The Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath pilgrimage circuit is part of the larger Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, India. This journey is steeped in spirituality, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a deep connection to Hindu traditions.
Overview
The Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath pilgrimage circuit is not just a religious journey but an adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for devotees and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
- A trek of about 5-6 km from Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti to reach the temple, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- The lush environment and alpine flora surrounding Yamunotri make it a picturesque location
- The river flows alongside the temple, adding to the serenity and sanctity of the area.
- Pilgrims believe that visiting Kedarnath helps in attaining salvation and washing away sins, making it a major pilgrimage destination.
Itinerary
Arrive at Delhi railway station. Received by RTT executive and Drive to Haridwar. Check into the hotel reach in Haridwar. Evening Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple. Stay overnight at Haridwar. (Only Dinner )
Early morning after breakfast Check out and Drive to Barkot via Mussoorie and visit Kempty Falls on the way. On arrival at Barkot, check in to your hotel/camp. The rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad(hill) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot. (breakfast & Dinner )
Barkot Weather– Generally agreeable in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degrees Celsius, Winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temp ranges from 10 deg to 05 deg.
Early morning after breakfast (packed breakfast), move to Jankichatti / Phoolchatti & star trek from here to Yamunotri (6 kms) (Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at your own cost). After taking a bath in Jamunabai Kund’s warm water and having “Darshan '' of “Yamunaji '' back to Jankichatti by trek. Later moving towards Barkot, Stay overnight at Barkot.Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur constructed the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. At Yamunotri, One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the Tapt Kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as “Prasad ''. Here near the temple “Pooja” can be offered to Divya Shila.
Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs near the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most significant of these is Surya Kund.
Yamunotri Weather – In summer the maximum temp is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.(breakfast & Dinner )
The morning after breakfast, I moved to Uttarkashi. Check into the hotel in Uttarkashi. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi. Stay overnight at the Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams, temples. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, the town of Uttarkashi is also situated on the banks of River Ganga.
Vishwanath temple – Vishwanath temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Northern India. Rebuilt in 1857 by Maharani Khaneti Devi of Tehri State in the ancient architectural style. It is situated at the heart of the town. A heavy iron trident, symbolic of divine mothers, is erected and worshiped from time immemorial at the temple complex. Ganeshji, Sakshi Gopal, Markandeya Rishi’s small shrines are also part of the temple complex. Akhand Jyoti as well as Akhand Abhishek, special aarti in the morning and evening are offered. As per Skanda Purana, Uttarkashi is known as ‘Saumya Varanasi’, the abode of Lord Shiva in Kaliyug, and is counted as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Shakti temple – Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big ‘Trishul (Trident)’ of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there are different views about the making of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics, this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga (Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti has been erected over here.
Uttarkashi Weather – Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 30-35 degrees Celsius but nights are pleasant, cold in winters.
After breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, witness aarti at Vishwanath Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi..(breakfast & Dinner )
Early morning (packed breakfast) move to Gangotri, on the way at Gangotri take a sacred dip in Garam Kund, further drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its natural beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that rest for some time in the lovely surroundings. Later I got back to Uttarkashi. Stay overnight at Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple: The temple was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, and is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.
Gangotri Weather – The maximum temperature during summer can go up to 20° Celsius. Summer nights can get cooler with a minimum temperature of 10° Celsius. Light woolen clothes are required while visiting Gangotri during summer. The Winter season is very chilly in Gangotri. Gangotri will be covered in sheets of snow during winter. Pilgrim centers remain closed throughout winter due to massive snowfalls.
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangotri. Nestled in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is set at an altitude of 3048 mts. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin Visit the Gangotri Temple. The 18th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirathi worshiped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite. After performing Pooja Late I drove back to Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.(Breakfast & Dinner )
The morning after breakfast, I moved to Guptkashi . On the way, you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptkashi . Stay overnight at Guptkashi .(breakfast & Dinner)
Early morning after breakfast departure for Kedarnath Dham. Enjoy Kedarnath Darshan. Stay overnight at Kedarnath.
By Helicopter: Morning our driver will drop you your pre-book Helipad. You can inform the driver about your arrival time whether it will be by helicopter or by trek, so that Driver will be there to pick you up. (Note: helicopter ticket is not included in this package).
By Trek: Morning our driver will transfer you to Sonprayag then you have to take a local jeep for Gaurikund & then your trek starts for Kedarnath Ji. After darshan, you follow the same & return to Sonpraag. There is a big parking issue so the driver will go back to another palace if his contact no. is not working then you have to arrange another taxi or wait for your driver.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for ransom. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface.
Kedarnath Weather: – Due to its high elevation, the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for the most part of the year. Summer here is cool and agreeable while winter is severe. During the summer season, the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. The Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with the mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme chilly climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.
The morning after darshan, return to Guptkashi, by Track or helicopter. Stay overnight at a hotel.(Dinner)
After morning breakfast, move to Delhi. Dropping at Delhi Airport/Railway station. (Breakfast)
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop from the airport/railway/bus station.
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis.
- All breakfast included at hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle.
- Driver’s bata, toll, parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Service Tax – 5% GST Extra.
- Any train, bus, or air price any more meals not listed in the package's contents.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any personal costs like phone, minibar, room service, laundry, etc.
- Any fees for services or activities not covered by the included.
- Additional fees during high season, long weekends, or festival periods.
The ideal time to visit is from May to October when the temples are open and weather conditions are suitable for trekking.
Travel from Delhi to Hanuman Chatti via Rishikesh or Haridwar. From Hanuman Chatti, it’s a 5-6 km trek to Yamunotri.
No special permits are required for Indian citizens, but foreign tourists should check any specific regulations.
Comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, a raincoat, basic first aid, sufficient water, and snacks.