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{ Char Dham Yatra }
From the time immorial Garhwal has been a destination for the devout. The five Kedars (seats of Shiva), the Five Badris (Shrines of Vishnu) and the five Prayags (holy confluences) are the cherished goals of the Hindu Pilgrim. Deliverance from unhappiness is also promised to those who complete the arduous journey to the sources of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. There are more than a dozen celebrated trithasthans (auspicious places) located in two adjacent areas in Garhwal which have traditionally been identified as the domain of Shiva, Kedar khand, and the realm of Vishnu , Badrikshetra. Although at times the entire Uttarakhand, particularly Garhwal, is referred to as _Kedarkhand_, the entire is more appropriately applied to the tract of land lying between the valleys of the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda.
Badrinath is consideration an Adisiddhapeeth- a place renowned for its mystico-magical power and hence considered conducive to the practice of spiritual- meditational exercises, tantric ritual or penance. There are interesting tales attached to its name. Badri is the Sanskrit word for a common berry, ber, usually offered to Shiva. The faithful believe that a gigantic badri tree is situated here which is not visible to mortals in the age of Kali.
Considered one of the Char Dham or four principal places of Hindu worship, Badrinath is perched comfortably at an altitude of 3,122m on the slopes of a U-Shaped valley, protected from avalanches by a rocky projection above. Nilkanth stands by like a sentinel, and below the temple flows the crystals-clear torrent of the Vishnu Ganga. A short distance and a hard climb away from the main shrine are the Vyas and Ganes Gufas (cave). The Mahabharata, according to tradition, was composed and dictated there.
Kedarnath is considered to be the holiest of Shiva_s shrines in the Himalayas. It is likened in the Skanda Purana to Jahnavi (Ganga) amongst rivers, the Brahmin amongst men, and gold amongst metals. Devout Hindus believe that whoever dies here becomes one with Shiva, and the properties of the sacred land are believed to cleanse the most hardened sinner. The temple stands at the head of the Mandakini river in the shadow of the Kedarnath peak. It is dedicated to the worship of Sadasiva, the invisible form of Shiva. The symbolic phallus , the Jyotirlinga or resplendent lingam, one of twelve scattered over India, is in the form of a natural rock and is also called the Shankaracharyashiva. Beyond the temple stretches the snowy expanse known as the mahapanth-the highway of heaven. A short distance away is a precipice known as Bhairav-jhanp-_Shiva_s leap_. Untill the first quarter of the last century, certain devotees would commit ritual suicide by throwing themselves off the edge in the belief that Shiva would thereby grant them instant salvation. Not very far away is the Chorabari Tal, now renamed the Gandhi Sarovar, where the river Mandakini originates. There are a number of glacial lakes within a radius of 5 km from Kedarnath.
Gangotri or Gangavatari marks the descent of the celestial to earth. Gangotri is situated behind Kedarnath on the south bank of the river, amidst a thick stand of deodars at an altitudes of 3,100m.A little distance away the Kedar Gnaga joins the Bhagirathi at Gaurkikund. This pool is consecrated as the site of the goddess Gauri's ritusnan (ritual bath celebrating the attainment of ouberty).The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. High structure made of white granite
Yamunotri at an elevation of 3235 meteres above sea-level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the 'Four Dhams' of Uttarakhand.According to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim.
Deva Prayag (DeoPrayag) is where the tranquil Alaknanda embraces the tempestuous Bhagirathi and it is here that the Ganga is truly born. Devout Hindus consider this prayag second only to the Triveni in Allahabad. The most ancient stone inscriptions found in Uttarakhand are located here. The famous Raghunatha Math, one of the many names for the Rama Temple, is also situated here and it is at Deva Prayag that the priests of Badrinath sojourn in winter. According to an old legend this spot is named after Deva Sharma, a poor Brahmin who performed rigorous austerities at this spot and obtained the favor of Vishnu_s incarnation Rama. The hero of the Ramayana had come here to expiate the sin of brahma hatya (Brahmin-slaughter) after killing the demo-king Ravana. King Dashratha, the father of Lord Rama, is also said to have undergone penance here.
