All faiths centre their teachings on one expression. Harmony of spirit, body, and intellect. Everyone has said the same prayer to God, Shanti, for both the living and the dead, since the beginning of time. Just the setting where the Divine and the Sublime cohabit may be found in the Char Dham Yatra, which is also known as the Deo Bhumi, The Adobe of the Gods. Once you reach there, you will be captivated by its serene beauty and utter majesty, which will transport you to a realm of spirituality where you will find serenity and modesty.
Your journey to the Char Dham Yatra will be an unforgettable encounter with the grandeur and majesty of nature, which is both humbling and enormous in its magnificence. Every person on Earth has a right to the Himalayas, the most magnificent and loftiest mountain range in the planet. From the beginning of time, the sages and saints of India have been inspired by the majestic quality of this “Adobe of Snows,” and pilgrims and visitors from all over the globe have been drawn to its amazing beauty and serene quiet.
Highlights
Yamunotri: ↬ Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. ↬ The source of the Yamuna River, which is considered one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. ↬ The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, where devotees offer prayers and take a dip in the hot springs known as Janki Chatti. ↬ The trek to Yamunotri is picturesque, passing through rugged mountains and dense forests.
Gangotri: ↬ Situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Uttarkashi district. ↬ It is the origin of the River Ganges (Ganga), which is the most sacred river in Hinduism. ↬ The temple of Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is one of the important pilgrimage sites in India. ↬ Pilgrims visit the temple to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Bhagirathi River.
Kedarnath: ↬ Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district. ↬ The Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India. ↬ The temple is situated amidst stunning Himalayan peaks and can only be reached via a trek of about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund. ↬ Kedarnath holds immense significance for Hindus and attracts devotees from all over the world.
Badrinath: ↬ Situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters in the Chamoli district. ↬ The Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in his form as Badrinath. ↬ It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu) and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. ↬ The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering breathtaking views.
Set off for Barkot, at the base of Yamunotri, this morning. We will take a diversion via Mussoorie to see Kempty Falls. Make your way to your hotel or campsite upon your arrival in Barkot. You may take it easy and recharge your batteries for the Pahad Yatra of Yamunotri the next day throughout the day. Spend the night at Barkot after your meal (dinner).
From Barkot/ Kharsali to Yamunotri and back to Barkot
Start your day with breakfast and make your way to Janki Chatti (8 km) and Hanumanchatti (40 km). This is the starting point for the First Pahad Yatra, a five-kilometer journey to Yamunotri. On your walk, you have the option to rent a Doli or a horse (Cost Not Included). The trail winds its way through a verdant valley dotted with cactus, rhododendrons, conifers, and other flora native to the Himalayas. At an elevation of 3,291 metres, Yamunotri is the westernmost Char Dhams shrine, while Banderpunch, at 6,361 metres, dominates the landscape. The river Yamuna flows from the sacred site of Yamunotri, who is also the sister of Varna, the deity of death. One of Surya the Sun’s daughters is Yamuna. The river’s true headwaters are located at an elevation of 4,321 metres, on the Champasar Glacier, which is located 1 km in front of the temple. Return to Barkot by the same path, where you may check into a hotel or camp, after taking a sacred plunge in the Yamuna River and performing Pooja upon your arrival in Yamunotri in the afternoon. Staying at a hotel in Barkot for the night and dinner.
Drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi
Check out of the Barkot hotel after breakfast and we will start the journey towards Uttarkashi. Please check into the hotel upon your arrival. Known for its historical sites, temples, and ashrams, Uttarkashi is on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Afternoon: Pay a visit to the world-renowned Vishwanath Temple. Stay at Uttarkashi for dinner and the night.
Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before setting off on your journey to Gangotri. Gangotri, at an elevation of 3048 metres, is situated in the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas. The Holy Ganges River, formerly known as Bhagirathi, is the perfect place to soak your feet in the hallowed waters upon reaching Gangotri. Make a stop to the Gangotri Temple. King Bhagirathi prayed to Lord Shiva at a holy stone next to an 18th-century temple devoted to Goddess Ganga. Here is where the Ganga is said to have made landfall. The white granite temple towers 20 feet above the ground. Return to Uttarkashi in the late afternoon after you do the Pooja. Stay at Uttarkashi for dinner and rest for the night.
Drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi or Sitapur
Check out of the hotel and go for Guptkashi, Rampur, or Sitapur after an early breakfast. Make your hotel reservation upon arrival. There will be plenty of time to sightsee in Guptkashi town today. Spend the night in a motel or tent in Guptkashi, Rampur, or Sitapur. In this case, we have made the programme work with both the hike and the helicopter options for covering the Kedarnath Ji Yatra. Because of this, we are offering three consecutive nights’ lodging in Sitapur, Rampur, or Guptkashi here.
Drive from Guptkashi to Sonprayag to Kedarnath
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the hotel and hit the road to Sonprayag. This is the starting point for the 21-kilometer trek to Kedarnath. On your walk, you have the option to rent a Doli or a horse (Cost Not Included). Check into government campgrounds and lodges upon arrival. Public campgrounds or lodges for the night and dinner. Or, depending on your abilities and preferences, you may go back to Sonprayag. Take note that guests who want to use the helicopter service may return to Sitapur or their hotel the very same day. Our reservation for the next three nights has been confirmed. However, this does not cover overnight stays at Kedarnath JI. Passengers will be directly charged for this. Occasionally, we are able to provide a hand with making lodging arrangements at Kedarnath Ji. A major Ganges tributary, the Mandakini, begins its journey near Kedarnath and continues via Gaurikund. Along the way, you will hear pilgrims calling out “Jai Bholenath.” The mountains would periodically be shrouded in fog, which would gradually disperse, exposing a gleaming, dazzling peak that seemed ready to burst the clouds.
From Kedarnath to Sonprayag to Sitapur/Rampur
You wake up before the sun comes up, wash your face, and then make it to the temple by 4:45 in the morning to do the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Afterwards, you will begin the 20-kilometer return walk from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. At Sonprayag Car Parking, you’ll find the cars that will transport you to your Sitapura hotel. Sitapur or Rampur for dinner and the night.
From Sitapur to Rampur to Guptkashi to Joshimath, and to Badrinath
Leaving the hotel at 8:00 in the morning, you will travel to Badrinath via Joshimath. You will reach Badrinath after travelling over some breathtaking Ghat roads. Check into the hotel as soon as you arrive. You are prepared to travel to the Badrinath Temple for darshan in the evening after you have had some drinks and slept. However, a visit to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring) for a wash is required before proceeding to the temple. The Shri Badrinath Ji Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, is a 15-meter-tall cone-shaped structure with a tiny dome shaped like a gilded bull and a spire. Going back to the hotel later. Staying at the hotel for dinner and the night.
From Badrinath to Joshimath and Rudraprayag
After bathing in the Taptkund in the early morning, pilgrims receive the Darshan of Badrivishal. Ancestral Pinddan Shraddh (Pitrus) is an important event that involves Brahamakapal. Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the Mukh of the Saraswati River are among the other fascinating tourist spots. Not far from Badrinathjee, within three km. The holy city of Joshimath sits above the hills that surround the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. Among the four maths that Adi Shankaracharya founded, Joshimath serves as Badrinath’s winter residence. The idol is transported to Joshimath and placed in the temple so that worshippers may honour it. The municipality is home to several additional temples. The Nir Singh temple, which houses a Vishnu deity, is the holiest of them. The people of Badrinath believe that the valley would vanish the day this god’s left arm withers entirely, and that the gods will move their dwelling to Bhavishya Badri in the neighbouring Niti Valley. The meeting point of the Nandakini and Alaknanda rivers is known as Nandprayag.
