The Spiritual Char Dham Tour is a journey in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand state of India, the destination is to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Famously called the “Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand”, these four sites hold a lot of spiritual significance in Hinduism. The travel experience not only offers darshan of divine temples but also upholds the pristine Himalayan legend and lifestyle as it takes you through the holy ghats of Haridwar to the amazing trails, rivers and villages of Uttarakhand. During this lifetime journey, you witness sacred river confluences, perform holy rituals, attend blissful aartis and connect your soul amidst the lap of Himalayas. Chetram Holidays provides an all inclusive travel experience including stays, transfers and guided excursions ensuring you can then focus on only the spirituality of the Char Dham.
On your arrival by train/road at Haridwar meet with our tour representative. Once you arrive, check in the hotel and chill. You should also see the beautiful Ganga Aarti held at Har Ki Pauri in the evening; a wonderful act where priests recite shastras, diyas float on the sacred river and feel sublime. Take a walk along the busy ghats or grab a quick local snack like jalebi or rasmalai. Haridwar for dinner and night stay.
Post breakfast drive to Barkot. On the way, take a break at Mussoorie known as The Queen of Hills to see Kempty Falls and the stunning view of the Himalayas. It is a drive on mountainous winding roads accompanied by the Yamuna River throughout your way. Arrive in Barkot and check-in to the Hotel have a peaceful stay as the next day will get you on your Char Dham Circuit. Overnight stay in Barkot.
Drive to Jankichatti/ Phoolchatti, trek start from here for Yamunotri Temple. You can choose to trek, hire a pony or take a doli. After reaching here, take a holy bath in Surya Kund and cook rice (pilaf) by packing it up in a hot spring, which you are offering prasad. Darshan at Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Drive back to Jankichatti and Trek down, and arrive at Barkot. Overnight stay in Barkot.
After breakfast, drive towards Uttarkashi, situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Visit the famous Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi is a hub for pilgrims heading to Gangotri and houses numerous ashrams. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the river. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Morning at leisure, afternoon drive to Gangotri Temple (3048 m) early. En-route halt at Gangnani for a holy dip in Garam Kund. Move from one picturesque Himalayan setting to the next before arriving at Gangotri. Freshen up in Bhagirathi River and go to Gangotri Temple of Goddess Ganga. After you are done with mediation near the river, drive your way back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
After breakfast, drive towards Guptkashi. On the way, get a chance to see the holy confluences in Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag where rivers from different sources meet and become one. On arrival at Guptkashi check-in to the hotel and if you wish visit Ardh Narishwar temple. The beautiful site in the lap of snow capped peaks at Guptkashi, a perfect setting to seek some spiritual solace. You could pass the evening chatting to other pilgrims or walking around this little town before turning in. Overnight stay in Guptakshi.
Early morning, drive to Sonprayag and from here take a local jeep to Gaurikund, base for Kedarnath trek. The pilgrims can go by trek, which means walking, on a pony or Dolis. Begin the trek through the Himalayan vistas, crossing waterfalls and aqueducts on the way to Kedarnath. Get an overnight rest and go for Kedarnath Temple Evening aarti. Night stay guesthouse Kedarnath near Holy Temple of Kedarnath.
Wake up early for the Mangala Aarti at Kedarnath Temple. This experience of the temple break for me is witnessing it being touched by the first rays of sun up on the 11th day as the shrine sits surrounded by snow studded peaks. Trek back to Gaurikund and further drive back to Guptkashi. Upon arrival check into your hotel and rest after the long journey. You can also spend the day exploring the local markets or relax amidst the peaceful Himalayan ambiance. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
After breakfast, get ready to drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening visit the Badrinath Temple, one of the holiest Char Dham shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Experience the evening aarti in an atmosphere filled with chants, incense and ringing bells which resonates throughout the valley. Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Get up at the daybreak to attempt holy darshan at the Badrinath Temple. After the puja, head out to Mana Village (last village before the Indo-Tibet border) known for Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. Do visit Tapt Kund which is a natural hot water spring near the temple. After sightseeing, drive back to Haridwar from Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Upon arrival in Haridwar you will be dropped at the railway station or bus stand for your further journey.
