Chardam Yatra’24~ Gharwal, Uttarakhand

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun & Transfer to Barkot

• Welcome: Participants will be received either at Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport or Railway Station by our friendly and experienced guide.
• Briefing and Breakfast: After a warm welcome, enjoy a delicious breakfast while receiving an informative briefing about the journey’s itinerary and safety precautions.
• Scenic Drive to Barkot: Board your comfortable chartered transportation and embark on a scenic drive towards Barkot.
• Mussoorie Stopover: En route, take a delightful break at Mussoorie, the “Queen of Hills.” Witness the breathtaking beauty of Kempty Fall, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a refreshing lunch at Kempty Fall, as limited dining options are available beyond this point.
• Check-in at Barkot: Continue your journey to Barkot, a charming town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Yamunotri Dham Darshan

• Early Morning Departure: After a refreshing breakfast, embark on a journey to Yamunotri Dham, the source of the holy Yamuna River.
• Trekking Options: Opt for a walk or ride a horse or palki (covered sedan chair) along the scenic path leading to the temple. The trek distance is approximately 6 km (one way).
• Yamunotri Dham Darshan: Seek blessings at the sacred Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Participate in traditional rituals and witness the majestic Himalayan peaks surrounding the temple.
• Return to Barkot: After a fulfilling experience, return to Barkot and relax for the evening.

Highlights:

• Comfortable and spacious chartered transportation throughout the journey.
• Experienced guide to provide information and assistance.
• Scenic stopover at Mussoorie and Kempty Fall.
• Overnight stay in Barkot to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Flexibility to choose between walking, horse riding, or palki for the Yamunotri trek.

Important Notes:

• Weather in Barkot is generally mild throughout the year.
• Participants are advised to carry warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the trek.
• Please consult your doctor before undertaking this trip if you have any medical concerns.

Day 3: Journey to Uttarkashi and Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Morning Departure: After a nourishing breakfast, depart from Barkot for Uttarkashi, a sacred town nestled amidst the Himalayas.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy the scenic 3-4 hour drive (approximately 100 km) through breathtaking landscapes as you make your way to Uttarkashi.
• Arrival and Check-in: Upon arrival in Uttarkashi, check into your comfortable hotel and settle in for a brief rest.
• Temple Visit: Embark on a visit to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This historic temple, rebuilt in 1857, holds significant spiritual significance and attracts numerous devotees.
• Evening at Leisure: Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the vibrant town or relaxing at your hotel.

Uttarkashi: A Place of Spiritual Significance

Uttarkashi, meaning “Northern Kashi,” is renowned for its numerous ashrams and temples, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Its proximity to the Ganges River further adds to its sacredness.

• Temples and Ashrams: Explore the various temples and ashrams scattered throughout Uttarkashi, each offering unique experiences and opportunities for spiritual reflection.
• Local Experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the friendly residents and savoring the delicious cuisine.
• Weather: Uttarkashi experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year, with warm summers and cool evenings.

Day 4: Excursion to Gangotri and Return to Uttarkashi

• Early Morning Start: Rise early and enjoy a packed breakfast before embarking on a journey to Gangotri, the source of the mighty Ganges River.
• Scenic Route: The drive to Gangotri offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, passing through the charming Harsil Valley known for its deodar trees and towering mountains.
• Holy Dip: Take a refreshing dip in the Garam Kund, natural hot springs located in Gangnani, believed to possess healing properties.
• Gangotri Temple: Upon reaching Gangotri, visit the sacred Gangotri Temple, built in the 18th century by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Participate in traditional pujas and seek blessings from the Goddess Ganga.
• Return to Uttarkashi: After a fulfilling experience at Gangotri, return to Uttarkashi in the evening for an overnight stay.

Highlights:

• Comfortable and scenic drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi.
• Visit to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Exploration of the vibrant town of Uttarkashi.
• Excursion to the holy town of Gangotri and the source of the Ganges River.
• Scenic route through the captivating Harsil Valley.

Important Notes:

• Participants are advised to carry light woolen clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Please be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly while visiting temples.

Day 5: Journey to Guptkashi – “The Hidden Kashi”

• Morning Departure: After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. The approximate distance is 220 km, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours.
• En Route Delights: As you travel, witness the picturesque beauty of the Mandakini River flowing from Kedarnath and catch a glimpse of the charming village of Tilwara.
• Temple Visit: Upon arrival in Guptkashi, check into your hotel and visit the revered Ardh Narishwar Temple. This unique temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati in their combined form, holds immense significance for devotees.
• Unwind and Reflect: Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the serenity and spiritual atmosphere of Guptkashi.

