Spiritual Retreat Char Dham Yatra
Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath
Description
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India, attracting millions of devotees each year. It encompasses visits to four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the Char Dham Yatra:
Trip Highlights
- Seek blessings at the holy Yamunotri Dham.
- Take a holy dip at Yamunotri and Gangotri.
- Attend aarti at Gangotri Temple.
- Soak in the spiritual aura of Kedarnath Temple.
- Seek blessings in Badrinath Temple.
- Visit Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border.
- Enjoy Rishikesh sightseeing.
Itinerary
- Arrival at Haridwar Railway station or Bus stop.
- Meet our representative and transfer to your prebook hotel.
- Evening visit to Har Ki Pauri for Ganga Aarti.
- Overnight stay at hotel.
- Buffet breakfast at hotel.
- Post breakfast transfer to Barkot.
- Route: Drive via Dehradun and Mussoorie.
- Activities: En route, visit Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. Continue to Barkot.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.
- Star your day at early morning and get ready for darshan.
- Activities: Early morning drive to Janki Chatti. Trek to Yamunotri (6 km). Perform puja and take a holy dip in the Yamuna River. Return to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot. (Stay options also available on Janki Chatti).
Yamunotri, the westernmost shrine in the Char Dham Yatra circuit, is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it is the source of the Yamuna River and offers stunning natural beauty along with its spiritual significance. Here’s a detailed overview of Yamunotri:
Key Attractions
- Yamunotri Temple
- Description: The main temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
- Highlights: Black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna, daily rituals, and prayers.
- Surya Kund
- Description: A hot water spring near the temple, known for its high temperature.
- Highlights: Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the hot spring, which are offered as prasad (sacred food) to the deity.
- Divya Shila
- Description: A rock pillar located near the temple.
- Highlights: Pilgrims worship this stone before entering the Yamunotri Temple. According to mythology, river Yamuna came out very first time from “DivyaShila”. This is worshipping place of Yamuna Mata
Trek to Yamunotri
- Starting Point: Janki Chatti
- Description: The base camp for the trek to Yamunotri.
- Facilities: Accommodation, restaurants, and shops for basic supplies.
- Distance: 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple.
- Trek Details
- Route: The trek passes through lush green valleys, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes.
- Options: Pilgrims can trek on foot, hire ponies, or use palanquins (dolis) for the journey.
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours, depending on fitness levels and mode of travel.
- Post breakfast depart to Uttarkashi.
- Enroute visit – Prakateswar Mahadev (Shiv Cave) &famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi (You can also take stay in Harsil, Harshil to Gangotri-30 k.m.)
- Early morning drive to Gangotri. Perform puja and take a holy dip in the Ganga (Bhagirathi). Return to Uttarkashi
Gangotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is one of the four pilgrimage sites in the Char Dham Yatra circuit. It holds immense religious significance as it is the origin of the sacred Ganges River, known as the Bhagirathi at its source. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting Gangotri:
Key Attractions
- Gangotri Temple
- Description: The main temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, believed to be built by Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century.
- Highlights: White marble structure, evening aarti, and daily rituals.
- Bhagirathi Shila
- Description: A sacred stone near the temple where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated.
- Highlights: Pilgrims offer prayers here before visiting the temple.
- Surya Kund
- Description: A hot water spring near Gangotri.
- Highlights: Scenic spot where pilgrims take a holy dip.
- Pandava Gufa
- Description: A cave where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated on their way to Kailash.
- Highlights: Trek through lush forests to reach the cave.
- Gaumukh Glacier
- Description: The actual source of the Bhagirathi River, located about 19 km from Gangotri.
- Highlights: Trekking route with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
Harsil: Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden jewel of Uttrakhand, dence Deodar Forest, gushing water Bhagrati River, chirping of Birds, salubrious environment & pleasant weather make it perfect destination.
- After breakfast start your Journey to Guptkashi.
- En route, visit Tehri Dam. Check-in at the hotel in Guptkashi.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi (Stay options also available in Sonprayag.)
- Drive to Sonpyayag to Gaurikund. (Sonprayag to Gaurikund by Sumo on directly/5-6 k.m. drive)
- Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km). Alternatively, you can take a helicopter or pony/doli.
