The ancient pilgrimages sites in the Indian state of Uttarakhand-

Kedarnath

The holiest of Shiva's shrines is likened to gold among base metals so that every pilgrim finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. The temple of Kedarnath, located at a height of 3,581 mts, stand at the head of the Mandakini river, with Kedarnath peak keeping vigil above it.

Badrinath

Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri, this temple located at the height of 3,133 mts. is the largest Himalayas and most popular of Vishnu pilgrimages among the five Badries. The original temple here is believed to be built by King Pururava and the icon of the lord carved by Vishwakarma, the creator of the gods.

Gangotri

Gangotri is the place high in the Garhwal Himalayas from where the holy Ganges originates. According to the legend, it was here the Ganga descended on the earth, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The temple of Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga stands on the bank of the river.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is situated in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas and is at a height of 3,235 meters above sea level. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna.The shrine of Yamunotri is located on the Bandar Poonch peak.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Haridwar – Barkot(205 Km / 7 to 8 hrs).

Day 2 : Barkot/ Kharsali– Yamunotri – Barkot(48 Km / 2 hrs & Start trek 05 Km Each Side).

Day 3 : Barkot – Uttarkashi(100 Km/ 4 hrs Journey).

Day 4 : Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi(100 Km / 3 to 4 hrs Each Side).

Day 5 : Uttarkashi – Guptkashi /Sitapur(190 Km / 8 to 9 hrs).

Day 6 : Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Kedarnath(30 Km + 20 Km trek).

Day 7 : Kedarnath – Sonprayag – Sitapur/Rampur(20 Km trek down and 05-10 Kms hotel drive).

Day 8 : Sitapur/Rampur/Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath(190 Km 0r 240 Kms / 8to 9 hrs).

Day 9 : Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag(165 Km / 5 to 6 hrs).

Day 10 : Rudraprayag –Srinagar-Devprayag- Rishikesh – Haridwar(160 Km / 5 to 6 hrs).

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Haridwar – Barkot.

This morning departs for Barkot, located on the foot of Yamunotri. Drive via Mussoorie and visit Kempt Falls on the way. On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel/camp. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hiII) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.

Day 2 : Barkot/ Kharsali– Yamunotri – Barkot.

After breakfast, depart for Hanumanchatti (40 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km). Here you will begin the First Pahad Yatra of Yamunotri (5 Km trek). You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon in Yamunotri take holy dip in Yamuna River and perform Pooja, and take the same route back to Barkot, check in at Hotel / Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.

Day 3 : Barkot – Uttarkashi.

After breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, Visit the famous Vishwanath Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Why visit Chopta?

It is considered highly sacred by Hindus to visit Char Dham during one's lifetime.Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath were known as Chota Char Dham to differentiate them from the bigger circuit of Char Dham sites.

According to Hindu Dharma, Badrinath became prominent when Nar-Narayan, an avathar of Vishnu did Tapasya there. At that time that place was filled with Berry trees. In Sanskrit language they are called Badri, so the place was named Badrika-Van i.e. the forest of Berry. The particular spot where the Nar-Narayan did Thapasya, a large Berry tree formed covering Him to save Him from rain and sun. Local believe Mata Lakshmi became the Berry tree to save Lord Narayan. Post Tapasya, Narayan said, people will always take Her Name before His Name, hence Hindus always refer "Lakshmi-Narayan ". It was therefore called Badri-Nath i.e. the Lord of Berry forest. This all happened in the Sathya/Sath-Yuga. So Badrinath came to be known as the first Dham.

The second place, Rameshwaram got its importance in the Tretha-Yuga when Lord Rama built a Shiva-Lingam here and worshiped it to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Name Rameshwaram means "Rama's Lord". Rama himself is an Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The third Dhaam Dwarka got its importance in the Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna, The Supreme Lord, made Dwarka His residence instead of Mathura, His birthplace.

The Four Shankaracharya Peeth (Seats) at the Chaar Dham school of Hinduism, created at least four Hindu monastic institutions. He organised the Hindu practitioners under four Maṭhas (Sanskrit: मठ) (institutions/monasteries), with the headquarters at Dvārakā in the West, Jagannatha Puri in the East, Sringeri Sharada Peetham in the South and Badrikashrama in the North.

Transport options from Delhi to Dehradun

  Delhi to Dehradun by Car -

Hire a cab from Delhi to Dehradun, which takes around 4 hours. NH-72A from Chhutmalpur to Dehradun is the best route you may take. The cost of cab ranges from INR 9 to INR 97 per kilometre, depending upon the type of car. Ideal for families and groups.

  Delhi to Dehradun by Bus -

Take a direct bus from Delhi to Dehradun, which takes around 6 hours. Deluxe, Volvo, semi-deluxe and ordinary Uttarakhand State buses depart every hour from ISBT, Kashmere Gate in New Delhi. There is also an overnight deluxe A/C service run by Uttarakhand Tourism. Dehradun ISBT bus stand is located about 5 km from the centre of the city. Ideal for backpackers and single travellers.

  Delhi to Dehradun by Train -

Take a direct Jan Shatabdi train from Delhi NDLS station to Dehradun railway station that takes around 6 hours. Dehradun railway station is located in the city centre. Train is the most comfortable and cost effective mode to travel to Dehradun from Delhi. Ideal for groups and families.

Map of Char Dham Yatra