Chardham Yatra Car Rental From Haridwar

Char Dham Yatra Taxi Service From Haridwar

Char DhamYatra is considered by Hindus, an extremely sacred pilgrimage. It is believed to be life changing and purifies one’s Karmic circle. As per beliefs one is directed on the path of ‘Moksha’ or salvation, when they visit the Char Dhams.

Situated in the state of Uttarakhand all these holy sites are visited by devotees each year either via helicopter or via road. One can book a car rental service in Haridwar, to visit these shrines in the most convenient and secure way.

Kedar Holidays, is among the best taxi service provider for Char Dham Yatra package from Haridwar with assurance of best quality, services and affordable pricing. All drivers committed with “Kedar Holidays” have years of experience in catering a trip over Chardham route. Moreover, our wide array of fleet comprising of every available options like Hatchback, Sedan, MUV, SUV, Tempo Traveller and Minibus makes both the process and the journey hassle and worry free.

Char Dham Yatra Itinerary

Day 01) Haridwar to Barkot

The most preferred route to reach Yamunotri from Haridwar is via Barkot and Dehradun. You can take the NH 34 from Haridwar to Dharasu and NH 134 from Dharasu to Yamnotri.   

Enroute from Haridwar to Yamnotri, you can check out the tourist attractions of Mussoorie, Dehradun, and Syanachattii.

Mussoorie

Lovingly called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, Mussoorie has a rich history and offers a lot of attraction places to its visitors. The most renowned being the Kempty Falls. Other popular spots include Mussoorie Lake, Company Garden,
George Everest, Clouds End, and Gun Hill.

Kempty Fall

Dubbed as the highest waterfall in India, Kempty Falls is 1364 meters above sea level. It is also the oldest tourist attractions in Mussoorie.

Lakhamandal

This Hindu temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Dehradun District. Devotees believe that visiting the temple shall end their sufferings.

Sayanachattii

A small town located on the Bakot-Yamunotri road, Sayana Chatti is just 21km from the temple. It is known for facilitating stay for pilgrims on their way to visit Yamunotri Temple. One can find budget-friendly staying options in Sayanachatti. You can find hotel packages starting at INR 3500 per night (appox), also check out the GMVN  Syanachatti Rest House. Tourists here can check out the Veda Camp and Surya Kund for exploration. The camp offers a wide range of adventure sports while devotees can take a dip in Surya Kund for salvation.

Barkot

Barkot is the last big town on the way to Yamunotri temple. The town is known for its trekking and hiking facilities and offers a majestic view of the Bandarpoonch Peak.

*Where to stay in barkot like hotel/camp/resort

Barkot has limited options from 3 stars to 1 star hotels. You can also find resorts, lodges, guesthouse, and home stay options too. Some of the options available include Chauhan Annexe, Karan Palace, Char Dham Camp, Hotel Atithi Niwas, Camp Nirvana Barkot, GMVN Barkot Rest House, and Hotel Samrat

Jankichatti (about jankichatti,about night stay over there,activities to do there)

Janki Chatti is the last village in the region before entering Yamunotri. The village is now the base for trek to Yamunotri temple and provides ponies and palanquins for elderly to reach the temple. Yamunotri temple is just 7 kms from Janki Chatti. Due to the heavy footfall Yamunotri shrine witnesses annually, finding stay options in Yamunotri can be tough. Apart from Barkot, Janki Chatti is an alternate for staying near Yamunotri. You can find limited affordable hotels, resorts, and guesthouses here including GMVN Rest House Janki Chatti.

Day 02) Barkot / Sayanachatti – Jankichatti – Yamunotri – Jankichatti – Barkot / Sayanachatti (38kms/2hrs drive & 5kms/3hrs on foot)

Yamunotri is referred to the originating site of Yamuna River and is considered as the heavenly seat of Goddess Yamuna. The place is a part of the Chota Char Dham. Situated on western region of Garhwal Himalayas, the Yammunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and houses a black idol made up of marble of the goddess. The Yamunotri temple opens to public at 6 am and closes at 8 pm, with the morning and aartis being conducted at 6:30 am and 7:30 pm respectively.

Best time to visit yamnotri

Visitors can pick the months of May to June and September to November to visit Yamunotri. The May-June period is the peak season and has a rush, while September-November are the ending months and shall be less crowded.

*When to start the trek in morning

In order to reach the Yamunotri temple, people need to undertake a trek of 6km from Janki Chatti. It shall take about 2-3 hours to complete the trek. It is advisable to leave in early morning around 7 am for the temple after breakfast.

