Char dham Yatra comprises of Delhi, Haridwar, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh tour. Himalaya has always been the abode of the Gods. The Vedas and Upanishads tell us fascinating stories about gods and demons who dwelt here. Ancient literature refers to this region as Badrikashram, Himavat, Tapobhoomi, Devabhoomi and Kedarskhand. Every cave, rivulet, brook and valley is associated with the memory of a sage or saint and fascinating legends.Here, where the individual merges with the macrocosm. To Uttarakhand, long called Devbhumi belong some of the holiest Hindu shrines, and for more than a thousand years, pilgrims have been visiting the region in the hopes of salvation and purification from sin. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the sources of both the Ganges and Yamuna fall in the upper reaches of the state and together with Badrinath (dedicated to Vishnu) and Kedarnath (dedicated to Shiva) form the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, one of Hinduism most spiritually auspicious pilgrimage circuits. More than a hundred years ago in 1891, Swami Vivekananda wandered in these of hills as a pilgrim. The Pilgrim's Express – Himalayan Chardham Special
From – Hazrat Nizammudin Railway Station; 0830 Hrs
Duration – 12 Days
Sector – Delhi, Haridwar, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, Delhi.


Day 1: Delhi / Haridwar


Welcome Drink & Mini Refreshments at Comesum Restaurant, Hazrat Nizammudin; Ceremonial Welcome and introduction of Trip Leader. Post Tea/ Coffee with light snacks, embark on your transformational journey to Chota Chardham popularly known as Himalayan Chardham. En route Lunch at Midway. Arrive The Drive Inn, Haridwar. Welcome followed by Express C-In in the well appointed rooms. Dinner & O/N The Drive Inn, Haridwar.
Departure Assembly - Comesum Restaurant
Address - Hazzrat Nizamudin Railway Station
Expected Departure Time, Delhi - 0830 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Haridwar - 1430 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 220 Kms/ 06 Hrs
Journey Break – Khatauli
Host City & Hotel – Haridwar and The Drive Inn
Haridwar - Haridwar (the Gateway to God Har & Hari) is one of the seven holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living world cities. It's made up of a fascinating and colorful collection of sadhus, pundits and pilgrims. Every evening, the Ganges comes alive with the magic of the aarti (worship with fire), as lamps are lit, prayers are offered, and small candles are floated down the river. There are numerous other interesting sights and ancient heritage temples, on which our trip guide would share information on. For us, a visit to Haridwar is believed to provide liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth.
Day's engagement -
Evening Arti at Har Ki Paudi - The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Hardwar.


Day 2: Haridwar / Barkot


Early morning wake up call for ganges bathing and Surya Namaskar at Saptrishi Ghat, breakfast and later leave for journey to first of your Dham, Yamunotri, daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya. The Yamuna, like the Ganges, has been elavated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization. Lunch en-route at Midway. Bonfire, Dinner & O/N stay at Him Dershan, Barkot.
Expected Departure Time, Haridwar - 0730 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Barkot - 1830 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 200 Kms/ 10 Hrs
Journey Break – Lakhamandal
City &Hotel –Barkot and Hotel Him Dershan, Barkot – Situated at an elevation of 1220 m above sea level. Amongst the many popular destinations in Uttrakhand, Barkot sometimes tend to get faded into insignificance. Only a Tour to Barkot will help you understand how charming it is. Unaffected by the vagaries of modern civilization, it stands in all its pristine beauty to entice each and every visitor who comes to visit it. The mesmerizing view of the peaks of Bandar Punch which remain snow capped throughout the year is sure to remain embedded in your minds forever. When you are going to visit Yamunotri, you can stopover at Barkot and take pleasure in its idyllic setting. This place promises to be a very lucrative proposition with all its beautiful mountains


Day 3: Barkot / Yamunotri/ Barkot


Wake up call, leave with packed breakfast / fruits for trek to Yamunotri, your first of Himalayan Chardham. Return in time for Lunch at Janakichatti. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Evening Folk Cultural Programme, bonfire followed by Dinner. O/N Him Dershan ,Barkot.
Expected Departure Time, Barkot - 0600 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Yamunotri - 1100 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time – 35 kms+05 Kms trek / 05 Hrs
Expenses Approximate - Janakichatti/ Yamunotri - Horse Rs.1000 & Doli Rs.2500
* These are only approximate cost based on earlier season. Actual rate may vary.
Day's Engagement -
Yamunotri, First of The Chardham: The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble.Yamunotri was the home of an ancient sage Asit Muni. Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun just like Yama who is considered his son. It is believed that Yama would not torment any person at the time of death who bathes in Yamuna, his sister. It is Yamuna, who being a holder of infinite love and compassion can grant us freedom from even death, in the realm of her elder brother.


