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Chardham Yatra
Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath
The Char Dham Yatra, a revered pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, India, takes devotees to four sacred Hindu sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Believed to offer spiritual liberation, this journey typically occurs between April-June and October-November, depending on weather conditions. The pilgrimage is physically and mentally demanding, involving trekking, long travel hours, and challenging weather, yet it is profoundly rewarding and fulfilling for those who complete it. The Char Dham Yatra is a significant spiritual endeavor for many Hindus seeking divine blessings and inner peace.
Chardham Itinerary
Chardham Yatra Ex Haridwar – 09N/10D
Haridwar to Barkot (1352 MTs)
Drive to Barkot via Mussoorie, En route visit Mussoorie Lake and Kempty Fall (Suggestible to have your lunch at Kempty fall as further no good restaurants are available before Badkot). Later drive straight to Barkot, transfer to your Hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hill) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Overnight stay at Barkot.
Barkot Weather – Generally pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold,temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.
Distance:- 210 Kms
Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot (3291 MTs)
Early morning, Drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri (6kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs.
Arr. Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila, After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund’s warn water and having “Darshan” of pious “Yamunaji” returning to Jankichatti. Return back to Barkot, Overnight stay.
Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the Tapt kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila.
- Surya Kund:There are a Number of thermal springs near temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.
Yamunotri Weather – In summer the maximun temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.
Distance:- 36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)
Barkot to Uttarkashi (1352 MTs)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Uttarkashi. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams, temples. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, the town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga.
Vishwanath Temple – Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti in morning and evening are offered. As per Skanda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug, and counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Shakti Temple – Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there are different views about the making of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics, this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.
Uttarkashi Weather – Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, Cold in winters.
Distance:- 100 Kms
Time:- 4 hrs
Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Uttarkashi (3048 MTs)
Early morning (packed breakfast) drive to Gangotri, en route at Gangnani take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its natural beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.
Gangotri Weather: The maximum temperature during summer can go up to 20° Celsius. Summer nights can get cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Light woolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri during summer. The Winter season is very chilly in Gangotri. Gangotri will be covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remain closed throughout winter due to heavy snowfalls.
Distance:- 100 Kms
Time:- 3-4 hrs
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi/Ukhimath (1319 MTs)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Moolgarh & Lambgoan. En route, you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Guptakashi:- The name Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled.
Guptkashi Weather – pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.
Distance:- 220 Kms
Time:- 8-9 hrs
Guptkashi/Ukhimath to Kedarnath
Morning after breakfast departure for Kedarnath dham. Enjoy Kedarnath Darshan & back your hotel. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you your prebook Helipad. You can inform driver about your arrival time whether it will by helicopter or by trek, so that Driver will be there to pick you up. (note: helicopter ticket is not included in this package).
By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gaurikund & then your trek strat for Kedarnath Ji. After darshan, you follow same & back to Sonpraag. There is big parking issue so the driver will back tp another palace if his contact no. in not working then you have to arrange another taxi or wait for your driver.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface.
Kedarnath Weather – Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for the most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During the summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. The Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with the mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.
Distance:- 30kms by road & 19kms Trek
Kedarnath to Guptkashi/Ukhimath
Morning after Pooja & breakfast, you can check out of Kedarnath hotel start your journey back to Sonprayag. Our driver will be there at a designated place which was discussed with you. Drive back to Guptkashi hotel for a night stay.
Distance:- 19Kms Down Trek & 30kms/1hr by Road
Guptkashi/Ukhimath to Joshimath
Morning after breakfast, a drive for Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Visit on the way Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. On arrival, check into the hotel have dinner and rest overnight
Joshimath to Badrinath to Joshimath
Morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in the evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There is another interesting sightseeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just within the three km of Badrinathjee. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
- Mana Village :Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.
- Vasundhara :As the name suggests, Vasundhara is a magnificent waterfall. This place is 5 km. from Badrinath out of which 2 km. is motorable upto Mana.
