If you wish to experience a spiritual journey to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, the Chardham Yatra From Haridwar in the Garhwal Himalayas is an ideal travel itinerary. Explore the lap of nature amid breathtaking landscapes and feel a profound connection with the divine. The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere complements the grandeur of Mother Nature and thus creates a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.
This holiest pilgrimage takes you to highly revered Places to Travel in India - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is a challenging journey, both physically and visually enriching. When you explore these places, you witness a serene blend of culture and faith in the midst of natural beauty. Travelling through ancient trails and crossing rivers in the Garhwal Himalayas feels like a heavenly experience.
Consider hiring a Tempo Traveller in Haridwar for this pilgrimage tour for your next vacation to discover the sacred charm of these holy places.
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
En route, take a break to explore the captivating Kempty Fall in Mussoorie. Continue your drive to Barkot. Check into the hotel upon arrival and have a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot
Begin your day early with breakfast, and proceed to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti. Start the trek from here to Yamunotri, covering a distance of 6 km. You can choose to trek on foot or opt for a horse or doli at your own cost. Take a holy dip in the warm waters of Jamunabai Kund and seek the divine blessings of "Yamunaji." The surroundings of the temple are blessed with several hot springs. Among them, Surya Kund holds immense significance. Return to Jankichatti by trek. Continue your journey towards Barkot and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
After breakfast, proceed to Uttarkashi. On arrival, check into the hotel. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, an ancient Shiva temple in North India. The temple was reconstructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State, following the ancient architectural style.
It is centrally located in the town and houses a heavy iron trident, a symbolic representation of the divine mother. Other shrines within the temple complex include those dedicated to Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, and Markandeya Rishi. Rituals such as Akhand Jyoti and Akhand Abhishek, along with special morning and evening aartis, are performed.
Adjacent to the Vishwanath temple is the Shakti temple, featuring an upper part made of iron and a lower part made of copper. Uttarkashi, like Varanasi, is situated on the banks of the River Ganga and boasts numerous ashrams and temples.
Day 4: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi
Prepare yourself for a journey to Gangotri. En route, take a sacred dip in Garam Kund and continue the drive to Gangotri through the picturesque Harsil Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, Deodar trees, and stunning mountain views. Upon reaching Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges, known as Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, and then take some time to rest in the serene surroundings. Later, return to Uttarkashi and find your comfortable stay at the hotel.
Day 5: Uttarkashi - Guptakashi
After breakfast, proceed to Guptkashi via Moolgarh and Lambgoan. On the way, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Mandakini River at Tilwara. The Mandakini River originates from Kedarnath, and you will drive alongside it to reach Guptakashi. Offer your prayers to the Ardh Narishwar Temple. Guptakashi translates to "Hidden Benares" in reference to the mythology that narrates how Lord Shiva initially concealed himself in Guptkashi before revealing himself in Kedarnath.
Check into the hotel upon arrival in Guptakashi and stay overnight.
Day 6: Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Guptkashi
Early morning, after breakfast, depart for Kedarnath Dham to seek blessings. Enjoy the divine darshan and stay overnight at the hotel. If you arrive by helicopter or trek, please inform the driver of your arrival time so that they can be there to pick you up. In the case of trekking, the driver will transfer you to Sonprayag, from where you will take a local jeep to Gaurikund, and your trek to Kedarnath begins. After darshan, retrace your steps and return to Sonprayag.
Day 7: Guptkashi - Badrinath
In the morning, post breakfast, proceed to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel upon arrival. Pilgrims typically take a bath in the Taptkund before having the darshan of Badrivishal and attending the evening Aarti. There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River, all within three km of Badrinathjee.
Day 8: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag
After finishing breakfast, drive to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. On the way, visit the Narsingh Temple and then proceed back to Rudraprayag, one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of the Alaknanda River. Check into the hotel upon arrival and have an overnight stay.
Joshimath is nestled on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. There are many other temples to explore in this holy town. Among them, the Nir Singh temple with the idol of Lord Vishnu is a must-visit.
Day 9: Rudraprayag – Haridwar
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh, the 'place of sages,' is a revered spiritual town situated on the bank of the Ganga and surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. Legend has it that when Raibhya Rishi was on intense penances, God appeared in the form of "Hrishikesh," and the area came to be known as Rishikesh. Named after Lord Vishnu, this town is also renowned as the yoga centre of the world and is home to many globally recognised ashrams. Besides its temples and ashrams, Rishikesh is a popular white-water rafting destination, a favourite among backpackers, and a gateway to Himalayan treks.
Later, visit other renowned temples in Rishikesh, including Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Finally, proceed to Haridwar for drop-off.
Conclusion
In this sacred journey, there are numerous places to explore, but it might be overwhelming for the average traveller to plan it all. No worries, though. You can simplify your trip by booking with a reputable tour operator. They handle everything from crafting your itinerary to arranging accommodations and meals. With their expertise, you are guaranteed to fully enjoy the visual, mystical, and spiritual pleasures of your journey.