*About trek of yamnotri

The Yamunotri trek from Janki Chatti is a short one of 6 km. Visitors shall bask in the flora, fauna, and snow-clad beauty of Garhwal. The trek route is facilitated with water points, tea stalls, benches, and resting points.

*How do  people who cant trek reach yamnotri

For facilitating the yatra to the senior citizens and people with weak joints, the services of Palki (Palanquins), Ponies, and Kandi can be availed from Janki Chatti to the temple.
The minimum fee of one-way service of any of the three shall be INR 400 (approx).

Jamunabai kund

It is a practice that upon arrival, devotees take a dip at the Jamnabai Kund near the temple.

Hanuman temple

The Hanuman Temple is located at Hanumanchatti, just 13 km from Yamunotri and 8 km from Janki Chatti. The Hanuman Temple here is one of the most noteworthy in the area and has an impressive portrayal of Lord Hanuman carrying the Gandhamardan hills which grew the Sanjeevani Buti.

Divya Shilla

The Divya Shilla is a pillar situated near the Yamunotri Temple. Worshipping the shilla is a part of the puja protocols here, though it is not mandatory. The cooked rice and potato from the kund is offered at the Divya Shilla.

The trek shall take about 2-3 hours to complete, hence it is advisable to start descend around 4-5pm.

Day 03)  Barkot – Uttarakashi /Gangnani (140 Kms / 07 hrs)

It shall take about 2 hours to reach Uttarakashi from Barkot. Hence, post breakfast is a good time for depature if you want to explore more on your way.

You need to take NH134 and NH34 to rach Uttarkashi from Barkot. You can make your journey from Barkot to Uttarkashi by availing taxi services, jeeps, or bus from Barkot. On your way to Uttarkashi, tourists are greeted with several attraction spots on the way. Here are five spots to explore on your route-

Prakateshwar cave

The Prakateshwar Cave is a natural cave made with limestone and is easily identifiable on the road. The cave is of significance as the formation resembles the Shiva Linga. You need to climb about 100 steps- stair to reach the cave.

Kashi vishwanath temple

Situated on the banks of Bhagirathi, the Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important shrines in Uttarkashi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that this temple is considered as his abode in the second part of Kaliyoga. The Shiva Linga present here is 56cm in height and is tilted to the south. The temple is situated on the NH34 near the government Post Graduate College and Government Inter College.

Shakti temple

The Shakti Temple is located near Sri Vishwanath Temple. The temple is significant due to the 6 m trishul which is believed to be used by Hindu Goddess Durga to kill the demons. The trident is said to be 1500 years old and is regarded as one of the oldest artifact in the state. One can also find Tibetan inscriptions on it referring to the Indo-Tibetan relations.

Bhairav temple

The temple is located on your way to Uttarkashi and is dedicated to the Bhairav form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this form guards the Shakti Peeth from potential threats and that is why one can find Bhairav temples in proximity to all Shakti Peeths.

About stay in uttarakashi (hotel /resort/camp)

One can find about 29 options for staying in Uttarkashi. Accommodations located at the bank of river Bhagirathi are the most in demand. You can check out options and opt from hotels, guesthouses, and resorts suitable as per your budget. The GMVN is a great option one can check out.

Day 04) Uttarkashi / Harshil/Gangnani – Gangotri – Harsil/ Gangnani / Uttarkashi (120Kms / 05 hrs) round trip

Gangotri Temple is located in Gangotri which is 100km from Uttarkashi. It shall take about 4 hours to reach Gangotri via NH 34.  You can opt for public transport such as bus or hire taxi services in Uttarkashi.

Gangotri town is located on the banks of Bhagirathi River and is said to be the origin point of river Ganga. The town is popular amongst tourists and devotees due to the natural beauty and the Gangotri Temple obviously. The temple was built by a Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa and follows a Naga style of Architecture. The shrine contains the idols of Goddess Ganga, along with Goddess Lakshmi, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Annapura. The temple opens in the months of April/May on Akshay Tritiya and closes in November. The closing date is announced on the festival of Dussehra annually.

The best time to visit the Gangotri Temple is in the months of May and June. End of June, July, and August can be avoided due to the monsoon season prevailing here. September is also a good time to visit Gangotri and the temple.

To reach the temple, assuming you are at Uttarkashi, opt for bus services or hire cabs to reach Gangotri. The approximate fare for bus one-way is INR 200 and INR 1500 in case you hire private cabs.

Rituals to do at temple

Darshan at Bhagirathi shila(its importance )

The Bhagirathi Shila is a holy rock located near the temple of Ganga. It is believed that this was the very place where King Bhagirath mediated. 

