HIMACHAL TOUR WITH AMRITSAR

Chardham is foremost important Hindu sacred Yatra in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The essence of God and the natural grandeur of the Himalayas form an excellent constructive collaboration that heightens the religious warmth of the Chardham Package tour.

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:  RISHIKESH – BARKOT (210kms 7/8hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Barkot via Mussoorie. Visit Kempty fall in Mussoorie and after that, proceed to Barkot. On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight stay in Barkot.

Barkot remains pleasant in summers and we can expect temperature from 25-30 degree Celsius. In winters, the days are pleasingly warm, but the nights are cold, temperature varies between 10 ⁰ C to 05 ⁰ C.

DAY 03:  BARKOT – YAMUNOTRI – BARKOT (60 kms / 2 hrs drive and Trek)

Early morning with packed breakfast, proceed to Jankichatti / Phoolchatti and start trek from here to Yamunotri (6kms). You can either walk or hire a horse or doli on direct payment. After taking bath in Yamunabai Kund’s and “Darshan”of “Yamunaji” return to Jankichatti by trek. Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt. 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 several thermal springs near the temple, and the most important is Surya Kund. Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple. Return to Barkot for night stay.

In summers, the maximum temperature in Yamunotri is about 18 degrees, and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasant and nights are cold.

DAY 04:  BARKOT – UTTARKASHI (100 kms / 3hrs)

After breakfast, proceed to Uttarkashi. Arrive and check into the hotel. Uttarkashi is a small town, located on the bank of river Ganga. Visit Vishwanath temple: which is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. It was re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. 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 is offered. As per Skunda Puran, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi,’ the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug and treat at par with Jyotirlingas. Shakti temple – Located right in front of the Vishwanath temple, it has a big ‘Trishul’  (Trident) of about six meters in height and a circumference of 90 cm at bottom. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga (Shakti), hence this is called Shakti.

Uttarkashi remains hot in summers with an average temperature between 30-35 30-35 degree Celsius but nights are pleasant, cold in winters.

DAY 05:  UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI – UTTARKASHI (200 kms 9/10hrs)

Early morning with packed breakfast, leave for Gangotri via Gangnani to take a holy dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via Harsil Valley, famous for its natural beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees and mountains. On arrival take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. After Pooja and Darshan, relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18^thCentury, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Return to Uttarkashi for night stay,

The maximum temperature in Gangotri 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.

DAY 06:  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: Pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in WINTERS.

DAY 07:  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 08:  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 09:  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 10:  BADRINATH – SRINAGAR VIA RUDRAPRAYAG

After breakfast leave for Srinagar via Rudraprayag which is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. We can expect hot weather in Srinagar and temperature varies between 30-38 degree at times.

DAY 11:  SRINAGAR – HARIDWAR (130 kms approx.)

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 12:  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. One can enjoy the splendid view of the city from such a great height. 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 in Dehradun or railway station in Haridwar.