Char Dham Yatra
Description :
Altitude
Duration
Trek Length
Base Camp
Trek Difficulty
Transportation
The sacred Char Dham Yatra starts from Haridwar with a scenic drive to Yamunotri. From there, we proceed to Uttarkashi, then to Gangotri, and further to Guptkashi. Next, we trek to Kedarnath for Lord Shiva’s blessings before returning to Guptkashi. A drive to Badrinath follows, and finally, we conclude the 10-day journey in Haridwar.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Haridwar To Kharsari/Yamunotri :
Journey starts from Haridwar at 7 am to Kharsari/Yamunotri which is 184 kms drive, takes approximately 8-9 hours. Don’t forget to take pictures in Mussorrie, known asthe Queen of Hills. Check in to the hotel around 5-6 pm relax and have dinner around 8-9 pm. We advise our travelers to get proper rest, as we are going to start our next day’s journey early morning to Janki Chatti and a trek of 6 kms from there onwards.
DAY 2: Yamunotri :
Early Morning Trek: Start with a trek through lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks. Visit Yamunotri Temple: Reach the sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Hot Springs: Experience the unique hot springs, especially Surya Kund, for cooking rice and potatoes as prasad. Holy Dip: Take a dip in the Yamuna River, believed to cleanse sins and bring peace. Spiritual Aura: Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and spiritual atmosphere. Retreat Experience: Feel a deep sense of retreat and enrichment as part of your Char Dham Yatra.
DAY 3: Yamunotri To Uttarkashi :
Today’s journey will be of 85 kms from Yamunotri to Uttarkashi, a beautiful and important town 100 kms before Gangotri. The height of Gangotri is around 3100m above sea level, therefore the night stay at Uttarkashi is better option. We start early at 5:00 am as the journey is of 100 km and it will take approximately four hour minimum to reach there. Perform Pooja at Gangotri Temple and be blessed by Ganga Maiya,we come back to Uttarkashi for the night stay. Dinner will be at the hotel in Uttarkashi.
DAY 4: Uttarkashi To Gangotri To Uttarkashi :
We start early in the morning at 5 am with packed breakfast, to reach Gangotri before afternoon’s bhogtime. After performing pooja and darshana, don’t forget to visit Ghat and Bhagirath ji tapasya sthal, where he didtapasya for more than 1000 years to bring Maa Ganga on earth. Later drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
DAY 5: Uttarkashi To Guptkashi
Today we are moving to Guptkashi, 200km journey for our next destination, KEDARNATH DHAM. Our night staywill be at Guptkashi for the better choice of accommodation available. Guptkashi is also an important town and famous for Shri Vishwanath Temple. Ukhimath, on the other bank of Mandakini river, the winter seat of Shri Kedarnath ji, is equally important place to be visited. Dinner will be at the hotel and be ready for the next day’s important journey, Shri Kedarnath Dham.
DAY 6: Guptkashi To Kedarnath
We start early in the morning around 3:00am to reach Shri Kedarnath Dham on time as the journey consist of a 37km drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund and then trek of 21 km to Shri Kedarnath dham. One can take mules/ponies, or take up the trek. The trek is a little steep and time consuming so, to reach there on time one hasto start early. Witness the evening Aarti, and be ready to perform early morning pooja on next day. Our night stay will be at Shri Kedarnath Dham at a hotel/dharmshala with hot meal at night.
DAY 7: Kedarnath To Guptkashi
Get up early for the early morning pooja and be blessed.After pooja, visit Shri Bhairavnath Temple, 1 km from themain Kedarnath temple. Have Breakfast and start your journey back to Guptkashi for a visit to Shri Vishwanath Temple. After your visit to the temple, back to the hotel for a pleasant evening to relax with a cup of hot tea/coffee. After Dinner at 8-9 pm, have a good night sleep and a good rest to be prepared for your next destination, SHRI BADRINATH JI SHRINE.
DAY 8: Guptkashi To Badrinath
Today we start our journey from Guptkashi to Badrinath, 200 kms drive, so we start early morning around 5-6:00am to reach there on time by 4 or 5:00pm. This journey will take you through the most scenicplaces like Chopta from where you can have a glimpse of Himalayan range with Kedarnath, Chaukhamba peaksin clear weather. Relax a bit and visit the temple for evening Aarti to beblessed by the Lord Shri Badrinath ji. Back to the hotel for dinner and good night sleep
DAY 9: Badrinath To Joshimath/Pipalkoti
Early morning visit to Temple again will be a added advantage to your tour and after breakfast, visit Mana village for Ganesh and Vyas Guffa, Saraswati and Mandakini river Confluence, and Bhim Shilla. Come back to Badrinath to take your cab/bus to Joshimath, the winter seat of Shri Badrinath ji. Visit the temple of Shri Narshinghdev ji in Joshimath and our nightstay will be in a hotel there. Evening is to relax with a cup of tea and snacks and enjoy your dinner at the hotel.