Karna Prayag is one of five sites where the confluence of sacred rivers occurs. The five prayags are Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karanprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Allahabad where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati join is known as Prayag and is one of the holy places of Hindu pilgrimage. The confluence of the Pindari River, which arises from the icy Pindari glacier, and the Alaknanda occurs at Karanprayag. There is a temple dedicated to Karna, a mythical hero from the Mahabharata, at Karanprayag. Karna was the child of Surya the Sun god and Kunti. Karna worshipped his father here and received boons from him of impenetrable armour and protective earrings, which made him unvanquishable.
Yatra 2008
Pilgrimage to Char Dham
Yamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrianth
Day 00 : Arrive Rishikesh
Arrive Haridwar / Rishikesh. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel . Evening visit the Ghat's s to encounter evening Ghat life as well as special Arti "The Prayer dedicated to Goddess Ganges" " the town of ashrams and temples, Ghats and pilgrims, mountains and the holy Ganges. When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims. Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens, spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current, which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back. After experiencing above we trace ours steps back to the hotel. One can have dinner at famous Chotiwala restaurant. Dinner and overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY : Exclusive Ganga Arti on the banks of Ganga. Sightseeing of Rishikesh.
Day 01 :
Rishikesh / Mussorie / Hanumanchatti Drive 8-9 Hrs.
Morning drive to Hanuman Chatti. We stop at
Mussorie for a while. After lunch at Mussorie drive to Hanumanchatti. The Entire drive is along the Yamuna river today. Arrive Hanumanchatti and transfer to hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Stop over in the queen of hills, Mussoorie.
Day 02 :
Hanumanchatti / Jankichatt / Yamotri / Jchattirek/ Pony Jankichatti / Hanuchatti - Jeep
Morning take a local jeep from Hanumanchatti to Jankichatti ( Half way ) arrive Jankichatti and commence trek/pony to Yamnotri , the
source of Yamnuna, the second most important life giving river in India. After Darshan & Puja trek/ pony to Janki chatti. Arrive and take Jeep back to the hotel. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Puja and Darshan of Yamnotri temple.
Day 03 :
Hanumanchatti / Utterkashi
Morning after breakfast drive to Utterkashi. . Arive Utterkashi. Visit to famous
Vishwanath temple. Check in to the hotel . late evening visit the market of the hill town. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Vishwanath temple in Utterkashi.
Day 04 :
Utterkashi / Gangotri / Utterkashi - Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri. Enroute we stop to explore
Harshil valley and hot springs of Ganganani. Arrive Gangotri and visit the temple Darshan. After visiting the famous fall, Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Harshil Valley Refreshing bath in Gangnani hot Springs Ganga Darshan at Gangotri Temple.
Day 05 :
Utterkashi / Rudraprayag / Guptakashi - Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Guptakashi. Enroute stop at Devprayag, Rudra prayag. Arrive Gupta Kashi and transfer to hotel. Evening visit the
Gupta Kashi Temple. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gupta Kashi , The invisible Varanasi for Gods.
Day 06 :
Guptakashi / Gaurikund Drive :
2-3 Hrs. /
Kedarnath Trek / Pony
- 5-6 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund . Arrive Gaurikund and commence trek /pony to Kedarnath. Arrive and transfer to Hotel Evening visit the temple for Darshan. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Darshan and puja of lord Kedarnath.
Day 07 :
Kedarnath / Gaurikund /
Rudraprayad -
Trek 4 - 5 Hrs. Drive : 3 Hrs.
After morning puja trek down to Gaurikund. After lunch break and refreshing bath at Gaurikund hot springs we drive to Rudra Prayag. Arrive Rudraprayag and check into hotel for overnight stay.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gauri Kunda Visit to Trijuginarayan, the famous remote temple, venue of Lord Shiva - parvati marriage.
