Char Dham With Auli

Tour Destination: Delhi/Dehradun - Haridwar - Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Rudraprayag - Joshimath - Badrinath - Srinagar - Rishikesh - Delhi/Dehradun

Travel Duration: 11 Nights/12 Days

DAY 1: DELHI/DEHRADUN - HARIDWAR

Drive to the City of Ganges-Haridwar. In the evening go to Har ki Pauri to attend the evening Aarti at River Ganges.

HAR KI PAURI- According to the Hindu mythology, it is at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar that king Bhagirath performed a penance to Lord Shiva in order to rescue souls of his ancestors from vicious circle of rebirth. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva asked holy river Ganga to flow through his locks. Bhagirath took a dip in the holy waters of river Ganga and rescued the souls of his ancestors from their sins. Since then, thousands of devotees take a dip at Har ki Pauri to pray for salvation of their ancestors.

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE- The temple is perched on a hill top and can be reached through a cable car ride. It is believed that Goddess Mansa fulfils the wishes of her devotee, so, lots of pilgrims flock to the temple to have their wishes fulfilled from the Goddess.

CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE- The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandika Devi and is considered to be one of the Siddha peethas of Haridwar where the wishes of true devotees get fulfilled.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: HARIDWAR - BARKOT

After breakfast, proceed to Barkot a small town situated at the banks of River Yamuna. Later transfer to hotel. In the evening roam around this small hill station to view panoramic vistas of the snow-covered Bandarpoonch Peak of the Garhwal Himalayas. An ancient Shiva Temple is the major tourist attraction in Barkot.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: BARKOT - YAMUNOTRI - BARKOT

After morning breakfast proceed to Hanumanchatti, trek start from here to Yamunotri. 

YAMUNOTRI TEMPLE- The holy abode of Goddess Yamuna is situated near the foot of Kalind Parbat (peak) and on a side of Banderpoonch Parbat. Nestled in the intimidating Himalayas, Yamunotri temple is believed to be constructed by the king of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839. One of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the stunning setting of the temple is enough to fill the hearts of the devotees with wonder.

SURYA KUND (THE POND OF THE SUN)- Very near to the Yamuna Devi temple there are many hot water springs; the most significant among them is the Surya Kund. It holds the boiling-hot water as it emerges from the crevices in the mountain. You 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". 

DIVYA SHILLA (THE DIVINE STONE)- It is a reddish-brown rock near the Surya Kund which needs to be worshipped before offering reverence to the main deity, Yamuna Maa (mother). According to Skanda Purana, with a mere touch of the sacred rock one can attain spiritual liberation.

Later drive back to Barkot.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4: BARKOT - UTTARKASHI

Morning drive to Uttarkashi. Transfer to hotel. Later at evening visit 

VISHWANATH TEMPLE- This temple is the oldest and most sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, Lord Shiva appeared here to save Rishi Markandeya from Yama, the God of death. The temple houses a swayambhu lingam, idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh and Rishi Markandeya sitting in a meditative position.

SHAKTI TEMPLE- Opposite the Vishwanath Temple is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Pilgrims visit this temple to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and to have a look at the heavy trident which is revered here in the form of Shakti.

KUTETI DEVI TEMPLE- The Kuteti Devi Temple, regarded highly by the people of Uttarkashi, and the guardian deity of some major clans here, is known to have been established by the son in law and daughter of King Kota, who discovered the Goddess's material reincarnation in the form of three stones.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5: UTTARKASHI - GANGOTRI - UTTARKASHI

Morning leave for a day tour to Gangotri via Harsil. On reaching, visit 

GANGOTRI TEMPLE- A picture of serenity, the humble abode of Maa Ganga is situated by the side of Bhagirathi River. Mother Ganga is present in the premises of the white temple building in the form of a small silver idol. The amazing mountain range of Himalayas and the flowing Bhagirathi by the side makes for a perfect setting to behold the life-giving, gentle yet powerful deity. The pilgrims are required to bath in the crystal clear waters of the pious river before visiting the main shrine.

UNDERWATER SHIVLING- A Shivling made from natural rock is submerged under water and is easily visible in winters when the water recedes. It is said to be the place Lord Shiva sat on while he tied Ganga in his matted hair. Dividing it into 7 streams, Shiva saved earth from the massive force of Devi Ganga.

GAUMUKH AND TAPOVAN- To witness the holy birth of River Ganges at Gaumukh, one can take up a picturesque and exciting trek surrounded with peaks and soaring peaks. One can further trek to Tapovan which is about 4 km from Gaumukh. Tapovan has meadows, beautiful flowers, streams and incredible views of surrounding Himalayan Peaks.

Later drive back to Uttarkashi.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: UTTARKASHI - GUPTKASHI

After breakfast, proceed straightaway to Guptkashi, a small village settled in the district of Rudraprayag of the hill state. Transfer to hotel. Later visit

VISHWANATH TEMPLE- Vishwanath Temple is home to the original Shivlinga of Lord Shiva that is believed to have been brought from the Vishwanath Temple in Kashi when the temple was attacked by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. Many pilgrims gather here is huge numbers to seek blessings of the God.

