Char Dham Yatra

Shri Badrinath Dham: is considered the holiest of the four important shrines. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan and the shadow of Nilkantha peak. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu the preserver and protector of Hindu Divine Trinity.

Shri Kedarnath Dham: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar. 

Gangotri Dham: The Shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi. The temples opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. 

Yamunotri Dham: is the Source of Yamunotri River and the seat of Godess Yamuna,it is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas,The main attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna, like the Ganges, has been elavated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.

DESTINATION : DELHI – HARIDWAR – BARKOT – YAMUNOTRI – UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI – GUPTKASHI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – RISHIKESH – DELHI.

DAY 01: DELHI / HARIDWAR

Morning Pick up from Delhi airport or Railway station and drive to Haridwar, Reach Haridwar Check in at the hotel and welcome drink & mini refreshments at arrival,Visit Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti in the evening.Dinner & overnight stay at Haridwar. Post Dinner, Trip Leader's brief on Holy Chardham Yatra.. Temples in Haridwar which are major attraction of this Saint city are, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev, Anandmai ashram, Vaishno Devi Temple,Doodhdhari Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir.

Haridwar : Lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttaranchal , is a doorway. Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth forms Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of king Sagara. In the traditional of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder.

It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas. The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual.

DAY 02: HARIDWAR / BARKOT

Early morning wake up call for ganges bathing and Surya Namaskar at Saptrishi Ghat, breakfast and later leave for journey to the first of your Dham, Yamunotri, (daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya. .Drive to Barkot will be via Dehradun ,Mussoorie and visiting Kempty fall enroute. Dinner & Overnight stay at Barkot.

DAY 03: BARKOT / YAMUNOTRI / BARKOT {30KMS DRIVE & 7KMS TREK (ONE SIDE)}

Morning Wake up and leave for Yamunotri Darshan, your first of Himalayan Chardham. Drive to Hanuman Chatti, from here you have to take local jeeps for Janki chatti (It helps to reduce the trek upto 8 kms),trek start from here to Yamunotri (6kms).Either by walk or by Hiring Pony or by Palanquin. Arrival Yamunotri, ( One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad".

Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila), After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" returning to Hanumanchatti. Later drive back to Barkot. Overnight stay at Hotel.
 
Surya Kund :- There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila :- A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

DAY 04: BARKOT / UTTARKASHI

Morning breakfast and leave for Uttarkashi, literally meaning Kashi of north. Enroute Journey breaks at Brahamkhal and Dharasu band. Later reach Uttarkashi in time for Lunch. Rest of the evening at leisure.Later visit Vishwanath Temple.Dinner & stay overnight at Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi.

DAY 05: UTTARKASHI / GANGOTRI / UTTARKASHI (200 KMS)

Early morning wakeup call and light breakfast proceed for Gangotri. Enroute journey break at Gangnani, hot water spring, later continue for Gangotri temple. Post Puja, lunch at Gangotri. Later leave for Uttarkashi. Dinner & stay overnight at Uttarkashi.
 
Gangotri Temple :- The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.

Submerged Shivling :- Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.

DAY 06: UTTARKASHI / GUPTKASHI

Morning post breakfast leave for Guptkashi for the Kedarnath darshan, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.Drive to Guptkashi enroute visiting Heritage Tehri Town and lake which is developed by Submerging whole town under it, Reach Guptkashi a large village located in Kedar Khanda. It is famous for the ancient Vishwanath Temple - dedicated to god Shiva - similar to the one in Varanasi.Overnight stay at Guptkashi

DAY 07: GUPTKASHI / KEDARNATH

Morning drive to Gaurikund, Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Kedarnath Temple. Night halt.

Gaurikund :- At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters., one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath. Kedarnath :- The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer.

According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The r! emaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

DAY 08: KEDARNATH / RUDRAPRAYAG

Early morning, after Temple Darshan trek down to Gaurikund. Later, drive to Rudraprayag. Check in Hotel at the hotel in Rudraprayag. Overnight Night Halt.

