Overview
The Chardham Yatra Package by Tempo Traveller is a traditional Hindu pilgrimage that covers four prime holy places in the state of Uttarakhand. These include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This tour is also in high demand among groups, as it offers a single, reliable vehicle that can navigate mountainous roads while providing comfort and coordination throughout.
The Char Dham Yatra usually takes a clockwise orientation, starting with Yamunotri and heading to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. The excursion is physically demanding, with lots of hours of driving along twisting hill roads and much trekking. It includes the Tempo traveller, available in 12, 17, and 20 seater, which is an ideal mode of transport for groups undertaking the yatra; with its powerful engines for steep ascent, a sturdy body on the rough routes and some important features like air-conditioning and comfortable seating for the duration of 12 days.
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
The tour begins from Delhi and proceeds to Haridwar, considered the spiritual gateway of Uttarakhand. It is a reasonably easy interstate drive that helps the group get tuned to the adventure ahead. Here, after arriving, a group typically checks into the hotel and spends the evening at the Har ki Pauri, to witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony that sets the spiritual tone for the yatra. The day is spent acclimatizing and preparing for the climb into the mountains.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
This day is the beginning of the mountain adventure. Our tempo traveller leaves the plains behind, tracing its way through twisting routes along the valley of the river, via Rishikesh, with a possible rest stop at Kempty Falls near Mussoorie. The drive is arduous as the road twists its way up, with variable conditions as the elevation increases. Barkot is located at an altitude of around 1220 meters and forms the base for the first dham, Yamunotri. Later in the evening, rest and take your time to get ready for the strenuous trek that will be undertaken the next day.
Day 3: Yamunotri Day Trip
The day begins early with a drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti. It is a motorable roadhead from where the 6 km journey to the Yamunotri Temple begins. The climb is truly hilly, and the group approaches the Goddess Yamuna Temple via ponies, palanquins, or on foot. After taking a holy dip in the Surya Kund and darshan, the pilgrims head back to Janki Chatti. The tempo traveller escorts the group to Barkot in the evening for an overnight stay, marking the completion of the first Dham.
Day 4: Uttarkashi Transfer
The route cuts across the Yamunotri valley and the Gangotri valley to make a shorter, easier driving day. Uttarkashi means “Kashi of the North,” and it is the major town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The town is famous for its Vishwanath Temple, equivalent to the one in Varanasi. The group will arrive in time for checking into the hotel, having enough time for relaxation, temple sightseeing, and getting ready for the high-altitude drive to Gangotri. It is the second important overnight base camp.
Day 5: Gangotri Day Trip
It is a long day, but it is exquisitely beautiful. The tempo traveller follows the meandering roads to Gangotri from Uttarkashi, along the Bhagirathi River, and further downstream takes the name of Ganga. The trek will take one through beautiful pine forests and mountain sites to reach a height of nearly 3100 meters. In Gangotri, the devotees take a holy dip in the river and visit the Gangotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Visit the site where the holy river descended from heaven. The group will return to Uttarkashi for the night after Darshan, marking the end of the Second Dham.
Day 6: Guptkashi Transfer
One of the longest and toughest driving days of the yatra, as the route moves from Badrinath to the central dhams that are Kedarnath and Badrinath. The Tempo Traveller will cover a large distance while crossing different terrains, and usually, lunch halts near Rudraprayag or Srinagar. For the next base camp, Guptkashi was chosen in view of its location and proximity to the Kedarnath path.
Day 7: Kedarnath Transfer via Gaurikund
An exceptionally early start is necessary. The tempo traveller drives the group from Guptkashi to Sonprayag. Devotees are forced to take a local jeep shuttle from there onwards to Gaurikund, considered the official starting point of the 18 km journey to the Kedarnath Temple. Those availing of the helicopter service generally drive to the Phata or Guptkashi helipads. Devotees continue the arduous trek and halt overnight near the Kedarnath Temple grounds to attend evening and early morning rituals at Lord Shiva’s temple and bring the third dham to an end.
Day 8: Guptkashi Transfer
The day is planned to descend the 18 km hike from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and further get a shuttle to Sonprayag. At Sonprayag, the tempo traveller awaits the group to take them back to Guptkashi. This day is spent resting from the rigorous high-altitude climb and getting ready for the last dham.
Day 9: Badrinath Transfer
The trek to the last dham takes a long drive through the sacred confluences like Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, enters the Alaknanda Valley, and proceeds to Badrinath. The tour is truly picturesque but has several hurdles. The tempo traveller goes up to Badrinath, at around 3300 meters above sea level, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Upon arrival, devotees take a holy plunge into the Tapt Kund before visiting the main Badrinath Temple.
Day 10: Rudraprayag Transfer
After morning darshan and proceedings at Badrinath, the group will begin their journey down to Rudraprayag. It was named after the meeting of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is selected as the stopping point because of its strategic location on the return journey, which breaks up the long drive back to the plains. The gang spends the evening lounging at the confluence.
Day 11: Haridwar Transfer
The day involves driving the last stretches of mountain roads. The tempo traveller will descend gradually from the upper Himalayas via Devprayag, where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge into Ganga, followed by Rishikesh, before reaching the plains of Haridwar. The last night is celebrated with a meditation at the Ganga Ghats.
Day 12: Delhi Departure
The final phase of the tour is the return trip to Delhi. The tempo traveller will cover the last stretch of highway and drop off the group at the preferred location, airport/railway station or hotel. Conclude the tour successfully.