Experience 27 Days and 26 nights Spiritual and Historical Journey to the Indian Himalaya through Chardham the four sacred scenic abodes of Hindu deities in Garhwal Himalaya. Spiritual & historical journey to Himalaya tour starts from Delhi capital of India, Haridwar considered being among the seven holiest cities in India, Rishikesh foothills of Himalayas, and the city known all over the world as Yoga capital., Janki Chatti, Yamunotri (source of Yamuna River) Gangotri temple, Gomukh the source of Ganges, Rudraprayag, Kedarnath (abode of Lord Shiva), and Badrinath (home of Lord Vishnu) Devprayag, Agra Taj Mahal – A Symbol of Love, Jaipur a pink City, and “The Golden Temple in Amritsar meaning 'Amrit' means the nectar of immortality and 'Sar' or 'Sarovar' means pond considered as a place of immense spiritual power. While the Himalayas are a wonderful place to seek solace and pursue whatever personal quest one may be on. Here is just one way to explore the mystical.
Destination: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh – Janki Chatti –Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Gomukh - Source of Ganga – Rudraprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath – Karanprayag - Nandaprayag and Badrinath – Varanasi – Jaipur – Agra Taj Mahal and Amritsar Golden temple
Day 01: New Delhi India / Overnight stay in hotel
Day 02: Visit New Delhi & Old Delhi / Overnight stay in hotel
Day 03: Delhi – Haridwar by Train / evening visit Haridwar / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 04: Haridwar – Barkot Drive by coach / evening visit Barkot / Overnight stay in Guest House
Day 05: Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi / Trek + Drive by coach / Evening visit Uttarkashi / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 06: Uttarkashi –Gangotri Drive by coach / Evening visit Gangotri / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 07: Gangotri – Bhojwasa 14 Kms Trek 6 Hrs / Overnight stay in Camp
Day 08: Bhojwasa – Goumukh (The Source of Ganges) Bhojwasa 10Kms. Trek 4 Hrs / Overnight stay in Camp
Day 09: Bhojwasa – Gangotri – Uttarkashi 14 Kms Trek – 5 Hrs + 100 Kms drive by coach 3Hrs/ Overnight stay in Camp
Day 10: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi Drive by coach / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 11: Guptkashi – Kedarnath Drive 32 Kms by coach + Trek 14 Kms – 6 Hrs/ Overnight stay in Guest House
Day 12: Full Day Relax in Kedarnath / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 13: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Chopta Trek + Drive by coach / Overnight stay in Guest House
Day 14: Chopta – Joshimath – Badrinath Drive by coach / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 15: Full Day Relax in Badrinath / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 16: Badrinath – Rishikesh Drive by coach / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 17: Visit Rishikesh + Yoga + White water rafting on The Ganges / Overnight stay Hotel or Beach camp on the Ganges
Day 18: Full Day Relax in Rishikesh and evening transfer to Railway station Train to Delhi / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 19: Delhi – Varanasi / Morning Train to Varanasi / Overnight Stay in Hotel
Day 20: Visit Varanasi / Overnight Stay in Hotel
Day 21: Morning Visit Varanasi – Agra / By Overnight A/C. Train to Agra
Day 22: Morning Arrive at Agra and Transfer to Hotel and evening visit Sightseeing tours of Agra / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 23: Morning Visit Taj Mahal and later Breakfast Drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri / Drive by Coach / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 24: Morning Visit Jaipur & Evening Transfer to Railway station for Amritsar by Overnight A/C. Train
Day 25: Morning Arrive at Amritsar & Transfer to Hotel for rest & Evening Visit Golden Temple / Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 26: After Breakfast Transfer to Railway station and Train to Delhi arrive at Transfer to Hotel / Overnight stay in Delhi
Day 27: Morning free time at Delhi evening transfer to Airport.
