CHAR DHAM YATRA: YAMNOTRI, GANGOTRI, KEDARNATH, BADRINATH

PLACES COVERED:
NEW DELHI / HARIDWAR / KHARADI / YAMNOTRI / GANGOTRI / KEDARNAT / BADRINATH / GUPTKASHI/ JOSHIMATH / RISHIKESH

Arrival Airport    : Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Exit Airport          : Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
IATA Code             : DEL
Duration                : 14N15D

CHARDHAM is the most sacred Hindu religious path in the Himalayas, the most holy pilgrimage tour to four prominent abodes in Hinduism, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath temples are popularly known as Chardham Temples.

These temples are located in the breath-taking beauty – deep gorges, snow-covered peaks, dense forests, silver waterfalls, frozen rivers, meadows full of wild flowers, and the harsh tales, billowing into the sky. The best season to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath temples is – May to June and September to October. Every year, Chardham Yatra opening dates occur during Akshay Tritiya.

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day #01
NEW DELHI ARRIVAL
Flight Schedule : TBA
Meal Plan           : -/-/-

On Arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight in Hotel.

On Arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the Capital territory of India. It has a population about 18.6 million, making it the second most populous city and second most populous urban agglomeration in India. New Delhi is a district, which serves as the Capital of India and seat of the executive, legislative and judiciary branch of the Govt. of India. It is also the Centre of the Govt. of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. The foundation stone of the New Delhi City was laid by George V Emperor of India during Delhi Durbar of 1911. The city was designed by British Architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. The New Capital was inaugurated on 13th February 1931 by India’s Viceroy Lord Irwin.

Day #02
NEW DELHI / HARIDWAR
Distance    : 210 kms / 4-5 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Breakfast fat is taken at hotel. Later, transfer to Haridwar by Road. On Arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day at Leisure. Evening Stay in Hotel in Haridwar.

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in India. Located in Uttaranchal, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps.

Day #03
HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH
Distance    : 25 kms / 2-3 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Visit Temples in Haridwar & Rishikesh
Overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast, visit Haridwar & Rishikesh Temples. Visit Hari-ki-Pauri to take Holy Bath & to see Ganga Aarti in the Evening. Rest of the day at Leisure. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Ganga Aarti in Haridwar: Ganga Aarti in Haridwar’s Har –ki-Pauri is one of the famous rituals in India. It starts around 1830hrs after sunset, with large crowds gathered around both the banks of a canal that carries the waters of Ganges.

Day #04
HARIDWAR TO KHARADI
Distance    : 250 kms / 7-9 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to Kharadi, enroute Mussoorie
Overnight stay at Hotel in Kharadi

Early morning, after breakfast or packed breakfast, depart from Haridwar via Mussoorie. Restart your journey and reach Kharadi in the evening after visiting Kempty Falls on the way. On arrival, check in hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Kharadi

Day #05
KHARADI / YAMUNOTRI / KHARADI
Distance    : 30 kms / 10km by Jeep / 5Kms Trek
Meal Plan : B/-/-

After an early breakfast, leave for Hanuman Chatty (drive 32 kms) to start your journey. Take a local jeep to reach Phool chatty. Trek start from here to Yamunotri (5kms). Either by walk or by horse or by doli at your own cost.

Arrive at Yamunotri and pray at temple and also take a holy Achman to start your most sacred pilgrimage to Chardham’s. Temple pooja can be offered to Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund’s warm water and having Darshan of pious Yamunaji. Come back to Phool Chatti in the evening to return to Hotel. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Yamunotri is situated in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas and is at a height of 3,230 meteres above sea level. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The shrine of Yamunotri is located on the Bandar Poonch peak

Hanuman Chatti: The Confluence of Ganga & Yamuna River

Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again.

Surya Kund: There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple

Day #06
KHARADI TO UTTARKASHI
Distance    : 130 kms / 5-7 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to Uttarkashi
Overnight stay at Hotel IN Uttarkashi

After a Relaxed breakfast, leave for Uttarkashi, a drive of 130kms. On Arrival, check in at hotel. Later, if time permits, visit Vishwanath Temple. Evening free to explore Uttarkashi. Overnight stay in hotel.

Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here, where a massive iron trident is erected. Other important temples are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi. Explore the place on your own

Day #07
UTTARKASHI / GANGOTRI / UTTARKASHI
Distance    : 200 kms / 5-7 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to Gangotri, perform pooja.
Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast leave for Gangotri, en-route enjoy picturesque Harsil Village, Bhagirathi River and the most magnificent view of the Himalayas. On arrival take a holy dip in the Sacred River, The Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform pooja, after that and relax for some time in the heavenly surroundings. Come back to Uttarkashi hotel in the afternoon to relax in the bright sunshine and some of breath-taking views of the beautiful valley. overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi

Gangotri: Gangotri is the place high in the Garwal Himalayas from where, the holy Ganges originates. According to the mythology, it was here the Ganga descended on the earth, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The temple of Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga stands on the bank of the river.