- Bhim Pul :On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.
- Vyas Gufa (cave):Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.
Badrinath Weather: The average maximum temperature will be around 18° Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Warm and woolen clothes are hence required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year. Winter in Badrinath is often accompanied by snowfalls. Winter is very chilly with an average temperature of 5° Celsius. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.
Distance:- 215 kms
Joshimath to Haridwar
Morning after breakfast, drive for Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh ‘place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of ”Hrishikesh” and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh. Check-in Hotel. Later visit Rishikesh Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla. Overnight stay at Haridwar.
Distance:- 165 Kms
Tour End With BILKESHWAR HOLIDAYS.
| Destination | Deluxe | Luxury |
| Barkot | Hotel Riya or Similar | Camp Ring Veda or Similar |
| Uttarkashi | Hotel Him Ganga NXE or Similar | Hotel Him Ganga AC or Similar |
| Kedarnath | Bikaner House or Similar | Bikaner House or Similar |
| Guptkashi | Hotel Giriraj or Similar | Shivalik Valley DLX or Similar |
| Badrinath | Hotel Patliputa or Similar | Hotel Snow Crest or Similar |
| Rudraprayag | Shangrila Resort Non AC or Similar | Samrat Resort AC or Similar |
| Haridwar | Hotal Hari Ganga AC or Similar | Hotel Crystal Ganga AC or Similar |
Mandatory Documents
- Medical Certificate
- Govt ID card with name and address
- Self-declared form
Bags
- Backpack (40-60 liters)
Footwear
- Trekking shoes: No sports shoes. The shoes need to have soles with good grip and ankle support.
- Socks (3 pairs): 2 pairs of cotton (for trekking) + 1 woolen pair (used only for sleeping)Sandals/Slippers for walking around
Clothes
- Trek pants (2) including the one you are wearing.
- Collared t-shirts (3 including the one you are wearing)
- Preferably light, full-sleeved t-shirts.
- Thick jacket: Carry 1 hollow full-sleeve windproof jacket/down jacket.
- Thermal inners: 1 pair of lightweight, upper and lower (optional)
Accessories
- Raincoat/poncho: (Mandatory as it can rain anytime in the mountains)
- Woolen cap/ Balaclava: (Must protect ears)
- Hand gloves: (Ensure that the gloves are warm and waterproof.)
- Sunglasses: Any dark color but blue. Sunglasses prevent snow blindness. Sunglasses are mandatory for this trek.
Other Toiletries
- (Sunscreen - SPF 40+, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm/chapstick, small soap, toilet paper, wet tissue)
- Headlamp/LED torch(Mandatory)
- Camera: Carry all accessories - spare batteries, charger, etc.
- Water bottles: 2 bottles, 1 Litre each.
- Trekking pole: Trekking pole is mandatory. You can also rent a wooden stick from Gaurikund.
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Personal Medical Kit
- Mandatory. All these things need to go into one backpack. So make sure they are all light and you carry as little as possible.
- Before starting the trek, calculate your BMI (Ideal BMI should be between 18.5 and 24.9)
- Health and Safety checks mentioned below should be made before getting prepared for the trek
- A balanced mind and body are the first things that should be given importance before taking off because this is what will bring out the best of you in every condition.
- Your body should be fit enough to cover the entire trek with the backpacks on your back along with your body weight. That is why proper stamina and strength are needed. Also, trekking is done on uneven multi-terrains and not on smooth paths. So to gain leg strength, perform simple squats.
- Flexibility is very important when it comes to trekking. Good flexibility will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing river crossings, etc. Attain flexibility by simply stretching or doing yoga.
- As the Himalayan treks are ascending and descending the slopes, you will need a proper transmission of Oxygen from the lungs and heart to the body muscles. For this, trekkers should have good cardiovascular endurance that can be gained by doing cardio exercises like running, swimming, cycling, etc.