Day 4: Barkot / Gangotri


Early morning wakeup call and light breakfast proceed for Gangotri. Enroute journey break at Gangnani, hot water spring, later continue for Gangotri temple. Post Puja, lunch at Gangotri. Later have Dinner & O/N Bhagirathi Sadan, Gangotri.
Expected Departure Time, Barkot - 0630 Hrs, Expected Arrival Time, Gangotri - 15030 Hrs, Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 210 Kms / 09 Hrs , City & Hotels – Gangotri and Bhagirathi Sadan
Day's Engagement -
Gangotri, IInd of Chardham: Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.
This small town is centered around a temple of the goddess Ganga, which was built by the Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The temple is closed on Diwali day every year and is reopened in April/ May. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.
No other river is wound as closely with the warp and weft of Hinduism as the Ganga in India. Venerated since time immemorial as spiritual purifier, and the giver of health and prosperity, it is part of the country's social and religious fabric. The irresistible attraction of these sacred waters, enhanced by the myths and legends woven around the river and its origins, has drawn ascetics and adventurers alike since mythical times. The pilgrimage to Gangotri, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Ganga near the source of the river, and one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, is among the most sanctifying experiences of a Hindu's life; and as uplifting and inspiring for the traveller. Millions of pilgrims and travellers have undertaken the yatra to Gangotri for centuries in search of salvation and the sacred river has provided them succour and hope.
Expected Departure Time, Barkot - 0630 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Gangotri - 15030 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 210 Kms / 09 Hrs


Day 5 – Gangotri /Uttarkashi


Post leisurely wakeup call and breakfast, leave for Uttarkashi, literally meaning Banaras/ Kashi of north. Reach Uttarkashi in time for Lunch. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Early Dinner & O/N, M S Residency, Uttarkashi.
Expected Departure Time, Gangotri - 1000 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Uttarkashi - 1400 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time – 95 kms/ 04 Hrs
Host City & Hotel –Uttarkashi and M S Residency
Uttarkashi – Uttarkashi is a small and beautiful town, situated between two rivers: Varuna and Ashi, whose water flow into the Bhagirathi from either side of the town. Elevated, at a height of 1588 metres, this little town is very similar to Kashi and Varanasi, in that it has the same kind of temples and ghats and likewise, a north or 'uttar' facing river. The major temple is the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two other very important temples are located in the Chowk area. These are the Annapurna Temple and the Bhairav Temple. Once, it is said, there were 365 temples here. Hiuen Tsang referred to this place as Brahma Pura, while the Skanda Puran has recorded it as Varunavata. It is believed that in the second millennium of Kaliyug, Kashi will be submerged, and Uttarkashi will replace it as an important religious centre.


Day 6: Uttarkashi / Sitapur


Leisurely wakeup call and post breakfast leave for special Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath temple before leaving for Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. En route Picnic Set up Lunch at Chamba. Dinner & Overnight Shivalik Valley Resort, Sitapur.
Expected Departure Time, Uttarkashi - 0600 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Sitapur - 1800 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time -212 Kms / 10 Hrs
Host City & Hotel –Sitapur and Hotel Shivalik Valley Resort, Sitapur - At an elevation of roughly 1820 meters, Sitapur is located just 7 kms from Gaurikund and 26 kms from Guptkashi on road towards Kedarnath. Sitapur is just short of 2 kms from Son Prayag, lying at the confluence of river Basuki and Mandakini. The holy site of Son Prayag is of immense religious significance. It is said that a mere touch of the holy water of Son Prayag helps one to attain the "Baikunth Dham". Triyuginarayan, which is supposed to be the marriage place of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is at a distance of 14 kms by bus and 5 kms on foot from here. Before proceeding for Kedarnath on foot, people bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Devi temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.