DAY 10: Joshimath To Haridwar
Today is the day where your tour is going to conclude and, after breakfast, we start our journey back to Haridwar, a 275 km drive from Joshimath. With all your memories of the last 9 days, inspiring you to take up another venture in near future, and thinking of your nears and dears, to share your experience with your tour mates, happy and smiling faces with enormous thoughts, say good bye to everyone and move forward to take up your journey back home.
Trek Cost Inclusion :
- 5 days premium trek
- Double sharing basis of tents through the trek.
- Dehradun to Sankri & Return Transport in Tempo/Bolero/Sumo Vehicle
- All meals – vegetarian
- Campfire at Camps (If Available)
- Trekking permits and forest camping charges
- Trekking equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, etc.)
- Expert trek leader (qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses)
- Services by Expert Team (guides, cooks, helpers)
- Safety equipments (first aid, medical kit, etc.)
- Achievement Certificate
- Memories of Life Time
Trek Cost Exclusion :
- Pickup from your place
- Luggage carries charges
- Food during travel
- Any kind of personal expenses
How To Reach
- Research and Information:
- Official Websites: Visit the official websites of Uttarakhand Tourism or the respective temple committees. They provide detailed information about routes, accommodation, and other essential details.
- Travel Blogs and Guides: Look for travel blogs and guides that cover the Chardham Yatra. These often provide personal experiences, tips, and practical advice.
- Travel Agencies:
- Tour Packages: Many travel agencies offer Chardham Yatra packages that include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours. You can search for reputed travel agencies online.
- Local Travel Agents: Contact local travel agents in Uttarakhand or major cities like Delhi or Dehradun. They can help you customize your trip.
- Transportation:
- Road Travel: The most common way to undertake the Chardham Yatra is by road. You can hire a taxi or a private vehicle. Buses are also available from major cities in Uttarakhand.
- Helicopter Services: For a quicker and more comfortable journey, helicopter services are available to the Chardham shrines. Booking can be done through authorized providers.
- Accommodation:
- Hotels and Guest Houses: Various hotels and guest houses are available along the Chardham route. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
- Dharmshalas: There are also dharmshalas (religious rest houses) near the temples, which offer basic accommodation facilities.
- Permits and Registration:
- Yatra Permits: Make sure to check if you need any permits for the yatra. Some areas might require special permits for entry.
- Online Registration: Some temples or regions might have an online registration system for pilgrims. Check the official websites for more details.
- Health and Safety:
- Medical Facilities: Ensure that you are medically fit for the yatra, as it involves trekking and traveling through high-altitude regions.
- Safety Precautions: Carry necessary medications, warm clothing, and emergency contact numbers. It’s advisable to travel in groups for added safety.
- Resources and Guides:
- Books and E-Guides: You can find books and e-guides on the Chardham Yatra which provide comprehensive information.
- Mobile Apps: Some mobile apps offer information, maps, and guidance for the Chardham Yatra. Check your app store for available options.
Safety :
Points to remember for safety in the trek:
- It is essential that you arrive at the starting point of any hike or excursion in the best possible physical condition and readiness.
- The hike is not tough; in fact, if you can keep both your feet and your mind calm and strong during the journey, you will discover that the hike is rather simple.
- When you are out on a hike, bear in mind that you may not always be with your guide and that you may not always be on the correct trail.
- The majority of individuals glance both where they are going and where they are going while they are walking; this might produce twitching in your legs, which can make the whole journey difficult.
- It is imperative that you see your physician if you are experiencing any kind of health issue.
Fitness :
As you climb to higher altitudes, the air grows thinner and less oxygen is present. The amount of oxygen in our blood is equivalent to the proportion of haemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. At altitudes above around 2,100 metres (7,000 feet), the amount of oxygen carried by our blood starts to decrease. At the same time, the human body possesses both immediate and long-term adaptations to altitude that help it somewhat compensate for the shortage of oxygen.
A Great First Trek for Anyone Who Wants to Get Into Hiking:
- The Kedarkantha Trip is a Moderate level trek in terms of fitness requirements. The track is well-marked and has only modest inclines and declines. Water fountains may be seen at various points throughout the path. However, it’s still best to be ready if you’re planning your first major Himalayan trekking adventure. Here is a plan for getting in shape for the trip.
- Our hikes are typically designed such that you cover around 9 kilometres in six hours, however this might vary somewhat depending on the terrain. It’s about the same as walking 6 kilometres an hour over the plains, therefore the speed is around 1.5 kilometres per hour.
- Following this plan, you may train yourself to run 3 kilometres in 30 minutes. Always begin your workout routine with some light stretching and warm-up moves.
- Follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required:
- Week 1: Walk for 10 minutes at a fast pace, jog for 10, and finish with a slow stroll for 10 minutes.
- Week 2: 15 minutes of jogging, followed by a 5-minute brisk walk. A leisurely stroll that takes no more than 5 minutes
- Week 3: Walk briskly for five minutes. Jogging for 15 minutes A brisk stroll that takes no more than 5 minutes
- Week 4: Do a brisk 5-minute walk, then a 25-minute jog, and finish with a 5-minute cool down.