Day #08
UTTARKASHI / GUPTKASHI
Distance    : 295 kms / 9-10 Hours approx.
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to Guptkashi, the longest journey of the trip by surface
Overnight stay at Camp / Hotel

After a very early morning breakfast, leave for the longest journey of the trip by surface. On the way, enjoy the heritage city of Tehri, flowing down in to the mighty waters of Holy River Ganges, because of the construction of Tehri Dam. Afternoon, resume your journey and today for the first time, see the beautiful river Madakini. Travel along Madakini to reach Guptkashi, arrive camp / hotel, late evening, for check in. overnight stay at Camp/Hotel in Guptkashi.

Day #09
GUPTKASHI / KEDARNATH
Distance       : 32 kms drive + 14kms trek.
Meal Plan    : B/-/-

Transfer to Kedarnath
Overnight stay at hotel in Kedarnath

Kedarnath: Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peak. Kedarnath Temple, located at a height of 3581mts, stand at the head of the River Mandakini. The present temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stand adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various dietie’s & scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. It is said that devotees, who die here become one with Shiva himself

After breakfast, pick up your packed Lunch (optional) and leave for Gauri Kund (32 kms drive one way). On arrival, continue your journey on the tough trek ahead, starts from Gaurikund to Kedarnath on foot or by pony / doli. Stop for the lunch (optional), en- route and resume journey to arrive by late afternoon in Kedarnath. On arrival check in hotel.

After fresh n up, perform pooja and also darshan at the Shri Kedarnath Ji. In the evening, visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple. Overnight stay in Hotel in Kedarnath.

Day #10
KEDARNATH / GUPTKASHI
Distance      : 14kms trek + 32 kms drive
Meal Plan   : B/-/-

Transfer to Guptkashi
Overnight stay at hotel in Guptkashi

After breakfast, start you journey back to Gauri Kund and on arrival, leave for Guptkashi by road to reach the Camp / Hotel by evening. On Arrival, check in at Hotel / tent/ camp for over night stay in Guptkashi.

Rudraprayag is the confluence of River Alaknanda and River Mandakini and one of the holy Prayag of five famous confluences of rivers in Uttaranchal.

Day #11
GUPTKASHI / BADRINATH
Distance       : 235 kms drive (6-8hrs approx. drive)
Meal Plan    : B/-/-

Transfer to Badrinath
Overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast, leave for Badrinath via Chopta, Joshimath, one of the most beautiful sites on the whole trip. Enroute, visit Narsingh Bhagwan Temple at Joshimath. Enjoy the beautiful drive through the thick medicinal forest and stop at Pipalkoti for Lunch (optional). Arrive at hotel in Badrinath by late afternoon. Evening free for chosen activities. overnight stay at hotel in Badrinath.

Badrinath: Badrinath is one of the most important of all the four (Char) Dhams. Badrinath Temple is located between Nar & Narayan mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak at the height of 3,133mts. It is the most popular of Vishnu Pilgrimage among the five Badries, known as Vishal Badri.

Narsingh Temple: This is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu in Narsingh Avtar and main temple of Joshimath. One Idol of Lord Badri is brought to Narsingh Temple and worshiped for six months, when Badrinath Temple remains closed during winter every year.

Day #12
BADRINATH / PIPALKOTI
Distance      : 85 kms drive (3hrs approx. drive)
Meal Plan    : B/-/-

Transfer to Pipalkoti
Overnight stay at Hotel in Pipalkoti

After breakfast leave for Shri Badrinath Ji, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahmakamal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors. Holy Darshan and spend time visiting Mana village the last village before the Tibet border. Later, drive to Pipalkoti. On Arrival, check in at hotel / camp / tent for overnight stay.

Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath Temple.

Narad Kund: A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Mata Murty Temple: Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include SeshNetra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian Village before Tibet.

Bhim Pul: On the other side of Mana Villge, a massive rock forming a natural bridge lies over the roaring Saraswati River. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bheem, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (Cave): Near Mana Village, there is a rock-cave, where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries

Day#13
PIPALKOTI/HARIDWAR
Distance : 250 kms drive ( 9-10hrs approx. drive)
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to Haridwar
Overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast; leave for Haridwar and on the way take lunch (optional). Resume Journey and if time permits visit Devprayag (The confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, to become Holy Ganga. Arrive Haridwar in the evening to check in hotel.

