The Holy Do Dham Yatra

KEDARNATH: The magnificent Kedarnath Temple stands on the fragments of an ancient glacier that melted long back. The temple adds charm to the beautiful Mandakini valley and is cupped by soaring peaks. The temple is believed to be built by the protagonists of the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas. The temple was built as penance from Lord Shiva for killing their kins and friends. The region is a living testimony to his adventures and exploits.

The journey to Kedarnath is the most significant of the 12 jyotirlingas located in different parts of India. It lets you relive ancient legends and tales and to unite with God.

BADRINATH: The Badrinath shrine is accepted to be as old as time itself. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, this temple was re-built up by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century as a major aspect of his main goal to renew Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the Rishi Ganga (Alaknanda), the temple, and the various adorable destinations around it, is  a commendable place to go for. The last 11 kilometers to Badrinath is a adventurous steep uphill walk. At Devadarshini, the beauty of the whole Badrinath valley shows up before you – the township, the eminent façade of the temple and the twin mountain ranges Nar and Narayan as gatekeeper on its either side, and the Neelkanth sparkling like a crown on its head!

The experience is mesmerising  and worth having.

ROUTING:

DAY 01:  DELHI – HARIDWAR                         (BY TRAIN/FLIGHT/SURFACE)                ALT: 0294 M

                HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH                (DRIVE: 25 KM / 01 Hr)                        ALT: 0360 M

DAY 02:  RISHIKESH – GUPTKASHI                 (DRIVE: 185 Km / 06 Hr)                       ALT: 1319 M

DAY 03:  GUPTKASHI – KEDARNATH                (DRIVE: 35 Km / 1.5 Hr | TREK: 16 Km) ALT: 3584 M

DAY 04:  KEDARNATH - GUPTKASHI                 (TREK: 16 Km | DRIVE: 35 Km / 1.5 Hr) ALT: 1319 M

DAY 05:  GUPTKASHI – BADRINATH                 (DRIVE: 165 Km / 06 Hr)                       ALT: 3096 M

DAY 06:  BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG             (DRIVE: 160 Km / 06 Hr)                       ALT: 0610 M

DAY 07: RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR               (DRIVE: 165 Km / 05-06 Hr)                   ALT: 0294 M

DAY 08:  HARIDWAR – DELHI                           (BY TRAIN/FLIGHT/SURFACE)                 ALT: 0216 M

                                                                                                                                     “TRIP CONCLUDES HERE”

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 01: DELHI – HARIDWAR              (SURFACE / TRAIN / FLIGHT)                    ALT: 0294 M

              HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH       (25 KM DRIVE / 01 HR)                             ALT: 0360 M

Arrive at Haridwar railway station / Dehradun airport. Meet and greet by our representative and drive to Rishikesh. Arrive at hotel and check in.

In the afternoon a short sightseeing of Rishikesh followed by aarti ceremony at the Parmarth Niketan / Triveni Ghat.

Overnight is at hotel in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh is the base to Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by Shivalik hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'.

Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for pilgrims but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. Compared to Haridwar, Rishikesh is more tranquil and offers some of the best meditation spot. A number of Ashrams (hermitages) offer Yoga and meditation courses for those in quest of spiritual fulfillment. Some come to Rishikesh to learn the ways of the mystics while others come here to discover their inner selves. Rishikesh has recently developed to be an important centre for treatment using the ancient methods of treatment nature and Ayurveda for difficult to treat ailments and stress induced problems. The international Yoga Festival held here every year (1st-7th March) on the banks of river Ganga attracts participation from all across the globe.

Not only for pilgrims and people seeking spiritual knowledge but also for adventure sports lover the place is heaven. The city has wide range of adventure sports like rafting, kayking, bungee jumping, fox flying and others to offer.

In the evening a brief visit of town followed by Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02: RISHIKESH – GUPTKASHI       (185 KM DRIVE / 06-07 HR)        ALT: 1319 M

Today morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi. En route visit Dhari Devi temple situated on the bank of Alaknanda River near Srinagar.

