THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FROM MAY TO OCTOBER

History of Chardham – An interesting fact about the Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand is that it is not the first of its name. As surprising as it may sound, the one that takes place in Uttarakhand is the Chhota Chardham Yatra, which translates into the shorter version of the Chardham Yatra. The original Chardham refers to the four holy sites situated in four different corners of the country, established by Adi Shankaracharya back in the eighth century AD.

The places he had established as the Chardham were Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. However, a smaller circuit of the pilgrimage was made out of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in the Indian Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Importance of Char Dham in Hindu Religion – The Char Dham Yatra is considered a must-visited pilgrimage tour to get salvation. Every year, more than 2 Lac tourists visit these holy shrines. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that the prehistoric Hindu philosopher Shri Adi Shankaracharya coined the term ‘Char Dham’. The literal meaning of this term is four abodes of God or Holy Destinations. These four shrines are in the region that is famous for the captivating mountains surrounded by a thick layer of snow and an unadulterated atmosphere.

In India, the Hindus believe that the Char Dham tour opens the gates of salvation by washing away all their sins. It is also believed that this journey must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime. These four shrines have great significance and place in Hindu mythology. According to this mythology, Shri Adi Shankaracharya acquired freedom from reincarnation in the Shri Badrinath Dham. The doorway to the Yatra is Yamunotri. The next destination is the renowned Gangotri shrine. Thereafter the pilgrim has to visit Shri Kedarnath Dham and finally Shri Badrinath Dham. After completing the Char Dham pilgrimage tour, the pilgrim achieves an absolute serenity of the mind.

Day 1: Haridwar – Mussoorie – Barkot

Drive to Barkot/Syanachatti, one the way visit Mussoorie & kempty fall. Arrive at Barkot and transfer to Hotel.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Barkot – Yamunotri return

Drive to Jankichatti then trek 07 km to reach Yamunotri to visit the temple of Goddess Yamuna, situated on the bank of the river. You can take a holy dip in the nearby tank filled with hot springs and cook rice in its water, the common rituals performed by the devotees. Trace your steps back to Jankichatti.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Barkot – Uttarkashi

Drive to Uttarkashi. Later visit the famous Vishwanath Temple.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi

Proceed to Harsil – one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. En route, we will stop at Gangnani for a hot water spring dip. Drive to Gangotri. On arrival take a holy dip in the River scared The Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform pooja and relax in the lovely surrounding. In the afternoon return to Uttarkashi.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Uttarkashi – Guptakashi/Sitapur

Proceed to Guptakashi. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Guptakashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Proceed to Gaurikund. Take a holy dip at Taptakund and begin our trek to Kedarnath. In the evening we take you to visit Kedarnath Temple for Darshan, Aarti & pooja.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Kedarnath – Guptakashi/Sitapur

We start our journey towards Guptakashi with a stopover at Taptakund.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Guptkashi/Sitapur – Badrinath

We proceed to Badrinath via Gopeshwar. Enjoy the beautiful drive through the medicinal forest. On arrival check in to your hotel at Badrinath.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Badrinath – Joshimath/Rudraprayag

Departure from Badrinath and drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Joshimath/Rudraprayag- Rishikesh –  Haridwar

Proceed to Rishikesh. On arrival local sightseeing tour of Rishikesh covering Laxmanjhula & Ramjhula, Geeta Bhawan, Swarg Ashram, and Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niken.

Transfer to Haridwar.