CHARDHAM
 
     Badrinath
 

Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the scared itinerary of every devour Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as 'Badri Van'.

This is the style that developed in the Dravida Desam. The Vimana and the Gopurams are the distinctive characteristics of the Southern style. The Vimana is a tall pyramidal tower consisting of several progressively smaller storeys.

Perched at an altitude of 3,133 mt. above sea-level, in the middle of a beautiful valley, it is located on the right bank of holy river Alaknanda. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is 15 mt. in height, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire.

   
     
     Kedarnath    
 
Kedarnath is a majestic sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

There are 2 ways to reach Kedarnath: 1) By foot for a steep 14 km trek through a paved path (horses or palanquins are available for rent) from Gaurikund, which is connected by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other known hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttarakhand 2) Through air travel. KEDAR DARSHAN is a decent helicopter service operating from Gupt Kashi in Rudra Prayag district.The fare is reasonable.
   
     
     Gangotri    
 
The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 m amidst captivating surroundings. Gangotri is located at a distance of 99 km from Uttarkashi. The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa, in the 18th century, is situated on the left bank of Bhagirathi. It is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year. A number of ashrams are located on the other side, some of which provide accommodation facilities to the visitors.

Be it man's urge to placate the Gods above or to quench his desire for adventure, Gangotri is an ideal location. Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for.
   
     
     Yamunotri    
 
The shrine of Yamunotri, situated at an elevation of about 3,235 m is a point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri, the road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, somewhere between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.

The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams 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. According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here. 
   
     
 
 
 CHARDHAM ITINERARY
 

Day 01: Haridwar-Mussoorie-Barkot ( 220 kms, 06 hrs drive)
Drive to Barkot/Syanachatti. Arrive Barkot and night stay at Hotel.


Day 02: Barkot-Yamunoti Return
Drive to Jankichatti then trek 07 kms to reach Yamunotri to visit the Yamunotri Dham, situated on the bank of the river.


Day 03: Barkot-Uttarkashi (115 kms, 5 Hrs dive)
After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 04: Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi ( 200 kms round trip)
In the morning, we will move to Harsil - one the beautiful valleys in the world. Drive to Gangotri, On arrival take a holy dip in the River scared The Ganges, also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform pooja and relax in the lovely surrounding. In the afternoon return back to Uttarkashi.


Day 05: Uttarkashi- Guptakashi/Rudraprayag/Gaurikund (250 kms/8 hrs)
After early breakfast, we will move to Guptakashi/Gaurikund. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 06: Gaurikund-Kedarnath (40 kms , 1 1/2 hrs)
In the morning start trek to Kedarnath (14 kms/4 hrs). In the evening we take you to visit Kedarnath Dham for Darshan, Aarti & pooja. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 07: Kedarnath –Rudraprayag:( 90 kms)
In the morning trek back to Gaurikund, and after lunch we start our journey for Rudraprayag. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 08: Rudraprayag - Badrinath (220 kms / 8 hrs)
In the morning, we move to Badrinath via Chopta. Enjoy the stunning drive with natural beauty. Night stay at the hotel.


Day 9: Badrinath – Joshimath/Auli: ( 55 Kms, 2Hrs)
In the morning darshant at Badrinath dham, After breakfast visit mana village and drive back to joshimath and visit auli (the skiing centre) and back to Joshimath. Night stay at hotel.


Day 10: Joshimath– Rishikesh (260 kms, 8-9 hrs)
In the morning, we drive back to Rishikesh. Reach Rishikesh in the evening. Night stay at the hotel.