- Perform evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
- Jungle Chatti from Gaurikund through Rambara bridge (4 km)
- Jungle Chatti to Bheembali Linchauli (4 km)
- Bheembali Linchauli to Kedarnath base camp (4 km approx)
- Kedarnath base camp to the Kedarnath Temple (1 km)
- Morning after darsan at kedarnath ji also visit Shri Shankarachary Temple.
- Later proceed to Guptakashi, upon arrival check in at hotel.
- Day free for leisure.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Guptkashi.
- Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
- Check-in at the hotel in Badrinath.
- Evening visit to Badrinath Temple for darshan and aarti.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Joshimath/Badrinathdham/ Pipalkothi.
Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is a quaint town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a significant religious, cultural, and tourist destination, serving as the winter seat of Lord Badri and the gateway to several important pilgrimage sites and trekking routes. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting Joshimath:
If you want than also explore – enroute visit places: Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag, Vishnu Prayag, & Joshimath (Narshimha Temple) –
- Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda, Rudranath, Temple & Narad Silla.
- Karanprayag: It is the confluence of river Pindar and Alaknanda.
- Nandprayag : It is the confluence of river Nandakini and Alaknanda.
- Vishnu Prayag: – It is the confluence of river Dhauliganga and Alaknanda.
- Guptkashi to Rudraprayag = 70 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Chopta = 50 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Joshimath = 150 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Badrinath = 190 K.m.
Few temples in Ukhimath (Rudraprayag)
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath = 150 K.m.
- Joshimath to Badrinath = 50 K.m.
- Chopta to Joshimath = 135 K.m.
- Pipalkothi to Joshimath = 40 K.m.
- Early morning visit to Badrinath Temple.
- Badrinath Dham, located in the picturesque Uttarakhand, is surrounded by several noteworthy places that are both spiritually significant and naturally beautiful. Here are some key places to visit in and around Badrinath:
In Badrinath Dham
- Badrinath Temple: The primary attraction, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
- Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring situated near the Badrinath Temple, where pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the temple.
- Brahma Kapal: A ghat on the banks of the Alaknanda River, where rituals for the deceased ancestors are performed.
- Sheshnetra: A rock formation that resembles the legendary snake, Shesha, and is believed to protect the temple.
- Charan Paduka: A rock believed to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It’s a short trek from Badrinath and offers a panoramic view of the valley.
Around Badrinath
- Mana Village: The last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, it is a charming and culturally rich place. Points of interest here include:
- Vyas Cave: Believed to be the cave where sage Vyas composed the Mahabharata.
- Ganesh Cave: The cave where Lord Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata as dictated by Vyas.
- Bhim Pul: A natural bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to have been placed by Bhima, one of the Pandavas.
- Vasudhara Falls: A stunning waterfall located around 9 km from Badrinath. It’s a trek from Mana Village and offers breathtaking views.
- Neelkanth Peak: Known as the ‘Garhwal Queen,’ this peak stands at 6,597 meters and is visible from Badrinath. It’s a popular trekking destination.
- Mata Murti Temple: Located 3 km from Badrinath, this temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayana.
- Alka Puri: The source of the Alaknanda River, it’s a scenic spot around 15 km from Badrinath.
- Satopanth Tal: A high-altitude lake around 25 km from Badrinath, it is a trekker’s delight and is associated with various legends.
- Pandukeshwar: A small village en route to Badrinath, it has ancient temples and is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Badrinath.
- Evening transfer to Rudraprayag or Pipalkothi as per time availability
- Overnight stay at hotel
- Morning drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh. En-route see the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda in Devprayag.
- Drop to Haridwar railway station (Airport) as per the schedule timing.
Imp Points
- Best Time to Visit: Late April to June and September to November.
- Altitude and Weather: The shrines are located at high altitudes, so be prepared for cold weather and possible altitude sickness.
- Physical Fitness: The pilgrimage involves trekking, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
- Permits: Ensure you have necessary permits and registrations, especially for Kedarnath.
Things to Carry
- Raincoat, Umbrella, Monkey cap, Hand gloves, Swatter/Pullover, Canvas Shoes, Torch, Oxygen cylinder & personal medicines.
