Arrival in Haridwar

Upon your arrival in the sacred city of Haridwar, be greetedby the serene ambiance that reverberates with spirituality.Check-in at your accommodation and take a moment to soakin the divine aura of this ancient city located at the foothillsof the Himalayas.

GANGA AARTI

The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is a mesmerizing andspiritual experience that should not be missed whenvisiting this holy city. The ceremony takes place twice aday, once in the morning at sunrise and once in theevening at sunset, along the banks of the sacred GangesRiver.Setting: Thousands of devotees gather at Har KiPauri, the main ghat in Haridwar, to witness the aarti. Theghat is lit up with hundreds of diyas (clay lamps) and theair is filled with the fragrance of incense and flowers.Priests: The ceremony is conducted by a group of priestswho chant hymns and offer prayers to the Ganges River.They hold large brass lamps filled with burning ghee(clarified butter) and swing them in rhythmic patterns.Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, leaves, and diyas to theriver as a symbol of their devotion. The diyas are thenfloated on the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle offlickering lights. Atmosphere: The atmosphere during theaarti is one of complete peace and serenity. The chantingof the priests, the flickering diyas, and the gentle flow ofthe river create a truly magical experience.Here are someadditional details about the Ganga Aarti: The morningaarti starts at 5:30 AM and the evening aarti starts at6:00 PM. The duration of the aarti is about 30 minutes.There is no entry fee to attend the aarti. It is best to arriveearly to find a good spot to sit or stand.

Haridwar to Barkot (Approx. Distance: 170 km,Travel Time: 6-7 hours)

Embark on your journey towards Barkot, a scenic townsituated on the banks of the Yamuna River. Traverse throughpicturesque landscapes, witnessing the beauty ofUttarakhand en route. Upon reaching Barkot, relax andprepare for the upcoming spiritual adventures.

Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot

Early morning after breakfast, drive to Jankichatti /Phoolchatti& startyour trek from here to Yamunotri (6kms)(Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost). Aftertaking bath in JamunabaiKund’s warm water and having”Darshan” of “Yamunaji” return to Jankichatti by trek. Laterdrive towards Barkot, Overnight stay at Barkot. YamunotriTemple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present centuryand rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packingit in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the Taptkund.Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad”. Here nearthe temple “Pooja” can be offered to DivyaShila. For MoreInformation visit Yamunotri. Surya Kund: There are a Numberof thermal springs near temple, which flows into numerouspools. The most important of these is Surya Kund. DivyaShila:A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the YamunotriTemple. Yamunotri Weather- In summer the maximun temp. is18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees celsius. The daysare pleasantly cool but the nights are cold

YAMUNOTRI

Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, Yamunotri, thesource of the holy Yamuna River, beckons in the GarhwalHimalayas. A 3-kilometer trek unfolds breathtakingvalleys, leading to the black marble temple dedicated toGoddess Yamuna. Devotees bathe in the icy source,collect sacred water, and immerse themselves in vibrantprayer flags, each whispering wishes against the wind.From the temple’s serenity to the surrounding majesty,Yamunotri, a tapestry of faith and nature, awaits.

SURYA KUND

Surya Kund, in Yamunotri’s embrace, is where the sun’stouch warms holy waters. This 88°C natural spring,named after Surya the Sun God, draws pilgrims seekingboth physical and spiritual solace. Bathe in its steamyembrace, believed to purify and bless, then witness theancient ritual of cooking offerings in its heat. Surya Kund,a legend carved in geothermal warmth, whispers tales offaith and nature in the hushed Himalayas. Immerseyourself, be warned, and soak in the magic, but not fortoo long!

