Char Dham Yatra Trek

Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot

Begin your journey with a scenic drive via Mussoorie and Kempty Falls. Reach Barkot by evening, surrounded by apple orchards and views of the Bandarpoonch peaks.

Day 2: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot

Drive to Jankichatti and trek to Yamunotri. Visit Surya Kund, Divya Shila, and seek blessings at the Yamunotri Temple before returning to Barkot.

Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi

Drive to Uttarkashi, a spiritual hub on the banks of the Ganga. Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi

Excursion to Gangotri, origin of the sacred Ganga. Visit Gangotri Temple and take a holy dip at Gangnani hot springs before returning.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi

Drive through scenic mountain routes to Guptkashi. Visit the ArdhNarishwar Temple and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

Drive to Sonprayag and trek to Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi

Attend early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple, then trek down and return to Guptkashi.

Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath

Drive via Joshimath to Badrinath. Visit Tapt Kund, Badrinath Temple, and explore nearby Mana Village.

Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag

Drive to Rudraprayag, the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.

Day 10: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh/Haridwar

Conclude your journey at Rishikesh, known for spirituality and adventure. Visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and Triveni Ghat.

Day 1: Arrival In Barkot – Relish A Picturesque Drive

• Altitude (Barkot): 1220 m
• Distance: 210 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs
• Barkot is a town in the Uttarkashi district
• The ride passes through Mussorie and Kempty Falls
• It is recommended to have lunch near Kempty Falls as good restaurants are not available henceforth
• You will arrive at Barkot in the evening
• There are apple orchards and panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains of Bandar Poonch.

Day 2: Yamunotri Dham Darshan And Back To Barkot

• Altitude (Yamunotri): 3,293 m
• Drive Distance: 36 km approx. (Barkot – Jankichatti/Phoolchatti)
• Trek Distance: 6 km (Jankichatti/ Phoolchatti)
• The trek is through a lush valley, dense conifers, rhododendrons, cacti, and numerous Himalayan shrubs.
• Surya Kund – is one of several hot springs in the area.
• Many pilgrims carry rice in a cloth and dip it in the hot water to get cooked rice.
• The Divya Shila is a rock pillar worshipped before stepping into the temple.
• After hot water dips and a peaceful mind, return to Barkot.

Day 3: Drive From Barkot To Uttarkashi, An Ancient Spiritual Destination

• Altitude: 1352 m
• Drive Distance: 90 km | Duration: 4 hr
• Uttarkashi is the hub of adventures and spirituality
• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in Uttarkashi
• The town is considered comparable to Varanasi, which is also on the banks of the River Ganges.
• One of the pious temples is the Vishwanath temple believed to be the oldest one. If you believe the literature of Skanda Purana, Uttarkashi is the home to Lord Shiva for Kaliyug.
• It is also a part of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Day 4: Uttarkashi To Gangotri And Back To Uttarkashi; Bask In The Mystical Essence

• Altitude: 3,048 m
• Trekking Distance: 100 km
• Second Dham after Yamunotri
• Gangotri is by far one of the world’s most eminent religious destinations.
• Along the way at Gangnani take the chance to bathe in the Garam Kund
• The Ganga River here is also called Bhagirathi
• The revered Gangotri Temple was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century
• Another attraction is the submerged Shivling which comes into sight only in winter when the water level in winter has receded.
• Around 100 yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga
• There is also a Kedar Ganga River that you must visit
• After a full day of exploration return back to Uttarkashi

Day 5: Drive From Uttarkashi To Guptkashi; The Hidden Varanasi In The North

• Altitude: 1,319 m
• Drive distance: 220 km | Duration: 8 to 9 hrs
• The route is extremely tranquil through Moolgarh and Lambgaon
• Guptkashi means hidden ‘Varanasi’ as per the Puranas.
• Some people say that hereditary priests stay in GuptKashi in winter when the Kedarnath temple is closed.
• Visit ArdhNarishwar Temple, it’s stunning at night lights.
• Stay in a hotel

Day 6: Trek To Kedarnath; Journey To One Of The 12 Jyotirlingas

• Altitude: 3,553 m
• Drive distance: 30 km
• Trek distance: 16 km
• It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva’
• Kedar is the synonym name of Lord Shiva who is both protector and destroyer
• Kedarnath is also part of the Panch Kedar Yatra

Day 7: Descend From Kedarnath And Drive To Guptkashi; Leave With The Blessings Of Shiva

• Trek Distance: 16 km
• Drive Distance: 30 km | Duration: 1 hr
• Visit the temple early morning by 4:45
• Everyone can go inside the Garbha Griha and touch the idol
• You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity, etc
• After Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag
• Drive to Guptkashi and check in at the hotel.