Spiritual Retreat Char Dham Yatra
Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath
Description
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India, attracting millions of devotees each year. It encompasses visits to four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the Char Dham Yatra:
Trip Highlights
- Seek blessings at the holy Yamunotri Dham.
- Take a holy dip at Yamunotri and Gangotri.
- Attend aarti at Gangotri Temple.
- Soak in the spiritual aura of Kedarnath Temple.
- Seek blessings in Badrinath Temple.
- Visit Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border.
- Enjoy Rishikesh sightseeing.
Itinerary
- Arrival at Haridwar Railway station or Bus stop.
- Meet our representative and transfer to your prebook hotel.
- Evening visit to Har Ki Pauri for Ganga Aarti.
- Overnight stay at hotel.
- Buffet breakfast at hotel.
- Post breakfast transfer to Barkot.
- Route: Drive via Dehradun and Mussoorie.
- Activities: En route, visit Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. Continue to Barkot.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.
- Star your day at early morning and get ready for darshan.
- Activities: Early morning drive to Janki Chatti. Trek to Yamunotri (6 km). Perform puja and take a holy dip in the Yamuna River. Return to Janki Chatti and drive back to Barkot.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot. (Stay options also available on Janki Chatti).
Yamunotri, the westernmost shrine in the Char Dham Yatra circuit, is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it is the source of the Yamuna River and offers stunning natural beauty along with its spiritual significance. Here’s a detailed overview of Yamunotri:
Key Attractions
- Yamunotri Temple
- Description: The main temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
- Highlights: Black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna, daily rituals, and prayers.
- Surya Kund
- Description: A hot water spring near the temple, known for its high temperature.
- Highlights: Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the hot spring, which are offered as prasad (sacred food) to the deity.
- Divya Shila
- Description: A rock pillar located near the temple.
- Highlights: Pilgrims worship this stone before entering the Yamunotri Temple. According to mythology, river Yamuna came out very first time from “DivyaShila”. This is worshipping place of Yamuna Mata
Trek to Yamunotri
- Starting Point: Janki Chatti
- Description: The base camp for the trek to Yamunotri.
- Facilities: Accommodation, restaurants, and shops for basic supplies.
- Distance: 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple.
- Trek Details
- Route: The trek passes through lush green valleys, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes.
- Options: Pilgrims can trek on foot, hire ponies, or use palanquins (dolis) for the journey.
- Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours, depending on fitness levels and mode of travel.
- Post breakfast depart to Uttarkashi.
- Enroute visit – Prakateswar Mahadev (Shiv Cave) &famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Uttarkashi (You can also take stay in Harsil, Harshil to Gangotri-30 k.m.)
- Early morning drive to Gangotri. Perform puja and take a holy dip in the Ganga (Bhagirathi). Return to Uttarkashi
Gangotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is one of the four pilgrimage sites in the Char Dham Yatra circuit. It holds immense religious significance as it is the origin of the sacred Ganges River, known as the Bhagirathi at its source. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting Gangotri:
Key Attractions
- Gangotri Temple
- Description: The main temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, believed to be built by Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century.
- Highlights: White marble structure, evening aarti, and daily rituals.
- Bhagirathi Shila
- Description: A sacred stone near the temple where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated.
- Highlights: Pilgrims offer prayers here before visiting the temple.
- Surya Kund
- Description: A hot water spring near Gangotri.
- Highlights: Scenic spot where pilgrims take a holy dip.
- Pandava Gufa
- Description: A cave where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated on their way to Kailash.
- Highlights: Trek through lush forests to reach the cave.
- Gaumukh Glacier
- Description: The actual source of the Bhagirathi River, located about 19 km from Gangotri.
- Highlights: Trekking route with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
Harsil: Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden jewel of Uttrakhand, dence Deodar Forest, gushing water Bhagrati River, chirping of Birds, salubrious environment & pleasant weather make it perfect destination.
- After breakfast start your Journey to Guptkashi.
- En route, visit Tehri Dam. Check-in at the hotel in Guptkashi.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi (Stay options also available in Sonprayag.)
- Drive to Sonpyayag to Gaurikund. (Sonprayag to Gaurikund by Sumo on directly/5-6 k.m. drive)
- Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km). Alternatively, you can take a helicopter or pony/doli.
