The Char Dham (meaning: four abodes) is a set of four pilgrimage sites in India. It is believed that visiting these sites helps achieve moksha (salvation). The four Dhams are, Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is believed that every Hindu should visit the Char Dhams during one’s lifetime. The Char Dham as defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of four Hindu pilgrimage sites. This main four ‘dhams’ are the places of lord Vishnu. Another small circuit in Uttarakhand of four pilgrimage sites-Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is referred to as Chota Char Dham.
Brief about Chota Char Dham Temples :-
Yamunotri :- The first shrine of chota chardham,this temple is dedicated to the River Yamuna (Hindu Goddess,Daughter of Sun God).It is situated in Gharwal Region of Uttarakhand State
Gangotri :- The temple is devoted to Goddess Ganges (Most sacred river in India). It is the second shrine of chota chardham circuit
Kedarnath :- This temple is devoted to God Shiva in the form of Kedarnath (Lord of Kedar). This is one of the 12 main Jyotirlinga in India. This is the third shrine of chota chardham circuit.
Badrinath:- This temple is dedicated to God Vishnu in the form of Badrinath (Lord of Badri). It is also the part of main Chardham Circuit in India & forth shrine of chota chardham circuit.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Board the train from your location
Train Tickets will be given to you before the departure , With assign seats ( Mumbai / Pune / Gujarat /Nagpur / Indore / Bhopal / Delhi / Haridwar ) . Board the train from your station and move towards Haridwar.
Day 02: Haridwar Leisure Time
Our Cab/Buses will pick you up from Haridwar station and take you towards hotel. Check in in to the hotel, get yourself fresh and rest for some time. Afterwards our cabs will take you up for local Haridwar sightseeing (Ghats Visit, Temple Visit, Ganga Aarti etc .) Later come back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 03: Haridwar / Barkot (210kms/7- 8hrs drive one way) Height: 1352 MTS.
Wake up in the morning and after breakfast we will move towards Barkot via Mussoorie, enroute visit Mussoorie Lake & Kempty Fall in Mussoorie. Later drive straight to Barkot. Check into the hotel arrival in Barkot. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.
Barkot Weather – Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp ranges from 10 degree to 05 degree.
Day 04:Barkot/Yamunotri/Barkot{36kms drive & 6kms Trek(one side)}Height: 3235 MTS
Early morning after breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti / Phool Chatti & start trek from here to Yamunotri (6kms) (Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost). After taking bath in Jamuna Bai Kund’s warm water and having “Darshan” of “Yamuna ji” return to Janki Chatti by trek. Later drive towards Barkot, Overnight stay at Barkot.
Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the Tapt kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila.
Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs near 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.
Yamunotri Weather : In summer the maximum temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.
Day 05: Barkot /Uttarkashi (100kms/4hrs drive one way) Height: 1352 MTS.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi/gangotri. Visit Shiv gufa on the way to Uttarkashi. Arrival in Uttarkashi visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi city. After that check in Hotel, this Day is free for rest. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi / gangotri.
Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams, temples. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga.
Shiv gufa: Shiv gufa is Small temple between Shiv khori, Barkot & Uttarkashi .Maximum devotee take darshan and then go to Uttarkashi.
Vishwanath temple : Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganesh ji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti at morning and evening are offered. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Shakti temple : Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. At bottom. Though there are different views about the making of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga (Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this
Shakti is erected over here.
Uttarkashi Weather : Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, cold in winters.
Day 06: Uttarkashi / Gangotri / Uttarkashi (100kms/3-4 hrs each side) Height: 3048 MTS.
Early morning drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangotri take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi / gangotri.
Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.
Gangotri Weather :The maximum temperature during summer can go up to20° Celsius. Summer nights can get cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Light woolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri during summer. Winter season is very chilly in Gangotri .Gangotri will be covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remains closed throughout winter due to heavy snow falls.
Day 07: Uttarkashi / Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hrs drive one way) Height: 1319 MTS.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini River comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check in to the hotel arrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Guptakashi:- The name GuptKashi means “Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shiv ji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well – the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter ,the image of Kedarnath passes through GuptKashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
Guptkashi Weather : pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.
Day 08: Guptkashi / Kedarnath (21kms by Trek one way) Height: 3384 MTS.