COST INCLUDES AS FOLLOWINGS:
1) All accommodation on Double sharing, Single Sharing or twin sharing Basis in Hotel, Guest House and camp)
2) All Transportation from Delhi Airport to Delhi Airport by Air-condition small vehicles / coach depending on the group size
3) Every day Yoga Meditation class
4) Daily breakfast & Dinner
5) All Tourist Taxes
6) Camping During the Trek
7) All Sightseeing tours
8) Services of Tour guide & Hungarian Translator during the Trip
9) Visit to all important temples and places during the entire trip
10) Yoga Master During the trip
11) All Train Tickets
12) Monument & Fort Entrance fees in Agra, Jaipur and Delhi
13) Trekking Trip to Source of Ganges
14) One Day Rafting trip on the Ganges at Rishikesh
15) All tourist taxes during the travel
16) Tour Guide from Airport to Airport for 27 days
COST NOT INCLUDES AS FOLLOWING:
1) Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
2) Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
3) Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
4) Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
5) Travel insurance
6) Visa & lunch cost not include in above package
7) Visa and passport fees
DELHI:
Delhi is known to have been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, sacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and therefore the modern conurbation of Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. Delhi is believed to have been the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas during the times of the Mahabharata. Delhi re-emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain during the period of the Delhi sultanates. In AD 1639, the Mughal emperor Shahjahan built a new walled city in Delhi which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 until the Rebellion of 1857. The British captured Delhi in 1857 and the city replaced Kolkata as the seat of British government in India in 1911. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built to the south of the old city during the 1920s. When the British left India in 1947, New Delhi became the national capital and seat of government. Today Delhi contains many important historical monuments, buildings and features.
HARIDWAR:
Haridwar - Haridwar (the Gateway to God Har & Hari / Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu) is one of the seven holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living world cities. It is made up of a fascinating and colorful collection of sadhus, pundits and pilgrims. Every evening, the Ganges comes alive with the magic of the Aarti (worship with fire), as lamps are lit, prayers are offered and small candles are floated down to the river. There are numerous other interesting sights and ancient heritage temples on which our trip guide would share information on. For us, a visit to Haridwar is believed to provide liberation from the endless cycle of death and rebirth.
Evening Arti at Har Ki Paudi -The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (step towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Hardwar.
JANKICHATTI:
Jankichatti - Situated at an elevation of 2,650 mts above sea level, Jankichatti is primarily last motor able road head for pilgrims heading to Yamunotri. Jankichatti is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies in close proximity of the Indo-China border. Previously the starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri was Hanumanchatti. Since there is large devotee rush, it is advised to do night stay at Jankichatti to be among the first batch of pilgrims on this trekking route. Kharsali, the winter abode of Devi Yamuna and Sani Temple is on easy access from here.
YAMUNOTRI:
Yamunotri, Ist of The Chardham: The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. Yamunotri was the home of an ancient sage Asit Muni.
Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun just like Yama who is considered his son. It is believed that Yama would not torment any person at the time of death who bathes in Yamuna, his sister. It is Yamuna, who being a holder of infinite love and compassion can grant us freedom from even death, in the realm of her elder brother.
UTTARKASHI:
Uttarkashi is a small and beautiful town, situated between two rivers: Varuna and Ashi, whose water flow into the Bhagirathi from either side of the town. Elevated, at a height of 1588 meters, this little town is very similar to Kashi and Varanasi, in that it has the same kind of temples and ghats and likewise, a north or 'Uttar' facing river. The major temple in Uttarkashi is The Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two other very important temples are located in the Chowk area are the Annapurna Temple and the Bhairav Temple. Once it is said, there were 365 temples here. Hiuen Tsang referred to this place as Brahma Pura, while the Skanda Puran has recorded it as Varunavata. It is believed that in the second millennium of Kaliyug Kashi will be submerged, and Uttarkashi will replace it as an important religious centre.
GANGOTRI:
Gangotri, IInd of Chardham: Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (Ganges) from Devaprayag onwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Goumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 18 km trek from Gangotri.
This small town is centered around the temple of goddess Ganga, which was built by the Nepalese General, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The temple is closed on Diwali day every year and is reopened in April/ May. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirathi's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.
No other river is wound as closely with the warp and weft of Hinduism as the Ganga in India. Venerated since time immemorial as spiritual purifier and the giver of health and prosperity, it is part of the country's social and religious fabric. The irresistible attraction of these sacred waters, enhanced by the myths and legends woven around the river and its origins, has drawn ascetics and adventurers alike since mythical times. Gangotri, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Ganga near the source of the river and one of the Chardham of Uttarakhand is among the most sanctifying experiences of a Hindu's life; and as uplifting and inspiring for the traveler. Million of pilgrims and travelers have undertaken the yatra to Gangotri for centuries in search of salvation and the sacred river has provided those scours and hope.
GOMUKH (THE SOURSE OF GANGES):
Gomukh (The Source of Ganges) the terminus or snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where source of Ganges River originates. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft. or 4000mts. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers, Gomukh is also referred to as "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi" The word "Gomukh" (Go + Mukh) literally means "Mouth of a Cow". According to some sayings, earlier the snout exactly looked like "Mouth of a Cow".