Rudraprayag : Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). The presence of two separate routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag render great importance to the place. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.

DAY 09: RUDRAPRAYAG / BADRINATH

Morning Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Later at evening visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti.Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop.

This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries". Overnight stay at Badrinath.

Tapt Kund :- Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund :- A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal :- A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra :- 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka :- 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple :- Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village :- Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara :- As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.

Bhim Pul :- On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

DAY 10: BADRINATH / SRINAGAR

Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sight seeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Later drive back to Srinagar. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay at Srinagar.

DAY 11: SRINAGAR / RISHIKESH

Early morning, visit Narsingh Temple & Shankracharaya Math. Later, Drive back to Rishikesh. Check in Hotel.Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga  and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of " Hrishikesh " and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh. Overnight stay at Rishikesh. Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Shivananda Ashram, Parmarth Ashram.

DAY 12: RISHIKESH / DELHI

Drive back to Delhi. On Arr. Delhi, transfer to Railway Station / Airport. Tour Terminate.

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Uttarakhand Tourism - Awesome Travel Experience

The team (first two Tests): Uttarakhand is a situation in the southern element of Native indian situated around considerable hilly deviates. Previously known as Uttaranchal it is generally known as the place of Gods or Dev Bhumi as it helps as the house of many Hindu temples or wats or wats. Trip and pleasurable in Uttarakhand is involves exciting typical situation, awesome temples or wats or wats relaxing in its surrounding and the success and way of life and customized made of the people. All these aspects make Uttarakhand take a trip relevant a well known visitor place in the land. 

Beholding a enjoyable atmosphere Uttarakhand holds vacationers coming from the different cracks of the land and the group through all four circumstances of the year. Tourists are serious by magnificent green herbs around and the awesome view of the Dev Bhumi that make a individuals trip to Uttarakhand an tough trip full of perspective treats.

 Uttarakhand, overlaying an place of 20,682 sq km was founded making out a element from the wonderful Himalayas and its regional situation Uttar Pradesh. It shares its location with Tibet, Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Dehradun helps as it investment finance and also it is the biggest city of the situation. This awesome situation giving with typical historical past is also well-known for its handlooms and designs and this creativity of art is proven completely throughout a individuals trip to Uttarakhand.

 There are many visitor areas in Uttarakhand founded by the considerable hillsides, awesome mountain programs, eye-catching drops, traditional temples or wats or wats and so on. The typical wonder and abundant public and traditional historical past types the concentrate on of the market of take a trip relevant in Uttarakhand. The most well-known place of Uttarakhand is Nainital which has been providing as a holiday place from age range. With exciting beauty and enjoyable environment Nainital is also well-known as a honeymoon vacation vacation place.

 The hilly deviates, drops and abundant herbs level this mountain place as a awesome exotic. Other considerable destinations of Uttarakhand are: Jageshwar forehead, Nanda devi, Subject of flowers nationwide playground, Garwhal Himachal, Mindroling monastery, Bhiagirathiflow, Brahmakund, Jhula load, Nainital Lake, Haridwar and so on. All these locations together make a trip to Uttarakhand an tough trip of life. Uttarakhand is well connected to the group with every methods of carry such as track, street and air providers. 

Pantargand, Uttarkashi and so on helps as the guitar neck connections while all other considerable locations helps as the street and practice connections for the place. Uttarakhand is well gained with wide range of rooms such as deluxe to funds rooms in Uttarakhand. All the rooms are designated with contemporary success yet keeping a traditional and public decorum. Thus, all these make Uttarakhand a perfect take a trip place. Experience a trip to Uttarakhand and enjoy a relaxing trip through the roadways of characteristics.

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History of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a very rich and vibrant past. Many ancient Hindu texts have mentioned Uttarakhand as the combined land of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand; the two mountain regions which are now the modern day Kumaon and Garhwal. Being ruled by many races and inhabited by even more, Uttarakhand has seen various phases and has changed greatly over the years.