Morning after breakfast, drive for Sonprayaga for trekking of kedarnath. (You have to leave hotel too early in the morning) Enjoy Kedarnath Darshan & back your hotel/camp. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your pre book Helipad. After Back our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.
By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayaga then you have to take local jeep for Gourikund & then your trek start for kedarnath ji. After darshan you follow same & back to Sonprayaga. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no is not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver & send the massage any other driver.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar.
Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Weather : Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well .Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.
Day 09: Kedarnath / Guptkashi (30kms by road & 21kms Trek one way) Height: 3384 MTS.
Morning after Pooja & back your hotel. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your Pre book Helipad. After Back our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.
By Trek: You have to come by trek till gauri kund then take local jeep for Sonprayag where you Driver will wait. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no. in not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver & send the massage any other driver.
Day 10: Guptkashi / Badrinath (220kms/9-10hrs) Height: 3133 MTS
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Morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Tapt kund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in evening. Brahama kapal is significant for Pind dan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maata moorti, Charan paduka, Bhim kund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just with in the three kms of Badrinath Ji. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Badrinath one of the ‘Ancient 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. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name “Badri van”, meaning “forest of berries”.
Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bath before entering the Badrinath temple.
Mana Village: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.
Vasundhara: As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent waterfall. This place is 5 kms. From Badrinath out of which 2 kms is motor able up to Mana.
Bhim Pul: On the other side of Mana village, 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 Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
VyasGufa (cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyasis believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
Badrinath Weather: The average maximum temperature will be around 18°Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Warm and woolen clothes are hence required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year. Winter in Badrinath is often accompanied by snow falls. Winter is very chilly with an average temperature of 5° Celsius. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.
Day 11: Badrinath/Joshimath/Rudraprayag / Srinagar (160kms/7hrs drive one way) Height: 895 MTS.
Morning enjoy the after breakfast, driver for Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Visit on the way Nar singh Temple in Joshimath later drive back to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Check into the hotel arrival in Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag/ Srinagar
Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga. Of the four ‘Maths’ established by AdiShankaracharya, Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship. There are many other temples in the township. The most important is the temple of Nir Singh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popular belief holds that the day the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri.
Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 km from Rudraprayag.
Rudraprayag Weather : Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 35-40 degree Celsius, winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp ranges from 20 degree to 05 degree.
Day 12: Rudraprayag/ Rishikesh / Haridwar (165kms/5-6hr)
Morning after breakfast, drive for Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh’ place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of” Hrishikesh” and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh.
Later visit Rishikesh Temples Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula etc and move towards Haridwar. Dinner and Overnight stay.
Rishikesh: Named after the Lord Vishnu, Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India it is also known as the yoga center of the world and is home to many world renowned ashrams.
Rishikesh styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. The fast-flowing Ganges is surrounded by forested hills inside the city. Apart from temples and ashrams Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.
Day 13:- Drop at Haridwar station / Board the train
Morning after Breakfast, Our team member will assign you the train tickets, and we will move towards Haridwar station. Board the train and move towards your desire location.
Day 14: Reach your desire location
Today is the last day of the trip. You will reach your desire location as per the train timings.
Tour end with sweet memories.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation at the Hotels
- 1 Night Stay in Haridwar (Quad Sharing Basis)
2 Night Stay in Barkot (Quad/Multiple Sharing Basis)
2 Night Stay in Uttarkashi / Gangotri (Quad/Multiple Sharing Basis)
2 Night stay In Guptkashi (Quad/Multiple Sharing Basis)
1 Night Stay in Kedarnath (Multiple Sharing Basis)
1 Night Stay in Pipalkoti / Badrinath (Quad/Multiple Sharing Basis)
1 Night Stay In Rudryaprayg / Srinagar (Quad Sharing Basis )
1 Night Stay in Haridwar (Quad Sharing Basis)
- Meals included in Total (10 Breakfast + 10 Dinner)
- Sightseeing As Specified In the Itinerary
- Assistance of Team Captain throughout the trip.
- 24×7 customer support
- Entire Round Trip ex – Haridwar by Tempo Traveller/SUV/CAR /Mini coach Adults as Per the Itinerary.
