Char Dham means four holy shrines and a spiritual aspirant takes up the holy pilgrimage called Yatra in order to visit these places and offer one’s prayers to presiding deities there.
It is said that when the Yatra is undertaken with a pure heart and complete surrender of the ego, then all the sins are washed away and the aspirant reaches closer to the goal of Liberation (Moksha).
The Circuit
This Chota Char Dham is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is a smaller circuit encompassing the following places:
Gangotri
Gangotri
A sacred Hindu shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas and the origin point of the Ganges River.
Historically and traditionally the temples are situated at the top of a hill or mountain. This is to make it both physically and spiritually challenging thus being the essence of any pilgrimage. It reveals to us our limits and shows us our strengths. It aims at breaking the mental blocks and the ego and teach us valuable life lessons.
During the Yatra the group energy helps us in overcoming the challenges, in increasing the devotion for the deity and in developing surrender to God, who takes us safely to our destination. It is very common for the yatris to shout out loud the names of the deities to pump some energy in their uphill trek – “Ganga Maiyya Ki Jai!” (Hail Mother Ganga)
The state of Uttarakhand is often referred to as ‘Dev bhoomi’ meaning Land of Gods. By the banks of this great river Ganga many Sadhakas or practitioners have done there spiritual practices. This leaves an aura, a mark on the land around, as well as the mountains, nature and river. This is the reason that the river has so many spiritually positive properties. This is also the reason that water in river Ganga has so much prana (vital energy). Many people tell stories about their long days of trek in the mountains without any food in the stomach, but just after drinking one glass of Ganga water they are refreshed.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh
- Participants are requested to arrive in Delhi one day prior and arrange their own accommodation.
- On the 20th sep, morning at 10:00 AM, we will pick up everyone from the Dwarka centre and proceed to Rishikesh.
- After hotel check-in, if time permits, participants can attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening.
Day 2: 21st Sep Rishikesh to Barkot (170 km)
Early departure after breakfast to reach Barkot. Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 3: 22nd sep Yamunotri Visit
- After breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti (45 km).
- From there, a 5 km trek (approx. 2.5 hours) to Yamunotri Temple.
- Participants may opt for palki/doli at an additional cost.
- After darshan, return to Barkot for an overnight stay.
Day 4: 23rd Sep Barkot to Gangotri (220 km)
After breakfast, drive to Gangotri. Overnight stay in Gangotri.
After check-in, visit the shrine and attend the evening Ganga Aarti.
Day 5: 24th Sep Gangotri to Uttarkashi (95 km)
After breakfast, visit Sivananda Gufa.
Later, proceed to Uttarkashi and stay at Sivananda Kutir Ashram.
Day 6: 25th Sep Uttarkashi
Morning satsang at the ashram, followed by a yoga class and brunch.
Later, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and explore the local market.
Return to the ashram for an overnight stay.
Day 7: 26th Sep Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (210 km)
After breakfast, travel to Guptkashi. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 8 & 9: 28th and 29th sep, Kedarnath Yatra
- Travel by car to Gaurikund and begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay en route.
- The next day, proceed for temple darshan.
- Options for doli or helicopter are available at additional cost.
(Doli can be booked on the spot; helicopter booking must be arranged individually.)
Day 10: 30th Sep Guptkashi to Badrinath
Travel to Badrinath Temple, visit the shrine, and stay overnight in Badrinath.
Day 11: 01st Oct Mana Village – Rudraprayag (157 km)
Visit Mana Village (3 km from Badrinath), known for Vyas Cave, where Sage Veda Vyasa is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the Vedas.
Return to Badrinath and proceed to Rudraprayag for an overnight stay.
Day 12: 02nd Oct Rudraprayag to Rishikesh (140 km)
Travel back to Rishikesh and stay overnight.
Day 13: 03rd Oct Departure
Departure as per individual arrangements.
Optional Add Ons at Extra charges
- Kedarnath trekking options
- by horse the charges INR 3500 for one way
- by Helicopter, price details will be as follows depending on the location
- Phata
- One side: INR 4500
- Round trip: INR 9000
- SERSI
- One side: INR 4500
- Round trip: INR 9000
- GUPTKASHI
- One side: INR 6200
- Round trip: INR 12,400
- Phata
These are additional charges.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inlcusions
- Accommodation on twin Sharing basis Rishikesh to Rishikesh, inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
- Transportation in AC Innova from Delhi and drop to Rishikesh
- Services of a Guide
- First Aid Medical Kit (Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
Exclusions
- Meals (Lunch ).
- Costs of performing Puja at respective shrines.
- Travel to Yamunotri on a palki/doli
- Gratuities/Tips
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, telephone, laundry, etc
- Any other expenses of a personal nature.
- GST of 5%
Fee & Registration
The registration fee is INR 1,00,000 for Indian participants and USD 1,500 for international participants. For further details, please contact [email protected] or fill out the form below to initiate registration.
Terms & Conditions
By paying the booking amount, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Payments:
A booking amount of 50% of the total cost of the trek must be paid in order to book the trek.
All outstanding balances must be paid before commencement of the trek/tour package. Please note that your trek/tour shall not commence without the full amount of the package being paid.
Cancellation Policy
- Refund of 85% of the total expedition cost for Cancellations made >30days prior to the tour departure date.
- Refund of 50% of the total expedition cost for Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior to the tour departure date.
- No refund for Cancellations made <15 days prior to the expedition departure date.
Please note that the cancellation policy is subject to change during peak seasons and/or long weekends. We advise our guests to always check with us on the updated cancellation policy.
If a trek gets cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or any other situations, a credit note will be provided to after deducting costs already incurred. The credit note will be valid for 1 year and can be used for any trek with us within that duration of time.
Risk and Liability:
ETH will make every effort to ensure that your journey is as smooth and pleasant as possible. However, please be reminded that ETH cannot be held responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances, including, but not limited to: government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any additional costs that are a result of such circumstances will be borne by the client. It is best advised to have yourself fully insured against such accidents of unpredictable natural events. Please also note that the instructions of the guide must be followed carefully. No responsibility can be held by ETH for any individuals who may suffer injury due to unnecessary risks taken against the advice of the guide.
While ETH will do everything possible in its stride for emergency rescue (both by air and ground) should any such situation occur, the respective costs would have to be borne by the guest..