Uttarakhand in ancient times:

Kols, an aboriginal tribe (Dravidian Type), are believed to be the original settlers of the land and were later joined by the Khas (Indo Aryan) during the Vedic period. The various dynasties that ruled Uttarakhand have been many, including the Kunindas in the 2nd BC, the Naga dynasty during the 4th Century; the Katyuri Dynasty entered the land during the 7th century and ruled till the 14th century. Such a long period of rule influenced the land a lot and the architecture, temples as well as cultural influences on the area (present Kumaon), can still be traced back to them.

Division of Garhwal and Kumaon Kingdom:

During the medieval period, Garhwal and Kumaon got divided and for some time flourished independently and separately.

Kumaon came under the rule of Chand Kings (13th to 18th Century) who improved it in very many ways. Amongst the many things, the most famous and influential that emerged from this time, is the unique form of painting, which is still alive, in the form of Pahari style.

Likewise, Garhwal became the kingdom of the Panwar kings who had migrated from the plains and were of Rajput and Brahmin class and improved the land in cultural as well as social aspects.

Gurkha Kingdom:

Nepal was seeing the rise in its empire in the 18th century and as it expanded, it laid siege on the adjacent land. Kumaon was attacked and taken over in the year 1719, after Almora was attacked.
Garhwal followed suit, coming under the Nepal kingdom in 1803.

Anglo Nepalese War:

Things turned with the entry of the English and their intentions to take over the whole country. With the Anglo Nepalese war in the year 1816, the regions were regained from the Nepalese by the Treaty of Sugauli and Garhwal and Kumaon came under the English Empire.

Independence and After:

Independence saw the merging of both the regions into the state of Uttar Pradesh. The name Uttarakhand now remained to identify the hilly regions of the state. In the year 1979, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, a political party was formed which voiced the people's wish for a separate state. The demand went on without much results and it was in 1994,that things turned around. On the night of 1st October, 1994, the infamous Rampur Tiraha firing took place, which was a shame on the Uttar Pradesh police. The police opened fire on the unarmed activists of the party who were going to Delhi to protest.

The event was followed by a public uproar and the government took notice of the long pending plea of the people of the hills.The bill to grant Uttarakhand the status of a separate state was thus passed during the year of 1998. On November 9, 2000 a separate state was made by the name of Uttaranchal. The name which had been changed from Uttarakhand was seen as a political act, hurting the public sentiments. After much controversy and many agitations, the name of Uttaranchal was changed to Uttarakhand in 2006, giving the glory back to the long awaiting land.

Uttarakhand Today:

Today Uttarakhand is a little state which is famous all over the country for having innumerable places of tourist attractions as well as places of religious importance. Uttarakhand is also emerging as a preferred place for adventure tourism.Be it excellent education, a vibrant culture or the sheer simplicity of its people, Uttarakhand, the land of gods, is an unforgettable experience.

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Nainital

Nainital - The beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres. In 1841, the British first discovered Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India

Nainital is a modem hill resort of northern India (336 kms from Delhi) connected by best-aligned and maintained roads from the railhead of Kathgodam. Railway line was laid upto Kathgodam in 1882. The road passes through forests where occasionally wild animals can also be seen. "Naini" is derived from the temple of goddess Naini which was built on the bank of the lake but later got destroyed due to land slides in the year 1880, The place is mentioned in Skand Puran as 'Trishul Sarover'. Tri Rishi (three sages Atri, Pulastiya and Pulha) had come there for pilgrimage while they were at Gagar range (now called China Peak), they felt thirsty and could not find any water. Thereafter, they thought of Man Sarover and dug a hole which at once got filled with water.