Harsil

Harsil is a small village located 30 km from Gangotri. The hill station in known for its expensive apple production and beauty of nature. Harsil offers only four but worthy tourist attraction to its visitors, they are Wilson Cottage, Sat Tal, Gangnani, and Dharali.

Day 05) Uttarkashi – Guptkashi(250 Kms/ 8-9 hrs)

Guptkashi is one of the holy sites in the state. It is 47km from Kedarnath and houses the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar temple. The Vishwanath Temple is the main shrine of Guptkashi, while the most popular attraction of Guptkashi is Manikarnika Kund.

How to travel guptkashi

Guptkashi is about 190 kms from Uttarkashi and shall take about 6 hours to cover. One can get easy road transportation from the major cities and towns of Uttarakhand such as Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, and Uttarkashi. There are two routes you can opt from, one is via Uttarkashi-Kedarnath bypass and the other being NH107.

Tehri dham

By taking a detour, tourists can check out the famous Tehri Dam. The dam is India’s tallest/highest dam and the fourth highest dam in the world. The reservoir is also known as Tehri Lake. The dam sees a large influx of tourists, especially for the adventure sports it offers. You can check out the details for Paragliding, Jet Skiing, and Banana Boat Rise.

Tilwara

Tilwara is a small village which is on the NH 107 on the way to Guptkashi. The town doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to tourist spots and sites, but it is an integral one. Tourists enroute NH 107 halt in Tilwara for a break and to have snacks and lunch.

Shree kasha vishwnath temple

The temple is one of the most revered shrines in Uttarkashi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A phenomenon worthy to mention is that the 56cm Shiva Linga present here tilts towards south.

Ardnarishwar temple

Located on the left of Sri Kasha Vishwanath Temple, the Ardnarishwar Temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol present in the shrine depicts half man and half woman, representing Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

Due to its proximity to the pious Kedarnath temple, Guptkashi has a good number of accommodation options to provide to its visitors. One can find luxurious hotels, resorts, budget-guesthouse, government guesthouse, and camps.

Day 06) Guptkashi – Kedarnath (32km drive,14 kms trek)

The trekking takes 4-5 hours depending on the individual’s speed. So, the best option for the trekkers is to leave early such as 5-6 am. The temple opens at 7 am for the pilgrims and it’s best to reach the temple before scorching noon heat.

How can people who cant trek go to kedarnath

Those who cannot trek their way to the temple should not be sad, as there are other options than trek to reach the temple. Upon reaching Gaurikund, you can hire the palki services or Kandi & Mule/Ponies to reach the temple.  Another way of reaching the Kedarnath temple, although a bit expensive is via air. You can book a helicopter from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh directly to the Kedarnath temple.

About helipad over there

There are 3 helipads located at Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi.  The cost of air travel from Sirsi helipad ranges from 2340 rupees for one way and 4680 for round trip. The cost of the Phata helipad ranges from Rupees 2360 one way to Rupees 4720 for a round trip. The cost of the Guptkashi helipad ranges from Rupees 3875 rupees one way to Rupees 7750 round trip.

After landing, the distance left is about a km to trek and it takes hardly 5 minutes to reach the temple.

About sonprayag

Sonprayag is one of the holy places near Kedarnath. It is located just 18 km away from Kedarnath. It is a place where 2 holy rivers Basuki and Mandakini join together. One of the activities to do there is to take a dip in the river, it is said that taking a dip wash away all the sin.

The trek from Gaurkund to Kedarnath stretches for 16km and should take about 5-6 hours one-way.

Kedarnath is one of the most revered places of religious significance in the country. It very famously is a part of the Chota Char Dham Circuit. It is located in the Rudraprayag district and is also one of the Panch Kedars. The temple is open to the public from April to mid-November from 7 am to 6:30 pm. The temple aarti is conducted daily at 6 pm.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

One of the notable ancient Indian scholars- Adi Shankaracharya is responsible for establishing the four monasteries (maths) in the country. He was believed to be a form of Lord Shiva and is said to have revived the Kedarnath and Badrinath. He also took his last breath in the mountains of Kedarnath. Built in the site where he attained moksha, the Shankaracharya Samadhi is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple.

Bhaironath temple

The temple is dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath, an avatar of Lord Shiva and is located just 800 m in the north of Kedarnath temple. It is believed that Baba Bhairavnath protects the Kedarnath as witnessed in 2013 Uttarakhand floods and keeps away the evil spirits

Snan in tapt kund

Located at the entrance of temple of Badrinath, Tapt Kund is hot water spring and it is a practice to take a dip in its holy water before entering the temple. It is believed that the Tapt Kund is at the exact spot of Agni Deva, hence why it is possible to find hot water in the cold climatic conditions.