Day 7: Sitapur/ Gaurikund/ Kedarnath


Very Early morning wakeup call and breakfast proceed to Gaurikund with packed lunch to later trek for Kedarnath. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Expected Departure Time, Sitapur - 0600 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Gaurikund - 0800 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Kedarnath - 1630 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time - 32Kms +14kms trek / 09 Hrs
Kedarnath - Horse: Rs. 1000/-* Doli : Rs. 2500/-*
* These are only approximate cost based on earlier season. Actual rate may vary.
Host City & Hotel – Kedarnath and Himachal House
Day's Engagement -
Kedarnath Temple, IIIrd of Chardham: Kedarnath, the remotest and the most magnificent of the char dhams, is located in Lord Shiv's own country. The sheer majesty of the shrine's natural setting – the towering mountains mantled in snow, the tumbling streams and rivers, and green meadows and forests -- and the arduous trek that gets you to it, serve to further cement the deep-rooted faith that this temple inspires in the devout. This is one sacred site that has remained almost unchanged for centuries and has a spiritual energy all its own. For the devotee of Lord Shiv, this is the last frontier, the ultimate path to salvation


Day 8: Kedarnath / Rudraprayag


Early morning wakeup call and breakfast proceed to Gaurikund to continue your journey to Rudraprayag. Lunch en route at Sitapur. O/N The Narayan Invitation.
Expected Departure Time, Kedarnath - 0600 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Gaurikund - 1100 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Rudraprayag - 1530 Hrs
Day's Traveling Distance & Time - 75 Kms / 14 kms Trek
Host City & Hotel – Rudraprayag and The Narayan Invitation, Today's Garhwal was known as kedar-khand in the past. In puranas kedar-khand was said to be abode of God. It seems from the facts Vedas puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharat that these Hindu scriptures are scripted in kedar-khand. In Kedar-khand Puran this land is regarded the land of lord Shiva. Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms from Srinagar (Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of great religious importance. Till recently, Rudraprayag was a part of district Chamoli and Tehri. In 1997, the Kedarnath Valley and parts of district Tehri & Pauri were conjoined to form Rudraprayag as a new district. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.


Day 9: Rudraprayag/ Badrinath


Post breakfast drive for Badrinath. Evening Darshan & Pooja at Badrinath temple. O/N stay at ,Patliputra Sadan , Badrinath.
Expected Departure Time, Rudraprayag - 0700 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Badrinath - 1600 Hrs
Day's Traveling Distance & Time – 160 Km / 8 Hrs
Host City & Hotel – Badrinath and Patliputra Sadan
Day's Engagement-
Badrinath - and its route is, for the newcomer, a journey of initiation. For those who are visiting the shrine, the landmarks and vistas forever provide a newer view, a different emotion, a further nuance to an experience in memory. The journey to Badrinath can sometimes be unforgiving, but only to a closed mind. The people visiting the shrine are but the faces of the country. Journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath, to borrow from one of Sir Edmund Hillary's expeditions, is, in many ways, a journey from the ocean to the sky, as much mental as physical. And another route to heaven – and spiritual liberation.


Day 10: Badrinath / Birhi


Leisurely morning wakeup call and post lunch leave for Birhi.
Expected Departure Time, Badrinath - 1200 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Kirtinagar - 1600 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time – 95 Kms / 05 Hrs


Day 11: Birhi/Rishikesh


Leisurely morning, post breakfast proceed to Rishikesh.
Expected Departure Time, Birhi - 0900 Hrs
Expected Arrival Time, Haridwar - 1600 Hrs
Day's Travelling Distance & Time -160 Kms / 7 Hrs
Host City & Hotel – Rishikesh and Narayan Kunj, Rishikesh - Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalaya and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, the religious town known for its religious and spiritual connections, has some of the world's exquisite views too. Surrounded by the lesser Himalayas and holy Ganga flowing through it Rishikesh is one of the mesmerizing places in India. On Rishikesh tours tourists can visit the beautiful temples, or mediate at the various ashrams. The adventure enthusiasts can try some thrilling sports like white river rafting, trekking etc. many people visit Rishikesh for practicing yoga at the "yog ashrams". Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Here one could visit Laxman Jhulla, Ram jhulla and several ghats in and around this holy town.


Day 12: Rishikesh/Delhi


Leisurely morning, post breakfast proceed to Delhi.