Trip description Chardham trip with trekking to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges.

CHAR DHAM YATRA – Include Source Of Ganga Trek

HIMALAYAN SHRINES : CHAR DHAM TOURS :
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The sources of two rivers, Gangotri and Yamunotri are devoted to the female deities Ganga and Yamuna. They both, along with Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Chardham of Garhwal Himalayas, the four most hallowed shrines in this Himalayas.
The Ganges , especially, is the river of India, beloved of her people , around which are entwined her memories, her hopes and fears , her songs of triumph, her victories and defeats. She has been the symbol of India s age long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing and yet ever the same Ganga.

Ancient India gave countless names to the Ganga. Amoung them is Loknadi or River of the world. In its most pristine form, Goddess Ganga as she is reverentially known, first descended her into from heaven at Gangotri where Lord Shiva received her into his matted locks to counter the immense impact of her fall. From there the mighty Ganga emerged into a number of streams; the one which commenced from Yamunotri was termed Yamuna, from Gangotri Bhigrathi, from Kedarnath Mandakani and the one which commenced from Badrinath was termed Alaknanda.

Traditionally , the yatra (or Journey) is done from the west to the east- starting from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Although Char Dham are accessible through a network of motorable roads, arduous trails remain in the ancient sanctuaries of faith for a fulfilling experience.

Duration : Eleven Nights& Twelve Days
Place cover : Rishikesh Yamnotri Gangotri Gomukh Kedarnath Badrinath.

DAY 01 Rishkesh to Hanumanchatti / Drive : 8-9 hrs.

DAY 02. H C to Yamnotri Yamnotri to H Chatti / Trek : 14kms 5-6 hr.
Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again.
Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund. Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

DAY 03. H Chattito Gangtotri / Drive 8/9 hrs.
Gangotri Temple: The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century, is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank.
Gaumukh: The Gaumukh Glacier is the source of Bhagirathi & is held in the high esteem by the devout that do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the BONE CHILLING icy water. It is 18 km from Gangotri by trek.

DAY 04. Gangotri to Bhojbasa / Trek : 14kms 5-6 hr.
DAY 05. Bhojbasa to Gomukh to Bhojbasa / Trek 4-5 hrs.
DAY 06. Bhojbasa to Gangotri t/ Trek 6/7 hrs.
DAY 07. Gangotri to Rudraprayag / Drive : 7-8hrs.

DAY 08. Rudrapraya to Gaurikund Gurikund to Kedarnath / Trek: 4-5 hrs.
After early breakfast, drive to Gurikund. Check in Hotel, night halt.
Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and river Alaknanda. Temples: Rudranath and Chamunda Devi, Koteshwar Temple (3 Kms. Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Check in Hotel.

Gaurikund: At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters. One can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.

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, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. 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. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar

DAY 09. Kedarnath to Gaurikund Gaurikund to Rudraprayag / Trek + Drive 4/5 hrs.
DAY 10. Rudraprayag to Badrinath / Drive 5/6 hrs.

Badrinath : The temple of Shri Badrinath ji on the bank of the Alaknanda river dates back to the vedic times. Situated at an altitude of 3133 mts., the present temple is believed to have been built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya an 8th century philosopher saint, who also established a math here. Also known as Vishal Badri , Badrinath is one of the Panch Badris. The temple is cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Naryan is the holiest of the four main shrines.With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the sacred itinerary of every devout Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with famous as Badri Van .

DAY 11. Badrinath to Rudraprayag / Drive 5/6 hrs.
DAY 12. Rudraprayag to Rishikesh. / Drive : 5/6 Hrs.

Cost for the above trip per person : One person :    :   For two person :     :  For four person :

Hindu mythology prescribes ‘YATRA’ or pilgrimage to places of religious importance for salvation. It is believed that a true devotee is tested for kindness by God incognito