Chardham Tour

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI – BY FLIGHT & DELHI /HARIDWAR

Arrive Delhi by international flight Arrive New Delhi, the capital city of India, where you will be greeted by DESTINOS representative at the airport. Upon arrival meeting assistance and transfer to Delhi railway station to board train for Haridwar Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of India. For believers of the Hindus, it serves as the gateway to the abode of the gods (in the translation of "Hari" - God and "Dvar" - the gate). Being one of the oldest cities in the world, Haridwar was mentioned in ancient Hindu epics. Haridwar is the first city in which the Ganga River finally leaves the Himalayas and begins its long journey to the Bay of Bengal. Visiting temples and sightseeing Haridwar. Presence at the evening ceremony Arathi on the Ganges. Overnight at the hotel in Haridwar

Day 02: HARIDWAR /MUSSOORI/ BARKOT – DRIVE – 190 KMS / 6 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast, early departure from Haridwar to Barkot. On the way, stop at Massouri - Queen of the Mountains, for lunch. Massouri is a famous British mountain resort. In clear weather, the Massouri ranges offer views of the valley of Dehradun (the state capital of Uttarakhand) and the snow peaks of the Great Himalayan Range. The next stop is Hanuman-Chatti, a small village famous for cave temples located near the village. On this day, the road goes along the river Yamuna Overnight at the hotel in Barkot

Day 03: BARKOT / YAMUNOTRI /BARKOT – 42 KMS /DRIVE & 5 KMS TREK /ONE WAY

Breakfast at the hotel In the morning transfer to Janki-chatti (“chatti” - stop on the way of pilgrims) by jeep. Here begins the track. A winding mountain trail leads to Yamunotri, the source of the river Yamuna and the dwelling place of the goddess of the same name. The Yamuna River is the second largest after the Ganges in India. In Yamunotri, you can take part in worship in the temple. You can walk along the trail, or ride a pony (for an additional fee). Visit the temple and the sacred thermal springs. The most famous thermal lake is named after the sun god - Surya Kund. Overnight at the hotel in Barkot.

Day 04: BARKOT /UTTARKASHI /GANGOTRI – DRIVE 185 KMS / 7 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning after breakfast, leave for Uttarkashi, visit the famous Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, the first temple on this site was founded by Parashurama. The temple is Shivalingam 60 cm tall and 90 cm in circumference. Moving to Gangotri. On the way, explore the Harshil valley and the hot springs in Ganganani. Geographically, the most sacred river of the Ganges of the Indians begins where the three sacred mountain streams merge - Alaknanda, Mandakini and Bhagirath. They all originate in the glaciers of the Garhwal Himalayas. This place is called “Gomukh” (cow face). 19 km from Gomukha downstream is the village of Gangotri, where the statue of Ganga Devi lives in the temple. Gangotri is located in the area of cedar forests. This uniquely beautiful place is of paramount importance and holiness for Hindus. Pilgrims come here from all over the country. On arrival check-into Guest house. After relax visit the temple for pray. Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges. Overnight at the hotel in Gangotri

Day 05: IN GANGOTRI

Breakfast at the hotel Acclimatization day. Radial walks around the neighborhood. Walk along Gangotri with a visit to the snow-white Ganga Temple, Surya Kund waterfall, the Cave of the Pandavas. Overnight at the hotel in Gangotri

Day 06: GANGOTRI (3048 MT) /BHOJWASSA (3792MT) 14 KMS TREK/ 5 TO 6 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel In the morning meet our trekking crew and start your trek towards Bhojwassa via Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on tree line. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Artic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest, Arrive Bhojwassa; there is a small temple and a potential campsite near down the river. We make our camp near river side. Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 07: BHOJWASSA – GOMUKH (3890 MT) BHOJWASSA- 8 KMS TREK/ 7 HRS

Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Gomukh: The Gomukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout that do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. Overnight stay in tents

Day 08: BHOJWASSA – GANGOTRI – TREK & GANGOTRI /UTTARKASHI – 100 KMS/ 4 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast get ready for trek down to Gangotri and from here drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival at Uttarkashi check in to hotel Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi

Day 09: UTTARKASHI – GUPTKASHI – BY DRIVE – 270 KMS / 7 TO 8 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Guptakashi, Guptakashi (“hidden Kashi”) - a temple city with beautiful views of the snowy peaks, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most important and beautiful centers of pilgrimage. It is believed that the Pandavas after the Battle of Kuruksetra, described in the Mahabharata, wanted to atone for Shiva for fratricide. He wanted to avoid meeting them at Kashi and went to Guptakashi in the form of a bull, Nandi. Bhima exposed the deity, and the brothers tried to grab the bull by the tail and paws, but he disappeared into the cave to return to five different forms of Shiva. This disappearance gave the name of the city. Visiting the Guptakashi temples. Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi.