Barkot to Uttarkashi (Approx. Distance: 80 km,Travel Time: 4 hours)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Shivgufa onthe way to Uttarkashi. Arrival in Uttarkashi visitKashiVishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi city, after that checkin to the hotel, day free for rest.Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams, temples. Thename of the town reflects its similarity too and location (asnorth of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi,town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of RiverGanga. For More Information visit Uttarkashi. Shivgufa:Shivgufa is a Small temple between Shivkhori,Barkot&Uttarkashi. Maximum devotee takedarshan and thengo for Uttarkashi. Vishwanath temple – Vishwanath temple isone of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri Statein the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart ofthe town. A massive iron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s,is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the templecomplex. Ganeshji, SakshiGopal, Markandeya Rishi’s smallshrines are also part of the temple complex. AkhandJyoti aswell as AkhandAbhishek, special aarti at morning and eveningare offered. As per SkundaPuran, Uttarkashi is known as‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug andcounted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Shakti temple -Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. Ithas a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and acircumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there aredifferent views about the making of this, the upper part of itseems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper.As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by theGoddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since thenthis Shakti is erected over here. Uttarkashi Weather -Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35degree Celsius but nights is pleasant, Cold in winters.

Vishwanath temple

Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples inNorthern India. Re-constructed in 1857 by MaharaniKhaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architecturalstyle. It is situated at the heart of the town. A massiveiron trident, symbolic of divine mother’s, is erected andworshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex.Ganeshji, SakshiGopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrinesare also part of the temple complex. AkhandJyoti as wellas AkhandAbhishek, special aarti at morning and eveningare offered. As per SkundaPuran, Uttarkashi is known as‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug andcounted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

SHAKTI TEMPLE

Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple.It has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height and acircumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there aredifferent views about the making of this, the upper part ofit seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is ofcopper. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on thedevils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets itsname. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.

Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (Approx.Distance: 100 km, Travel Time: 4-5 hours)

Early morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri, enroute atGangnani take a holy dip in GaramKund, further drive toGangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for itsnature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees,Mountains and Apple garden. On arrival at Shree Gangotri,take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also calledBhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after thatrelax for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later driveback to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi. Harsil:-Harsil, also known as the Mini Switzerland of India, Harsil is avillage, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, on theway to Gangotri, a Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarkashi districtof the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ganges below Gangotri,near HarsilSituated at an altitude of 9,005 ft (2,745 metres.)from sea level, Harsil lies 78 km. from Uttarkashi, and 30 kmaway from the Gangotri National Park which is spread across1,553 square km. The hill station is well- known for its naturalenvironment and apple production. For More Information visitHarsil. Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by theGorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, issituated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. For More Informationvisit Gangotri. Gangotri Weather – The maximum temperatureduring summer can go up to 20° Celsius. Summer nights canget cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Lightwoolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri duringsummer. Winter season is very cold in Gangotri. Gangotri willbe covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrimagecenters remains closed throughout winter due to heavy snowfalls.

HARSHIL

Harsil, also known as the Mini Switzerland of India,Harsil is a village, located on the banks of the BhagirathiRiver, on the way to Gangotri, a Hindu pilgrimage site inUttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.Ganges below Gangotri, near HarsilSituated at an altitudeof 9,005 ft (2,745 metres.) from sea level, Harsil lies 78km. from Uttarkashi, and 30 km away from the GangotriNational Park which is spread across 1,553 square km.The hill station is well- known for its natural environmentand apple production.

GANGOTRI

In the Himalayas’ embrace, where whispers become theGanges’ babbling first words, lies Gangotri. A hushedtown built around a white granite temple, it echoes withlegends of King Bhagiratha, the man who brought theholy river to Earth. Devotees bathe in icy waters nearGaumukh, the glacier’s “cow’s mouth,” searching forpurification. Trek through meadows vibrant withsummer’s bloom, or witness winter’s snow-kissed peaks.Gangotri, a tapestry of faith and nature’s whisper, awaits,but remember, its magic sleeps during winter’s embrace.Plan your pilgrimage well, for the Himalayas have storiesto tell only when snow melts and rivers sing.

Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (Approx. Distance: 210 km,Travel Time: 8-9 hours)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi viaMoolgarh&Lambgoan. Enroute you can see the beautiful riverMandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakiniriver comes fromKedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visitArdhNarishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check into the hotelarrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.Guptakashi:-The name GuptKashi means “Hidden Kashi”.Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers weresearching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himselfat Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley toKedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled.There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnathpandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months,and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, theimage of Kedarnath passes through GuptKashi on its way toUkhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.For More Information visit Guptkashi. Guptkashi Weather -pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30degree Celsius. Cold in winters.

