Embark on a divine pilgrimage from Haridwar to the sacred Char Dhams, beginning with Yamunotri, where the holy waters of the Yamuna River flow, then continuing to Gangotri, the source of the sacred Ganges. Trek to the revered shrine of Kedarnath, nestled amidst the Himalayas, and pay homage at the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Conclude the spiritual journey at Badrinath, where the divine presence of Lord Vishnu awaits amidst the tranquil surroundings of the Himalayas. This comprehensive tour offers a blend of spiritual enlightenment, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences, promising an unforgettable journey of devotion and discovery.
Places included in the Char Dham tour plan from Haridwar along with their significance:
Yamunotri: The source of the Yamuna River, Yamunotri is home to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Pilgrims visit to seek blessings and take a dip in the hot springs at Surya Kund, which is believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual purification.
Gangotri: Located at the origin of the Ganges River, Gangotri is revered as the seat of Goddess Ganga. The Gangotri Temple, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, is visited by devotees who come to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the sacred Bhagirathi River.
Kedarnath: Situated in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath Temple, perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters, holds immense religious significance. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek or pony ride to reach the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Badrinath: Nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The Badrinath Temple, adorned with intricate architecture and surrounded by snow-clad peaks, attracts devotees who come to offer prayers and seek salvation.
These sacred sites hold deep religious importance for Hindus and are believed to offer spiritual upliftment, purification, and divine blessings to pilgrims who undertake the Char Dham yatra.
Here’s a detailed plan for the most popular Char Dham tour from Haridwar:
Day 1: Haridwar to Yamunotri
Distance: Approximately 220 km
Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road
Where to Stay: Barkot or Jankichatti (Budget hotels and guesthouses available)
What to Do:
Start early from Haridwar and drive to Jankichatti.
Trek or take a pony ride from Jankichatti to Yamunotri Temple (6 km).
Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Take a holy dip in the hot springs at Surya Kund.
Day 2: Yamunotri to Gangotri
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Travel Time: 8-9 hours by road
Where to Stay: Uttarkashi or Harsil (Hotels and guesthouses available)
What to Do:
Drive to Gangotri via Uttarkashi.
Visit Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Take a dip in the holy waters of the Bhagirathi River.
Explore the picturesque town of Harsil, known for its apple orchards.
Day 3: Gangotri to Kedarnath
Distance: Approximately 300 km (by road and trek)
Travel Time: 10-12 hours
Where to Stay: Guptkashi or Kedarnath (Guesthouses and tents available)
What to Do:
Start early from Gangotri and drive to Sonprayag.
Trek or take a pony ride from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (16 km).
Visit Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Attend the mesmerizing evening aarti at the temple.
Day 4: Kedarnath to Badrinath
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Travel Time: 8-9 hours by road
Where to Stay: Badrinath (Hotels and guesthouses available)
What to Do:
Return to Sonprayag from Kedarnath.
Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
Visit Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Take a dip in the Tapt Kund and visit Mana Village, the last village on the India-China border.
Explore nearby attractions like the Charan Paduka, Brahma Kapal, and Neelkanth Peak.
Day 5: Badrinath to Haridwar
Distance: Approximately 320 km
Travel Time: 10-12 hours by road
Where to Stay: Haridwar accommodations include hotels, ashrams
What to Do:
Start early from Badrinath and drive back to Haridwar.
En route, visit the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag.
Reach Haridwar by evening and attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Nearby Attractions:
Gaurikund: Starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.
Gauri Mata Temple: En route to Kedarnath, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Vasudhara Falls: Near Badrinath, a scenic waterfall accessible via a short trek.
Joshimath: En route to Badrinath, a scenic town and winter seat of Lord Badri.
This Char Dham tour from Haridwar offers a spiritual journey through the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, with opportunities to immerse in divine blessings, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences along the way.