Uttarakhand Chardham Yatra Ex Delhi

Day 1: Delhi – Haridwar / Rishikesh (230 Kms -06/07 hrs.)

Upon arrival in Delhi meeting and assistance followed by Lunch drive to Haridwar by road, on arrival at Haridwar check-in tohotel, evening free for relax & briefing. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

Haridwar:- Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e. Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Suryavanshi prince Bhagirathi performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapil. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth forms Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of king Sagar. In the traditional of Bhagirathi, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder. It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas. The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual.

Rishikesh:- 24 Kms. from Haridwar, located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a very great Yoga Centre. There are many ashrams and Yoga institutes here.

Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Day 2:- Haridwar/Rishikesh -Barkot (210kms/7-8hr) Height: 1352 MTS.

After early breakfast go for local Visit Ramjhula, Laxmanjhula & Swargaashram, after early Lunch drive to Barkot via Dehradun – Mussoorie En- route visit Kempty fall, reach Barkot by late evening. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel. Barkot Weather - Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold,temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.

Day 3: Barkot Height: 3235 MTS. Yamunotri Barkot (36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)

Early morning after breakfast (packed breakfast), drive to Jankichatti / Phoolchatti & star trek from here to Yamunotri (6kms) (Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost). After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warm water and having "Darshan" of "Yamunaji" return to Jankichatti by trek. Later drive towards Barkot, Overnight stay at Barkot.

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 the hot water of the Tapt kund.

Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila.

Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs near temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple. Yamunotri Weather - In summer the maximun temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees celsius.The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.

Day 4: Barkot Uttarkashi (100kms/ 4hr)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Shivgufa on the way to Uttarkashi.

Arrival in Uttarkashi.visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi city. After that check in Hotel. Day free for rest. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams, temples. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga.

Shivgufa: Shivgufa is Small temple between Shivkhori Barkot & Uttarkashi. Maximum devotee take darshan and then go to Uttarkashi.

Vishwanath temple - Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples 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. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother's, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi's small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti at morning and evening are offered. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as 'Saumya Varanasi, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Uttarkashi Weather - Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, Cold in winters.

Day 5: Uttarkashi Gangotri Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 each side)

3048 MTS. Early morning (packed breakfast) drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangnani take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.

Gangotri Weather - The maximum temperature during summer can go up to 20° Celsius. Summer nights can get cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Light woolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri during summer. Winter season is very chilly in Gangotri. Gangotri will be covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remains closed throughout winter due to heavy snow falls

Day 6: Uttarkashi Sitapur / Guptkashi (250kms/8-9hr) Height: 1319 MTS.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Phata via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remains closed throughout winter due to heavy snow falls. Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check in at the hotel upon arrival in Sitapur. Overnight stay at Sitapur.

Guptakashi:- The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well- the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.

Guptkashi Weather - pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.

Day 7: Sitapur MTS.Kedarnath / Guptkashi (5kms by road & 19kms Trek one way) Height: 3384

Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund, start your trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (by Pony / Doli/ Helicopter at your own cost). Visit Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.

By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your prebook Helipad. After Back our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.

By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gourikund & then your trek strat for kedarnath ji. After darshan you follow same & back to Sonpraag. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no. in not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver & send the massage any other driver.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Weather - Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.

Day 8: Kedarnath- Sitapur / Guptkashi

Morning after breakfast trek down to Gaurikund.Later drive to sitapur dinner or overnight stay. By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your prebook Helipad. After Back our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.

By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gourikund & then your trek strat for kedarnath ji. After darshan you follow same & back to Sonpraag. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no. in not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver & send the massage any other driver.

Day 9: Sitapur Badrinath (240kms/ 9-10hrs) Height: 3133 MTS.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. 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.

Badrinath Weather: The average maximum temperature will be around 18° Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Warm and woolen clothes are hence required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year. Winter in Badrinath is often accompanied by snow falls. Winter is very chilly with an average temperature of 5° Celsius. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.

Day 10: Badrinath -Srinagar Via Mana Village Sightseeing (200kms/7-8 hr)

Morning after breakfast, driver for Srinagar via Mana Village. Visit on the way Sarswati Riverand Bheem Pool in Mana Village later drive back to Srinagar via Srinagar. On the way visit Dhari Devi Temple, Check into the hotel arrival in Srinagar. Overnight stay at Srinagar.

Day 11: Srinagar – Haridwar (125 Kms – 05/06 hrs. drive)

After breakfast drive to Haridwar en-route visit Devprayag, (The Confluence of River Alaknanada & Bhagirathi) to become Ganga. Reach Haridwar in the afternoon, check in to hotel, after Lunch visit local Temples & Evening attend Famous Ganga Arti at Har ki Pauri. Dinner & Overnight stay at Haridwar.

Day 11: Haridwar – Delhi Depart(250 kms)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and continuous drive to Delhi Railway/ Airport Station for your onwards journey.