Kedarnath Trek – Chardham Yatra

Are you dreaming of completing one of the most glorious and sacred Hindu pilgrimages of your life? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our 12 days Chardham Yatra from Nepal! Talking about the Chardham Yatra, every year millions of devotees from all corners of the world go on this pilgrimage, as it is believed that going on this auspicious journey helps one in achieving "Moksha," or simply put, one is free from the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation and is able to achieve salvation. Additionally, for travel enthusiasts, this expedition offers an opportunity to delve into India’s astounding natural and epic attractions! You will be visiting destinations that are almost picture-perfect and definitely on everyone’s bucket list!

This highly prestigious Chardham Yatra from Nepal will take you on an enlightening and transformative journey, where you’ll witness four of India’s most prestigious and sacred temples, namely, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath! With this, you’ll also get to experience Uttarakhand's rich and thriving culture and heritage firsthand! On the tour, you’ll get to visit other famous ancient and historic temple sites in Uttarakhand, catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing snow-capped mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas, explore some of India’s finest ashrams and meditation centers in Rishikesh, and visit the sacred kunds believed to carry magical healing powers!

OPENING DATES FOR THE CHARDHAM PILGRIMAGE

Everyone going on the Chardham pilgrimage needs to register before traveling to these four temples. The government of Uttarakhand has implemented a system of compulsory registration for all pilgrims to streamline the process and ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees. The Chardham sites do not remain open all year round due to weather conditions such as heavy snowfall. The opening and closing dates for the Chardham Tour start from Akshay Tritiya (April May) and end on Devthani Ekadasi (October November). All the pilgrims visiting the Chardham Tour should register 1 to 2 months before traveling to these sites so the dates are not booked and you can easily fill out the registration form at your convenience.

Now let’s get to know more in detail about the brilliant state of Uttarakhand, where all the sacred Char Dham sites are located!

Uttarakhand - Dev Bhoomi of India

Located in the northwestern part of India, Uttarakhand, also known as “Dev Bhoomi” which translates to “The Land of Gods” is a state that has remained a top-notch destination for many travelers for a reason! This enchanting city is located on the foothills of the marvelous Himalayan mountain range and is bordered by China in the northern part and Nepal to its eastern side. Rich in agriculture and biodiversity, Uttarakhand has a plethora of scenic locations ranging from icy-snow-capped mountain areas to luscious green forest zones and is home to the four major dham’s in India. This state of Uttarakhand is divided into two divisions: Garhwal and Kumaon, with 13 districts in total along with two of the most sacred rivers: the Ganga and Yamuna. In the beautiful land of Uttarakhand, you will be visiting these four major dham’s:

Yamunotri

Yamunotri, a city located in the Uttarakhand district, is one of the prestigious Chardham pilgrimage sites. It is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) and is the source from where the sacred Yamuna river flows. According to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri was the home of sage Asit Muni, who used to meditate on the banks of the prestigious Yamuna River and was truly devoted to the goddess Yamuna. In Yamunotri, you will be exploring:

• Yamunotri Temple: Located in the western side of the Himalayas, built first by King Naresh Sudarshan Shah in the 18th century and then reconstructed in the 19th century by Guleria Devi after a devastating earthquake. The Yamunotri temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna, where the prestigious statue of the Goddess is kept in the innermost sanctuary of the temple. During the trek to the holy Yamunotri temple, you can see beautiful waterfalls, green deodar forests, and the views of icy snow-capped mountains, which highlight the beauty of religious dham. For many Hindus all around the world, the Yamunotri Temple holds significant importance in their lives. Decorated in beautiful necklaces and colorful garlands, millions of devotees travel all around the world to come to this site to pay respect and complete the darshan activity.

There is also a prestigious Surya Kund (thermal spring), Divya Shila, also known as a slab of divine light that is worshiped highly here, where you can offer pooja sets and sweets and take a dip in the Jamuna Bhai’s Kund.

Gangotri

Gangotri, another holy Chardham pilgrimage site, is a charming town nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Renowned for the sacred Gangotri temple located here, this town is located at a height of 3048 meters. Popular for its pictorial glaciers, hot water springs, hidden caves, and the Gangotri National Park, Gangotri is more than a small town; it is one of those places that carries a lot of religious and cultural significance for a lot of Hindus.

