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The Holy Himalayas up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttarakhand, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the devout.
Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India -Yamunotri, Gangotri, Sri Kedarnathji and Sri Badrinathji, collectively referred to as the Char Dham ( or four pilgrimage centres) of Hinduism. For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked into these mystical vales mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as “Kedarkhand”. If the scriptures of HINDU RELIGION are to be believed, the holy centres of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called the Chardham (meaning four sacred spots) - are the most sacred of all pilgrimages. |
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Day 01 : Flight to India (New Delhi) |
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You arrive in Delhi by international flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representatives would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check in and overnight stay. |
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02 : New Delhi – Haridwar (210 kms, 6 hrs) |
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In the morning, we will drive to Haridwar which represents the Gateway to the Himalayas in the Tehri-Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the Ganga rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganga at Haridwar. In the evening, world famous Har-Ki-Pauri aarti is performed on this ghat. Overnight stay at the hotel. |
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03 : Haridwar - Mussorie - 89 kms (3 hrs) |
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In early morning, leave for Rishikesh to view the city landmarks via rafting from Brahmpuri. After lunch leave for Mussoorie, (The queen of hill stations is about 89 kms from Haridwar and the salubrious climate and deep woods make it an ideal hill station. The name, Mussoorie derives its name from plants of 'Mussorie', found in abundance here. The British were content to follow the name given by the hill-folk. Mussoorie, at a height of around 7000 ft above the sea level, straddles a ridge in the Garhwal Himalayas, developing into a major tourism destination.) Overnight stay will be in Hotel. |
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04 : Mussorie - JankiChatti - (Drive 123 kms, 5 hrs) |
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Enjoying the sunrise, you will leave for JankiChatti via Kempty falls. Drive leads us to the door of the first dham. Smallish hotel/guesthouse gives us an edge for next day trip to Yamunotry. Overnight stay will be in Guesthouse. Again after an early breakfast leave for Hanuman Chatti (Drive 32 kms) to start our journey. Local jeep will take you to Phool Chatti to shorten your trek by 5 kms.
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05 :JankiChatti – Yamunotri – Barkot (19 kms, 1 hr 7 kms trek, 4/8 hrs, 47 kms down) |
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An early breakfast starts our day. First reach to Syanachatti, from there to Phool Chatti via Jeep, again from there one has to take the option of walking or take horse ride, or manual lifting called "Dolis". Arrive at Yamunotry (Yamunotri, the origin of the Yamuna River and the seat of the goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple of Yamunotri is on the left bank and was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Singh of Tehri Garhwal. The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "four dhams") and pray at temple. Take the holy Achman to start your most sacred pilgrimage to Char Dham. Come back to Phool Chatti in the evening to return back to Camp resort for dinner and relaxation with Ayurvedic Massage at the resort. Overnight stay will be at the Chardham Camp. |
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06 : Barkot – Harsil/Dharali (155kms, 6 hrs) |
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After early breakfast leave for Harsil, this is one of the most beautiful places enroute trip. Enroute we take our lunch at Uttarkashi. From here we start following the source of the river Bhagirathi (Ganges also called Bhagirathi at its origin). We take a small stopover for a dip in the hot water springs at Ganganani. Overnight stay will be in luxurious camp which is on the river bank right in the middle of an apple orchard and dinner with campfire. |
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07 : Harsil – Gangotri – Gaumukh – Harsil (Drive 22 kms, 1 hr, trek 14 kms 6 hrs) |
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In early morning drive to Gangotri (According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimise the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source. The physical origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. further uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier.)Visit the Ganga Mata Temple and perform the Pooja at the chilling river. Immediately mount the horses just above the temple which leads to Gaumukh, the source of might river Ganges. Come back by evening & head to the camp for the overnight stay.
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08 : Harsil – Srinagar (82 kms, 4 hrs) |
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Breakfast served on the riverbed with loads of apple from the orchard. Leave for Srinagar via the submerged city of Tehri. Overnight stay will be in Hotel. |
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09 : Srinagar – Guptkashi (75 kms, 3 hrs) |
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We will leave Srinagar for the magnificent Kedarnath, which is the highest place during our trip. We will take lunch at Syalsur, a beautiful wooden guesthouse. Visit the temple in evening (Guptkashi has a great importance, quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardhnareshwar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meet, are the main places of attraction in Guptkashi) Check in hotel or Camp. |
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10 : Guptkashi - Kedarnath (32 kms 1 hr, 14 kms trek 4/6 hrs,) |
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After an early breakfast, we will drive to Gaurikund, again from there one has to take the option of walking or take ride horses, or manual lifting called "Dolis". Reaching Kedarnath (an imposing sight standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by snow covered peaks. The present temple built in 18th century A.D. by Adi Shankracharya, stands adjacent to the site of earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with fixtures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi bull stands as guard. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the exquisitely architecture, Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large heavy and evenly cut gray Slabs of stones. It evokes wonder as to how these heavy Slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a "Garbha Griha" for worship and mandap appt. for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as lord Shiva in his sadashiva form .it's also one of 12 Jyotir lings of lord Shiva) One can take darshan advantage in the evening since it's closed in afternoon. Overnight stay will be in Guesthouse.
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11 : Kedarnath – Chopta (71 kms, 3 hrs) |
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After breakfast leave for Joshimath via Chopta one of the most beautiful site during the trip. Enjoy the most scenic drive of the whole trip. Here we get the view of Chandrsila Peak. Overnight stay will be in guesthouse or Tents.
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12 : Chopta - Joshimath (110 kms, 4 hrs) |
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In early morning have breakfast then drive to Joshimath. Lunch at Pipalkoti & then in evening visit Auli via the longest & most scenic ropeway in Asia. Have a magnificent view of the peaks in the cable car as it is called in west. Overnight stay will be in Hotel or Camp.
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13 : Joshimath – Badrinath (44 kms, 3 hrs) |
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Early morning we will take the road which remains closed for nearly six month in a year, has a gate system which controls the traffic allowing it to flow in only one way for a stipulated time. Take a early gate through, & reach Badrinath via Govind Ghat for those who want to slip to Valley of Flowers or Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage.( Badrinath, the seat of the god Vishnu in his aspect of Badrinarayan, is the most important of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. Situated in the hills of Himalaya, at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges knows as NAR & NARAYAN with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid back - drop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries which gave it the name "Badri Van", meaning "forest of berries"...). In evening visit the Mana Village, considered as the last village of India & Vyas Caves. Overnight stay will be in Guesthouse/Hotel.
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14 : Badrinath – Rishikesh (268 kms, 7/8 hrs) |
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Early morning rituals can be performed at the temple. Later, we will start our long drive to Rishihkesh. Enroute we take lunch at Rudraparyag (the confluence of river Bhagirathi & Alaknanda). Later in evening if possible get to the Ganges river banks for the Aarti.
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15 : Badrinath – Rishikesh (268 kms, 7/8 hrs) |
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In morning we can go for the River rafting again, or else move to Delhi. Traffic is really nasty on this road. Enroute visit Cheetal Palace, for its awarded in house gardens & great food. Spend evening in Delhi or move on further to another destination.
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TnT says why: |
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"Up in the mystical heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttarkhand, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the devout. Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India"- also the best way to experience the Himalayas with the luxurious way.
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Other Extensions:
- Enchanting Kerala -(add 9 days)
- Best Kerala & Karnataka - (add 10 days).
- Mountains of South - (add8 days).
- Trek in Kerala - (add 5 days)
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