ARDHANARISHWAR TEMPLE- The Ardhanarishwar Temple, located near the main Vishwanath Temple, houses the deity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of half man and half woman.

MANIKARNIKA KUND- The Kund also holds a great religious significance as the Shivlinga residing in the centre of the kund is bathed by waters of two springs representing Ganga and Yamuna.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7: GUPTKASHI - GAURIKUND - KEDARNATH

After morning breakfast drive to Kedarnath enroute visiting Gaurikund. From Gaurikund pilgrims have to trek to Kedarnath. The trek is breathtaking with mountains and dazzling peaks. Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges is seen. The river originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Later transfer to ashram.

Overnight at Ashram

DAY 8: KEDARNATH - RUDRAPRAYAG

Early morning after having a bath attend the 'Abhishek' to Kedarnath Shiva. The morning rituals are spiritual blessings.

KEDARNATH TEMPLE- It is the main shrine of Kedarnath, considered to be the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Also, revered as one of the Panch Kedars, the temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims all across the world. Perched on the head of River Mandakini and flanked by the breath-taking vistas of the Kedar and Swargarohini peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, a visit to the Kedarnath Temple fills hearts of all devotees with divinity and spirituality.

VASUKI TAL- This is a sacred lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. The Tal can be reached through an 8 km. challenging trek from the Kedarnath Temple.

BHAIRAV TEMPLE- Dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, who is believed to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath town and temple while everything is covered under snow during winters, this temple can be reached through a 1 km. hike from the Kedarnath Temple. Views of the Kedarnath valley from the Bhairavnath Temple are indescribable in words.

Post darshan, return to the hotel for breakfast and trek towards Gaurikund. Later continue your drive to Rudraprayag. On the way pilgrims can explore the temples and monuments in and around the town.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 9: RUDRAPRAYAG - JOSHIMATH - BADRINATH

After morning breakfast drive to Badrinath enroute visiting Joshimath. 

NARSINGH TEMPLE- This is the winter home for Lord Badri who is shifted here when main temple of Badrinath remains closed from the time of Diwali to Akshay Tritiya. The deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Narsingh (half human and half lion) is revered in this temple.
SHANKARACHARYA MATH- Believed to be established by the Hindu Guru, Adi Shankaracharya, it is a sacred place housing the temples of Lord Badri and Rajrajeshwari Devi.

On the way pilgrims will visualize some scenic Ghat towards their journey to Dham. Later transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 10: BADRINATH - AULI

In the morning visit Badrinath Temple for Darshan and evening Aarti. But first pilgrims have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple. 

BADRINATH TEMPLE- The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is revered here in the dual form of Nar and Narayana. The deity is made of black saligram stone and thousands of pilgrims gather here to seek blessings of the lord.

TAPT KUND- A natural hot water spring believed to contain medicinal properties. Before entering the main shine, pilgrims need to take a holy dip in the hot waters of this kund.

NARAD KUND- This is another holy kund near Tapt Kund. It is believed that Narad Muni authored Narada Bhakti Sutra at this place. Also, this is the place from where Guru Adi Sankaracharya discovered the idol of Lord Vishnu and erected it in the Badrinath Temple.

MANA VILLAGE- It is the last Indian village before Tibet and is home to the Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple. It is believed that great sage Vyas while composing the Mahabharata took the help of Lord Ganesh to write it in a great speed. Vyas Cave and Ganesh Temple are associated with this legend.

Later in the afternoon drive to Auli. On the way explore Auli Bugyal

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11: AULI - RISHIKESH

In the morning, drive downhill to Rishikesh, one of the most important spiritual cities and the Yoga capital of the world. En-route visit Nandprayag (Confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda River) Karanpryag (Confluence of Pinder River and Alaknanda River) and Devprayag (confluence for Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River).

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 12: RISHIKESH - DELHI/DEHRADUN

After breakfast, visit fascinating temples, ashrams, spiritual sites and Ghats. 

NEELKANTH MAHADEV TEMPLE- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is revered here in the form of Neelkanth. As per puranic legends, it is at this place where Lord Shiva consumed the poison that originated from Samudra Manthan. The poison turned his throat (kanth) blue (neel) and hence the name Neelkanth.

TRIMBAKESHWAR TEMPLE- One of the most famous temples of Rishikesh, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is a 13 storied building with each floor having a shrine of different form of Lord Shiva. The temple can be reached by crossing the Laxman Jhula. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this temple every day.

TRIVENI GHAT- The ghat is located on the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the waters of the triveni confluence can wash off all your sins. Main attraction of the Triveni Ghat is its Maha Aarti that is held during twilight. The aarti and fragrance of incense fills the air with spirituality and mysticism.

In the afternoon travel back to Delhi/Dehradun to catch your flight/train towards onward destination.