Travelers also visit Gangotri to participate in fun and thrilling activities such as hiking and trekking and, at the same time, are able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Gangotri glaciers and glorious mountains such as the Garhwal Himalayas, Mount Meru, and Mount Shivling, among others. The origin of the sacred Ganga river begins from the Gangotri glacier. En route, you can enjoy views of Harsil village, Bhagirath river, and sceneries of the splendid Himalayas on the way to Gangotri. You will be going to these prestigious places in Gangotri:

• Gangotri Temple: Explore the temple, which is located in Uttarakhand. This temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The inner sanctum of this religious site has the idols of Goddess Ganga (as the temple is dedicated to the Goddess), Yamuna, Saraswati, and Annapurna. Going on a bit about the architecture of the temple, this prestigious dham is built in an impressive Nagara style, meaning that the temple is perched at a platform and stairs are needed to reach the doors. The exterior of the temple has many stunning sculptures, which are definitely eye-catching! Built in a Katyuri architecture style, the temple is decorated with detailed carvings and scriptures considered important in Hinduism. Besides the temple, you can also see the Bhagirathi river flowing in the nearby distance.

• Jalmagna Shivling: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this shivling is another major attraction that is located near the Gangotri Temple. The shivling is submerged in the Bhagirathi river, and during the winter, you can catch a glimpse of the shivling when the water level decreases in the river.

• Kedar Ganga Sangam: This is the converging point of two important rivers: Bhagirath (which is the source of the Ganga river) and Kedar Ganga (which is connected with Kedarnath) and stands as a symbolical point of unity and sanctification in India.

Kedarnath

The town of Kedarnath, the third Chardham pilgrimage site, formerly known as “Kedar Khand,” is surrounded by the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of 3586 meters and is situated near the splendid Chorabari glacier. The name “Kedarnath” came from the Sanskrit words "Kedara,” meaning field, and "Natha,” meaning lord, so the land of Kedarnath is synonymous with “Lord's Field." Along with the famous Kedarnath Temple being located here, this town also has many other well-loved destinations, such as Vasuki Tal, Bhairavnath Temple, Adi Shankaracharya Samadi, and Gaurikund. Kedarnath is a prominent part of the Chardham pilgrimage tour. In this major city of Kedarnath, you will be visiting:

• Kedarnath Temple: Built by Jagad Guru Adi Shankar, the temple is one of the famous destinations in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built with large gray stones. Within the temple, a conical rock sculpture is placed, also known as Lord Shiva’s “Sadashiva” form, which is worshiped by devotees coming to visit the temple. The inner walls of the temple are decorated with scriptures and pictures of various Hindu deities, which highlight the significance of the temple. The main highlight of the temple is the unique shaped shivalinga, which is said to be Lord Shiva's hump in his bull form and is linked to Nepal's Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, which is believed to be Lord Shiva's head.

Badrinath

Another pilgrimage site of this Chardham tour is Badrinath. Badrinath is a municipal town that is located at an elevation of approximately 3100 meters along the banks of the Alaknanda River. Badrinath is home to the world renowned Badrinath Temple. This town also has the marvelous Alaknanada River and Mountain Neelkanth, along with the Badrinath waterfalls, which have become a major hotspot for many tourists visiting Badrinath. In Badrinath, you will be exploring these places:

• Badrinath Temple: One of the highly reputable temples in India is the Badrinath temple. Located at an approximate elevation of 3100 meters, the temple stands at a height of 50 meters. Painted in a multitude of bright colors and decorated with garlands, the top part of the temple has a small cupola (dome). The temple is divided into 3 sections: the Garbha Griha (inner sanctuary), the Darshan Mandap, where holy rituals are conducted, and the Sabha Mandap, where pilgrims can assemble and pay respects to the gods of the temples.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where a black granite stone is kept inside the temple as a symbol of Lord Vishnu, so a lot of Vishnu followers can be seen visiting this prestigious temple. There are many statues of Badrinarayan, Uthavar, Kuber, Chandikadevi, Ram, Lakshaman and Sita kept in the inner sanctum sanctorum.

• Tapt and Narad Kund: The tapt kund (thermal spring) is located between the Alaknanda river and the holy shrine of Badrinath and similarly, the Narad kund is situated at the end of the Badrinath temple. It is believed that taking a dip in these kunds can cure pilgrims of many illnesses, as the waters in the kund contain many therapeutic properties.

Apart from visiting the prestigious Chardham sites, you will be traveling to these popular destinations as well, such as Haridwar, Kempty Falls, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Rishikesh.

Haridwar - Gateway to Gods

Haridwar is another beautiful destination you’ll be going to on this tour! It is considered the gateway to the Chardham religious tour. Home to Har Ki Pauri, one of the many holy sites in India, it is a city famous for its historical attractions and vibrant markets. Haridwar is considered one of the seven pilgrimage sites in India. In Haridwar, you will be going to these popular destinations:

• Har Ki Pauri: Visit this ghat located on the banks of the holy Ganga river that has remained a religious landmark for decades. This is a must-visit sight when you reach Haridwar! The word “Har” means God, and “Pauri” means feet. According to many myths, Lord Vishnu appeared at Har Ki Pauri during the Vedic period, and his holy footprints were imprinted on the very spot where this ghat was built. The highlight of this site are the daily aartis conducted here, which is done in a grand manner and witnessed by hundreds of devotees.