Day 8: Drive From Guptkashi To Badrinath; Pay Homage To Lord Vishnu

• Altitude: 3,133 m
• Drive Distance: 215 km | Duration: 7 hrs
• Badrinath is the final stop of the Char Dham
• You will take a 7-hour-long ride to Badrinath via Joshimath
• Badrinath is protected by Nar and Narayan mountains sideways
• This religious place is also filled with hot water springs of which Tapt and Narad kunds are popular.
• Tapt Kund is on the Alakananda River banks and it is compulsory to bathe in this Kund before stepping into the Badrinath Temple.
• Narad Kund is the pool where the Badrinath idol was discovered
• Brahma Kapal – a platform where rituals for the deceased are performed.
• Sheshnetra – it is a boulder 1.5 km away from Badrinath and has the impression of a snake.
• Charan Paduka – another boulder 3 km away from Badrinath that has an impression of Vishnu’s footprint
• Maha Murty – A shrine dedicated to the mother of Badrinath
• Vasundhara – a waterfall, 5 km from Badrinath
• Mana Village – near Badrinath, has attractions like Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa
• Bhim Pul – on the other side of Mana village, a massive rock believed to have been placed there by Bhim forming a natural bridge.
• Vyas Gufa – A cave near Mana Village, this rock cave is where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the Pauranic commentaries.

Day 9: Badrinath – Rudraprayag

• Distance: 160 km
• Time to head back home after your Yatra
• Usually, the devotees take a quick bath in Taptkund before starting the return journey
• You can capture the tourist locations of Mana Village if you missed them yesterday
• To Rudraprayag via Joshimath (Rudraprayag is a holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini)
• Joshimath is one of the four ‘Maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya

Day 10: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh – Haridwar

• Distance: 160 km | Duration: 5 hr
• The final destination of the trip is Rishikesh or the place of Sages
• As the saga says, Raibhya Rishi did his meditation and a god appeared using the name ‘Hrishikesh’.
• Rishikesh has become extremely popular amongst youth and adventure seekers for rafting and bungee jumping.
• Major attractions for sight-seeing are the Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, and Ram Jhula
• Enjoy your night in the beautiful mountain town of Rishikesh

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located about 20 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from Haridwar.

• Regular flights connect Dehradun with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• From the airport, taxis and private transfers are easily available to start your yatra.

 By Train

The nearest major railway stations are:

• Haridwar Railway Station
• Rishikesh Railway Station
• Dehradun Railway Station

These stations are well-connected to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Lucknow. From here, you can hire taxis or board buses to begin the Char Dham route.

 By Road

Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are well-connected by road to major North Indian cities.

• Regular buses (government and private) operate from Delhi ISBT to Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• You can also opt for self-drive cars or private cabs for a more flexible and scenic journey.

 By Helicopter (Optional Premium Option)

Helicopter services are available from Dehradun for all four dhams—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

• Ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking comfort.
• Offers aerial views of the Himalayas and reduces travel time significantly.

Booking and Payment:

1. Booking Confirmation:
   • Confirmation of the booking is subject to the availability of slots and resources.
2. Payment Schedule:
   • A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure the spot.
   • Full payment must be received before the commencement of the trek.
3. Payment Methods:
   • Accepted payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards,UPI, and  any other specified means.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

1. Cancellation by Traveler:
   • Cancellation requests must be made in writing.
   • The deposit is non-refundable.
   • Cancellation charges increase as the departure date approaches.
2. Cancellation by the Travel Company:
   • The travel company reserves the right to cancel or alter the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a suitable alternative or a refund will be provided.

3. Trek Itinerary and Inclusions:

   1. Itinerary Changes:
      • The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, unforeseen events, or any other circumstances beyond the company’s control.
   2. Inclusions:
      • Clearly outline what is included in the trek package, such as accommodation, meals, transportation, trekking permits, guide services, camping equipment, and more.

   3. Health and Fitness:

      1. Physical Fitness:
         • Acknowledge that trekking involves physical exertion and travelers should be in good health.
         • It is the responsibility of the traveler to inform the company of any medical conditions or concerns.
      2. Altitude Sickness:
         • Highlight the risk of altitude sickness and the importance of acclimatization during the trek.

      Travel Insurance:

      1. Mandatory Insurance:
         • It is mandatory for all travelers to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

         • Equipment and Gear:

           1. Personal Equipment:
              • Provide a list of recommended personal trekking gear and equipment that travelers need to bring.
           2. Rental Services:
              • Specify if the company provides equipment rental services and associated costs.

           Code of Conduct:

           1. Responsible Trekking:
              • Emphasize responsible trekking practices, including leaving no trace, respecting local cultures, and following the Leave No Trace principles.

           Force Majeure:

           1. Unforeseen Events:
              • Clarify the company’s stance in case of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, political unrest, or any circumstances beyond control.

           Miscellaneous:

           1. Travel Documents:
              • Travelers must possess valid identification and any necessary permits throughout the journey.
           2. Pre-departure Briefing:
              • Highlight the importance of attending pre-departure briefings for safety instructions and trip details.
           3. 1. Code of Conduct:
                 • Clearly state the expected behavior of travelers, respecting local customs, fellow trekkers, and the environment.
                 • Legal Compliance:
              1. Legal Compliance:
                 • Ensure that all travelers comply with local laws and regulations during the trek.

              These terms and conditions aim to provide clear expectations for both the travel company and the travelers, fostering a positive and organized experience throughout the Himalayan journey.