Day 08 :
Rudraprayad / Badrinath -
Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning drive to Badrinath. The entire drive up to Joshimath is along the Alaknanda river. We stop at Joshimath for some time. Later we drive to Badrinath. Arrive Badrinath and check in to hotel. Evening visit the Badrinath temple. Overnight hotel. Enjoy sun set and sunrise on Neelkanth peak above the Badrinath temple.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Stop over at Karanprayag, one of the panch Kedars. Darshan and puja of Shree Badrianth Jee.
Day 09 :
Badrinath / Joshimath / Auli / Rudraprayag
Early morning Puja and darshan of Badrinath Jee. After late breakfast drive to Joshimath. Arrive Joshimath. One can take rope way to Auli or explore Joshimath visiting shankraCharya temple etc. After late lunch drive to Rudraprayag. Arrive and transfer to hotel . Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY : Take rope to Auli.
Day 10 :
Rudraprayag / Devprayag / Rishikesh
Morning visit the prayaga ( confluence of Rudraprayag) . Later drive to Devprayag. Visit the ancient temple of Devprayag at the beginning of the holy Ganges. After lunch drive to Rishikesh. Tour terminate upon arrival at Rishikesh. O
ne can stay overnight or drive/take train for Delhi.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to the confluence of Rudraprayag & Devprayag.
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Pilgrimage to Do Dham Kedarnath & Badrianth
Day 00 : Arrive Rishikesh
Arrive Haridwar / Rishikesh . Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel . Evening visit the Ghat's s to encounter evening Ghat life as well as special Arti "The Prayer dedicated to Goddess Ganges" " the town of ashrams and temples, Ghats and pilgrims, mountains and the holy Ganges. When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims. Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens, spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current, which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back. After experiencing above we trace ours steps back to the hotel. One can have dinner at famous Chotiwala restaurant. Dinner and overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY : Exclusive Ganga Arti on the banks of Ganga. Sightseeing of Rishikesh.
Day 01 :
Rishikesh / Rudraprayag / Guptakashi - Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Guptakashi. Enroute stop at Devprayag, Rudra prayag. Arrive Gupta Kashi and transfer to hotel. Evening visit the Gupta Kashi Temple. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gupta Kashi , The invisible Varanasi for Gods.
Day 02 :
Guptakashi / Gaurikund Drive :
2-3 Hrs./
Kedarnath Trek / Pony
5-6 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund . Arrive Gaurikund and commence trek /pony to Kedarnath. Arrive and transfer to Hotel Evening visit the temple for Darshan. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Darshan and puja of lord Kedarnath
Day 03 :
Kedarnath / Gaurikund/
Rudraprayag -
Trek 4-5 Hrs. Drive : 3Hrs.
After morning puja trek down to Gaurikund. After lunch break and refreshing bath at Gaurikund hot springs we drive to Rudra Prayag. Arrive Rudraprayag and check into hotel for overnight stay.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gauri Kunda Visit to Trijuginarayan, the famous remote temple, venue of Lord Shiva - parvati marriage.
Day 04 :
Rudraprayad / Badrinath -
Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning drive to Badrinath. The entire drive up to Joshimath is along the Alaknanda river. We stop at Joshimath for some time. Later we drive to Badrinath. Arrive Badrinath and check in to hotel. Evening visit the Badrinath temple. Overnight hotel. Enjoy sun set and sunrise on Neelkanth peak above the Badrinath temple.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Stop over at Karanprayag, one of the panch Kedars. Darshan and puja of Shree Badrianth Jee.
Day 05 :
Badrinath / Joshimath / Auli / Rudraprayag
Early morning Puja and darshan of Badrinath Jee. After late breakfast drive to Joshimath. Arrive Joshimath. One can take rope way to Auli or explore Joshimath visiting shankraCharya temple etc. After late lunch drive to Rudraprayag. Arrive and transfer to hotel . Overnight hotel
Day 06 :
Rudraprayag / Devprayag / Rishikesh
Morning visit the prayaga ( confluence of Rudraprayag) . Later drive to Devprayag. Visit the ancient temple of Devprayag at the beginning of the holy Ganges. After lunch drive to Rishikesh. Tour terminate upon arrival at Rishikesh.
