Wandering The Himalayas

This is a wonderful opportunity to discover India’s spiritual richness and breathtaking beauty. On this wonder-filled 18-day pilgrimage and yatra, we visit 4 of India’s main pilgrimage temples in the Himalayas (char dham yatra), stay at Chinmaya Mission’s ashram in Uttarkashi, visit some other wonderful sites and wander the Himalayas with Swamini Vinayanandaji. There will be teachings and meditation interspersed throughout the journey and some of the most stunning scenery that you will ever come across.
Commencing from Delhi on 18th September and concluding 5th October 2021.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – 18 September : Delhi

Arrive in Delhi any time day. We have a group meeting in the early evening, before proceeding to Chinmaya Ashram to receive a blessing for the tour.

Day 2 – 19 September: Delhi – Rishikesh

After breakfast we have a short flight to Rishikesh, where we have a guided walk along the Ganges followed by a wonderful Ganga aarti ceremony at sunset.

Day 3 – 20 September : Rishikesh – Barkot

Today after breakfast, we drive to Barkot. This is an ideal destination to stay for visitors to Yamunotri, It is situated 45 Kms before Yamunotri temple, where paranomic views of the Bandarpunch Peaks can be seen.

Day 4 – 21 September : Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot

This morning we drive to Janki Chatti to start our 6klm trek to Yamunotri. You have an option to either walk, hire a Pony or by Doli. After bathing in Surya Kund (hot spring) visit Yamunotri temple for Darshan and Puja of “Yamunaji” at Divya Shila, before returning to our accommodation.

Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna, regarded as a daughter of the Sun God, Surya Dev. The Temple is situated in an exhilarating location in the foothills of Garhwal mountain ranges and is 3290 metres above sea level. It proffers picturesque surroundings with beautiful flora, lush meadows and gushing streams. The walking trail is magnificent, with awesome views of craggy peaks and thick forest.

Day 5 & 6 – 22 & 23 September: Barkot – Gangotri

After breakfast, we proceed to Gangotri, enjoying the very pictures-que Harsil valley, Bhagirathi River and magnificent Himalayan views as we drive along.
At Gangotri we have Puja and Darshan of Goddess Gangotri. This Temple is one of the holiest places in India. Near the source of the Ganges, the shrine is dedicated to the origin of Hinduism’s most sacred river.

Along the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the sanctum of Gangotri devoted to the Goddess.

We also visit an elderly swami and some yogis, meditate on the banks of the river in the early morning and undertake a gentle trek on the path towards Gaumukh and Tapovan.

Day 7 – 24 September: Gangotri – Uttarkashi

After breakfast and a rivDer puja, enjoy some free time in this very picturesque mountain abode. After lunch, we drive to the sacred town of Uttarkashi. Here we stay at Chinmaya Mission ashram.

Day 8 and 9 – 25 & 26 September: Uttarkashi

While staying at this peaceful ashram overlooking the Bhagirathi River, We will visit the town including Anandamayi ashram and Kashi Vishwanath Temple as well as enjoying ashram activities. You can also take a dip in the holy river if you are game!

Day 10 – 27 September: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Guptkashi.

Day 11 – 28 September: Guptkashi

Today we are transferred by helicopter to and from Kedarnath Temple for Puja and Darshan of Lord Shiva.

Tucked at the base of 6970m peaks, 22km from the nearest road, Kedarnath is in the most dramatic location of any of the char dham temples. The 1000-year old Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a carved exterior and is located in a courtyard protected by Nandi (Shiva’s bull). This place has great significance in the legendary Mahabharata epic where the Pandavas were said to have pleased Lord Shiva by doing penance and building the temple. Inside the main sanctum is one of the 12 naturally formed ‘Jyotirlingas’ of India. The temple has carved shapes of the Pandavas and Lord Shiva.

Day 12 – 29 September: Guptkashi – Badrinath

Today after breakfast, we drive to Badrinath where we stay for 2 nights. The scenery in these mountains is totally stunning, making our travel very rewarding. In the early evening, witness the aarti ceremony at the temple.

Badrinath temple – It is said that Badrinath and the surrounding areas abound in spiritual treasures. And sacred legends. Badrinath is sacred to Lord Vishnu, particularly in His dual form of Nara-Narayan. The vividly painted temple was founded by Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya in the 8th century and is considered as one of the holiest Hindu temples and is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred holy places for Vaishnavites.

Day 13 – 30 September: Badrinath

After bathing in the Tapt-kund (hot sulfur spring), we visit & have Darshan at Badrivishal. Brahama-kamal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting places like Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Bhimkund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River all within three klms of Badrinath. We visit these in the late afternoon.

Bhimpul Bridge, according to myth, was built by Bhima during the period of the Mahabharata.

5000-year-old Vyas & Ganesh-Gufa are situated in Mana, alongside numerous different caverns. It is generally accepted that in this cavern Vyasa directed his acclaimed epic of Mahabharata to Ganesh.

Day 14 – 1 October: Badrinath – Joshimath

This morning, we enjoy breathtaking views as we drive to Joshimath.
Joshimath is perched at an elevation of 2000m above sea level and is surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan Ranges. It is a revered site for Hindus and is home to numerous temples. Joshimath is one of the four maths founded by Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya during the 8th century. This math is devoted to the sacred Hindu text called the Atharva Veda. On arrival, we visit some wonderful nearby places.

Day 15 – 2 October : Joshimath – Rishikesh

After breakfast, we return to Rishikesh. This is a stunning scenic drive with a stop on the way to visit Devprayag, where 2 rivers meet to form the Ganges.

Day 16 & 17 – 3 & 4 October : Rishikesh

After a visit to the Shivananda Ashram, a bath in the Ganga, the rest of the time is free to enjoy this holy town. Attend a sunset aarti in the late afternoon. Time for reflection on our amazing yatra.

Day 18 – 5 October: Rishikesh – Delhi and Departure

Today is the completion of our wonderful journey. After a brief flight back to Delhi, we visit the Akshardham temple and there is some free time in the afternoon to check out the local markets near our hotel before we fly out.