The heart and soul of Indian Civilization and culture is the Himalayas – the largest range of Mountains in the World. It is said that one’s life is incomplete without the experience of sighting the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. For Hindus, the Himalayas is the ultimate religious destination as it treasures most of the holy places in it lap. Char Dham Yatra tour can give the ultimate of all the main Holy Places in the Abode of Gods and at the same time, make you feel the picturesque ranges and mountains.
On arriving at the Delhi airport, you will be met by a Yatra representative and taken in an air-conditioned vehicle to Haridwar, about 230 kilometers from Delhi (approx. 6 hours). Snacks will be served to you onboard. A stop will be made for a late lunch at Khatauli. After arriving at Haridwar, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and relax for sometime. In the evening, an English-speaking host will show you around this spiritual town and take you to the Har-ki-Paudi ghat to witness the ‘aarti’ (ceremony). The aarti takes place at twilight on the holy river Ganges. It is a beautiful ceremony in which a group of priests hold fire bowls in their hands and offer their homage to the river, Lord Shiva, the sun and the universe.Spend a few hours at Har-ki-Paudi - one of the most sacred ghats in India, and watch the tiny earthen oil lamps drift down the Ganges in a display of myriad flickering lights. This ghat is believed to be built by king Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari who had come to meditate here on the bank of Ganga. There are many legends associated with this ghat. The ambience of Hari-ki-Paudi brings upon a sense of clam on you. Return to your hotel in Haridwar, enjoy your dinner and spend the night.
After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel in Haridwar, start on your journey to Barkot, about 184 kilometers from Haridwar. It is a very scenic mountain route. Stop by at the roaring Kempty Falls, Lakahamandal – an Archaeological Survey of India protected site (about 5 kilometers from the main road). Further on, visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. After paying your tribute at this shrine, continue on your drive to Barkot. Barkot is a beautiful town nestled in the Rawain Valley of Uttarkashi District on the banks of the Yamuna. The locals of Rawain are very warm and friendly, though they have been cut off from the rest of Garhwal due to its remote location. Their culture is similar yet distinct from the rest of Garhwal; and it is this that makes this area exceptionally interesting. This tour is a great chance to meet the locals, share a meal with them, and learn a thing or two about their culture and heritage. You can take in stunning views of the Banderpunch Range and the little villages speckled on the lower reaches of the surrounding hills. The town is en route to the Yamunotridham. On arrival, check-in at a pre-booked hotel in Barkot and spend the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Today you will travel for about 8 hours before halting for the night in Barkot.
After breakfast, set out on a morning drive about 45 kilometers up to Jankichatti. Further on, travel approx. 5 kilometers on foot to Yamunotri. Here you can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the kund (hot water spring). Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as a "Prasad". Near the temple "Pooja" can be offered at DivyaShila, after taking bath in JamunabaiKund's warm water and paying tribute to "Yamunaji". After offering prayers at the shrine, return to Hanumanchatti, and further back to Barkot.Return to your hotel in Barkot and spend the night.
A fortifying breakfast at your hotel in Barkot prepares you for your journey ahead to Uttarkashi, about 120 kilometers away (an approx. 5-hour drive). You will arrive around lunch time in Uttarkashi. Check-in at a pre-booked hotel for your overnight stay. Situated at an elevation of 1158 meters, the picturesque town of Uttarkashi is nestled on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi is home to a many ashrams and temples, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It is the land of holiest of pilgrimages of Hindus, the Gangotri and Yamunotri - within the bounds of its land the two holiest rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna originate. You are at leisure in the evening to stroll around, mingle with the locals, browse the attractions, and take pictures. Dine at your hotel and spend the night.
Destinations
Haridwar is an astonishing city, located in Uttarakand, India. It is a favorite tourist destinations spots amongst Hindus. The place is well known for its majestic beauty and religious importance. The religions programs and functions organized here not only attract the local tourist, but international customers as well. Har ki Pauri and Chandi Devi shrine are some of the quite famous and well visited places. It is one of the 7 holiest places that are quite often visited by Hindus. Kumba Mela, which is organized once in every 12 years, is a must to see occasions. It is connected with all modes of transportations and the weather is good throughout the year.
Barkot is an enchanting town that is located in Uttarkashi District, of Uttarakhand state in India. It is situated on the banks of the beautiful and historical bank of river Yamuna. It is an ideal place for vacationers and picnickers. This place is bestowed with natural beauty, which will steal your heart. You can easily reach this place through air, road, and railway mode. Some of the places that are close to Barkot are Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Uttarkashi. All these places are well known for their tourist attraction, and offer various fun activities to its visitors. The best climate to visit this place is during winter and rainy season.
Jankichatti is a famous and natural city located in Uttrakhand. On its way you can visit the historical temple of Yamunotri. This place is quite famous for its hot springs and is visited by hundreds of tourists every year. You can enjoy a dip in the hot spring and enjoy the cool and beautiful atmosphere. The water is believed to revitalize your mind and body, especially when you tired of traveling. The common mode of transportation is ponies and dandies. The climate here is cool and pleasant throughout the year. It is undoubtedly a perfect vacationing place.
The beautiful and calm place of Yamunotri is located to the North of Uttarkashi, in Uttarkhand in India. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage places, visited by thousands of Hindus every year and is known to be one of the Char Dhams. It is located on the river of Yamuna and the shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna. The thermal springs that is located in Janki Chatti is another major attraction spots of this place. The weather here is pleasant, and welcomes tourist at anytime of the year. You can reach this place via road, as there is no direct transportation to reach this place.
