Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Rishikesh - Rudraprayag - Guptakashi - Kedarnath - Badrinath - Devprayag/ Srinagar - Haridwar - Delhi
Kedarnath Temple Opening Dates : May 10, 2024
Badrinath Temple Opening Dates : May 12. 2024
DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI – HARIDWAR 200 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
After your arrival in Delhi, you are met and drive to Haridwar. The distance between Delhi and Haridwar is approximately 200 kilometers, and it takes around 5 hours to drive there. Upon reaching Haridwar, you check-in at your pre-booked hotel.
Evening Aarti and Pooja at Hari Ki Pauri: In the evening, you can witness the famous Aarti and Pooja ceremony at Hari Ki Pauri. It is a significant ritual that takes place on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar.
The Aarti involves offering prayers, lighting lamps, and chanting hymns. It is a beautiful and spiritual experience that attracts numerous devotees and tourists. After the evening Aarti and Pooja, you return to your hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 02: HARIDWAR – GUPTKASHI VIA RUDRAPRAYAG (205 KM / 08 HRS DRIVE)
After spending the night in Haridwar, you start your day by driving to Guptkashi. Guptkashi is located approximately 205 kilometers away from Haridwar and the journey takes around 8 hours. You will be passing through Rudraprayag along the way.
Rudraprayag : Rudraprayag is a town situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is a significant religious site and a popular stopover for pilgrims traveling to the Char Dham Yatra (pilgrimage to the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand).
You might take a short break in Rudraprayag before continuing your journey.
Upon reaching Guptkashi, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. After settling in at the hotel, you will spend the night in Guptkashi. Take some rest and prepare for the next day's Yatra.
DAY 03: GUPTKASHI – SONPRAYAG - GAURIKUND - KEDARNATH
Early morning proceed to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located amidst the majestic Kedarnath range. The trekking route to Kedarnath is well-established and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a significant part of the
pilgrimage experience for many devotees. You can choose to trek or take a shared jeep to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek.
In addition to trekking, hiring mules/horses or palanquins (a covered seat carried by porters) are also common modes of transportation to reach Kedarnath from Guptkashi. These options provide alternatives for those who may prefer not to trek the entire distance or have physical limitations. Hiring mules/horses
or palanquins can make the journey more accessible and manageable for some pilgrims.
Kedarnath Dham: Kedarnath is a revered pilgrimage site located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) amidst the breathtaking Kedarnath range of the Garhwal Himalayas. The town of Kedarnath is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and holds immense religious significance. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple's history dates back thousands of years, with its origins attributed to the Pandavas, the legendary heroes of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.
According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought penance for their sins of fratricide (killing their own relatives) during the battle. They were in search of Lord Shiva, who was avoiding them to test their devotion. Finally, at Kedarnath, Lord Shiva, disguised as a bull, submerged himself into the ground to evade them. The hump of the bull remained visible on the surface, which is worshipped as the divine form of Lord Shiva in the Kedarnath Temple.
The temple's architecture follows traditional North Indian style and is built of large stone slabs. It is believed to have been reconstructed and renovated over the centuries by various rulers and devotees. The main shrine houses the lingam (phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva. Surrounding the temple are numerous smaller shrines and statues dedicated to other deities.
Kedarnath holds great spiritual significance and attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims from all over the world, especially during the pilgrimage season from April to November. The journey to Kedarnath is considered arduous and involves trekking through picturesque mountain trails, which adds to the sense of adventure and devotion for the pilgrims.
The serene and awe-inspiring natural beauty of Kedarnath, coupled with its rich historical and religious importance, makes it a place of profound spiritual experience and introspection for visitors. It stands as a symbol of devotion and reverence to Lord Shiva in the magnificent Himalayan landscape
After visiting the Kedarnath shrine, you will spend the night in Kedarnath. There are several accommodation options available near the shrine, including guesthouses and lodges, where you can rest overnight.
DAY 04: KEDARNATH - GUPTKASHI – BADRINATH BY ROAD 185 KMS 07 HOURS DRIVE
After completing your visit to the Kedarnath Temple, you begin your journey towards Badrinath. Since Kedarnath does not have a direct road connection to Badrinath. You will first need to return to Guptkashi. From Guptkashi, you continue your road journey to Badrinath. En route, you will pass through the town of Joshimath,
Which is an important stopover point for travelers heading to Badrinath.