DHARI DEVI TEMPLE is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Kali Mata. The temple is dedicated to guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand “Dhari Devi”. The temple stands on the banks of river Alaknanda, in Kalyasaur along Srinagar(Garhwal)-Badrinath Highway.

After visiting the temple, drive further to Guptkashi. Upon arrival and check in at hotel. Overnight is at the hotel in Guptkashi.

GUPTKASHI: Guptkashi is another important religious place. It also holds noteworthy mentions in the Mahabharata. It is trusted that after war of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas needed to meet Lord Shiva to apologize and look for his blessings. Lord Shiva eluded from here to Kedarnath as he didn't wish to pardon the Pandavas, since they destroyed their own dynasty. The old Vishwanath temple, Ardhnareshwar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams Ganga and Yamuna are believed to meet, are the  spots of fascination in Guptkashi.

DAY 03:   GUPTKASHI – GAURIKUND  (35 KM DRIVE / 01.5 HR)         ALT: 1982 M

                GAURIKUND – KEDARNATH (16 KM TREK)                             ALT: 3584 M

Today morning after early breakfast, drive to Sonprayag. From here take local jeep to Gaurikund. Gaurikund is the start point of trek to Kedarnath. From here start your foot journey further.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel / camp. Overnight is at the hotel / camp in Kedarnath.

KEDARNATH: One of the most significant of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva,the shrine is situated at an elevation of 3583 mt. With the Kedar range in the backdrop the shrine leaves you awestruck. Kedar is one of the names of the protector and the destroyer, Lord Shiva.

As Lord Shiva escaped from Guptkashi to Kedar, he sought refuge in form of a bull. When the Pandavas spotted him, he dived into the ground leaving his hump on the surface. The other portions of the Lord appeared at four other places and are worshipped as his manifestations. Arms appeared at Tungnath, Face at Rudranath, Belly at Madhmaheshwar and Hairlocks with head at Kalpeshwar.

The Kedarnath shrine and the above mentioned four shrines are Panch Kedar.

DAY 04:  KEDARNATH – GAURIKUND             (16 KM TREK)                          ALT: 1982 M

               GAURIKUND – GUPTKASHI              (35 KM DRIVE / 01.5 HR)        ALT: 1319 M

Today morning visit Kedarnath Temple. After the visit, start your trek down to Gaurikund. From here take local jeep to Sonprayag and further drive on your own car to Guptkashi.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight is at hotel in Guptkashi.

DAY 05: GUPTKASHI – BADRINATH         (165 KM DRIVE / 06 HR)          ALT: 3133 M

Today morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath, en-route visits Chopta (also known as mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand).

CHOPTA is a beautiful village which is as yet not much explored by travellers. It gives astounding view of mountain ranges including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. It is situated at a height of 2680 M, in the midst of thick forests of Pine, Deodar and Rhododendron. It is easily driveable and is the beginning stage to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Later, drive to Badrinath. Arrive at hotel and check in.

BADRINATH: One of the most vital place of journey in India also,One of the 'Four Dhams' is arranged 3,133 meters over the ocean levels. With Nar and Narayan mountain extends on either side and the transcending Neelkanth Peak the fantastic background makes the place more amazing. The loved spot was once overspread with wild berries, and got the name "Badri van", signifying "woodland of berries.

In evening continue to visit Mana Village which is the last town at Indo – China border. Also visit Bhimpul, Saraswati waterway, Vyas gufa, Ganesh Gufa and other imperative destinations.

At night return to hotel at Badrinath.

MANA VILLAGE is the last town at the Indo-China border. At 03 km drivable distance from Badrinath is the town assigned as "Tourism Village" by the Uttarakhand Government. The residents here are Indo-Mongolian tribes called Bhotias. This is one of the must visit places near  Badrinath.

BHIM PUL is a captivating and adventurous place going back to the seasons of Mahabharata. It is told that at this place Bheem tossed a massive rock to make a way joining two mountains so that Draupadi could easily walk on it. Saraswati River is originating from between the mountain with tremendous power to meet with the water of Alaknanda River, and the confluence is called "Keshav Prayag"

VYAS CAVE is believed to date back to the era of Mahabharata. It is believed that it is the place from where sage Vyas directed the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.

