DO DHAM YAATRA

DAY 01:  ARRIVE RISHIKESH

Upon arrival in Rishikesh, transfer to hotel. Rishikesh: ‘Place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. Besides holding spiritual significance for Hindus, Rishikesh is renowned as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’,  The fast-flowing Ganges is surrounded by forested hills inside the city. Apart from temples and ashrams Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting center, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya. In the afternoon visit Ramjhula, Janaki setu, Parmarth Niketan, Geeta Bhawan, in the evening you may visit Triveni Ghat to see the prayers. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 02:  UTTARKASHI – GUPTAKASHI (200 kms / 9-10hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Lambgoan. Continue driving alongside the Mandakini River which comes from Kedarnath. Arrive Guptakashi and if time allows you may visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Overnight at the hotel.

Guptakashi: Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Banaras.” Mythology describes how the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva. Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, and walked up to Kedarnath valley, where Pandava’s wish got fulfilled. Weather here is pleasant in summer, with a temperature varying from 25-30 degree.  

DAY 03:  GUPTAKASHI – KEDARNATH (30 kms + 16 kms trek)

Early in the morning around 03 or 4 AM drive up-to Sonprayag with packed breakfast,  from here travel by a local jeep up-to Gauri Kund and then start your trek for Kedarnath ji. (Pony and Doly options also available on the spot)

Kedarnath:  It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas 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. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part of the year. Woolen clothing is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time, the place experiences snowfall as well.

DAY 04:  KEDARNATH – GUPTAKASHI (16 KM Trek + 30 kms)

After Pooja and breakfast, trek up-to Gauri kund and travel by local jeep for Sonprayag where your driver will be  waiting. Proceed to Guptakashi for night stay.

DAY 05:  GUPTAKASHI – BADRINATH (200 kms / 8-9hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badrinath. On arrival check into the hotel. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund go for the Darshan of Badrivishal and Aarti in evening. Overnight stay at Badrinath.

Badrinath situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, is one of the ‘Ancient Four Dhams’ and one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country. It is guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries, thus the place got the name “Badri van”, meaning “forest of berries”.

There are other interesting sightseeing spots within the three kms of Badrinathjee. 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 motor able up to Mana. Vyas Gufa (cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the puranic commentaries.

The average maximum temperature in Badrinath will be around 18° Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Woolen clothes are required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year.

DAY 06:  BADRINATH – SRINAGAR VIA RUDRAPRAYAG

After breakfast leave for Srinagar (7-8hrs drive). Arrive and check into the hotel. We can expect hot weather in Srinagar and temperature varies between 30-38 degree at times.

DAY 07:  SRINAGAR – HARIDWAR (130kms approximately)

After breakfast, drive to Haridwar. Check into the hotel. It is believed that when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu. In the evening watch the Ganga Aarti at Har-ki –Pauri which is the main ghat known as Brahmakund. The whole environs echoes with the sounds of conch shells and bells and priests perform ritual worship of the river. Thousands of earthen lamps are floating in the water, which twinkle like gold in the dark-ness makes it an enthralling sight. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 08:  DEPARTURE HARIDWAR

Breakfast at hotel. Mansa Devi Temple -The temple on the top of Siwalik Hills is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi, who was the daughter of Lord Shiva. The ropeway carriage operates between Upper Road, and Mansa Devi Temple. It is believed that whoever worships Goddess Mansa Devi, their wishes get fulfilled. Also visit Maya devi temple, followed by transfer to airport / railway station.