After Haridwar, you will be heading towards Barkot, and en route you will visit Kempty Falls, a popular destination. Located in Ramgoan, Kempty Falls is a magnificent waterfall that has remained a hotspot for many tourists! There are shops and boating areas that have been making it a major hotspot for many years. There is a natural pool at the end of this magical waterfall where travelers can swim and cool off during the sweltering summer months!

Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is a scenic and vibrant town situated in the Uttarakhand district. Famous for its stunning meadows, ancient temples, spiritual ashrams, and relaxation centers, it is a must visit sight for sure! Many decades ago, this town used to be a meditation spot for many yogis and sages seeking spirituality. Now, this town has transformed into a prime tourist spot, due to its famous trekking and camping opportunities. In this stunning town of Uttarkashi you will be visiting:

• Vishwanath Temple: This Temple is one of the most prestigious temples in Uttarkashi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is constructed following an old-school Himalayan architecture. Built originally by Sage Parshuram and later renovated by Maharani Khainati in 1857, this temple has many pilgrims visiting it every year.

Guptkashi

Guptkashi is a municipal town situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Elevated at a height of 1319 meters, the town offers many scenic views of snow covered peaks like Mountain Chaukanta. Guptkashi is located at the right side of the Alaknanda river. This town is slowly becoming a major tourist hub as it has multiple ancient temples, thriving local markets, stunning landscapes, and a variety of delicious Garhwali cuisine. In the beautiful city of Guptkashi, you will be exploring:

• Ardhnarishwar Temple: The main attractions of Guptkashi are the Ardhnarishwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Located approximately 2 kilometers from Guptkashi, the temple is perched at an altitude of 1340 meters above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati merged their forms to become Ardhanareshvara. Inside the temple, you can see Lord Shiva in his Ardhanarishvara form (his half male and half female form). 

Rishikesh - Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh, a bustling and lively city located in the northern part of India in the Uttarakhand state, has remained a central hub for yoga and meditation. This culture of wellness adopted by Rishikesh, focusing on the mind-body connection, has attracted millions of yoga enthusiasts to Rishikesh for decades. Rishikesh is also popular for its diverse cuisine, as many eateries carry both local and international cuisines that are rated top-notch and are said to create a lasting memory for many travelers.

People traveling to this beautiful city can catch a glimpse of the holy Ganga river, dense lush forests, and vibrant markets! As Rishikesh is a thriving city full of natural beauty, individuals also go here for trekking opportunities. Near this city, travelers often go to famous places such as the Valley of Flowers, Chopta-Chandrashila, Hari ki Pun, Roopkund, etc. for nature walks and hiking! In this flourishing city, you will be going to these places:

• Laxman Jhula: One of the popular sites you’ll be going to in Rishikesh is the Laxman Jhula! This is a standard 450 feet suspension bridge that connects Pauri and Tehri districts and has stayed a traveling path for the residents there. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama along with his brother Laxman crossed this bridge, which was once constructed with jhute and later reconstructed. The bridge was built to honor Lord Laxman and is a must-visit site. From the bridge, you can see views of the magnificent Ganga river and ancient temple.

• Ram Jhula: A renowned suspension 450 feet bridge built to honor Lord Rama that connects Shivanand Ashram and Swargashram. Along with the Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula is a major attraction site that offers a panoramic view of the Ganga river and surrounding Rishikesh temples.

• Triveni Ghat: This place has remained a sacred site for many devotees for decades. Every evening, maha aartis are performed in a grand manner here, witnessed by hundreds of devotees. Many people also come to Triveni Ghat to perform last rites for their passed ancestors and offer foods and pooja items, which are then offered on the banks of the river.

• Bharat Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the ancient and famous temples in India. It was built by Adi Shankararacharya in the 8th century and was also mentioned in the Mahabharata. The temple features many of India’s gods and goddesses. Inside the temple, you can see the main idol of Vishnu, created from a single piece of Saligram. There is also a museum located here that holds historic potteries, ornamental bricks, statues of Yaksha Yakshini, four armed Vishnu, and many more dating from the 3rd to the 14th century. Along with visiting the Bharat Mandir, you will also be visiting other glorious and charming Rishikesh temples.

• Sivananda Ashram: Visit Sivananda Ashram run by the divine life society. This ashram has the holy river Ganga flowing nearby and is surrounded by green hills that offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere to travelers visiting the ashram. The ashram offers services and training focused on health and well being while incorporating ancient Hindu practices such as yoga and mediation.
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Explore this Ashram located in Swargashram, which was built by Pujya Swami Shukdevvanandji Majaraj in 1942. Travelers visit this ashram to learn about yoga, wellness, and meditation as the institute teaches about the topics in a detailed manner. In the ashram, satsangs, kirtans, and bhajans are also conducted here, with Ganga Arati programs being a popular choice for many devotees.