One can stay overnight or drive/take train for Delhi.
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Pilgrimage to Do Dham Kedarnath & Badrianth
With Valley of Flowers & Hemkund
Day 00 : Arrive Rishikesh
Arrive Haridwar / Rishikesh . Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel . Evening visit the Ghat's s to encounter evening Ghat life as well as special Arti "The Prayer dedicated to Goddess Ganges" " the town of ashrams and temples, Ghats and pilgrims, mountains and the holy Ganges. When global orange sun suspended, waits low amid the red/yellow streaked horizon, then all these combine to give this town a very special evening. The temple bells roar, priests enchant mantras. Immersed in sublimation stand the pilgrims. Cupped leaves, with saffron marigold petals and a small candle flame, flickering ride the current of water of wisdom. Suddenly the sky darkens, spreading a blanket of stillness. Everything stops, except the sound of current, which has just sunk the tiny flames of cupped leaves, few minutes back. After experiencing above we trace ours steps back to the hotel. One can have dinner at famous Chotiwala restaurant. Dinner and overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY : Exclusive Ganga Arti on the banks of Ganga. Sightseeing of Rishikesh.
Day 01 :
Rishikesh / Mussoorie / Hanumanchatti : Drive 8-9 HRS.
Morning drive to Hanuman Chatti. We stop at
Mussorie for a while. After lunch at Mussorie drive to Hanumanchatti. The Entire drive is along the Yamuna river today. Arrive Hanumanchatti and transfer to hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Stop over in the queen of hills, Mussoorie.
Day 02 :
Hanumanchatti / Jankichatti - Jeep
Jankichatti / Yamnotri / Jankichatti Trek/ Pony/ Jankichatti / Hanumanchatti Jeep
Morning take a local jeep from Hanumanchatti to Jankichatti ( Half way ) arrive Jankichatti and commence trek/pony to Yamnotri , the
source of Yamnuna, the second most important life giving river in India. After Darshan & Puja trek/ pony to Janki chatti. Arrive and take Jeep back to the hotel. Overnight hotel
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Puja and Darshan of Yamnotri temple
Day 03 :
Hanumanchatti / Utterkashi - Drive 5-6 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Utterkashi. Arive Utterkashi, visit to famous
Vishwanath temple. Check in to the hotel . late evening visit the market of the hill town. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Vishwanath temple in Utterkashi.
Day 04 :
Utterkashi / Gangotri / Utterkashi : Drive 7-8 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri. Enroute we stop to explore
Harshil valley and hot springs of Ganganani. Arrive Gangotri and visit the temple Darshan. After visiting the famous fall, Overnight hotel..
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Harshil Valley Refreshing bath in Gangnani hot Springs Ganga Darshan at Gangotri Temple.
Day 05 :
Utterkashi / Rudraprayag / Guptakashi - Drive : 7-8 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive to Guptakashi. Enroute stop at Devprayag, Rudra prayag. Arrive Gupta Kashi and transfer to hotel. Evening visit the
Gupta Kashi Temple. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gupta Kashi , The invisible Varanasi for Gods.
Day 06 :
GuptakashiI / Gaurikund : Drive :
2-3 Hrs.
Kedarnath Trek / Pony
5-6 Hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund . Arrive Gaurikund and commence trek /pony to Kedarnath. Arrive and transfer to Hotel Evening visit the temple for Darshan. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Darshan and puja of lord Kedarnath
Day 07 :
Kedarnath / Gaurikund /
Rudraprayag -
Trek 4-5 Hrs. Drive : 3 Hrs.