Nainital remains packed from April to November with tourist for sight seeing as well as for seeking escape from the heat of the plains. Naini lake has facilities for boating and yatching. Facilities for horse riding, skating, golf and rock climbing are also available for the visitors. Fishing is also permitted with the permission of local authorities. Talli Tal and Malli Tal are the two main trading centre at Nainital

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Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the queen of the hills, is one of the most popular and fascinating hill resort of northern India. Its green hills and varied fauna and flora make it a colourful and picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the North-East, and Panoramic view of the Doon valley to the south.

The place came to be known as Mussoorie due to unlimited growth of a bush locally known as Mussoorie. The town presents fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Its history dates back to 1811 when the place was purchased by an European Major Hearsey from the local land lord. Later he sold it to the East India Company in the year 1812. In 1812, the next-door township of landour was made a sanitorium and convalescent depot for troops. In 1827 Captain Young, an adventurous British Army officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort with the opening of shooting box on Landour hills. In 1832 Col. Averest then Surveyer General of India opened his office in Mussoorie. In 1880, it became the residence of Afghan detenue Yakub Khan, the Ex-Amir of Afghanistan for summer with winter residence in Dehradun. However, later it remained the summer residence of their Royal Highness, the Duke and Duches of Conn aught. Development of Mussoorie started after rail link was established between Haridwar and Dehradun in 1890.

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Haridwar

Haridwar meaning ‘Gateway to God’ is one of the seven holiest places of the Hindus. It is the place where river Ganga descends to the plains. The district as formed in 1988 as part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionary and in 2000 was included in the state of Uttarakhand.

Haridwar is often mentioned in ancient scriptures and even referred during the British times. With Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad, Haridwar forms the four important pilgrimage centres of India where is celebrated here after every 3 years rotated over these 4 destinations. will be held in Haridwar in 2014. It is referred as the Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokhsadwar in ancient writings. Haridwar is also one of the four places where drops of Amrit or nectar fell from the pitcher which was being carried by Garuda, the heavenly bird and the spot is known as Brahma Kund or Har-ki-Pauri. is the most holy place in Haridwar where thousands of devotees take a dip. It is believed that Prince Bhagirath served self-punishment here to rescue the souls of his ancestors who had died due to the curse of Kapil Muni. His prayers were answered and Ganga flowed from the locks of Lord Shiva and revived the sons of King Sagara. Therefore, according to the Hindus salvation of the ancestors can be reached by standing on the holy waters at Har-ki-pauri.

Har-ki-pauri is the most important place of Haridwar where thousands of people take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. At twilight, when evening aarti is performed the reflection of the golden diyas that keep floating on the river offers an enchanting view of the ghat to the visitors. The Chandi Devi temple built by Suchat Singh is located on the top of a Neel Parvat on the banks of river Ganga. The Maya Devi temple is located at a place where it is said that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar. It is also famous as one of the Siddhapeethas. Another important temple is the Mansa Devi temple is located atop Bilwa Parwat and is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. Festivals like the Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela, Ganga Dashara, Gughal Mela are celebrated with lots of pomp and gaiety.

The Neel Dhara bird sanctuary is a must visit place for bird watchers as it is home to several migratory birds. Haridwar offers a number of accommodation options like Hotel Alakananda of UP. Haridwar is also as an important industrial township of Uttaranchal after the state government agency, SIDCUL (State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation of Uttranchal Ltd.) set up the Integrated Industrial Estate thereby attracting many important industrial houses and manufacturing units

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Char Dham Yatra:

Char Dham denotes the most sacred pilgrimage of Hindu’s. In Uttarakhand those pilgrimage are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Traditionally Chardaham cover's the way west to east, so the way to cover the holy pilgrim is start from Yamunotri then Gangotri and that Kedarnath and finally we go to Badrinath.

Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to Yamuna and Gangotri dedicated to Ganga and Kedarnath Dham dedicated to Lord Shiva and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Every year thousands of pilgrims reach at that place. To arrive Yamunotri Temple everyone need to trek 5 kms each side and to arrive Kedarnath ji one can trek 14 kms one side. Gangotri and Badrinath ji are motor road connected.

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