 SPIRITUAL TOURS (CHARDHAM)
India is a holy and divine place which offers the tourists many pilgrimages and shrines to remember the almighty. In the series of Pilgrims the most important in India are 12 Jyotirlingas and Chardham.
Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Spread between the Himalayan and Garhwal ranges drained by the River Ganges (Bhagirathi) Chardham forms the most frequently visited Hindu pilgrimages in India
Holy Himalayas up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttaranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the devout.
The CHAR DHAM is the most revered destination of Indian Pilgrimage. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known in ancient Hindu scriptures as 'Kedarkhand'. People from all over the world brave the severe weather conditions - adding a touch of adventure to the religious journey.
The Char Dham Yatra is of a immense religious significance to the Hindu culture. It gives you a chance to take a dip in the rich Indian culture and to visit the serenity of Himalayas for a spiritual fulfillment compared to none. You will be surprised that this journey has been undertaken by many historians, archaeologists, due to its rich history. Adventure travellers and backpackers follow this trail due to its uniqueness. It is also a starting point for many trekking/hiking routes. It's believed that undertaking a journey to these places not just wash away one's sins but also ensures salvations from the cycle of birth and death.
 Day 1: Delhi – Rishikesh ( 232km / 5 - 6 hrs )
Pick up at Delhi and drive to Rishikesh enroute visiting countryside and on arrival check-in at your hotel.
Situated 24 km upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. It is said that the sage Raibhya Rishi did severe penance here and as a reward, God appeared to him in the form of Hrishikesh, hence the name. Rishikesh has numerous ashrms, some of which are internationally recognised as centres of philosophical studies, yoga and meditation. People from across the globe visit this place round the year.
Afternoon guided tour of Rishikesh visiting Lakshman Jhoola: A suspension bridge across the Ganga along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Shivanand Jhoola: Also known as Ram Jhoola, this is a recently completed suspension bridge which spans the river near Swarg Ashram.
Evening AARTI at ghat . The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.. Overnight at your hotel.
 Day 2: Rishikesh - Barkot 220km ( drive 7 - 8 hrs )
Depart from Rishikesh early in the morning and take lunch en route at Mussoorie.
Mussoorie, the queen of hill stations, is well known for its mystic mountains, serpentine streamlets and the marvelous view of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The major attractions of Mussoorie are Gun Hill, Kemty Falls.
Restart your journey and reach Barkot in the evening. On arrival check in at the hotel/camp at Barkot . Overnight in hotel/camp.
Day 3: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot ( drive 32km; trek 14km round )
After an early breakfast to start your journey leave for Hanuman Chatti ( drive 32km ).
Alternately you can take a local jeep to reach Phool Chatti if you want to shorten your trek by 5km.
On arrival start your day on a tough trek of 7/12km one way. Arrive at Yamunotri and after a "Darshan" at the temple come back to Phool Chatti in the evening to return to camp/hotel for dinner and relaxation.
 Yamunotri :-It is one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively known as 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas. According to a legend a sage, Asit Muni,used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times. The prime attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti which are 7km. Away.
The source of the Yamuna lies a further km. ahead at an altitude of approximately 4421 mts. The present temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the nineteenth century
Overnight at your hotel/camp.
Day 4: Barkot - Harsil ( drive 152km; 6 - 7 hrs )
Morning after breakfast, drive for Harsil, a drive of 152km. En route stop at Uttarkashi for lunch. On the way stop at Gangnani for a hot sulphur-water spring dip. Restart your journey to reach Harsil, one of the most beautiful valleys in the world and reach the camp/hotel for dinner.
26 km from Gangotri. Located in the topographically mountainous district of Uttarkashi, this hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples. Harsil is situated at a height of 2,620mt above sea level.
Overnight stay at hotel/camp.
Day 5: Harsil - Gangotri - Harsil ( drive 22km one way )
After breakfast leave for Gangotri and on arrival take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganga, the holy Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin.
