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10 days
Daily Tour
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Embarking on a pilgrimage from Rishikesh to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath offers a profound spiritual journey through the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Here’s an overview of each destination along this revered route:
Rishikesh: Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the holy Ganges River, is renowned as a major pilgrimage center and the “Yoga Capital of the World.” The town is dotted with numerous ashrams, yoga centers, and temples, attracting spiritual seekers from all over the world. Rishikesh is also known for its adventure sports like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking in the nearby hills. The serene atmosphere and spiritual energy of Rishikesh make it an ideal starting point for a journey deeper into the Himalayan landscape.
Yamunotri: Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the first stop on the Char Dham Yatra. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,293 meters (10,804 feet), it is revered as the seat of the Goddess Yamuna. The main attraction is the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, where pilgrims offer prayers and take a holy dip in the hot water springs called Surya Kund before entering the temple. The trek to Yamunotri from the town of Hanuman Chatti is approximately 6 kilometers and offers scenic views of the Himalayan landscape.
Gangotri: Gangotri is the second stop on the Char Dham Yatra and the origin of the River Ganges (Ganga). Situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the main pilgrimage site where devotees gather to offer prayers and perform rituals. The sacred Bhagirathi River flows through Gangotri, adding to its spiritual significance. The trek to Gangotri from the town of Gangnani is about 20 kilometers and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Kedarnath: Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is renowned for its ancient Kedarnath Temple. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic. Pilgrims undertake a trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath, passing through scenic landscapes of snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows. The spiritual ambiance and serene surroundings of Kedarnath make it a place of deep devotion and introspection.
Badrinath: Badrinath is the final stop on the Char Dham Yatra and one of the most important pilgrimage centers in India. Located at an altitude of about 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) in the Chamoli district, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan. The Badrinath Temple, an imposing structure with a tall spire, stands against the backdrop of Neelkanth Peak. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund hot water springs before entering the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. Badrinath is also associated with the Panch Badri temples, which include Yogadhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri, and Adi Badri, all of which hold their own religious significance.
Journey and Experience: The journey from Rishikesh to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is a transformative experience that involves traveling through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and rivers to rugged mountain terrain. Pilgrims can choose to trek or use helicopter services to reach these remote pilgrimage sites, depending on their preferences and physical capabilities. Each destination along the route offers a unique blend of spiritual sanctity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, providing pilgrims with an opportunity to deepen their faith and connect with the divine amidst the serene Himalayan environment.
Accessibility: Rishikesh is well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, while Haridwar serves as the nearest railway station. From Rishikesh, private taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are available to reach the respective starting points for the treks to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Helicopter services are also available for those seeking a quicker and more convenient way to reach these high-altitude pilgrimage sites.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is typically from May to October, when the weather is conducive for trekking and the temples are accessible to pilgrims. It’s advisable to check weather conditions and plan the journey accordingly, especially considering the high altitudes and varying terrain.
RISHIKESH
06:00 AM - 01:00 PM (After Tea / Breakfast Enroute)
Location Name: Rishikesh
The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation.
Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River.
This reordering still conveys the essence of Rishikesh as a spiritual hub and emphasizes the significance of the Ganges River in its cultural and religious landscape.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Lunch Break)
Location Name: Barkot
Barkot is a town and a nagar palika in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna river.
02:00 PM - 05:30 PM (On the way to Janki Chatti)
Location Name: Barkot
Travel towards Janki Chatti from Barkot.
05:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & night halt)
Location Name: Janki Chatti
Stay at Janki Chatti for dinner and overnight.
JANKI CHATTI
06:00 AM - 09:00 AM (After Morning Tea)
Location Name: Janki Chatti
It is the midpoint of the trek to Yamunotri which is accessible by jeeps. Janki Chatti is situated 7kms before Yamunotri and this place is popular for thermal springs.
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Breakfast at Janki Chatti)
Location Name: Yamunotri Temple
The temple holds great significance amongst the Hindus as the place is the source of the Yamuna River which is one of the major rivers of India.
Yamunotri is one of the Char Dhams and is also the first place to visit in the Char Dham Circuit.
Thousands of tourists visit the Yamunotri temple of Goddess Yamuna from April to October.
Yamunotri Temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
This sacred temple is located at 3,235 meters above sea level and it could be reached by an easy trek of 13 kilometers.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM(Pooja Darshan and Holy Dip in Tapt Kund)
Location Name: Yamunotri Temple
Don’t miss the holy dip in Tapt kund. Tapt kund is a natural hot water spring with 45 degrees temperature.
12:00 PM - 02:00 PM(Lunch break at Jankichatti)
Location Name: Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is popular for thermal springs.
02:00 PM - 05:30 PM (On the Way to Barkot)
Location Name: Janki Chatti
Heads towards Barkot.
05:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & Night Halt)
Location Name: Barkot
Overnight in Barkot.
BARKOT
06:00 AM - 01:00 PM (After tea / breakfast)
Location Name: Barkot
Barkot is a town and a nagar palika in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna river.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Visit the Vishwanath temple)
Location Name: Gangotri
The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place.
Religious rituals are in full swing in the Gangotri temple with the aarti ceremony performed by the pujaris of the Semwal family.