Guptkashi: A Spiritual Haven

The name Guptkashi translates to “Hidden Kashi,” signifying its historical connection to Varanasi. Legend speaks of the Pandavas seeking refuge here from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war.

• Meaning and History: Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual significance of Guptkashi, learning about the legends associated with this sacred town.
• Pleasant Weather: Enjoy the comfortable summer weather in Guptkashi, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. However, winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping below freezing.

Day 6: Ascent to Kedarnath Dham

• Early Morning Start: Wake up early and enjoy a nourishing breakfast before embarking on your pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Travel Options: Choose your preferred travel method:
  • Helicopter Ride: Pre-arrange a scenic helicopter ride to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek (helicopter ride not included in the package).
  • Trekking Journey: For a more adventurous experience, undertake a 19 km trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath. If this option is chosen, inform the driver beforehand to pick you up at Gaurikund after your descent.
• Kedarnath Darshan: Upon reaching Kedarnath, seek blessings at the revered temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
• Return to Guptkashi: After a fulfilling experience, descend back to Sonprayag and return to your hotel in Guptkashi for the night.

Kedarnath: Abode of Lord Shiva

• Significance: Experience the profound spiritual significance of Kedarnath, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva and one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Be mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the Kedarnath range, creating a majestic backdrop for the temple.
• Weather Conditions: Be prepared for the chilly temperatures throughout the year in Kedarnath. Summers are mild, while winters are harsh with snowfall. Pack light woolen clothing for a comfortable experience.

Day 7: Descend from Kedarnath and Return to Guptkashi

• Morning Departure: After performing morning pujas and enjoying breakfast, check out from the Kedarnath hotel and begin your descent.
• Meeting Point: Rendezvous with your driver at the pre-arranged location in Sonprayag and return to Guptkashi for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Journey to Badrinath – “The Abode of Vishnu”

• Morning Departure: Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath, nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas. The approximate distance is 215 km, and the journey takes about 7 hours.
• Arrival and Check-in: Upon arrival in Badrinath, check into your hotel and prepare for the evening rituals.
• Holy Dip and Darshan: Take a refreshing dip in the Taptkund, a natural hot spring, followed by a visit to the sacred Badrinath Temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu. Participate in the evening Aarti ceremony and seek blessings from the deity.

Badrinath: A Spiritual Abode

• Significance: Discover the spiritual significance of Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams and a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• Religious Rites: Witness and participate in the traditional rituals performed at the Badrinath Temple, including the Aarti ceremony.
• Pleasant Weather: Enjoy the comfortable summer weather in Badrinath, similar to Guptkashi. However, winters can be extremely cold with snowfall.

Day 9: Departure from Badrinath and Journey to Rishikesh

• Early Morning Departure: Rise early and enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Badrinath.

• Scenic Drive: Embark on a picturesque drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh via Rudraprayag. This journey covers approximately 240 km and takes around 7-8 hours.

• Rudraprayag Stopover: Take a brief stop at Rudraprayag, the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, holding immense religious significance. Witness the Sangam (confluence) and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

• Arrival in Rishikesh: Upon reaching Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” you have two options:

  • Departure: If your journey concludes here, you can proceed to Dehradun Airport for your onward flight.
  • Extension: If you wish to explore Rishikesh, you can extend your stay and immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant culture, adventure activities, and spiritual experiences.

Rishikesh: A Blend of Adventure and Spirituality

• Diverse Experiences: Discover the multifaceted charm of Rishikesh, offering a perfect blend of adventure activities like white water rafting, yoga and meditation practices, and exploration of temples and ashrams.
• Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Rishikesh, known for its street performances, Ganga Aarti ceremony, and bustling markets.
• Planning Your Stay: If you choose to extend your stay, Kindly plan in advance and ensure you’ve discussed prior booking with us to book additional accommodation and activities in Rishikesh.

Important Notes:

• Please be advised that weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. It is essential to carry appropriate clothing and gear for all weather conditions.
• Ensure you have a valid physical fitness level for undertaking treks, especially to Kedarnath.
• Maintain a respectful demeanor and adhere to local customs while visiting religious sites.
• Carry necessary documents like valid ID proof and permits throughout the journey.

This comprehensive itinerary aims to enhance your understanding of the cultural, historical, and spiritual significance of the places you visit, ensuring a truly enriching Chardham Yatra experience.