Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham Yatra

OVERVIEW- Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular pilgrimage (or tirth yatra) in Hinduism. Devotees aspire to visit this holy Chardham pilgrimage once in a life time. This pilgrimage tour package covers trek to Yamunotri followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. As per Hindu Mythology, Gangotri is a place where King Bhagirath performed penance after which River Ganga came down on the earth. Yamunotri is the place where pilgrims seek the blessings of Yamuna, who is the sister of Yama, the God of death. Kedarnath is one among the twelve Jyotirlinga of Shiva and Badrinath shrine is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are two of three most revered Lords in Hinduism. Besides the blessing of the almighty, pilgrims enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature and the spiritual ambience of Himalayas covered by snow, the melodious chirping of birds & the scatter thick green forests.

DELHI- New Delhi, capital of India is a mix of the ancient and modern architecture. This 3rd largest city of India unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture, and human diversity. Divided in two parts, Old Delhi & New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India and exerts a beguiling charm on visitors.

DEHRADUN- Dehradun serves as the gateway to the picturesque mountains of Uttarakhand. The town is snuggled in the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range in the Doon Valley marked by two prominent rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna. The blessed location has granted it immense natural beauty. The gushing streams, deep ravines, lustrous valleys and most of all the lofty mountain ranges are charming.

HARIDWAR- Haridwar is one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus that are also known as Moksapuri or Sapta-Puri. Literally means the gateway to Hari, an epithet for Vishnu, the Creator in the Hindu Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer. It is also called Gangadwara, because it is near Haridwar that the Ganga, the most sacred river of the Hindus, enters the Great Plains. 

BARKOT- Situated in the Uttarkashi District, on the bank of Yamuna River, this gem of a place is a major stopover for the Hindu devotees heading to perform pilgrimage at Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham. The pretty little town offers a mesmerizing view of the Bandar Poonch Peak along with some other imposing Himalayan Peaks.

YAMUNOTRI- Yamunotri Dham is located on the western side of Garhwal Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. About 3,293 metres above the sea level, Yamunotri stands proudly with its enormous mountain peaks, glaciers and gushing waters of Yamuna. River Yamuna, the second most sacred river of India, originates in Yamunotri, making it one of the pilgrimage sites in the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

UTTARKASHI- Two of the Four Holy Shrines of Hindu mythology, i.e. the 'Char Dham', are situated here, as is the chief source of the holiest river of Hinduism, the Ganges. There is a sense of purity in the air here, with all the spirituality and natural surroundings that are bestowed upon this land.

GANGOTRI- Gangotri Dham is located at the height of 3,100 meters (approx.) on the Himalayan range in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four sacred and important pilgrimage sites of Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Amid all the natural beauty and grace which the mountains and altitude of the place affords, what makes Gangotri one of the holiest places is its intimate connection with River Ganga (the Ganges).

GUPTKASHI- A holy town adorned with the many ancient temples and believed to be a part of epic Mahabharata. Situated 47 kms before Kedarnath, the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva, this town is bestowed with great religious significance.

GAURIKUND- Located on the way to Kedarnath temple at an elevation of 1982 m, Gauri Kund is a religious place and has an ancient shrine devoted to Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Parvati had done penance here to win Lord Shiva's love.

KEDARNATH- One of the sacred pilgrimage of the Hindus, Kedarnath Temple an ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalayan range. The divine abode of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Dham is among the holiest destinations of Hindu Pilgrimage. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the yatra to this dham paves the way to salvation.

RUDRPRAYAG- The district of Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of River Alaknanda and Mandakini (Both Tributaries of River Ganges). It is said that Narad was blessed at this place by Lord Shiva and is named after Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva. The place is best described as Adobe of Gods with majestic Himalayas, gushing waters of the sacred rivers and a variety of flora and fauna.

JOSHIMATH- It is a popular hill station and a famous pilgrimage site. It has some ancient temples and other places of tourist interest. Also known as Jyotir Math, it is located in the Chamoli District of Garhwal. During winters, the town becomes home of the Lord Badri, who are brought down from Badrinath to Vasudeva temple at Joshimath.

BADRINATH- The temple of Shri Badrinath on the banks of the Alaknanda River dates back to the Vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3133 mts., the present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Besides its spiritual importance, the region in and around Badrinath is full of beautiful, picturesque sights.

SRINAGAR- Nestled in the foothills of majestic Himalayas and on the banks of Alaknanda River sits the historic town of Srinagar. Srinagar acts a base camp towards the holy Hindu temples of and Kedarnath, during Char Dham Yatra. The place is an important tourist attraction for its natural beauty and several temples.

RISHIKESH- It is a peaceful town and is also one of the holiest towns of India. There is a mystical air about the place. A famous centre for yoga (mystical and spiritual training) and meditation, the town is dotted with numerous ashrams which offer yoga and meditation courses.

