12 Days Char Dham Yatra Package

The trip starts with a leisurely ride between Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun to Barkot, which is the entrance point to Yamunotri Dham. The path takes us through Mussoorie, with magnificent scenery of pine trees, deep valleys, and hazy mountains. Pilgrims can stop and have a refreshing moment by paying a quick visit to Kempty Falls. The place at which a gradual acclimatization should begin is Barkot, on the Yamuna, which is a perfect first halting point. Upon arrival, get into the hotel, have a sustaining meal and sleep.

In the early morning drive to Janki Chatti or Phool Chatti, which is the starting point of the 6 km walk to Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims can walk slowly or ride on ponies, palkis or dandi. The climbing path is religiously inspiring, and there are falling waterfalls, thick forests, and the Himalayan mountains. In Yamunotri Dham, the religious followers take bath in the Surya Kund, cook rice as prasad in the hot spring and pray to goddess Yamuna. Darshan, dinner, and stay at Barkot.

Have breakfast, then go on to Uttarkashi, a sacred town, which is on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The scenic drive runs through the terraced fields, orchard of apple and quiet Himalayan villages. On arrival, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Shakti Temple which are both devoted to Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi is considered the spiritual equivalent of Varanasi and is a calm place where one can meditate and relax. One night at Uttarkashi.

Start the day by an early morning drive to Gangotri Dham, through the pristine valley of Harsil, its deodar forests and untouched beauty are well known. In Gangotri, visitors perform rituals in the Gangotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and take a sacred bath in the ice-cold waters of the Bhagirathi River. Then enjoy the spiritual atmosphere after darshan. Stay overnight at Gangotri or at Harsil.

This day is set aside to spend a lazy morning at Gangotri where pilgrims can reconnect with the temple, have morning prayers and spend time in the quiet atmosphere. Return to Harsil or Uttarkashi later very leisurely. This buffer day assists in the acclimatization and physical well-being. Evening can be used in meditation, river aarti or sleep. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Guptkashi, along picturesque paths along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The trip provides spectacular scenes of river meetings, fertile valleys and snow-covered mountains. Pilgrims can go to the sacred Vishwanath Temple and Ardhanarishwar Temple on arrival. Evening is left free to rest and prepare to go to Kedarnath trek. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.

In the morning, go to Gaurikund, the starting point of a 18 km walk to the Kedarnath Temple. The pilgrims can walk at a slow pace or use ponies, palkis or helicopters, according to their comfort and weather conditions. The pilgrimage is spiritually-charged and has chants of Har Har Mahadev. On arrival at Kedarnath Dham, make prayers at one of the 12 Jyotilingas of Lord Shiva, which is surrounded by huge snow-clad mountains. Night stay at Kedarnath Temple.

This day is devoted completely to rest, acclimatization and repetitive darshan at Kedarnath. Pilgrims have the opportunity to go to morning and evening aartis, meditate in the peaceful environment and feel the divine energy of the temple without any pressure of travel. This is among the best of the 12 days itinerary as it provides a unique opportunity to experience spiritual closeness. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.

Early morning darshan and then start trekking down Gaurikund, then drive to Guptkashi. The day is purposely maintained light so as to have physical recuperation. Evening time is at liberty to take rest and reflections and share spiritual experiences. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.

In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Joshimath or Pipalkoti, through the beautiful valleys, rivers and scenery of the mountains. Joshimath is a significant religious town which is related to Adi Shankaracharya and is a route to Badrinath. Dinner and stay overnight at Joshimath or Pipalkoti.

Day eleven, drive to Badrinath Dham, the holy seat of Lord Vishnu, that lies between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. Pilgrims then make a holy dip in Tapt Kund and then make prayers at the Badrinath Temple. Close to the place are Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Mata Murti Temple and Bhim Pul. Evening aarti and spend the night at Badrinath.

Upon the morning darshan at Badrinath, commence the journey back to Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, and thus the Char Dham Yatra ends. The trip finishes with the spiritual fulfillment, the peace of mind, and the divine blessings throughout the rest of the life.