Joshimath is known for its religious significance and as a base for the winter seat of the Badrinath deity. Upon reaching Badrinath, you check-in at your pre-booked hotel.
Evening Darshan at Badrinath Temple: In the evening, you visit the renowned Badrinath Temple for darshan (worship). Badrinath is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple holds immense religious importance and is believed to be one of the Char Dham (four sacred sites) pilgrimage destinations.
According to mythology, Badrinath is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu meditated in the form of the Badri tree to attain salvation. The present-day Badrinath temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned 8th-century philosopher and theologian who played a significant role in reviving Hinduism.
After the darshan at the Badrinath Temple, you will spend the night at your hotel in Badrinath. Take some time to explore the serene surroundings and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this holy town.
DAY 05: BADRINATH - MANA VILLAGE - RUDRAPRAYAG 160 KMS 05 HOURS DRIVE
Visit Mana Village: After breakfast, you can explore Mana Village, which is the last inhabited village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. Mana Village holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with the epic Mahabharata. It is believed to be the place where the Pandavas (heroes of the Mahabharata) ascended to heaven at the end of their journey.
Drive to Rudraprayag: After visiting Mana Village, you will proceed to Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag is a town situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, known for its religious significance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed Tandava, the celestial dance of destruction. The distance from Badrinath to Rudraprayag is approximately 160 kilometers, and it usually takes around 5 hours by road. Enjoy the scenic drive as you traverse through the beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand.
Upon reaching Rudraprayag, you will check-in at your pre-booked hotel and settle in. Take some time to relax and explore the surroundings of this riverside town.
Spend the night at your hotel in Rudraprayag, enjoying the tranquility of the place and preparing for the next leg of your journey.
DAY 06: RUDRAPARYAG - RISHIKESH 130 KMS 04 HOURS DRIVE
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Rishikesh. Rudraprayag is approximately 130 kilometers away from Rishikesh.
Drive to Rishikesh: Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way through the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand. The drive usually takes around 4 hours, but please note that travel times can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
Arrival in Rishikesh: Upon reaching Rishikesh, you will check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Rishikesh is a renowned spiritual destination nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, on the banks of the holy Ganges River. It is known for its serene ambiance, yoga and meditation centers, and sacred temples.
Explore Rishikesh: Once you have settled in at the hotel, you can explore the attractions of Rishikesh. Visit the famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges that span the Ganges River. These bridges offer panoramic views of the river and the surrounding hills. You can also visit various ashrams and temples in Rishikesh, known for their spiritual significance.
Relax and Enjoy Rishikesh: Rishikesh is also known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and offers numerous opportunities for yoga and meditation classes. You can choose to participate in these activities or simply relax by the riverside, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Overnight Stay: Spend the night at your hotel in Rishikesh, rejuvenating yourself after the journey and immersing in the spiritual atmosphere of this renowned destination.
DAY 07: RISHIKESH – DELHI 250 KMS 06 HOURS DRIVE
Morning Sightseeing in Rishikesh: After breakfast, you can spend the morning exploring more of Rishikesh. You can visit the famous temples, ashrams, and ghats along the Ganges River. Take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, witness the morning rituals and ceremonies, or even participate in a yoga or meditation session if you wish.
Departure from Rishikesh: After the sightseeing in Rishikesh, you will begin your journey back to Delhi. Rishikesh is approximately 250 kilometers away from Delhi.
Drive to Delhi: Enjoy the scenic drive as you make your way from Rishikesh to Delhi. The journey usually takes around 6 hours, but please note that travel times can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
Arrival in Delhi: Upon reaching Delhi, you will be dropped off at your desired location within the city. Delhi, the capital of India, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and numerous attractions. You can explore the city further on your own or make arrangements for your onward travel from Delhi.
Click here to get details for:
ONLY KEDARNATH TOUR 2024
CHAR DHAM YATRA TOUR 2024
CHAR DHAM YATRA OPENING & CLOSING DATES 2024