Snan in gauri kund

The place is named after Goddess Parvati as she meditated for 100 years to impress Lord Shiva and where Lord Shiva married her in the presences of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Gauri Kund is also known for the hot water spring located here which is believed to make the person pure who takes a dip here. Gauri Kund also acts as a starting base for the trek to Kedarnath.

Darshan of udar kund

The Udak Kund is located to the south of Kedarnath temple and holds importance amongst the devotees. It is believed that by taking a dip in the water of Charanodak, people can be cured of physical and mental illness. The water is also used for worshipping Lord Shiva in the temple and is carried by devotees’ way back home.

Stay in kedarnath (resort/camp/hotel)

Kedarnath’s public’s prime source of income comes from providing hospitality to the tourists. One can find affordable or luxurious stay options here in the form of hotels, guesthouses, and camps. Due to the footfall Kedarnath witnesses annually, it is tough to accommodate the visitors fully in Kedarnath. Hence places in proximity such as Guptkashi acts as a substitute.

Day 07) Kedarnath to Guptakashi

Pilgrims down trekking to Gaurikund after visiting Kedarnath temple must keep in mind that they should start trekking before 5 pm. The weather is uncertain up there and one must be very careful regarding the weather and the dark.

The coming down trek to Gaurikund could take 3-4 hours.

Day 08) Guptakashi – Joshimath/BadrinathPipalkoti/Joshimath/Badrinath

Chopta

Chopta is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, dubbed as mini Switzerland due to its greenery, but the place is much more than that. Chopta houses the world’s highest Shiva temple in the world. Yes, the Tungnath temple. When you are visiting Chopta there are numerous activities one can opt for. The place offers one of the best camping experiences when you are with your family. And for the mornings what better than a gorgeous view of the Himalayan ranges. Ranges such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedar peak, and many more can be viewed in an amazing 360 degree.

Pipalkoti

If one wants to name a better stopping point than Pipalkoti, then they will fail to find one. People traveling to Badrinath, Auli, and Valley of flowers take a halt at Pipalkoti to relax and then resume.

When in Pipalkoti you can visit the beautiful villages to learn more about the culture, the food, and the Garhwal region. Another activity to do is to gaze at the Himalayan ranges submerged in snow.

Joshimath

Joshimath is one of the sacred pilgrim places for devotees and the place record millions of footfalls each year . And if you are planning to visit Joshimath and confused when to plan the trip, then believe us that the best time to visit Joshimath is from April- June or October- Novemer. Decemeber and February is gernally avoided as the place is susceptible to extreme cold weather. The months of July- Sepetember is also not recommended because of monsoon and landslides. Joshimath is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is another holy place in the state. The place is famous as Adi Shankara established one of the pithas at Joshimath. The place is also where people start their trekking journey towards Badrinath.

Narsingh temple

Joshimath is renowned for housing the Narsigh Temple. The temple has a rich history dating back to the tale of Narsimha and Hiranyakashyap. An astonishing phenomenon that exists here is the shrinking of Narsimha’s idol’s left hand. It is predicted that the day the hand falls off the idol, Jai and Vijay parbats shall witness a landslide that will close the entrance to Badrinath forever.

Adi Sankarchara Samadhi

Adi Shankara the great sage who is believed to establish the Kedarnath shrine has his grave just behind the temple. It is said that Adi Shankara at the age of 32 submerged in the land or performed samadhi and people who visit Kedarnath make sure that they visit the samadhi too.

Hathi parwat

Hathi parbat is located in Chamoli district and is famous for its legend and tales. It is said that Two huge rocks on the Hathi parvat resemble a crow and an eagle (Garuda), it is similar to how it is mentioned in the Ramayan.

Day 09) Joshimath to Badrinath to Joshimath

about Badrinath

Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the Char Dham of India. Hence it attracts one of the biggest footfalls of the year. However, the temple located in Badrinath is opened for 6 months and is closed in winters due to the harsh weather.

It is said that Lord Vishnu meditated in padmasana at the place for over 100/1000 years and unaware of the harsh climate, his wife goddess Laksmi took the avatar of a Badri tree to protect Vishnuji. Impressed by her concerns, Vishnuji named the place after Badri, even if you visit the deity, then it’s in the shape of padmasana.

The Badrinath temple opens from April or May and closes during November. The opening timings for the temple are 4:30 in the morning with the maha abhishekh puja. Then at around 7 am the temple is opened for the general public.

