Divine Char Dham Yatra (12 Days)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Haridwar (5-6 hours), the gateway to your Char Dham pilgrimage. As you arrive in this ancient holy city, you'll feel the spiritual atmosphere. In the evening, witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where hundreds of small diyas (oil lamps) float on the holy Ganges. Your guide will explain the significance of this daily ritual that has continued for thousands of years.

We'll start early for our drive to Barkot (7-8 hours), the base for Yamunotri temple. The journey takes you through beautiful Himalayan landscapes and traditional mountain villages. Upon reaching Barkot, you'll have time to rest and acclimatise to the higher altitude. Your guide will brief you about tomorrow's trek to Yamunotri and help prepare for the pilgrimage.

Start your day early with breakfast before driving to Janki Chatti (4 hours). From here, begin your spiritual journey to Yamunotri temple either by pony or palanquin (extra cost) or by trek (6 km). Your guide will accompany you, sharing stories of Mother Yamuna. At the temple, perform puja and cook rice in the hot springs - a sacred tradition. Visit Divya Shila, a holy rock pillar, before descending back to Janki Chatti. Return to Barkot for overnight stay with dinner and rest.

After morning prayers and breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi (5 hours), going through beautiful valleys and traditional Garhwali villages. Visit the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a miniature of the famous Varanasi temple. Your guide will explain the temple's unique architecture and rituals. Evening aarti attendance followed by dinner at your hotel. This is a good rest day to acclimatise to the higher altitude.

Early morning drive to Gangotri (4 hours) through pine forests and stunning mountain views. On arrival, check into your simple but comfortable lodge. After rest and lunch, visit Gangotri Temple for darshan. Take a holy dip in the Ganges (weather permitting) at Gaurikund. Evening aarti ceremony at the temple is particularly beautiful with the sunset backdrop. Your guide will share stories of Mother Ganga's descent to Earth.

Morning temple visit for puja, followed by breakfast. Drive to Guptkashi (8-9 hours) - a long but scenic journey through the heart of the Himalayas. En route, stop at Tehri Dam viewpoint and enjoy packed lunch at a scenic spot. Reach Guptkashi by evening, check into your hotel. Visit the ancient Ardh Narishwar Temple before dinner. This temple shows the unique half-male, half-female form of Shiva.

Today is one of the most important days of your pilgrimage. After early breakfast, drive to Sonprayag (2 hours). Here, board the helicopter for Kedarnath (extra cost) or start the 16 km trek. The trek takes 6-7 hours with plenty of rest stops. Your guide will ensure a comfortable pace. Reach Kedarnath by afternoon, check into basic but clean accommodation. Evening darshan at Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva shrines. The sunset behind the mighty peak of Kedar is unforgettable.

Wake up early for a sunrise visit to the temple. After darshan and puja, begin your return journey. Those taking helicopter can enjoy morning in Kedarnath. Trekkers will start early back to Sonprayag. Drive back to Guptkashi for a well-deserved rest. Evening free for relaxation and sharing experiences with fellow pilgrims.

After breakfast, embark on a long but rewarding drive to Badrinath (8-9 hours). The route takes you through Joshimath, where we'll stop to visit Adi Shankaracharya's cave. Reach Badrinath by evening. After check-in and refreshments, visit the temple for evening aarti. The colourful temple against the mountainous backdrop is a photographer's delight.

Early morning abhishekam (ritual bath) of Lord Badri Narayan. After breakfast, visit Mana Village, the last Indian village before Tibet. Explore Bhim Pul, Vyas Gufa, and the origin of Saraswati River. Back to Badrinath for afternoon puja. Free time for shopping for local woolens and prasad. Evening final darshan and aarti at the temple.

Early morning final darshan before starting the journey back to Haridwar (10-11 hours). The descent from the mountains gives time to reflect on your spiritual journey. Reach Haridwar by evening. Quick visit to Har Ki Pauri for Ganga aarti if time permits. Drive to Delhi (5 hours) for your flight next day, or optional stay in Haridwar.