GANESH CAVE is a naturally formed cave in the Mana Village. According to Hindu convictions, it is said that Ganesha penned Mahabharata from here as dictated by Rishi Vyas from the Vyas Cave that is a few steps ahead.

DAY 06:  BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG        (160 KM DRIVE / 06 HR)        ALT: 0610 M

Today morning after Badrinath Temple Darshan, drive to Rudraprayag, En-route visit Joshimath.

JOSHIMATH is a prominent hill station on the slopes above the confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. Joshimath is one of the four 'Maths' set up by Adi Shankaracharya in eighth century. Joshimath is likewise the home of one of the oldest tree of India – Kalpavriksha, accepted to be 2400 old. It is also the base for some, trekking courses and simply near it is Auli, which is the renowned Ski resort of India.

Later after the visit, continue your drive to Rudraprayag. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Overnight is at the hotel in Rudraprayag.

RUDRAPRAYAG - the town named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), is  at the blessed confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers.The place is 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). From here one can make a choice for Kedarnath or Badrinath Dhams, since, the paths diverge here. It has an extraordinary religious centrality too.The place is believed to look like two sisters entwining and adding uniqueness to the appeal of the place. Numerous people travel to the place to witness this magnificence consistently.

The main temples are the Jagdamaba Temple and the Shiva Temple. The town of Kedarnath, important Hindu pilgrimage centre is situated around 86 km from the town. The Koteshwar Temple can be seen on the banks of the Alaknanda River and this is  a well known site in the town.

DAY 07:  RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR     (165 KM DRIVE / 05-06 HR)        ALT: 0294 M

Today morning after breakfast drive from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh. En route, visit Devprayag.

Devprayag presents a delightful mix of conventions, legends and spirituality. This is where the Holy Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge into one and take the name 'Ganga'.Thus making it a pilgrimage.

The blessed town is situated at an elevation of 618 m. It is offered with bounteous natural beauty. According to convictions, Lord Rama and his dad King Dashratha remorsed here. The major site of attraction of the town is the 'Raghunath Temple', committed to Lord Rama.

Well organized diverse levels at the bathing ghats of the town are to contain water incase of storms. In winter the priests from Badrinath come down to Devprayag. The place holds great stories from the old India. As the legends go, Lord Rama and Lakshmana did a yajna here in Treta-Yug to penance for executing Ravan, who was a Brahmin. With a 15-foot tall statue of Sri Ram (Sri Raghunath), the Raghunath Temple is one of the 108 most important temples in India. The statue of Garuda before the temple adds more to the fascination of the place. As you move from behind the temple you reach Vamana's cave  and adjacent is Lord Rama's stone throne.

After the visit continue your drive to Haridwar. Upon arrival, check in the hotel.

Haridwar actually means "The Abode of Lord Vishnu". The city is a gateway to the Himalayas where the God dwells. Also specified as Kapilsthana, Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshdwar in antiquated sacred texts and legends, the place is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus.

It is here, where the Holy Ganga rises up out of Himalayas to move in the plains. While wandering through the streets, appreciate the mix of traditional Gurukul system of education to highly commercialised places like Hotels and Restaurants. The ashrams and Dharamshalas give the city its one of a kind flavor and appeal.

While in the City visit hill top temple Mansa Devi. You can take a cable car or walk to the road. Chandi devi temple on Neel Parvat and Mayapuri temple on the riverbank are additionally worth going to.

At night get charmed by the Holy Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri Ghat as the sunsets. Get charmed by the magnificence of blazes lit around.

DAY 08: HARIDWAR – DELHI            (SURFACE / TRAIN / FLIGHT)      ALT: 0216 M

Today in time, transfer to Haridwar Railway station or Dehradun airport to board your train / flight for onwards journey.