Please Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor summer holidays vacation for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India Char Dham tour.

Tour Destination: Delhi/Dehradun - Haridwar - Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Rudraprayag - Joshimath - Badrinath - Srinagar - Rishikesh - Delhi/Dehradun

Travel Duration: 11 nights/12 days

DAY 1: DELHI/DEHRADUN - HARIDWAR

Drive to the City of Ganges-Haridwar. In the evening go to Har ki Pauri to attend the evening Aarti at River Ganges.

HAR KI PAURI- According to the Hindu mythology, it is at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar that king Bhagirath performed a penance to Lord Shiva in order to rescue souls of his ancestors from vicious circle of rebirth. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva asked holy river Ganga to flow through his locks. Bhagirath took a dip in the holy waters of river Ganga and rescued the souls of his ancestors from their sins. Since then, thousands of devotees take a dip at Har ki Pauri to pray for salvation of their ancestors.

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE- The temple is perched on a hill top and can be reached through a cable car ride. It is believed that Goddess Mansa fulfils the wishes of her devotee, so, lots of pilgrims flock to the temple to have their wishes fulfilled from the Goddess. 

CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE- The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandika Devi and is considered to be one of the Siddha peethas of Haridwar where the wishes of true devotees get fulfilled.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: HARIDWAR - BARKOT

After breakfast, proceed to Barkot a small town situated at the banks of River Yamuna. Later transfer to hotel. In the evening roam around this small hill station to view panoramic vistas of the snow-covered Bandarpoonch Peak of the Garhwal Himalayas. An ancient Shiva Temple is the major tourist attraction in Barkot.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: BARKOT - YAMUNOTRI - BARKOT

After morning breakfast proceed to Hanumanchatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri. 

YAMUNOTRI TEMPLE- The holy abode of Goddess Yamuna is situated near the foot of Kalind Parbat (peak) and on a side of Banderpoonch Parbat. Nestled in the intimidating Himalayas, Yamunotri temple is believed to be constructed by the king of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839. One of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the stunning setting of the temple is enough to fill the hearts of the devotees with wonder.

SURYA KUND (THE POND OF THE SUN)- Very near to the Yamuna Devi temple there are many hot water springs; the most significant among them is the Surya Kund. It holds the boiling-hot water as it emerges from the crevices in the mountain. You can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". 

DIVYA SHILLA (THE DIVINE STONE- It is a reddish-brown rock near the Surya Kund which needs to be worshipped before offering reverence to the main deity, Yamuna Maa (mother). According to Skanda Purana, with a mere touch of the sacred rock one can attain spiritual liberation.

Later drive back to Barkot.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: BARKOT - UTTARKASHI

Morning drive to Uttarkashi. Transfer to hotel. Later at evening visit 

VISHWANATH TEMPLE- This temple is the oldest and most sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, Lord Shiva appeared here to save Rishi Markandeya from Yama, the God of death. The temple houses a swayambhu lingam, idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh and Rishi Markandeya sitting in a meditative position.

SHAKTI TEMPLE- Opposite the Vishwanath Temple is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Pilgrims visit this temple to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and to have a look at the heavy trident which is revered here in the form of Shakti.

KUTETI DEVI TEMPLE- The Kuteti Devi Temple, regarded highly by the people of Uttarkashi, and the guardian deity of some major clans here, is known to have been established by the son in law and daughter of King Kota, who discovered the Goddess's material reincarnation in the form of three stones.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5: UTTARKASHI - GANGOTRI - UTTARKASHI

Morning leave for a day tour to Gangotri via Harsil. On reaching, visit 

GANGOTRI TEMPLE- A picture of serenity, the humble abode of Maa Ganga is situated by the side of Bhagirathi River. Mother Ganga is present in the premises of the white temple building in the form of a small silver idol. The amazing mountain range of Himalayas and the flowing Bhagirathi by the side makes for a perfect setting to behold the life-giving, gentle yet powerful deity. The pilgrims are required to bath in the crystal clear waters of the pious river before visiting the main shrine.

UNDERWATER SHIVLING- A Shivling made from natural rock is submerged under water and is easily visible in winters when the water recedes. It is said to be the place Lord Shiva sat on while he tied Ganga in his matted hair. Dividing it into 7 streams, Shiva saved earth from the massive force of Devi Ganga.

GAUMUKH AND TAPOVAN- To witness the holy birth of River Ganges at Gaumukh, one can take up a picturesque and exciting trek surrounded with peaks and soaring peaks. One can further trek to Tapovan which is about 4 km from Gaumukh. Tapovan has meadows, beautiful flowers, streams and incredible views of surrounding Himalayan Peaks.

