Char Dham Yatra from Chennai

Tour Overview:

Our Char Dham Yatra from Chennai brings convenience to pilgrims who are seeking for a spiritually blissful experience in Uttarakhand. This tour covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which are believed to offer Moksha or Salvation. The tour begins from Chennai and covers the large distance by air from Chennai to Delhi, thereby leaving most of the 12 days to be spent on the spiritual trek across the hard yet beautiful Himalayan terrain. The itinerary seems to be customizable as per the interests and preferences of the travellers.

Itinerary Details:

Day 1: Chennai to Delhi by Flight

Begin this tour in Chennai Airport as you board a flight to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. This will be just a travelling day to get you across the distance and to the northern base for the Himalayan drive. As you arrive, you will be transferred to the overnight stay in preparation for the upcoming road trip.

Day 2: Haridwar Transfer

The day is planned for a swift transfer to Haridwar, which is around 5 to 7 hours from Delhi to the holy city of Haridwar. It is one of the Sapta Puri, meaning seven holy sites and is located on the banks of the Ganges. Check in and spend the evening at the famous Har ki Pauri ghat, where one can take a holy dip in the Ganga and witness the breathtaking evening at Ganga Aarti.

Day 3: Barkot Transfer

The journey continues to the lower Himalayas with a long, blissful drive of 7 to 8 hrs., 180 kms to Barkot. Barkot is an important transit stop and base camp for the Yamunotri Dham, often missed on short itineraries or added as an extra trek. The rest of the day is at leisure for relaxing at this cooler and higher altitude.

Day 4: Uttarkashi Transfer

Today, you’ll drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi, which is around 4 to 5 hours and 100 kms away. Uttarkashi is famously known as the “Kashi of the North,” and lies on the Bhagirathi River. It is the major entry point to Gangotri Dham. Check into your lodging to be ready for the first big Darshan.

Day 5: Gangotri Darshan

Worship the first dham of this tour today by leaving early in the morning for Gangotri, approximately. 3 to 4 hours away and 100 kms. Gangotri Dham is the holy origin of the Ganga River, considered the manifestation of the Bhagirathi. The stunning Gangotri Temple is perched on the left bank of the Ganga, devoted to the Goddess. Many devotees take a holy dip in the icy cold water of the river. Later, take a drive to Uttarkashi or a nearby staging area for an overnight stay after the ritual.

Day 6: Guptkashi Transfer

This is a long and exhausting transit day as one must travel for 9 to 10 hours from Gangotri to the base of Kedarnath, around 250 kms away. Guptkashi is a major pilgrimage town, home to the Vishwanath Temple, which is the most famous overnight halt before the trek to Kedarnath.

Day 7: Kedarnath Transfer

Moreover, you will go to the next motorable point, normally Sonprayag or Phata, where helicopter services are operative. The trek base will begin the challenging 16 to 18 kms journey to Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. You can avail a pony or a helicopter service. Relax near the temple and get ready for the morning darshan the next day.

Day 8: Guptkashi Return

Early morning, devotees perform worship at Lord Shiva Mandir in a beautifully secluded site. Later, the descent is continued to the motorable roadhead. Then a vehicle takes you back to Guptkashi for some much-needed relaxation. Stay overnight in Guptkashi.

Day 9: Joshimath Transfer

The next day, take a drive towards the last dham, about 5 to 7 hours. 180 kms away. Joshimath is an ancient town and the winter abode of Lord Brahma. It is also a night halt before one worships the Badrinath Mandir.

Day 10: Badrinath Darshan

The last and holiest dham of this tour will be driven from Joshimath to Badrinath, 1 to 2 hrs, 45 kms approx. Badrinath Dham is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Before the devotees approach the Badrinarayan Temple, they take a purifying dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring. Visit the Mana Settlement next, also known as the last Indian settlement before the border. Late,r drive back to Joshimath for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Rishikesh Transfer

This is a long yet beautiful ride back to Rishikesh, 8 to 10 hrs., 250 kms approx. Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world. As soon as you arrive, take your time to unwind on the banks of the Ganga, visit some of the famous suspension bridges of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.

Day 12: Delhi Departure

The final step of this travel is a road trip from Rishikesh to Delhi and thena  homebound journey to Chennai. Here ends the tour with lots of amazing memories.