Gangotri is a popular pilgrim place in India, which stands at an altitude of 3042m and emits a highly pious aura.
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (After Lunch)
Location Name: Gangotri
Witness the aarti ceremony performed by the pujaris of the Semwal family in the Gangotri temple.
05:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Pooja Darshan Dinner & Night Halt)
Location Name: Gangotri
The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place.
GANGOTRI
12:00 PM - 05:00 PM (After morning puja/breakfast/lunch)
Location Name: Gangotri
Gangotri is a popular pilgrim place in India, which stands at an altitude of 3042m.
05:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & night halt)
Location Name: Gangotri
Centuries ago, the history of Gangotri unfolds when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance.
RUDRAPRAYAG
06:00 AM - 01:00 PM (After Tea / Breakfast)
Location Name: Gangotri
If you are on a Char Dham pilgrimage then Gangotri visit is a must.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Lunch Break / View of Sangam- Alaknanda-Mandakini)
Location Name: Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayags of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.
Rudraprayag is a town and a municipality in Rudraprayag district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
This reordering maintains the essential information about Rudraprayag's location and significance as a confluence point in the Alaknanda River while presenting it in a different sequence.
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (On the Way to Rampur)
Location Name: Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag got its name from the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva.
05:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & night halt)
Location Name: Guptkashi
Overnight in Guptkashi.
GUPTKASHI
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM (After tea)
Location Name: Guptkashi
Guptakashi, also known as Gupta Kashi or Guptkashi, is a fairly large town located at an elevation of 1,319 metres (4,327 ft) in the Kedar-khanda (khanda means sector), in Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand, India. It is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to the god Shiva, which is similar to the one.
08:00 AM - 01:00 PM (Breakfast Halt & Arrangement of Doli / Pony)
Location Name: Gaurikund
It is the base to the Kedarnath trek. The village has hot water springs and a temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
01:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Darshan / Pooja / Aarti , Dinner & Night Halt)
Location Name: Kedarnath
Halt here for overnight stay and enjoy a warm dinner.
KEDARNATH
08:00 AM - 01:00 PM (Morning Pooja / Darshan & Tea / Breakfast)
Location Name: Kedarnath
Kedarnath, situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, has garnered significance due to the presence of Kedarnath Temple. It serves as a nagar panchayat in Rudraprayag district.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Lunch Enroute)
Location Name: Gaurikund
It is the base to the Kedarnath trek. The village has hot water springs and a temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Visit Guptkashi temple enroute)
Location Name: Gaurikund
Gaurikund is also associated with the beheading of Lord Ganesha.
05:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & night halt)
Location Name: Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag, nestled in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, encompasses both town and municipality. Notably, it is among the Panch Prayag of the Alaknanda River, marking the juncture where the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini converge.
JOSHIMATH 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM (After Tea / Breakfast) Location Name: Rudraprayag Have your breakfast in Rudrapayag and head towards Joshimath. 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM (Lunch Break / Visit Narsingh Temple) Location Name: Joshimath At an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, Joshimath stands as one of the four ‘maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya. During winters, it serves as the home of Shri Badrinath. Additionally, Joshimath boasts connectivity to Auli through the highest cable car in Asia. 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM (On the way to Badrinath) Location Name: Joshimath Do visit Kalpavriksha and Narsingh temple while on a visit to Joshimath. It is situated 14kms from Joshimath. 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & Night Halt) Location Name: Badrinath Temple The most sacred Dham of India, Badrinath, sits at an elevation of 3,133 meters above sea level in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, the deity of Badrinath temple is Lord Vishnu.
CHAMOLI
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM (After Tea / Breakfast, visit Mana village)
Location Name: Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath temple is situated on the right bank of the holy Alaknanda River.
12:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Lunch break Enroute & Visit Auli by cabel car on own payment basis)
Location Name: Joshimath
Joshimath, positioned at an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, is among the four ‘maths’ founded by Adi Shankaracharya. During winters, it serves as the home of Shri Badrinath. Furthermore, Joshimath is linked with Auli via the highest cable car in Asia. While visiting Joshimath, don't miss exploring Kalpavriksha and Narsingh temple, situated just 14 kilometers away.
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Lunch break at Joshimath)
Location Name: Joshimath
Joshimath is the winter seat of Lord Badri.
05:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Dinner & night halt)
Location Name: Chamoli
Enjoy the heavenly location of Chamoli.
RISHIKESH
06:30 AM - 01:00 PM (After Tea / Breakfast enroute)
Location Name: Joshimath
Nestled at an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, Joshimath holds the distinction of being one of the four ‘maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya. During winters, it shelters Shri Badrinath. Additionally, Joshimath boasts a connection to Auli via the highest cable car in Asia. While exploring Joshimath, make sure to visit Kalpavriksha and Narsingh temple, just 14 kilometers away, to enrich your experience.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM (Lunch Break)
Location Name: Rishikesh
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills beside the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand. Revered as a center for yoga and meditation studies, it attracts seekers from around the globe. The holy river adds to the city's spiritual ambiance, making it an ideal destination for inner exploration and tranquility.
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM (Tour concludes)
Location Name: Rishikesh
Tour concludes in this yoga city.