Gomukh is mentioned in the Puranas. It is said there that searching a lost sheep a shepherd boy reached near a glacier in Gangotri, the snout of which exactly looked like the mouth of a cow, and thus it got its name 'Gomukh'. From then many saints, holy travellers, as well as religious people went there to worship the place.
GAURIKUND:
Gauri Kund is an important Hindu pilgrimage site on the way to Kedarnath, which is another nine miles uphill from there. It is situated at an altitude of more than 6000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas. Kedarnath is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is venerated as a Paadal Petra Sthalam by the 6th-7th century Nayanars saints. Gauri Kund is connected with Shiva's wife Parvati, also known as Gauri in various parts of India. In Hindu folklore, Gauri committed Herself to penance involving many ascetic and yogic practices to win over Shiva's affections. Local tradition claims that Gauri Kund is the spot where Gauri lived while carrying out these practices and it was here that Shiva finally admitted His love for Her. They were finally married at Triyugi Narayan, which is not too far away. This pilgrimage site boasts of a natural hot spring and this is one of the reasons that supposedly prompted Gauri to pick this as a place to indulge in hard penance. A portion of the tank or kund has been covered to serve as the bathing place for ladies.
KEDARNATH:
Kedarnath Temple, IIIrd of Chardham: Kedarnath, the remotest and the most magnificent of the Chardham, is located in Lord Shiva's own country. The sheer majesty of the shrine's natural setting - the towering mountains mantled in snow, the tumbling streams and rivers, and green meadows and forests -- and the arduous trek that gets you to it, serve to further cement the deep-rooted faith that this temple inspires in the devout. This is one sacred site that has remained almost unchanged for centuries and has a spiritual energy all its own. For the devotee of Lord Shiva, this is the last frontier, the ultimate path to salvation.
VASUKITAL:
Vasuki Tal, located at a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath, is one of the beautiful tourist spots in the state of Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of around 4,135 m above the sea level, the lake of Vasuki Tal is surrounded by great Himalayan mountain ranges. In addition, tourists can also enjoy beautiful view of the Chaukhamba peaks located nearby.
CHOPTA TUNGNATH:
Chopta is small settlement and Commencement point to 3rd of Panch Kedar Tungnath About 3.5km from here. Another 1k.m from Tungnath leads to Chandrashila Peak (About 4000mts).
Chopta offers amazing views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2680mts above sea level. Chopta is rich in varied flora and fauna. Chopta is situated amidst thick forest of pine, deodar and rhododendrons
JOSHIMATH:
Jyotirmath is the uttarāmnāya matha or northern monastery, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankara, the others being those at Shringeri, Puri and Dwaraka. Their heads are titled "Shankaracharya". According to the tradition initiated by Adi Shankara, this matha is in charge of the Atharvaveda. Jyotirmath is close to the pilgrimage town of Badrinath. This place can be a base station for travellers going to Guru Gobind Ghat or the Valley of Flowers National Park. The temple Narasimha, is enshrined Badrinarayan along with a pantheon of deities. The presiding deity Lord Narasimha is believed to have been established by Adi Sankara. It is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 Tamil poet-saints or Alvars.
BADRINATH:
Badrinath and its route is, for the newcomer, a journey of initiation. For those who are visiting the shrine, the landmarks and vistas forever provide a newer view, a different emotion, a further nuance to an experience in memory. The journey to Badrinath can sometimes be unforgiving, but only to a closed mind. The people visiting the shrine are but the faces of the country. Journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath, to borrow from one of Sir Edmund Hillary's expeditions, is in many ways, a journey from the ocean to the sky, as much mental as physical and another route to heaven - and spiritual liberation.
RUDRAPARYAG:
Rudraprayag - Today's Garhwal was known as kedar-khand in the past. In puranas kedar-khand was said to be abode of God. It seems from the facts Vedas puran, Ramayana and Mahabharata that these Hindu scriptures are scripted in kedar-khand. In Kedar-khand Puran this land is regarded the land of lord Shiva, Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 34 kms from Srinagar (Garhwal). The meeting of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers has a unique beauty of its own and it seems as if two sisters were embracing each other. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra Avtaar (incarnation) to bless Narad. The Shiva and Jagdamba temples are of great religious importance at Rudraprayag.The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty, places of religious importance, lakes and glaciers.
KARNPRAYAG:
Karan Prayag is one of five sites where the confluence of rivers occurs. The five prayags are Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karanprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Allahabad where the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati join, is known as Prayag, and is one of the holy places of Hindu pilgrimage. Karanprayag is believed by many to be the place where Karna of the Mahabharata, was to have worshipped the Sun God. It is the ancient temple, devoted to Uma and Karna.
