Nestled high up in the Indian Himalayas are four ancient Hindu pilgrimage sites known collectively as the Chardham.
Considered the abode of the Gods, these four sacred temples attract millions of Hindu devotees each year seeking spiritual enlightenment.
The Chardham Yatra, as the pilgrimage is known, is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that every devout Hindu aspires to undertake.
This 10-day Chardham itinerary takes you on a spectacular voyage of inner discovery across the breathtaking Himalayan peaks to the four dhams of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Get ready to immerse yourself in powerful rituals, magnificent mountain vistas, gushing sacred rivers, and myths of the Hindu gods as you traverse this route of ultimate salvation.
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
Your Chardham Yatra begins in the holy city of Haridwar, gateway to the Himalayas. Believed to be one of the holiest places in India, Haridwar hosts the grand Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
Upon arrival, drive to Har Ki Pauri ghat and participate in the enchanting Ganga aarti ceremony at sunset when the river Ganga is worshipped with flowers and diyas.
Spend the night in Haridwar to acclimatize and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 2: Haridwar to Yamunotri
After breakfast, drive to the village of Hanuman Chatti, trailhead for the Yamunotri trek. Hike 5 km along the pristine Yamuna river to reach the sacred Yamunotri temple at a height of 3,293 m.
Take a holy dip in the hot springs nearby before visiting the Yamunotri shrine. The birthplace of the Yamuna river, Yamunotri is the abode of goddess Yamuna and the first stop of the Chardham yatra.
Spend the night in a basic accommodation available here.
Day 3: Yamunotri to Gangotri
Rise early and hike back to Hanuman Chatti. From here drive to Gangotri via picturesque Harsil village.
At Gangotri (3,140m), visit the 18th century Gangotri temple with its white shikhara set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Shivling.
According to mythology, Gangotri is the source of the river Ganga and the dwelling place of the Goddess Ganga. Take a holy dip in the icy cold waters before retiring for the night.
Day 4: Gangotri to Guptakashi
After breakfast, leisurely drive to Guptakashi, an important pilgrimage site as well as basecamp for the Kedarnath trek.
On the way visit the ancient Vishwanath temple in Ukhimath. Check into your hotel in Guptakashi and spend the evening preparing for the big trek tomorrow.
Day 5: Guptakashi to Kedarnath
The highlight of your Chardham yatra is finally here! After breakfast, drive to Gaurikund, base for the arduous 14 km trek to Kedarnath temple.
Hike through lush meadows and enjoy stunning views of the Kedarnath massif before reaching the majestic temple after 5-6 hours.
Soak in the holy atmosphere and attend the magical evening aarti at this remote shrine dotting the scenic Himalayan landscape at 3,584m. Overnight in basic lodges here.
Day 6: Kedarnath to Badrinath
Spend the morning meditating and exploring the enchanting vicinities of Kedarnath temple before beginning the 14 km descent to Gaurikund after lunch.
From here, drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Enroute if time permits, stop at the famous Vishnu temple in Narsingh Badri.
Reaching Badrinath by early evening, rest and acclimatize for the day.
Day 7: Badrinath
Day 7 is devoted fully to Badrinath (3,300m), the most important of the four dhams. Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, sits majestically on the banks of the Alaknanda river against the breathtaking Nilkantha peak.
Take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs before visiting the black stone temple. Marvel at the intricate stone carvings and spend time in worship at this holiest of shrines.
Participate in the prayers and evening aarti for an ethereal experience.
Day 8: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
After breakfast, drive down to the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers at Rudraprayag.
Legend goes that Shiva imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the sage Rishi Narad here. After checking into your hotel, explore the ancient Rudranath temple perched on a massive rock overlooking the rivers.
This holy site blessed by Shiva himself completes the Panch Kedar Yatra.
Day 9: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh
Today you leave behind the mountains and make your way back to the plains. The 6 hour drive to Rishikesh takes you along the rapids of the Ganga river valley.
Rafting in Rishikesh is a popular add-on adventure activity. Spend the night meditating on the banks of Ganga and absorbing the experiences of the past week.
Day 10: Rishikesh to Delhi – Journey Ends
This morning bid farewell to the sacred Himalayas and drive back to Delhi. As your epic Chardham Yatra comes to an end, cherish the spiritual awakening and memories for a lifetime!
The divine experience will uplift and transform you in unexplainable ways.
Conclusion:
The Chardham Yatra follows the footsteps of countless spiritual seekers over millennia. Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to attain nirvana and come one step closer to the divine.
Let the raw beauty of the Himalayas transport you to a higher realm of consciousness.