Guptkashi – Kedarnath Dham

Morning after breakfast, drive for Sonprayag for trekking ofkedarnath. (You have to leave hotel too early in the morning).Overnight stay at Kedarnath. By Helicopter: Morning ourdriver will transfer you to your pre-book Helipad. Aftercoming back to helipad our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.By Trek:Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag thenyou have to take local jeep for Gaurikund& then your trek willstart for kedarnathji. After darshan you follow same & back toSonprayag. There is a big parking issue so driver will park thevehicle at other place if his contact no. is not working thenyou have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver & sendthe message any other.

KEDARNATH TREK

In the Himalayas’ heart, where icy wind whispers secretsto snow-capped peaks, lies the Kedarnath trek. Thispilgrim path, 16 kilometers of sun-kissed meadows andrugged climbs, leads hearts and souls towards the iconicKedarnath Temple, perched at 3,583 meters. Devotiondances in the air as chants mingle with the gurgle ofwaterfalls, pilgrims carrying offerings with each step.Ponies and palanquins offer respite, but the true rewardlies in the breathtaking vistas and the slow unveiling ofthe ancient temple. Finally, the temple emerges, carvedfrom massive stones, housing a mystical lingam of LordShiva. Witnessing the sunrise paint its walls gold is anexperience etched in the soul. Beyond the pilgrimage, thetrek reveals adventure in its raw form. Challenge yourselfon the climb to Rudra Gupha’s sacred cave, or standawestruck before the Chorabari Glacier, the Ganges’ icybirthplace. But be warned, this is no casual stroll.Acclimatize, prepare, and respect the mountains’ power.The Kedarnath trek is a test of spirit, a testament tonature’s majesty, and a journey that leaves you forevermarked by the Himalayas’ magic. Remember, it’s not justthe destination, but the path itself that weaves memoriesand whispers untold stories. So, prepare for anunforgettable odyssey, one etched in respect, wonder,and the undying spirit of adventure.

Kedarnath to Guptkashi

Morning visit kedarnath Temple for pooja and after breakfast,checkout from hotel. Overnight stay in Guptkashi. Kedarnath:The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of LordShiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of themajestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of LordShiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having wonover the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of havingkilled their own brothers and sought the blessings of LordShiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and whilefleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. Onbeing followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump onthe surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appearedat four other places and are worshipped there as hismanifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face atRudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair)with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as PanchKedar. For MoreInformation Visit Kedarnath. Kedarnath Weather – Due to itshigh altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for mostpart of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant whilewinter is severe. During summer season the temperaturevaries around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear isrecommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe withmercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time theplace experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extremeclimatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.

Guptkashi to Badrinath (Approx. Distance: 210 km,Travel Time: 8-9 hours)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Check in to thehotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in theTaptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal&Aarti in evening.Brahamakapal is significant for PinddanShraddh of ancestors(Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spot likeMana, VyasGufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund andthe “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just within the 3 kms. ofBadrinath ji. Overnight stay at Badrinath. Badrinath ji is one ofthe ‘Ancient Four Dhams’ and one of the most celebratedpilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at anelevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the twomountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the toweringNeelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This reveredspot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place gotthe name “Badri van”, meaning “forest of berries”. For MoreInformation Visit Badrinath.

TAPTKUND

In Badrinath’s embrace, where legends boil, lies TaptKund. Steamy, 45°C waters, Agni’s touch they say, washaway sins and soothe aches. Dip in before temple bliss,find healing in every hiss. Separate times, bring yourtowel, let ancient whispers make you whole. Tapt Kund,not just a spring, but a holy fling.

VYAS GUFA

Vyas Gufa is a sacred cave near Badrinath, Uttarakhand,India, believed to be where the sage Ved Vyasacomposed the epic Mahabharata. It’s a revered sitevisited by pilgrims for its historical and religioussignificance in Hindu mythology.

