Reached at the Haridwar, And then Continue on to Guptkashi. On the way, you can see the beautiful Mandakini River at Tirumala. Mandakini River comes from Kedarnath. Drive along the river and reach Guptkashi. This route not only provides a diverse range of experiences but also showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Uttarakhand. Here are some noteworthy places to visit along this route such as Rishikesh, A spiritual town renowned for its yoga and meditation centers. Visit the iconic Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, and The Beatles Ashram for a tranquil experience.
Dehradun, The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is known for its pleasant climate and educational institutions. Robber's Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple, and the Forest Research Institute are notable attractions. Kempty Falls, Located near Mussoorie, Kempty Falls is a picturesque waterfall offering a refreshing break. The cascading water amidst lush greenery makes it an ideal spot for relaxation. Mussoorie, Known as the "Queen of Hills," Mussoorie offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Arthnareshawar Temple: Arthanareeswarar Temple, also known as Arthanareeswara Temple, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Uttarakhand, India. Situated near the town of Rudraprayag, the temple holds great religious significance and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his half-male, half-female form, known as Arthanareeswara or Ardhanarishvara. The Ardhanarishvara form of Lord Shiva is associated with the divine cosmic dance (Nataraja) and represents the harmony and balance inherent in the universe. The temple is believed to be an ancient sacred site where Lord Shiva manifested in this form. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Stay at Hotel Guptkashi.
Today On The Way Sightseeing Spot – Ardhnarishwar, Kalimath, Omkareshwar Temple.
In the morning, drive to Sonprayag and start trekking from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 m) on foot or by pony/dori. Travelers should carry personal medicines, thick wool, toiletries, and clothing for some time.
Explore Sonprayag: Sonprayag is particularly notable for being the confluence point of two sacred rivers, Mandakini and Basuki. The meeting of these rivers is considered auspicious, and pilgrims often take ritualistic dips in their holy waters as part of their spiritual journey. It is a a significant pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand, Sonprayag holds immense religious significance.
Visit Gaurikund: Gauri Kund, with its blend of mythological significance, natural beauty, and religious rituals, remains a sacred destination that holds a special place in the hearts of Hindu pilgrims undertaking the spiritual journey to Kedarnath. Gauri Kund serves as a significant stop on the pilgrimage route to Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations. Gauri Kund is associated with Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. We check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Today Visit Point: Sonprayag, Gorikund, Ram Bada, Kedar Temple.
Wake up early in the morning before sunrise and after bathing, reach the temple at 4:45 am to celebrate the Abhishek of Kedarnath Shiva. Anyone can enter the Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate while touching God with your head. After darshan and puja, leave the temple and return to the government. Camp/Lodge. Then start your 20 km round trip trek from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. Have a rest in Guptkashi Hotel.
Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath and check in to your hotel. Visit Badrinath in the late evening. The journey from Guptkashi to Pandukeshwar in Uttarakhand offers a scenic route with several interesting places to explore such as Guptakashi, Start your journey by exploring Guptakashi itself.
Must Visit Chopta: Chopta is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," Chopta is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, lush meadows, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Chopta serves as the base for the trek to Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar and the highest Shiva temple in the world. Pilgrims and trekkers alike visit Tungnath to seek spiritual solace and witness panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Joshimath: Joshimath holds great spiritual importance, primarily due to the presence of the Adi Guru Shankaracharya Math. This math, established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, is a revered center for learning and spiritual activities. Pilgrims and seekers visit to absorb the tranquility and seek spiritual guidance.
Pandukeshwar: Pandukeshwar is renowned for its association with Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the place where King Pandu, a central figure in the Mahabharata, performed penance to seek forgiveness for his sins. The village is home to the Pandukeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Yogadhyan Badri, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple holds historical and religious importance, attracting pilgrims and devotees seeking blessings. After exploring, Overnight at a hotel in Pandukeshwar.
After breakfast at 7am, we will head to Badrinath. Badrinath: One of the 'four dams', one of the country's most famous pilgrimage sites, stands at an altitude of 3,133 meters and is flanked by two mountain ranges, the Nar and Narayan ranges. Mount Neelkanth supports its peak's great background. This revered site was once covered with wild berries. Therefore, this place was given the name Badrivan, which means berry forest.
Explore Mana village: Mana is often referred to as the "Last Village of India" as it is situated near the Indo-Tibetan border, in close proximity to the Mana Pass. Pilgrims often visit Mana as part of their journey to the sacred Badrinath temple. Vyas Gufa, a cave near Mana, is believed to be the place where Vyas dictated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha. Karnaprayag: Karnaprayag is renowned for being one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) in Uttarakhand. It marks the meeting point of the Alaknanda River, flowing from Badrinath, and the Pindar River, originating from the Pindari Glacier. Many pilgrims en route to the Char Dham Yatra visit Karnaprayag as part of their sacred journey. The confluence is considered auspicious, and there are temples dedicated to Uma and Karna at this site. Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is renowned for being the meeting point of two sacred rivers, Alaknanda and Mandakini. The harmonious merger of these rivers is considered highly auspicious, and pilgrims often visit the town for its spiritual vibrations. The town derives its name from the Rudranath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit Rudraprayag to seek blessings and witness the divine confluence. Overnight at a hotel in Srinagar.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, head downhill to Rishikesh, the spiritual city and yoga capital of the world. Explore Dev Prayag and Rishikesh during day time.
Dev Prayag: Devprayag is renowned as the place where the Alaknanda River, coming from the Badrinath region, meets the Bhagirathi River, flowing from the Gangotri glacier. The union of these two rivers marks the beginning of the Ganges River, considered one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip at this holy junction cleanses them of sins and paves the way for spiritual liberation. The town is home to the Raghunathji Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama. This ancient temple holds historical significance and attracts devotees who seek blessings and solace.
Rishikesh: Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh has been a spiritual hub for centuries. It is dotted with ashrams, temples, and meditation centers where seekers from around the globe come to delve into the age-old practices of yoga and meditation. You must witness the Ganges Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Drive In the evening to Haridwar. Transfer to the railway station and Bus terminal. The tour is over.