has in all 22 Dbl camps, all with attached bath and hot & cold running water. The Camp has restaurant and travel counter.

The Great Ganga (Uttarkashi)

Address – Uttarkashi
No of Rooms- 18 Dbl (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV, 24 hours Running Hot &Cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant, Travel counter, Wally parking, Laundry services, 24 hours power backup.

The Great Ganga, an ideal stopover and offering the best value for buy at Uttarkashi. Great Ganga is 18 room hotels, all with attached bath, running hot & cold water, TV and Restaurant. The hotel has large and generous open space.

Monal Resort, (Rudraprayag)

Address – Jhirmoli , Main Rudraprayag – Badrinath Road ,Rudraprayag.
No of Rooms- 40 Dbl (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV, 24 hours Running Hot &Cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant, Travel counter, Swimming Pool, A/C OR Air cooler, Wally parking, Laundry services , 24 hours power backup.

Monal resort is located on Rudraprayag – Badrinath Highway section and 3 kms away from mail rudraprayag town. Every room in Monal Resort is with attached bath, hot & cold running water, LCD TV, ac restaurant and swimming pool. The hotel offers distant view of River Alaknanda and terrace view of Himalayan Peaks.

Hotel Shivalik Valley Resort (Sitapur)

Address – Rudraprayag –Kedarnath Highway, Sitapur.
No of Rooms- 79 Rooms (Standard)
Basic Information- LCD TV, 24 hours Running Hot &Cold Water with bathroom, dining space, , Wally parking, Laundry services , 24 hours power backup.

This 79 room’s hotel is set to be the finest and the newest hotel serving to the pilgrims heading to Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga. With three star standards, enjoying river facing mountain location, the rooms are equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel has mix of standard and super deluxe rooms.

Rudraprayag - Today’s Garhwal was known as kedar-khand in the past. In puranas kedar-khand was said to be abode of God. It seems from the facts Vedas puran, Ramayana and Mahabharata that these Hindu scriptures are scripted in kedar-khand. In Kedar-khand Puran this land is regarded the land of lord Shiva.

Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms from Srinagar (Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of great religious importance at Rudraprayag.The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.

Sarover Portico (Badrinath)

Address – Near main Bus Stand, Badrinath
No of Rooms- 56 Well made rooms (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV,24 hours Running hot &cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant ,Centrally A/C Rooms, Wally parking, Laundry services , 24 hours power backup.

This hotel is one of the finest in whole Chardham sector. Hotel is situated on the entry point of Badrinath and just about 2 kms from the Badri Vishal Temple.

This Hotel has an ideal stopover and offering the best value for buy at Badrinath. Sarover Portico is 56 room hotels, all with attached bath, running hot & cold water, TV and all modern facilities which one hotel should be. It has big Restaurant. The hotel has large and generous open space with big parking facilities.

Riverside Resort (Kirtinagar)

Address – 95kms Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway, Village Maletha, Kirtinagar.
No of Rooms- 28 Well made rooms (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV, 24 hours Running hot &cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant ,Centrally A/C Rooms, Wally parking, Laundry services , 24 hours power backup.

This hotel is situated very near to the Rishikesh –Badrinath highways and panoramic view of river Alaknanda. Every room in Riverside Resort is with attached bath, hot & cold running water, LCD TV and very good ac restaurant.

The Ganga Kinare (Rishikesh) –

Address – Rishikesh.
No of Rooms- 28 Well made rooms (Deluxe)
Basic Information- LCD TV, 24 hours running hot &cold Water with bathroom, Restaurant, Centrally A/C Rooms, Wally parking, Laundry services, 24 hours power backup.

Hotel Ganga Kinare is one of the best located hotels along the right bank of the Ganga and over looking Rajaji National Park, having two beautiful and scalped lawns Ganga Vatika and Sadhna. Sitting on the deck gives one a feeling of moving on water as the river flows below it. The Hotel also has a Machan, a place on the bank of river Ganga overlooking a beauty of nature.

Every room in Ganga Kinare is with attached bath, hot & cold running water, LCD TV, ac restaurant and all modern facilities. The hotel offers distant view of River Ganga and terrace view of Rajaji national park.