- Vehicle Is As Per The Itinerary And Not At Disposal.
- Note – Air Condition will not work on hill areas.
EXCLUSION
Meals which are not mentioned in inclusions
• Any Transport To / From Haridwar Dehradun. You’re Tour Price Starts ExHaridwar / Dehradun.
• Kedarnath Helicopter Charges will extra.
• Air, Train Or Bus Fare From / To Your Originating City Of Stay, Unless Specified. Items Of Personal Nature Viz, Tips, Porterage, Room Service, Laundry, Mineral Water, Alcoholic Or Non Alcoholic Beverages, Phone Calls, Additional Sightseeing Tours And Excursions Not
Included In The Itinerary, Still Or Video Camera Fees Etc.
• Any Increase In Fuel Cost, Government Taxes, Entrance Fees, Intra And Interstate Taxes Etc, The Tour Price Will Be Amended In Accordance.
• Entrance Fees and Guide Charges Wherever Applicable.
• Any Items / Services Not Specifically Mentioned Under Inclusions. Supplement Charges Applicable For Long Weekends and Festivals.
• Meals which are not mentioned in inclusions.
• Any personal Expenses like Loundry, Telephone Bills and Tips ,travel insurance, medical insurance, liquors , mineral water, telephone charges etc.
• Any Expenses arising any natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks, Route changes etc. (To be borne by the client directly on the spot)
• Any other items which is not specified under cost inclusions.
• Porter Charges, Pony/Dolly Charges to reach Kedarnath Temple.
• All Applicable taxes.
• Food and drinks during the travel not included in the itinerary.
• Anything extra will cost extra
• Anything not mentioned under ‘Package Inclusions’.
• Kedranath Yatra slip.
• Porter, pony, horse, cable car, boat, train tickets, air tickets charges.
• Any kind of entry fees anywhere if not mentioned in inclusions.
• All personal expenses, optional tours and extra meals.
Trip Cost : (Per Person)
** Mumbai/Pune/Nasik/Nagpur/Indore/Bhopal/Haridwar/ ETC **
** Quad Sharing – ** Standard Package **
** With AC Train – INR 31,499 /- + ( 5% GST )**
** With Non AC Sleeper Train – INR 27,999 /- + ( 5% GST )**
** Haridwar to Haridwar – INR 26,999 /- + ( 5% GST )**
Cancellation Policy:
NON – TRANSFERABLE AND NON – REFUNDABLE
IF ORGANISERS IS FORCED TO CHANGE OR CANCEL A TRIP AFTER IT HAS STARTED BECAUSE OF EVENTS AND SITUATIONS OUTSIDE ITS CONTROL – “FORCE MAJEURE” – NO COMPENSATION WILL BE PAID
If the trip is cancelled due to natural calamities in that case, no refund shall be provided, but you can complete your trip in the later batches.
In case of any natural calamity like landslide, heavy rainfall or by any means if the travelers get stuck for extra days anywhere apart from the accommodations and travel schedule mentioned in the above itinerary, the travelers will have to bear their extra expenses.
BOOKINGS / ENQUIRIES
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Account Type – Current Account
Account Number – 50200068729960
IFSC Code – HDFC0001733
GPAY / PYTM – 9555598880 / 9891181102
NOTE
PLEASE VISIT AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF MOTHER NATURE BUT THEN ALSO KEEP GOOD TO NATURE AND AVOID THROWING TRASH OR ANY KIND OF GARBAGE EVEN IF YOU ALREADY SEE TRASH, CARRY IT, IF NOT AT LEAST DO YOUR PART BY NOT THROWING YOUR GARBAGE.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
ALL LOCAL LAWS APPLIES TO THE TOUR PARTICIPANTS, ADHERENCE TO SAME IS IMPLIED. PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PERSONAL INSURANCE COVER BEFORE THE TOUR.
PARTICIPANTS SHALL NOT HOLD RESPONSIBLE ANY OF OUR STAFF WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY
FOR ANY INJURY, ACCIDENT, ILLNESS AND SUCH OTHER UNFORESEEN EVENTUALITIES
DURING THE TOUR
Namaste elitetravellers,
This blog is perfect fo the people who want to go to Chardham Yatra with their friends.