.webp)
Overview
One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India is the Chardham Yatra, which takes everyone to four popular sacred locations nestled in Uttarakhand. The four spiritual abodes or temples – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – are also known as Chota Chardham or Chardham. It is believed that taking this route will redeem sins and result in moksha or salvation. Before commencing the tour, it begins in Ahmedabad and necessitates a multi-day transfer to the foot of the Himalayas. Experience a blend of long, scenic drives along hillside and arduous trekking, access the shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri, and the route provides an intensely religious and demanding experience.
Ahmedabad to Haridwar Transfer
Getting transferred from Ahmedabad to Haridwar initiates the sacred trek. Since the whole agenda is reduced in duration, travellers usually opt for a faster means of arriving there by flight. The other option is to travel overnight by train, which takes 24 and 28 hours. Once they arrive at their accommodation in Haridwar, the sacred city on the River Ganges, devotees rest and prepare for the day ahead. They may spend the evening at the sacred ghats and the famous Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri.
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Embark on a scenic drive from Haridwar to Barkot, mainly a base for the pilgrimage trip to Yamunotri. The road conditions permitting, the drive typically takes 6 to 7 hours and covers around 176 to 180 kms. Pilgrims board their initial glimpses of the scenic natural beauty around as they cross the foothills of the Himalayas. Barkot is well-suited and has accommodation for pilgrims; the latter can acclimatise overnight before beginning the trek to Yamunotri.
Day 2: Yamunotri Day Trip
Yamunotri Dham is the source of the River Yamuna and the first sacred temple encountered on the Chardham pilgrimage route, the starting point of the Chardham yatra. Pilgrims take around one and a half to two hours to cover the 45 km motorable journey from Barkot to Janki Chatti. The trek to the temple begins from Janki Chatti. This is a challenging yet rewarding 6 km one-way trek. Pilgrims in devotion may prefer walking, take palkis or ponies. After visiting sites like Divya Shila and Surya Kund and after being blessed by Goddess Yamuna, devotees return to Janki Chatti before heading back to Barkot for a relaxing night stay.
Day 3: Uttarkashi Transfer
Take a drive from Barkot to Uttarkashi, the pilgrim town is the point of departure for the pilgrimage to Gangotri. The drive lasts 4 to 5 hours, around 100 miles. This place is also referred to as the Kashi of the North due to the presence of the holy Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Devotees almost always make it their first stop on arrival in Uttarkashi. The rest of the day is utilized in preparing oneself for the trip, the second of the sacred shrines, the next day, after checking into the hotel.
Day 4: Gangotri Day Trip
A day trip to Gangotri Dham, the Ganges River’s source is scheduled for this day. From Uttarkashi, take a 2.5 to 3 hours drive of 100 miles one way. The route leads to the Gangotri Temple, devoted to Goddess Ganga and is only a short stroll away. The same day return drive to Uttarkashi for the overnight stay after finishing rituals, darshan at the temple and taking a holy dip in the icy Bhagirathi River.
Day 5: Guptkashi Transfer
The day sees the tour shifting to the eastern half of the circuit, encompassing a long drive from Uttarkashi to Guptakashi, the gateway to Kedarnath. One of the longest days of driving, taking a maximum of seven or ten hours to travel around 200 kms and goes through much of the hilly terrain. Guptkashi is a sacred town along the way to the Kedarnath Valley. Pilgrims retire to their rooms to rest and prepare for the arduous trip to Kedarnath the following day.
Day 6: Kedarnath Day Trip
The day is reserved for the trek to Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the most significant and physically demanding day. The trek begins at Gaurikund, pilgrims travel to Sonprayag, around 30 km and then use a local shuttle or jeep. The trek to the Kedarnath Temple is around 16 to 18 km one way. The climb of this strenuous walk typically takes seven to nine hours. Horses and palkis may be hired or helicopter transport may be used from nearby helipads. Upon your arrival at the shrine, devotees get the darshan of Lord Kedarnath. We reached late due to the long trip; overnight stay is typically arranged at the base camp near the temple.
Day 7: Badrinath Transfer
This day is planned for a visit to Badrinath, the final sacred shrine. We had to make an early start today of 16 to 18 km trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, devotees travel by road from Guptkashi to Badrinath. It will take around 7 to 8 hours by road to cover 185 miles. In the middle, take a halt at Nar and Narayan. Badrinath is devoted to Lord Vishnu. On your arrival of pilgrims, they report to their rooms, and if time allows, they can go to the Badrinath Temple for the evening aarti and the Tapt Kund.
Day 8: Rudraprayag Transfer
The pilgrimage route ends on Day formally after the morning darshan at Badrinath Temple, often includes visiting surrounding places like the Tapt Kund, Vyas Gufa and Mana Village. The group travels from Badrinath to Rudraprayag to begin the return journey. This is a 4 to 6 hours descent covering around 155 to 158 miles. Rudraprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, is a holy place and an important stopover before the final drive of the Himalayas.
Day 9: Chennai Departure from Ahmedabad
The return day of the booked tour involves a long tour from Rudraprayag to the transit point of Haridwar or Rishikesh. The last transfer for going back to Ahmedabad concludes the outing. Devotees will board a train or take a flight from the closest airport in Dehradun or Delhi.