From Rudraprayag to Srinagar to Devprayag to Rishikesh to Haridwar
After a heavy breakfast, you’ll hit the road heading downhill to the holy city of Rishikesh, often known as the Yoga Capital of the World. As part of your Rishikesh tour, when you get there you’ll witness Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. By the end of the day, you will be dropped off at the railway station in Haridwar, ready for your departure. Here in Haridwar, on this last day, our services come to an end. On the other hand, travellers planning to leave from Delhi Or, if you would want to spend an extra night in Haridwar, you may enlist our help in arranging these services for a little fee. We pray that you have a long, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling life, and that the powerful Godheads and abodes shower you with their benefits.
What’s Included
Clean, comfortable, and sanitary lodgings available on a twin, double, or triple sharing basis, depending on your needs.
Meals served all day (a variety of north and south Indian dishes).
Ensuring all sightseeing is completed within the allotted time by following the provided programme.
The air conditioning will only function between Delhi and Haridwar, and not in hilly areas.
Everything is covered, including tolls, taxes, parking, and driver allowances.
What’s Excluded
GST and Kedarnath Ji Helicopter Tickets
All expenses for lodging and food while at Kedarnath Ji must be paid in advance.
Any domestic or international train or aircraft ticket,
Everything Else: Arrival, Loading, Porter, Horse (Palaki), Tips, Camera Fee, Ropeway, Entrance, and Health Insurance (Personal and Travel)
Expenses that the customer incurs on their own, as well as any costs resulting from inclement weather, road closures, landslides, etc., and anything else not included in the cost
Things To Carry
When embarking on a trek with Global Events Travels, there are certain items you need to bring yourself. These are divided into five categories: Trekking Gear, Footwear, Clothing, Toiletries, Utensils, and Miscellaneous. All items listed are essential, unless marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
Rucksack with rain cover
Day pack bag, Recommended for treks with a summit day
Head torch with spare batteries
UV protection sunglasses
Water bottles: Two 1-liter bottles
Footwear
Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes: 1 pair
Lightweight slippers or sandals: 1 pair Clothing
Quick-dry warm lower or track pants: 2
Full-sleeve T-shirts/sweatshirts: 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Thick woolen socks: 1 pair for every 2 days of trekking
Thermal body warmer (upper & lower): 1 set
Undergarments: 1 for each day of trekking
Warm jacket (closed at wrist & neck): 1
Full-sleeve sweater: 1
Rainwear (jacket & pants): 1 set
Waterproof, warm gloves: 1 pair
Woolen cap**: 1
Sun-shielding hat: 1
Toiletries
Personal toiletries kit: Small towel, toilet paper, paper soap, bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.
Sunscreen lotion: Small pack
Lip balm: Small pack
Utensils
Small, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box: 1
Plate: 1
Spoon: 1
Tea/coffee mug (plastic): 1
Miscellaneous
Camera: (Optional)
Personal medicines: Bring plenty if needed; consult your doctor before the trek.
The Char Dham pilgrimage season typically starts from late April or early May and lasts until October or early November. The weather during this time is relatively pleasant, and the roads leading to these pilgrimage sites are open for travel. However, it's essential to check weather conditions and road accessibility before planning a trip.
The Char Dham pilgrimage sites refer to four sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The Char Dham pilgrimage is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. It is believed that visiting these holy sites helps devotees attain spiritual salvation (moksha) and cleanse themselves of sins. Each of the Char Dham sites has its own religious significance and legends associated with them.
The Char Dham sites are located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road and trekking. The nearest airports to the Char Dham sites are Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport. From there, travelers can hire taxis or use state-run buses to reach the respective base towns for each pilgrimage site.
Accommodation options during the Char Dham yatra range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels and Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses). Many government and private accommodations are available in the base towns and along the pilgrimage routes. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons.
The Char Dham yatra involves trekking and traveling through rugged terrain, which may not be suitable for elderly or physically challenged individuals. However, helicopter services are available for those who cannot undertake the trekking journey. Additionally, ponies, palanquins, and palkis are available for hire to assist those who require assistance during the yatra.
It's essential to pack warm clothing, rain gear, comfortable trekking shoes, first aid kit, necessary medications, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal hygiene products. It's also advisable to carry some dry snacks and bottled water for the journey, as food options may be limited in some areas.