After morning puja trek down to Gaurikund. After lunch break and refreshing bath at Gaurikund hot springs we drive to Rudra Prayag. Arrive Rudraprayag and check into hotel for overnight stay.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Visit to Gauri Kunda Visit to Trijuginarayan, the famous remote temple, venue of Lord Shiva - parvati marriage.
Day 08 :
Rudraprayag / Badrinath - Drive 7 - 8 Hrs.
Morning drive to Badrinath. The entire drive up to Joshimath is along the Alaknanda river. We stop at Joshimath for some time. Later we drive to Badrinath. Arrive Badrinath and check in to hotel. Evening visit the Badrinath temple. Overnight hotel.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY :
Stop over at Karanprayag, one of the panch Kedars. Darshan and puja of Shree Badrianth Jee
Day 09 :
Badrinath / Govindghat - Drive : 1 Hrs / Ghangaria Trek : 4 - 5 Hrs.
Early morning Puja and darshan of Badrinath Jee. Enjoy the sunrise on Neelkanth peak above the Badrinath temple. After late breakfast drive to Govind Ghat. Arrive and commence trek to Ghangaria. Arrive Ghagaria and transfer to hotel. Overnight hotel.
Day 10 :
Ghangaria / Valley of Flowers / Ghangaira Trek : 5 - 6 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast start trek to Valley of Flowers. The first part of the trek is through thick forest along the Pushpavati river. Later we trek in the open meadow. Arrive and explore the area. After encountering rare Flowers e.g Brahmkamal, Blue poppy, Potentilla, and hundreds of others we trace our steps back to the base camp, Ghangaria. Dinner and overnight camp/Hotel.
Day 11 :
Ghangaria / Hemkund Lake / Ghangaria Trek : 6-7 Hrs.
Morning after breakfast we trek to Hemkund, one of the finest high latitude lakes in the area, and pilgrimage for Sikhs and Hindus as well. The entire trek today is uphill till we reach Hemkund. Explore the area and trace your steps back to the base camp. One can encounter some of the flowers on this stretch as well. Dinner and overnight camp.
Day 12 :
Ghangaria / Govindgha / Rudraprayag Trek : 5-6 Hrs. Drive : 2 Hrs
Morning after breakfast trek down Govindghat. Lunch enroute. Arrive and commence drive to Rudraprayag. Arrive Rudraprayag and transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight hotel. If time & weather permits one can take a rope way to Auli & back.
Day 13 :
Rudraprayag / Devprayag / Rishikesh
Morning visit the prayaga (confluence of Rudraprayag) . Later drive to Devprayag. Visit the ancient temple of Devprayag at the beginning of the holy Ganges. Lunch enroute at Himalayan Retreat Shivpuri. Arrive Rishikesh. Tour terminates upon arrival at Rishikesh.
One can stay overnight or drive/take train for Delhi.
The Fixed Departure trips are inclusive of :
- Twin sharing accommodation in best available hotels during the entire trip. (As we give round the year business to the hotels we get very god discounted rates which are finally passed on to the clients, as we calculate the cost of the treks on discounted rates.)
- Transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh. (We have our own brand new Toyota Jeeps & mini buses, with hand picked drivers who have been trained to drive westerners on mountain roads).
- Services of English speaking professional guide during the entire trip. (All our Guides & camp staff are from this area only and know the area very well. All Guides and most of the camp staff have dome First Aid and CPR courses and do refreshing courses every year).
- All tourist taxes during the travel.
- Visit to all important temples and places during the entire trip.
- All meals hygienically cooked and served by our specially trained staff. (We emphasize a lot on food and all our cooks are specially trained to provide hygienic food). Only in packages with meals options.
Cost does not Include:
- Items of personal nature e.g. table drinks, telephones, laundry, insurance, medical services and services in unforeseen circumstances.
- Riding ponies on trek ( Can be arranged on actual by the guide on the trip)
- Any other trip other than specified above.
Other than Fixed Departure Trips, We are specialized in best value for Tailor made Yatra programs. We can also combine your yatra trip with other areas you wish to visit in Uttaranchal.