Day#14
HARIDWAR / NEW DELHI
Distance   : 210 kms drive (5-6hrs approx. drive)
Meal Plan : B/-/-

Transfer to New Delhi
Overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast leave for Delhi. Tour ends on arrival in Delhi. If time permits, visit Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Delhi.

Day#15
NEW DELHI DEPARTURE
Flight Schedule : TBA
Meal Plan            : B/-/-

Breakfast in the Hotel
Transfer to New Delhi Airport / Railway Station

After Breakfast, proceed to New Delhi Airport to connect flight for onward Journey
END OF OUR SERVICES

FACT SHEET
Day01     Delhi  Arrival Transfer & Overnight Stay in Delhi
Day02     Delhi  Haridwar – 210kms by vehicle Stay in Haridwar
Day03     Haridwar & Rishikesh Haridwar – Rishikesh Sight Seeing
Day04     Haridwar, Kharadi – 250kms Via Mussoorie, visit Kempty Fall en-route &
Day05     Kharadi, Jankichatti, Yamunotri Janki Chatti, Kharadi  10Kms Trek 32kms Pooja and Holi Dip
Day06     Kharadi , Uttarkashi – 130kms Visit Shiv cave enroute, Visit Vishwanath Temple & Night Halt
Day07    Uttarkashi, Gangnani, Gangotri,Uttarkashi, 200kms by vehicle Holy dip in Tapthkund Pooja, Darshan
Day08   Uttarkashi, Guptkashi 280kms Visit Guptkashi temple & Night
Day09    Guptkashi, Kedarnath 32kms by Veh & 15kms Trek Kedarnath Pooja & Darshan
Day10     Kedarnath, Guptkashi 32 kms by vehicle & 15 kms Trek Morning Darshan & Night Halt
Day11      Guptkashi, Badrinath 235kms Night Halt – 235 Kms by Vehicle
Day12     Badrinath, Pipalkoti  85kms by vehicle Pooja, Arti & Darshan, Night
Day13     Pipalkoti, Haridwar  250kms Night Halt
Day14     Hardwar, Delhi  210kms by vehicle Transfer to Delhi
Day15     Delhi Departure Transfer

FACILITES / SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION: By 27Seater push back seater super deluxe / deluxe non- AC buses of latest model with experienced and courteous drivers including all state taxes, cost of diesel, toll tax parking, Driver Bata including charges for local conveyance at different tourist places.

FOOD: (Incase of Mobile Kitchen, provided) Pure vegetarian South Indian / North Indian including Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch and full-fledged Dinner with tea break and light snacks at 11.00 A.M. and 4.00 P.M. and daily fruits, milk, curd & Sweets on all days prepared and supplied by our separate advance mobile kitchen team by Private Vehicle accompanying the tour. Delay in serving food is regretted.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotels in the pilgrimage routes are with basic amenities, except Delhi & Haridwar. A Grade Hotels with basic amenities will be provided on double / triple / four / family sharing basis at all places to stay as mentioned in the Program. Quality of Hotel Accommodation is a worry factor. However, we will try to provide you the best available in that region, within budget.

PACKAGE EXCLUDES

 Airfares (Domestic / International)
 Personal travel & medical insurances, we strongly suggest that the passengers take out their own insurance, before you arrival into India.
 Drinks and Lunches / Dinners except; where not mentioned
 Items of a personal nature, Tips and gratuities, Beverages throughout the tour
 All Monuments entrances fees and excursions
 Video and Camera permits, Monument Entrances, if any.
 Porte-rage at hotels and airports
 Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
 Expenses of Personal Nature (Telephone, Laundry, Shopping, Porter-age, etc.)
 Boat Ride or Any Other Ride, which is not mentioned in the Program
 All extra mileages, entrance fees out of the program
 Additional Transfers, Additional Rooms, Food, etc, if any
 Plus anything which is not included / mentioned in the Tour Fare Includes’ list given above.

CANCELLATION POLICY
 45 Days Prior to Arrival> 100% Money will be refunded except Service Charges
 Between 30 to 45 Days > 50% Money will be refunded
 Between 20 to 30 Days > 25% Money will be refunded
 Less than 20 Days > No Refund allowed

PACKAGE COSTS
 Cost Per Adult : Per Person on Twin / Triple Sharing Basis
 Children up-to 5 Years > Free
 Child Between 5-12Years with Seat & Bed > 75% of Full Ticket
 Child Between 5-12Years without Seat & Bed> 50% of Full Ticket
 Children above 12 Years considered as adult
 Payment Terms – 100% Advance at the time of booking.
 GST Extra – 5% of Package will be charged extra