MANA VILLAGE

Mana Village is the last inhabited village on the Indianside of the Indo-Tibetan border, located in the Chamolidistrict of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of around3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level, it holdssignificance due to its proximity to the holy pilgrimagesite of Badrinath Temple, just 3 km away. The villageoffers stunning views of the Himalayas and is known forits serene ambiance, traditional Garhwali culture, and thewarmth of its inhabitants. Mana Village also serves as thebase for treks to nearby attractions like Vasudhara Fallsand the Valley of Flowers National Park, adding to itsallure among travelers and pilgrims.

BHIM PAUL

As of my last update in January 2022, there isn’t a widelyrecognized or specific figure known as “Bhim Paul” inmainstream history or contemporary culture. The name”Bhim Paul” could refer to an individual within a local orregional context, a fictional character, or a lesser-knownfigure not covered in widespread knowledge or historicalrecords. If “Bhim Paul” refers to a more recent oremerging figure after my last update, I may not haveinformation on this person. It’s essential to note that myknowledge might not cover very recent developments orobscure individuals. If there’s a specific context oradditional information about “Bhim Paul,” please providemore details for a more accurate response.

Badrinath to Rudraprayag (Approx. Distance: 160km, Travel Time: 7-8 hours)

Morning afterbreakfast, driver for Rudraprayag via Joshimath.Visit on the way Narsingh Temple in Joshimath later driveback to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Check into the hotelarrival in Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence ofthe rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Of the four ‘Maths’established by AdiShankaracharya, Joshimath is the winterseat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath andinstalled in the temple for people to worship. There are manyother temples in the township. The most important is thetemple of NarSingh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. The left armof this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popularbelief holds that the day the arm completely withersBadrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transferthe residence into the neighboring Niti Valley atBhavishyaBadri. For More Information visit Joshimath.Rudraprayag is one of the PanchPrayag (five confluences) ofAlaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda andMandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 kmfrom Rudraprayag. For More Information visit Rudraprayag.Rudraprayag Weather – Generally hot in summer, thetemperature ranges from 35-40 degree Celsius, Winter: TheDays are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp rangesfrom 20 deg to 05 deg.

JOSHIMATH

Joshimath is a town in the Chamoli district ofUttarakhand, India, situated at an elevation of around1,890 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level. It serves as aprominent pilgrimage center and a gateway to variousreligious sites like Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. Thistown is renowned for its temples, including the NarasimhaTemple, where the idol is believed to have beenestablished by the revered Adi Shankaracharya.Additionally, Joshimath serves as a base for treks to theValley of Flowers and Auli, a popular skiing destination.Being a pivotal point for pilgrims and tourists heading tothe higher reaches of the Himalayas, Joshimath offersstunning views of the mountains and serves as a restingplace for travelers exploring this region.

Rudraprayag to Rishikesh (Approx. Distance: 140km, Travel Time: 6-7 hours)

Head towards Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of theWorld’. Explore the numerous ashrams, temples, and theiconic Laxman Jhula, feeling the spiritual vibrations of thisvibrant city.

RISHIKESH RIVER RAFTING

River rafting in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, offers anexhilarating adventure on the Ganges River. It’s a popularoutdoor activity where participants navigate throughrapids and currents on inflatable rafts. Rishikesh isrenowned for its diverse rafting stretches suitable forbeginners to experienced rafters, offering varying levelsof difficulty. The activity provides an adrenaline rushamidst the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas andadds a thrilling experience to a visit to Rishikesh.

LAXMAN JULLA & RAM JULLA

Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are suspension bridgessituated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. Laxman Jhula,named after Lord Laxman from the Hindu epic Ramayana,spans the river Ganges and connects two banks. RamJhula, named after Lord Rama, is another suspensionbridge in the same area. These iconic bridges aresignificant landmarks in Rishikesh and hold cultural andreligious importance, attracting tourists and pilgrims.They offer stunning views of the Ganges River and thesurrounding Himalayas, while also being hubs for shops,temples, and tourist activities.

Rishikesh to Haridwar/Delhi Drop

Conclude your soulful journey as you head back to Haridwar,carrying cherished memories and spiritual blessings. Take afinal glimpse of the holy Ganges before departing for youronward journey. Indulge in this spiritually enriching expeditionacross the Char Dham circuit, where every destination holdsprofound religious significance amidst nature’s breathtakingbeauty.