ADVISORY:

• Do Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour where a long & hectic journey goes through remote locations of Himalayan region in Uttarakhand. We would request you to kindly do not expect luxury arrangements due to lack of resources in the region and also make yourself physically and mentally prepared to undertake the tour. However, we provide best services and comfortable trip putting our best efforts in the given conditions.

•    We highly recommend to undertake the Do Dham Yatra during the month of September – November due to following reasons:
o    Weather during this period is very pleasant so the tour becomes comfortable.
o    Due to limited tourists, there is hardly any traffic congestion anywhere in the entire trip so the journey becomes less tiring.
o    There are almost no queues to visit temple during this period so you get hassle free visit to temple for which you travel from so far away place.
o    Sure chance of getting envisaged hotels avoiding alternate hotels which may get downgraded due to non availability situation in peak season.
o    Helicopter tickets are easily available and almost no chance of facing overbooking issues.
o    During this period you can also add other places in India in your tour plan as weather remains pleasant throughout.

•    Due to altitude variation you need to carry both summer and winter clothes. (Provided in check list). Women are advised to avoid Sarees and opt for Salwar Kameez or trousers.

•    Do consult with your doctor and make sure you do not have any health issues related to high altitudes.

•    Hotels in these locations operate with limited power backup. Therefore, there might be some power interruptions.

•    Mobile networks in few places are not good, so keep your family informed if sometimes there is any issue of connectivity.

•    Money Exchange facility is available in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun only.

•    VIP Darshan / Special Puja arrangements are subject to availability on the spot.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

ACCOMMODATION:
We have prepared the proposal on 2 categories hotels wherein:

•    Category I hotels are economical basis neat and clean hotels in respective region with basic 2 star facilities except in Kedarnath where these are basic neat and clean guest houses.

•    Category II hotels are best available hotels in respective region with 3 star facilities except in Kedarnath where these are basic neat and clean guest houses.

TRANSPORTATION:

•    We would recommend using Toyota Innova for clients from 01 – 04 person and Tempo Traveller from 05 – 08 person.

•    Vehicle would be air conditioned but the air conditioning would not operate in hills.

ACCOMPANYING ESCORT (IF REQUIRED):

•    Well mannered knowledgeable local English speaking accompanying guide/escort will be provided.

HELICOPTER SHUTTLE SERVICE:

•    Location of Helipads: Different Helicopter companies operate from different helipads (In & around Guptkashi). Exact flying location is subject to availability with particular helicopter operator.
   
Dos and Don’ts:

•    Eat only what is cooked and drink either packaged or boiled water.

•    Carry heavy woolen clothes to protect from cold weather during the month of October-November and carry moderate woolen during Summer Season.

•    Carry dry eatable stocks with you like biscuits, Sugar, Candies, Chocolates, milk powder, assorted dry fruits, honey, lemons and tinned foods and other items suiting your palates. 

•    While visiting Hindu mythological sites, shrines and temples, one should remove shoes and cover head with a piece of cloth before entering the Holy Place.

•    Trek only on hill-side, avoid trekking or standing on valley side, as pony (horse) coming from opposite direction may push you down to the valley which may cause serious casualty.

•    Don’t overstrain on steep gradients. Move slowly and steadily, as this is a laborious pilgrimage.

•    Only registered pony walla, porter, dandy man may be hired as they are available for prefixed tariffs.

•    Do not take pictures if cameras are not allowed in any particular area. Do not play with the sentiments of any particular religion.

•    Alcohol or non vegetarian food is not permitted during Do Dham Yatra Tour.

•    Heavy jewellery should be avoided during journey.

Check list:

•    Small shoulder bag
•    Well broken in shoes
•    Cotton full sleeves shirts / T Shirts
•    Track pants / Trousers
•    Thermal vests & pants
•    Woolen socks & gloves
•    Pullovers & Jacket
•    Monkey Cap & Sun Cap
•    Light raincoat & Umbrella    •    Wind cheater 
•    Toilet kit
•    Quick dry hand towel
•    Torch with spare battery
•    Personal medical kit (if any)
•    Extra pair of shoes (added comfort in case one gets wet)
•    Walking stick
•    Bum bag / Waist pouch