Overview
Amongst the most preferred religious routes of Hindus is the Teen Dham Yatra, which cover three of the four major shrines on the Chota Char Dham circuit in Garhwal Himalayas. The 10 days Teen Dham Yatra h been designed in such a way that it will take you through the high-altitude temples of Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This does not include the Gangotri or the origin of the Ganga River, but it retains the core, most arduous, and sought after sites that make the tour profoundly spiritual and physically demanding across some of India’s most stunning mountainous landscapes.
The three major destinations covered on this tour are –
Yamunotri, a source of the Yamuna River, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or light lingam, devoted to Lord Shiva.
Badrinath is among the 108 Divya Desams and is devoted to Lord Vishnu, also called Badrinarayan.
This 10 days Teen Dham Yatra optimizes the travel and Darshan experience by devoting one day to each major shrine and using the remaining days for necessary transfers. Relax overnight stays in strategic locales like Haridwar, Barkot, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag and Joshimath.
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
The spiritual tour begins in the national capital of Delhi. Devotees are gathering in Delhi to begin the tour to Haridwar, one of the seven cities sacred to Hinduism amid the Ganga River. This is 7 hours drive marks the transition from urban life to spirituality. The evening is utilized for witnessing the spectacular Ganga Aarti at the Har ki Pauri that represents a worship ceremony with lamps and fire to welcome pilgrims in the hallowed territory of Uttarakhand.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
The emphasis shifts to rising into the Himalayan foothills. A long journey from Haridwar to Barkot, a beautiful town lies at an altitude of about 1220 meters, 7 to 9 hours. Barkot acts as the base for Yamunotri Yatra. The tour is interspersed by breathtaking views and it passes through the cities of Dehradun and Mussoorie. In the evening, it is a time for rest to prepare the body for the first major trip the following day.
Day 3: Yamunotri Excursion
The day is meant for exploring the source of the Yamuna River. Get transferred to Janki Chatti from Barkot, about 45 kms away. This 6 kms tour towards Yamunotri temple begins from Janki Chatti. The road is steep and tiring and the one-way tour takes about 3 to 4 hours. The devotees have options between ponies and palkis.
In the temple, there is a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. Explorers often take a bath in the hot springs at Janki Chatti before Darshan or cook rice/potatoes in the hot springs that emerge around the temple. Return to Janki Chatti after Darshan and prayers, then transfer to a hotel in Barkot for an evening.
Day 4: Barkot to Guptkashi
A hard day of travel to prepare for the second and most demanding temple. Enjoy a long trek from Barkot to Guptkashi will take about 9 to 10 hours and about 200 kms. The route spans a considerable portion of the Garhwal region. Guptkashi was chosen as a stopover due to its strategic location between Kedarnath’s helipad and trekking base. It is also known for the historic Vishwanath Temple. The evening is spent by devotees preparing themselves emotionally and physically for their leisure walk to Kedarnath.
Day 5: Guptkashi to Gaurikund to Kedarnath
The most challenging day of the tour. Get transferred from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, around 30 to 40 kms and start the hike to Kedarnath. Altitude and topography combine to make Kedarnath walk of around 16 to 18 kms long very grueling. It takes 6 to 9 hours. There is pony, palki and helicopter options to get from Phata/Sersi. When pilgrims reach the high-altitude temple of Kedarnath, nestled among the beautiful peaks, they settle into their camp/guest house and then head for Darshan of the Jyotirlingam. The night is spent near the Kedarnath Temple and is a spiritual experience.
Day 6: Kedarnath to Rudraprayag
Today, we’ll move from high altitude after the darshan. If time allows, you can take an early morning Darshan or Abhishekham before the crowds arrive. Trek back to Gaurikund which takes around 16 to 18 kms. Gaurikund to Rudraprayag is a about 70 to 80 miles. Rudraprayag is a holy site located at the convergence of Alaknanda and Mandakini River. The evening is to rest and refresh from the strenuous activities of the last two days.
Day 7: Rudraprayag to Badrinath
A pilgrimage to Lord Vishnu’s shrine. It takes around 7 to 8 hours of travel from Rudraprayag to Badrinath, 160 kms. The road is extremely beautiful, passing through some very pretty valleys. Badrinath lies at an altitude of 3,300 meters. When pilgrims arrive, they usually take a holy plunge in the natural hot spring Tapt Kund before exploring the temple for Darshan. The Badrinarayan Temple is bright and contains a black stone image of Lord Vishnu sitting in a meditative position. Stay overnight in Badrinath.
Day 8: Badrinath to Joshimath
The start of the return journey, complete with local sightseeing. Devotees can spend the morning vising Mana village, Vyas Gufa and the Alaknanda-Saraswati River confluence. It lies about a 45 kms drive from Joshimath. Joshimath is an important pilgrimage and tourist destination, beside from being the winter sojourn of Lord Badrinath. Devotees can explore the ancient Narsingh Temple.
Day 9: Joshimath to Rishikesh
Take a long drop from the high Himalayas. It is one of the longest drives on the tour, and it takes about 9 to 10 hours, covering 250 kms from Joshimath to Rishikesh, also known as “Yoga Capital of the World.” It represents the transition from the snow-capped peaks of the remote mountains to the riverfront spirituality of the bustling plains. Stay relaxed in Rishikesh, with a chance of walking along the banks of Ganga and exploring the famous suspension bridges Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
Day 10: Delhi Transfer & Departure
The last day of this tour takes you back to Delhi, offering 6 to 7 hours. The tour concludes when pilgrims arrive in Delhi and then go to the airport or railway station for their onward journey, bringing with them the blessings and huge experience of the Teen Dham Yatra.