Day 10: GUPTKASHI – GAURIKUND – DRIVE – 40 KMS & KEDARNATH – TREK – 18 KMS

Breakfast at the hotel Morning transfer to Gaurikund. Gaurikund is a small town located on the banks of the Mandakini River. There are only a couple of streets parallel to the river, which ends at the Kedarnath trail. . Gaurikund has a legend. While Shiva was meditating in Kedarnath, the goddess Parvati (aka Gauri) was waiting for her fiancé and taking healing baths in the local thermal baths (“Kund” - the bath). In the city you can plunge into the thermal springs and visit the temple Devi Gauri. Track to Kedarnath 18 km (or astride a pony). Visit the famous Kedarnath Temple Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi

Day 11: KEDARNATH – GAURIKUND – TREK & DRIVE TO GUPTKASHI

Early in the morning visit the temples of Kedarnath. Then return on foot or pony to Gaurikund. Upon request, take a bath in the hot springs in Gaurikund. Visit the temple Trijugigarayan. Free time and rest. Return to Guptakashi Overnight stay at the hotel in Guptkashi

Day 12: GUPTKASHI –CHOPTA - BADRINATH - DRIVE – 190 KMS / 6 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel After breakfast, transfer to Badrinath, on the way, via Chopta. Badrinath is a village located at an altitude of 3133 m, protected by the mountains of Nara and Narayana on the bank of the Alakananda River. The place of appearance and the abode of Nara-Narayana, which, along with Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath, is revered as one of the four Garvale shrines. The name of the temple "Badrinath" is associated with the ancient tradition, according to which, Lord Vishnu performed austerity in this place. In order to save her husband from the scorching rays of the sun, the goddess Lakshmi took the form of a tree of Vishala-Badari (Great Fig tree), hiding the god under the shade of the branches. Satisfied with the devotion of a consort, Lord Vishnu said that from now on this place would bear her name. The gates of the temple are open only six months a year. This is due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas. At the entrance to the temple are the sacred hot springs. Those interested can visit the village of Manna - located on the Indo-Tibetan border and Vasudhara Falls Overnight stay at the hotel in Badrinath

Day 13: BADRINATH / JOSHIMATH /KARANPRAYAG /RUDRAPRYAG – DRIVE – 170 KMS / 6 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel Drive to Rudrapryag, visit en route – Joshimath – seat of Aadi Shankarachrya, and Badrinath during winter season, Nandpryag and Karanpryag (confluence of rivers) and among panch pryag, upon arrival in check-in at hotel in Rudrapryag, The city stands at the confluence of two great sacred rivers - Mandakini and Mahaalaknanda. The first originates from the icy snow over Kedarnath, and the second from the heights of the Himalayas due to Badrinath. Both are sacred to the Hindus; at the confluence they give rise to the sacred Alaknanda River. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rudrapryag

Day 14: RUDRAPRYAG /DEVPRYAG/ RISHIKESH– DRIVE – 145 KMS / 4 HRS

Breakfast at the hotel Drive to Rishikesh, on the way stop in Devprayag - the place of the confluence of two sacred rivers: Baghirati and Alaknanda. In this place of confluence the great Ganges originates, here she finds her name, Visit the ancient temple on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Upon arrival in Rishikesh check-in at the Hotel Walk around the city. In the evening, attend a ceremony Arathi on the Ganges – Overnight stay at the hotel in Rishikesh

Day 15: RISHIKESH /DELHI – 230 KMS 5 TO 6 HRS DRIVE

Breakfast at the hotel Morning visit holy city – visit Ahsrams and Temples, after visit drive to Delhi. Transfer to Delhi International airport to connect flight for onward journey on Day-16

Day 16: LEAVE DELHI – BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FOR HOME COUNTRY

LEAVE DELHI – BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FOR HOME COUNTRY