- Perform evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
- Jungle Chatti from Gaurikund through Rambara bridge (4 km)
- Jungle Chatti to Bheembali Linchauli (4 km)
- Bheembali Linchauli to Kedarnath base camp (4 km approx)
- Kedarnath base camp to the Kedarnath Temple (1 km)
- Morning after darsan at kedarnath ji also visit Shri Shankarachary Temple.
- Later proceed to Guptakashi, upon arrival check in at hotel.
- Day free for leisure.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Guptkashi.
- Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
- Check-in at the hotel in Badrinath.
- Evening visit to Badrinath Temple for darshan and aarti.
- Overnight stay at hotel in Joshimath/Badrinathdham/ Pipalkothi.
Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is a quaint town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a significant religious, cultural, and tourist destination, serving as the winter seat of Lord Badri and the gateway to several important pilgrimage sites and trekking routes. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting Joshimath:
If you want than also explore – enroute visit places: Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag, Vishnu Prayag, & Joshimath (Narshimha Temple) –
- Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda, Rudranath, Temple & Narad Silla.
- Karanprayag: It is the confluence of river Pindar and Alaknanda.
- Nandprayag : It is the confluence of river Nandakini and Alaknanda.
- Vishnu Prayag: – It is the confluence of river Dhauliganga and Alaknanda.
- Guptkashi to Rudraprayag = 70 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Chopta = 50 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Joshimath = 150 K.m.
- Guptkashi to Badrinath = 190 K.m.
Few temples in Ukhimath (Rudraprayag)
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath = 150 K.m.
- Joshimath to Badrinath = 50 K.m.
- Chopta to Joshimath = 135 K.m.
- Pipalkothi to Joshimath = 40 K.m.
- Early morning visit to Badrinath Temple.
- Badrinath Dham, located in the picturesque Uttarakhand, is surrounded by several noteworthy places that are both spiritually significant and naturally beautiful. Here are some key places to visit in and around Badrinath:
In Badrinath Dham
- Badrinath Temple: The primary attraction, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
- Tapt Kund: A natural hot water spring situated near the Badrinath Temple, where pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the temple.
- Brahma Kapal: A ghat on the banks of the Alaknanda River, where rituals for the deceased ancestors are performed.
- Sheshnetra: A rock formation that resembles the legendary snake, Shesha, and is believed to protect the temple.
- Charan Paduka: A rock believed to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu. It’s a short trek from Badrinath and offers a panoramic view of the valley.
Around Badrinath
- Mana Village: The last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, it is a charming and culturally rich place. Points of interest here include:
- Vyas Cave: Believed to be the cave where sage Vyas composed the Mahabharata.
- Ganesh Cave: The cave where Lord Ganesha is believed to have written the Mahabharata as dictated by Vyas.
- Bhim Pul: A natural bridge over the Saraswati River, believed to have been placed by Bhima, one of the Pandavas.
- Vasudhara Falls: A stunning waterfall located around 9 km from Badrinath. It’s a trek from Mana Village and offers breathtaking views.
- Neelkanth Peak: Known as the ‘Garhwal Queen,’ this peak stands at 6,597 meters and is visible from Badrinath. It’s a popular trekking destination.
- Mata Murti Temple: Located 3 km from Badrinath, this temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayana.
- Alka Puri: The source of the Alaknanda River, it’s a scenic spot around 15 km from Badrinath.
- Satopanth Tal: A high-altitude lake around 25 km from Badrinath, it is a trekker’s delight and is associated with various legends.
- Pandukeshwar: A small village en route to Badrinath, it has ancient temples and is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Badrinath.
- Evening transfer to Rudraprayag or Pipalkothi as per time availability
- Overnight stay at hotel
- Morning drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh. En-route see the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda in Devprayag.
- Drop to Haridwar railway station (Airport) as per the schedule timing.
Imp Points
- Best Time to Visit: Late April to June and September to November.
- Altitude and Weather: The shrines are located at high altitudes, so be prepared for cold weather and possible altitude sickness.
- Physical Fitness: The pilgrimage involves trekking, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
- Permits: Ensure you have necessary permits and registrations, especially for Kedarnath.
Things to Carry
- Raincoat, Umbrella, Monkey cap, Hand gloves, Swatter/Pullover, Canvas Shoes, Torch, Oxygen cylinder & personal medicines.