Later drive back to Uttarkashi.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: UTTARKASHI - GUPTKASHI

After breakfast, proceed straightaway to Guptkashi, a small village settled in the district of Rudraprayag of the hill state. Transfer to hotel. Later visit

VISHWANATH TEMPLE- Vishwanath Temple is home to the original Shivlinga of Lord Shiva that is believed to have been brought from the Vishwanath Temple in Kashi when the temple was attacked by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. Many pilgrims gather here is huge numbers to seek blessings of the God.

ARDHANARISHWAR TEMPLE- The Ardhanarishwar Temple, located near the main Vishwanath Temple, houses the deity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of half man and half woman.

MANIKARNIKA KUND- The Kund also holds a great religious significance as the Shivlinga residing in the centre of the kund is bathed by waters of two springs representing Ganga and Yamuna.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: GUPTKASHI - GAURIKUND - KEDARNATH

After morning breakfast drive to Kedarnath enroute visiting Gaurikund. From Gaurikund pilgrims have to trek to Kedarnath. The trek is breathtaking with mountains and dazzling peaks. Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges is seen. The river originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Later transfer to ashram.

Overnight at Ashram.

DAY 8: KEDARNATH - RUDRAPRAYAG

Early morning after having a bath attend the Abhishek to Kedarnath Shiva. The morning rituals are spiritual blessings. 

KEDARNATH TEMPLE- It is the main shrine of Kedarnath, considered to be the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Also, revered as one of the Panch Kedars, the temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims all across the world. Perched on the head of River Mandakini and flanked by the breath-taking vistas of the Kedar and Swargarohini peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, a visit to the Kedarnath Temple fills hearts of all devotees with divinity and spirituality.

VASUKI TAL- This is a sacred lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. The Tal can be reached through an 8 km. challenging trek from the Kedarnath Temple.

BHAIRAV TEMPLE- Dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, who is believed to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath town and temple while everything is covered under snow during winters, this temple can be reached through a 1 km. hike from the Kedarnath Temple. Views of the Kedarnath valley from the Bhairavnath Temple are indescribable in words.

Post darshan, return to the hotel for breakfast and trek towards Gaurikund. Later continue your drive to Rudraprayag. On the way pilgrims can explore the temples and monuments in and around the town.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: RUDRAPRAYAG - JOSHIMATH - BADRINATH

After morning breakfast drive to Badrinath enroute visiting Joshimath. 

NARSINGH TEMPLE- This is the winter home for Lord Badri who is shifted here when main temple of Badrinath remains closed from the time of Diwali to Akshay Tritiya. The deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narsingh (half human and half lion) is revered in this temple.

SHANKARACHARYA MATH- Believed to be established by the Hindu Guru, Adi Shankaracharya, it is a sacred place housing the temples of Lord Badri and Rajrajeshwari Devi.

On the way pilgrims will visualize some scenic Ghat towards their journey to Dham. Later transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10: BADRINATH - SRINAGAR

In the morning visit Badrinath Temple for Darshan and evening Aarti. But first pilgrims have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple. 

BADRINATH TEMPLE- The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is revered here in the dual form of Nar and Narayana. The deity is made of black saligram stone and thousands of pilgrims gather here to seek blessings of the lord.

TAPT KUND- A natural hot water spring believed to contain medicinal properties. Before entering the main shine, pilgrims need to take a holy dip in the hot waters of this kund.

NARAD KUND- This is another holy kund near Tapt Kund. It is believed that Narad Muni authored Narada Bhakti Sutra at this place. Also, this is the place from where Guru Adi Sankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Vishnu and erected it in the Badrinath Temple.

MANA VILLAGE- It is the last Indian village before Tibet and is home to the Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple. It is believed that great sage Vyas while composing the Mahabharata took the help of Lord Ganesh to write it in a great speed. Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple are associated with this legend.

Later in the afternoon drive back to Srinagar. On the way pilgrims can explore the temples and monuments in and around the town. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11: SRINAGAR - RISHIKESH

In the morning, visit Srinagar, a significant holy town for Hindus.

KAMLESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva at this place with his Kamalnetra (Lotus eye). This is the reason temple came to be referred to as Kamleshwar.

DHARI DEVI TEMPLE- Located on the banks of Alaknanda River, the deity of Goddess Dhari in the temple is believed to change her appearance from girl to woman to old lady during the course of the day. The temple holds a great religious significance for the locals.

Later drive downhill to Rishikesh, one of the most important spiritual cities and the Yoga capital of the world. Explore the wonderful town with its charming locations. 

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: RISHIKESH - DELHI/DEHRADUN

After breakfast, visit fascinating temples, ashrams, spiritual sites and Ghats. 

NEELKANTH MAHADEV TEMPLE- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is revered here in the form of Neelkanth. As per puranic legends, it is at this place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from Samudra Manthan. The poison turned his throat (kanth) blue (neel) and hence the name Neelkanth.

TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE- One of the most famous temples of Rishikesh, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is a 13 storeyed building with each floor having a shrine of different form of Lord Shiva. The temple can be reached by crossing the Laxman Jhula. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this temple every day.

TRIVENI GHAT- The ghat is located on the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the waters of the triveni confluence can wash off all your sins. Main attraction of the Triveni Ghat is its Maha Aarti that is held during twilight. The aarti and fragrance of incense fills the air with spirituality and mysticism.

In the afternoon travel back to Delhi/Dehradun to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.

Distance & Time (Approx)

  1. Delhi - Haridwar: 220 kms/06 hrs
  2. Dehradun - Haridwar: 60 kms/02 hrs
  3. Haridwar - Barkot: 190 kms/07 hrs
  4. Barkot - Yamunotri (Trek): 41 kms/03 hrs
  5. Barkot - Uttarkashi: 150 kms/05 hrs
  6. Uttarkashi - Gangotri: 100 kms/03 hrs
  7. Uttarkashi - Guptkashi: 230 kms/07 hrs
  8. Guptkashi - Gaurikund: 55 kms/02 hrs
  9. Gaurikund - Kedarnath (Trek): 20 kms
  10. Gaurikund - Rudraprayag: 95 kms/04 hrs
  11. Rudraprayag - Joshimath - Badrinath: 200 kms/07 hrs
  12. Badrinath - Srinagar: 230 kms/07 hrs
  13. Srinagar - Rishikesh: 125 kms/04 hr
  14. Rishikesh - Delhi: 245 kms/07 hrs


Uttarakhand at a Glance

  • Capital City: Dehradun
  • Population: 10,116,752
  • Area: 53,483 sq kms
  • Geo Location: North India
  • Average Climate: 12°C - 22°C
  • Best time to visit: All Year Round


New Delhi at a Glance

  1. Population: 16,787,941
  2. Area: 1,484 sq km
  3. Geo Location: North India
  4. Average Climate: Summer extends from Apr. to Jun. (25°C to 46°C), Winter from Oct. to Mar. (3°C - 30°C), and Monsoon from Jul. to Sep. (25°C to 35°C).
  5. Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year, though the best climate is experienced from Sep. to Apr.
  6. STD Code: 011
  7. Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport


Dehradun at a Glance

  • Population: 578,420
  • Area: 300 sq kms
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  • Average Climate: 3°C - 32°C
  • Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
  • STD Code: 0135
  • Airport: Dehradun Airport


Haridwar at a Glance

  1. Population: 1,927,029
  2. Area: 12.3 sq kms
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  4. Average Climate: 20°C - 35°C
  5. Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
  6. STD Code: 01334


Barkot at a Glance

  • Population: 6,098
  • Area: N.A
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India) 
  • Average Climate: 4.2°C - 18°C
  • Best time to visit: October - March
  • STD Code: 013752


Yamunotri at a Glance

  1. Population: N.A
  2. Area: N.A
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India) 
  4. Average Climate: -2°C - 14°C
  5. Best time to visit: April/May - June; September - October/November


Uttarkashi at a Glance

  • Population: 329,686
  • Area: 8,016 sq km
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  • Average Climate: 5°C - 18.8°C
  • Best time to visit: March - June; September - October/November
  • STD Code: 01374


Gangotri at a Glance

  1. Population: 606
  2. Area: NA
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India) 
  4. Average Climate: 8°C
  5. Best time to visit: April/May - June; September - October/November


Guptkashi at a Glance

  • Population: N.A
  • Area: N.A
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  • Average Climate: 5°C - 28°C
  • Best time to visit: March - June; September - November
  • STD Code: 01364


Kedarnath at a Glance

  1. Population: N.A
  2. Area: N.A
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  4. Average Climate: 5°C
  5. Best time to visit: May - June
  6. STD Code: 01364


Rudraprayag at a Glance

  1. Population: 2,242
  2. Area: 2,439 sq kms
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  4. Average Climate: 5°C - 35°C
  5. Best time to visit: Throughout the year


Joshimath at a Glance

  • Population: 16,709
  • Area: NA
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  • Average Climate: 5°C - 25°C
  • Best time to visit: September - April
  • STD Code: 01372


Badrinath at a Glance

  1. Population: NA
  2. Area: NA
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  4. Average Climate: -18°C - 18°C
  5. Best time to visit: April - June
  6. STD Code: 01381


Srinagar at a Glance

  • Population: 1, 50,000
  • Area: NA
  • Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India)
  • Average Climate: 10°C - 32°C
  • Best time to visit: April - June
  • STD Code: 01346


Rishikesh at a Glance

  1. Population: 102,158
  2. Area: NA
  3. Geo Location: Uttarakhand (North India) 
  4. Average Climate: 5°C - 30°C
  5. Best Time to Visit: September - May
  6. STD Code: 0135

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