 Gangotri -The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa constructed the original temple. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling. A days trek takes one to Gaumukh, the source of the mighty Ganges . Gangotri is an ideal location to satisfy one's spiritual as well as adventurous motives. Gangotri is the origin of the sacred river Ganges. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is quite famous for.
After rejuvenating and relaxation in the lovely surroundings, return to the camp/hotel in the afternoon to relax and to experience some of the breathtaking views of the beautiful valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at camp/hotel.
Day 6: Harsil - Guptakashi 283km ( drive 9 - 10 hrs )
After a very early breakfast leave for the longest journey of the trip by road. Enroute have lunch. On the way, see the heritage city of Tehri going down to the mighty waters of Holy River Ganga.
Lateron restart your journey having a breathtaking view of the beautiful river Mandakini. Travel along this river and you will reach Guptakashi late in the evening. On arrival check in at the hotel for dinner.
Guptkashi is an important place on the route to Sri Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar, is richly rewarding area of colour, of imaginary scenary and incredible landscape, Chaukhamba and other mountain peaks so near and yet so far, Lord Shiva dip inside the ground at Guptkashi. Visit Kalimath temple and Lord Shiva temple.
Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 7: Guptkashi - Kedarnath. ( drive 32km; trek 14km )
After breakfast leave for Gauri kund ( a 32km drive one way ). On arrival start your journey on the tough trek ahead. Stop for the lunch en route and restart to arrive by late afternoon at Kedarnath. On arrival check in at a hotel.
 Kedarnath is the holy abode of Lord Siva, one of the 12 Jothir lingas in the country, located at an altitude of 3584 metres on the head of the river Mandakini. This is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus and the temple built by Aadhi Sankara is said to be over 1000 years old with a Garba Graha for worship and a mandab for the assembly of visitors.
After performing "Pooja" and "Darshan" at the Shri Kedarnathji shrine, also visit Adi Shankaracharya samadhi in the vicinity of the temple.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Kedarnath - Guptakashi ( Trek 14km; drive 32km )
After breakfast start your journey back to Gauri kund .Take a relaxing bath in the hot sulphur-water springs.
Later on, drive down to Guptakashi by road and check-in at your hotel/camp.. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/camp in Guptakashi.
Day 09: Guptakashi - Joshimath via Chopta 175km ( 6 - 7 hrs )
After breakfast leave for Joshimath via Chopta, one of the most beautiful sites on the whole trip.
From Chopta one can view the majestic peak of Himalays, breathlaking in their beauty against the clear the blue skies. The open grassland near Chopta are excellent places for camping
Enjoy the beautiful drive through the thick forests full of medicinal plants and stop at Pipalkoti for lunch. Arrive at the hotel/camp at Joshimath by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/camp.
 Day 10: Joshimath - Badrinath - Joshimath ( drive 90km )
After breakfast leave for Shri Badrinathji, the only dham where your vehicle reaches right at the door step of the temple. No trekking is involved.
Badrinath one of the '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...
On arrival perform the holy "Darshan" and leave for an excursion to the village Mana, which is approx 2 kms from Badrinath, origination of the holy river Saraswati, surely you will be fascinated by the scenic beauty of this place. This the last village on the Tibetan border.
Return to Joshimath for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Joshimath - Rishikesh 252km; ( drive 9 - 10 hrs )
After breakfast drive for Rishikesh and on arrival check-in at your hotel. Take lunch at Srinagar. Restart and if time permits spend time at Devprayag - the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, to form the Ganges. Reach Rishikesh in the evening to check in at the hotel. Spend the evening discovering the traditions and cultures of India on the banks of the holy river Ganges.
Witness Aarti at river Ganges, the spectacular view which will purify your soul and body. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 12: Rishikesh – Delhi (250 kms/6 hrs)
After breakfast leave for Delhi enroute visiting countryside and on arrival transfer to the international airport to board the flight for onward destination.
*******BON VOYAGE******* |
