CHAR DHAM YATRA

Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttaranchal
Major Pilgrimage Centres: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
Best Time To Visit : May To October

INTRODUCTION:-
The holy river Ganges and her tributaries flow past the Four Dams that are located in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. It is believed that Goddess Ganga descended upon the Earth in the form of a River to help the suffering humanity. It was split into four channels that include Alaknanda (in Badrinath), Mandakini (in Kedarnath), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri) and Yamuna (in Yamunotri).
Each of the Four Dhams is blessed with spellbinding scenic beauty and countless ancient temples. Every year, countless tourists from across the world, visit here in search of peace and tranquility

Char Dham Yatra

Day 01 Arrival Hardwar, Check in Hotel. Later we shall take you for a visit to the Har-Ki-Pauri, enjoy the AARTI in the evening. Later back to hotel for overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 Hardwar to Jhanki Chatti (260kms/7hr)
Drive to Jhanki Chatti via Mussoorie. Check in Hotel at Jhanki Chatti

Day 03 Jhanki Chatti- Yamunotri - Syana Chatti (5kms by Road & 13kms Trek (one side)

Early morning trek start to Yamunotri & Back to Jhankichatti and then 03 kms trek to Phul Chatti and drive to Syana Chatti. Overnight stay at Syana Chatti.
Hanuman Chatti: The confluence of Hanuman 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 04 Syanachatti to Gangotri

Drive to Gangotri via Barkot, Uttarkashi. Check in Hotel, Night Halt.
Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi.

Day 05 Gangotri-Uttarkashi (200 kms/7hr)

Early morning visit the Temple and then drive to Uttarkashi, overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank.
Gaumukh: The Gaumukh Glacier is the source of Bhagirathi & is held in the high esteem by the devout that do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the BONE CHILLING icy water. It is 18 km from Gangotri by trek.

Day 06 Uttarkashi to Gurikund (250kms)

After early breakfast, drive to Gurikund. Check in Hotel, night halt.
Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and river Alaknanda. Temples: Rudranath and Chamunda Devi, Koteshwar Temple (3 Kms

Day 07 Gurikund to Kedarnath (14kms Trek one side)

Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Check in Hotel.
Gaurikund: At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters. One can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas 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

Day 08 Kedarnath to Joshimath vis Chopta (14Kms Down Trek).

Trek down to Gaurikund from Kedarnath. Drive to Joshimath from Gaurikund. Check in Hotel at Joshimath. Night Halt.

Day 09 Joshimath to Badrinath

Drive to Badrinath, Check in Hotel, Night halt.
Joshimath: Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who came all the way from Kerela in the 8th Centaury A.D, perform penance under a tree here and after getting enlightenment, established a Math (religious centre), known as "Joshimath". The name Joshimath is derived from it. Temple of Narsingh and Nav Durga are located here.
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. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries". Overnight hotel.
Day 10 Badrinath to Srinagar

Drive to Srinagar, On arrival, transfer to Hotel. Night Halt
Day 11 Drive to Delhi via Rishikesh