DEVPRAYAG:
"Devaprayaga" means "Godly Confluence" in Sanskrit. As per Hindu scriptures, Devaprayaga is the sacred event of merging two heavenly rivers, Alakananda and Bhagirathi, to form the holy Ganges. On a terrace in the upper part of the village is the temple of Raghunathji, built of huge stones, pyramidal in form and capped by a white cupola. Devprayag is the home of the late Acharya Shri Pt. Chakradhar Joshi (a scholar in Astronomy and Astrology) who established Nakshatra Vedh Shala (an observatory) in the year 1946. This is located on a mountain called Dashrathanchal at Devprayag. The observatory is well equipped with two telescopes and many books to support research in astronomy. It also contains about 3000 manuscripts from 1677 AD onwards collected from various parts of country. Apart from the latest equipment, it also has the ancient equipment like Surya Ghati, Jal Ghati and Dhruv Ghati which showcase the pride of Bharatiya progress in the field of astronomy. Shri Dr. Prabhakar Joshi and Acharya Shri Bhaskar Joshi (Popularly known as Guruji) are currently in charge and caretakers of the observatory.
RISHIKESH:
Rishikesh is located in the foothills of the Himalaya and attracts thousands of pilgrim and tourists each year from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh, the religious town known for its religious and spiritual connections, has some of the world's exquisite views too. Surrounded by the lesser Himalayas and holy Ganga flowing through it Rishikesh is one of the mesmerizing places in India. On Rishikesh tours tourists can visit the beautiful temples, or mediate at the various ashrams. The adventure enthusiasts can try some thrilling sports like white river rafting, trekking etc. many people visit Rishikesh for practicing yoga at the "yog ashrams". Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Here one could visit Laxman Jhulla, Ram jhulla and several ghats in and around this holy town.
VARANASI:
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that to die in the city is to attain instant salvation. Varanasi is the tract of holy land lying between the Ganga and the Assi rivers. The Assi river also flows into Ganga. Varanasi is also known as Kashi, the city of light since one of the twelve 'Jyortinglinga's is installed here. Varanasi has been a great cultural centre, especially in the fields of music, learning and the craft of silk weaving.
AGRA:
Though Agra's history is largely recognised with Mughal Empire, the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharat period and Mahirshi Angira in 1000 BC. It is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodī, the Ruler of the Delhi Sultanate founded Agra in the year 1504. After the Sultan's death the city passed on to his son Sultan Ibrāhīm Lodī. He ruled his Sultanate from Agra until he fell fighting to Bābar in the First battle of Panipat fought in 1526.
In the year 1556, the great Hindu warrior Hemu Vikramaditya, also known as Samrat Hem Chander Vikramaditya, won the state of Agra as the prime minister cum Chief of Army of Adil Shah of the Afghan Sūrī Dynasty. The commander of Humāyūn / Akbar's forces in Agra, Tardi Beg Khan, was so scared of Hemu that he retreated from the city without a fight. This was Hemu's 21st continuous win since 1554, and he later went on to conquer Delhi, having his coronation at Purānā Qil'a in Delhi on 7 October 1556 and re-established the Hindu Kingdom and the Vikramaditya Dynasty in North India.
The golden age of the city began with the Mughals. It was known then as Akbarabād and remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the Emperors Akbar, Jahāngīr and Shāh Jahān. Shāh Jahān later shifted his capital to Shāhjahānabād in the year 1649.
TAJ MAHAL:
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage"
Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.
FATEHPUR SIKRI:
Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. After his military victories over Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar decided to shift his capital from Agra to a new location 23 miles (37 km) on the Sikri ridge, to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Here he commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and construction of a series royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings. He named the city, Fatehabad, with Fateh, a word of Arabic origin in Persian, meaning "victory." it was later called Fatehpur Sikri. It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, were born . Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collection of Mughal architecture in India.
JAIPUR (PINK CITY):
Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city has been named. The city today has a population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.
The city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 34 m (111 ft) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses the sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort, which was the residence of the King Sawai Jai Singh II, crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. The observatory, Jantar Mantar, is one of the World Heritage Sites. Included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is an extremely popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and India. The 2012 British comedy-drama film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was set and filmed in Jaipur.
Golden Temple (Amritsar)
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.
As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
All our independent itineraries are completely flexible and can be customised to your requirements.
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