Day 01: Delhi – Rishikesh (230 kms / 06-07 hrs)

Upon arrival in Delhi, meeting and assistance followed by drive to Rishikesh by road. Arrival at Rishikesh, check-in to hotel. Evening free for relaxation & briefing. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

RISHIKESH:
24 kms from Hardwar, located in the laps of the Lower Himalayas, surrounded by scenic hills on three sides with the Holy Ganga flowing through it. The whole place is considered sacred, as it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation.

There are many temples—some ancient, some new—along the River Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as a pilgrimage centre associated with the Ramayana, but also as the home of many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a major Yoga centre.

There are many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also known as the gateway and starting point for the Char Dham journeys, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Sirsi /Guptkashi (200 kms / 07-08 hrs)

After Early Breakfast, visit Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Swarg Ashram, and Geeta Bhawan. Later drive to Sirsi / Guptkashi via Srinagar & Rudraprayag. On arrival at Sirsi / Guptkashi, check-in to the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel.

GUPTKASHI:
Located in the Northern Himalayan belt within the Mandakini River valley, surrounded by lush green forests. A number of streams and rivulets drain into the main Mandakini River. It has a pleasant climate with an elevation of about 1,319 meters (4,330 ft).

The snow-covered view of Chaukhamba Peak is a beautiful sight in the morning hours from here. The valley has large magnolia trees (locally called Champa) that fill the place with a sweet-scented atmosphere.

Major attractions include Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ardh Narishwar Temple.

Day 03: Sirsi /Guptkashi – Sonprayag Parking – Kedarnth (16 Kms trek approx)

After early breakfast, leave by vehicle up to Sonprayag Parking to catch a local sharing jeep to Gaurikund. From here start the trek to Kedarnath (approx. 16 km). Doli/Pony options are available on direct payment basis. Reach Kedarnath by late evening, relax and attend evening Darshan at the temple. Dinner & overnight stay at Kedarnath.

KEDARNATH TEMPLE:
The present temple was built in the 8th Century A.D. by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, near the site of an ancient temple built by the Pandavas. The temple has a conical Lingam as the main idol, a statue of Nandi – the celestial bull, a Garbh Grah (sanctum) for worship, and a Mandap for the assembly of pilgrims and visitors. The temple is more than 1000 years old and is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Day 4: Kedarnath – Gaurikund (by same down trek ) – Sonprayaag Parking – Sirsi /Guptkashi

Perform early Pooja / Darshan at the Temple, and after breakfast start the down trek to Gaurikund by the same Doli/Pony options (on direct payment basis). From Gaurikund, again catch a local jeep to Sonprayag Parking.

At Sonprayag, meet your driver and drive back to Sirsi / Guptkashi. On arrival check-in / relax at the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Sirsi /Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath

After breakfast, leave for Badrinath. En route visit Narsingh Temple and Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi at Joshimath, then drive to Badrinath. On arrival check-in to the hotel.

After some rest, visit Vyas Cave, Ganesh Cave, Bhim Pul (Bridge) and the origin of River Saraswati at Mana Village, the last village before the Tibetan border. Later proceed to the Badrinath Temple for holy Darshan / Pooja and attend the evening Aarti. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

BADRINATH:
Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is the holiest of the four main Char Dham shrines, situated on the left bank of the River Alaknanda with the towering Neelkanth Peak forming a magnificent backdrop. In ancient times the area was covered with “Badris” (wild berries) and was therefore known as Badri Van.

According to legend, when Ganga descended to Earth to help suffering humanity, the Earth could not withstand the force of her descent, so the river was divided into 12 holy channels, one of which was Alaknanda, which later became the abode of Lord Vishnu as Badrinath.

NARAD KUND:
A recess in the river near Tapt Kund, forming a sacred pool from where the idol of Lord Badrinath was recovered.

BRAHMA KAPAL:
A flat platform a few yards north of the temple on the bank of the River Alaknanda. It is a very important place for Shradh ceremonies where pinds are offered for ancestors to ensure them a place in heaven. According to legend, when Lord Shiva cut off the fifth head of Brahma, it stuck to his trident. With the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badrivan, the head of Brahma finally fell at this place, giving it the name Brahma Kapal.

MANA VILLAGE:
Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, Mana is the last Indian village before the Tibet border. The women of the village offer Choli to the deity on the closing day of the Badrinath Temple every year.

BHIM PUL:
Located on the other side of Mana Village, this is a massive rock forming a natural bridge over the roaring Saraswati River. It is believed that Bhim, the second eldest of the Pandava brothers, placed this rock to help Draupadi cross the river.

VYAS GUFA (CAVE):
Near Mana Village, this sacred rock cave is believed to be the place where Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and the Puranic commentaries.

Day 06: Badrinath – Srinagar (190 kms/07-08hrs)

Early morning Mahaabhishek Pooja / Darshan at the temple. After breakfast, drive to Srinagar.

En route visit the sacred Panch Prayag confluences: Vishnuprayag, Karnprayag, Nandprayag, and Rudraprayag. Continue the scenic drive to Srinagar. On arrival check-in to the hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

VISHNUPRAYAG:
The holy confluence of the Dhauli Ganga and the River Alaknanda.

KARNPRAYAG:
The sacred meeting point of the River Pindari and the River Alaknanda.

NANDPRAYAG:
The confluence of the River Nandakini and the River Alaknanda.

RUDRAPRAYAG:
The holy confluence of the River Mandakini and the River Alaknanda, associated with Lord Shiva.

Day 07: Srinagar – Haridwar (125 kms / 05 -06hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Haridwar. En route visit Devprayag, the sacred confluence of River Alaknanda and River Bhagirathi, where the holy River Ganga is formed.

Reach Haridwar in the afternoon and check-in to the hotel. Later visit Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. In the evening attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.