Rituals to do in Badrinath

The rituals that can be performed in Badrinath are Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Path, Vishnu Sahasranamam, Akhand Jyoti. Shrimad Bhagwat Sapath is a summary of all the Hindu scriptures and listening to it will attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Sahasranamam is the chanting of mantras, and listening and enchanting these mantras help a person remain focussed in life. Akhand Jyoti is performed with a jyot and doing this will help a person attain blessings from god.

Holy dip in tapt kund

Tapt Kund is located just at the entrance of Badrinath temple. we all are familiar with the climate and cold of Uttarakhand and Badrinath, but the Tapt Kund extract hot water as the devotees take a dip in it before entering Badrinath. It is said that Tapt Kund has healing abilities. Taking a dip in it heals their skin related ailments and it imparts goodness and purification of the soul.

Mana village

Mana village is a tourism village located in the Chamoli district, Its significance is such that it is the last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet/China in the Himalayas. The village is located just 3 km away from Badrinath town.

Byas gufa

Vyas Gufa is another place that holds a great significant value in India’s mythology. It is said that Vyas Gufa is the place where sage Vyas with the help of Lord Ganesh composed the Mahabharat. Vyas Gufa is situated in the Mana Village and the cave is just 5 km away from the Badrinath.

Ganesh temple

There is a Ganesha temple located on the banks of Dodital lake in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Dodital is the birthplace of Ganeshji and hence this temple holds a greater significance.

Narad kund

Narad Kund is just adjacent to the Tapt Kund, which is just outside the Badrinath temple. Hence it also becomes an important part of the pilgrimage tour. The hot water that the Kund is getting, comes from Gauri Shila, a spiritual rock. And that spot is named after Narad Muni, who sat there and wrote the Narada bhakti sutra.

Mata murty temple

Another pilgrimage site located just 3 km from Badrinath temple, Mata Murti temple is situated at the bank of the Alaknanda river. The temple is dedicated to the mother of nar and Narayan (Badrinath). Devotees can take a 30 min trek from Badrinath temple to reach the Mata Murti temple.

Day 10) Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar

Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag witnesses the heavenly confluence of Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers. Vishnuprayag is the first of the Panch Prayags.  On the voyage of Chota Char Dham, devotees pause to take a dip in the holy waters of Vishnuprayag. The Valley of Flowers is mere 21 kms from here and is one of the tourist attractions in the region apart from Kagbhusandi Tal. Vishnuprayag also offers a variety of adventure sports, primarily water-based, such as river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and trekking.

Nandprayag

Another of the Panch Prayags, Nandprayag witnesses the confluence of Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters here shall cleanse off your sins. Legend has it that Nandprayag was the capital of Yadu Kingdom and is the very place where Raja Nanda performed the yagna. The yagna is said to be the foundation of the pious Nanda Temple.

Karanprayag

Karanprayag is at the junction of Alaknanda and Pindari rivers. It is also one of the Panch Prayags of Alaknanda. The name finds it reference in the Mahabharata as this is the place where Karna was cremated by Lord Krishna. Karanprayag also connects the Garhwal region with Kumaon region in the state. Some of the tourist attractions here include Adi Badri, Karna Temple, Uma Devi Temple, Nauti Village, and Chandika Devi Simli.

Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is about 140km from Rishikesh and shall take about 4 hours to cover the

Srinagar

Located on the left bank of river Alaknanda, Srinagar is an important point for tourists and devotees on their way to Badrinath, Kedarnath, or Chota Char Dham yatra. The Kamleshwar Mahadev temple and Kilkileshwar Mahadev temple are the most revered shrines here. Srinagar is also popular for shopping and village tourism.

Devprayag

The last of the Panch Prayags, Devprayag witnesses the conflux of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Some of the notable worship places here include Mata Bhuvneshwari temple, Danda Nagaraja temple, Dhaneshwar Mahadev temple, Raghunathji Temple, and Chandrabadni temple. Similar to Vishnuprayag, Devprayag also offers several water-based adventure sports such as rappelling, canoeing, river rafting, and kayaking.

Rishikesh

The land of rishis, Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist and religious places in Uttarakhand and India. Rishikesh and Haridwar act as a connecting base for almost all the yatras such as to Panch Kedars, Panch Prayags, Do Dham, Chota Char Dham in upper Himalayan regions. Rishikesh offers some of the most exciting thrill sports to tourists.

Journey ends

We conclude our Chota Char Dham yatra here at Rishikesh. In case you want to venture more, one can explore the nearby destinations such as Haridwar, Tehri, Chamoli, Dehradun, and Jim Corbett.

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