The above listed sites are collectively acknowledged as the Char Dham; literally meaning ‘four pilgrimage centres’ of Hinduism. In the Holy Scriptures, these sites are defined as the epicentre of all religious activities in the northern India and significant shrine for Hindus. These places have been visited by many devout spiritual Hindus for ages. The route comprises of the following:

1.   Yamunotri  – This is the sacred source of the Yamuna River and seat for the River Goddess Yamuna.

2.   Gangotri     – This is the sacred source of the Ganges River and seat for the River Goddess Ganga.

3.  Kedarnath  – This is the pious site where a form of the Hindu God Shiva is revered as one of the twelve Jyotilingas. This is the  highest of all 12 Jyotirlingas. It is precisely the site where Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of light. The third of four prominent pilgrimages and the holiest of all Hindu holy sites, this place is visited by many millions of pilgrims each year.

4.   Badrinath – This is the seat of the Hindu God Vishnu.

Upon visiting to these ‘Char Dhams’, the pilgrim can experience the theology and mysticism of sanctified shrines. At My Taxi India, we make sure you experience a pious, pleasant and mystical journey to 'Dev Bhumi' (Abode of Gods), Uttarakhand.

The Tradition of Chardham Yatra

Customarily, the Chardham Yatra is embarked upon starting from the west to the east. Hence, the yatra commences from Yamunotri. Thereafter, we will proceed to Gangotri and in the end to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

A Visit to Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji

Most devotees on their journey to Char Dham prefer to visit Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji. This is one of the most eminent pilgrimage sites for the Sikhs. It is also one of the highest sited religious places sites in the country.

The Ultimate Purpose

The pilgrims from all over the world visit to these places with aim. They aspire to washing away their sins. Attaining salvation through the blessings of the Lord and release from the cycle of birth and death are also the main highlights of the sacred journey.

Immense honour is conferred on these places. The Char Dham is perceived as the most blessed of all Himalayan ranges. The legend has it that heaven and earth congregates in the holy spots, and to be born or die here is a God send boon only the very fortunate have. From left to right, the complete route of Char Dham is devised in the manner to follow the Hindu tradition of parikrama (circumbulatory or pathway around the shrine of the temples taking time into consideration). This is a common form of prayer in India.

The Information on Char Dham Yatra Shrines

Shri Badrinath Dham

This is celebrated by pilgrims and Hindu devotees all over the country as the holiest of the four prominent shrines. The pious town is situated at a height of 3,133 m. above sea level. Badrinath is beautifully positioned on the left bank of picturesque river Alaknanda nestled between the two mountains Nara and Narayan. The shrine is devoted to Lord Vishnu the preserver and protector of Hindu Divine Trinity.

Shri Kedarnath Dham

The Kedarnath shrine is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This is devoted to ‘Kedar’, another name of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is considered as the protector and the destroyer of the universe.

According to a popular legend, during the great war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas had slain their own brothers. After having won over the Kaurava in the war, the Pandavas felt guilty of over their act and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for salvation.

Lord Shiva eluded them continually and while escaping the sight of Pandavas, took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva became visible at four other places. These are worshipped at these respective sites as Lord Shiva’s manifestations:

1.   Tunganath - The arms of the Lord appeared at this site.

2.   Rudranath – The face of the Lord appeared at this site.

3.   Madhmaheshwar - The belly of the Lord appeared at the site.

4.   Kalpeshwar – The locks (hair) and head of the Lord appeared at this site.

Kedarnath in conjunction with the four above-listed shrines are worshipped widely as Panch Kedar.

Gangotri Dham

The sacred Shrine of Gangotri sits magnificently at an elevation of 3200 m over sea level nestled between charismatic surroundings alongside the right bank of Bhagirathi. This is precisely 100 km from Uttarkashi. The opening of temples here is preceded by a special Puja of sacred River Ganga inside the temple and the river bank.

Yamunotri Dham

This revered dham is the source of Yamunotri River. It seats Godess Yamuna and is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. The major attraction at Yamunotri is a beautiful temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. Yamunotri is also eminent for the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti. Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal had constructed the temple of Yamuna, situated on the left bank of the Yamuna. The deity of the temple is constructed of black marble. The Yamuna in India has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus.  The river has also been responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.

Experiencing the Mysticism of Char Dham with My Taxi India

My Taxi India, one of the leading Char Dham Yatra tour providers the best packages all year round with promise of world class quality service to make your journey memorable. Treat yourself to one of our Char Dham tour packages. Whether you're looking for a package to enlighten yourself with the divine presence of the almighty or relax and indulge with your family and loved ones, you've come to the right place.

At My Taxi India, we ensure great deals and discounts on these packages. The best part is that the journey can be customized as per your specific needs and budget. We have our own fleet of Coaches and Cars managed and equipped to suit journey to the hilly areas provided at affordable tariffs.

Our Char Dham Tour Package includes the following routes:

The Destinations Covered:

DELHI - HARIDWAR - BARKOT - YAMUNOTRI - UTTARKASHI - GANGOTRI - GUPTKASHI - KEDARNATH - BADRINATH - RISHIKESH - DELHI.

DAY 01: DELHI / HARIDWAR

The first morning of the Char Dham tour with us starts with Pick up from Delhi airport or Railway station by our representative and a smooth drive to Haridwar. Upon reaching Haridwar, you will check in at the hotel and offered welcome drink and mini refreshments.Thereafter, our chauffeur will take you to a visit to Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti in the evening.

The dinner and overnight stay will be at Haridwar. Post Dinner, you will be given a brief on Holy Chardham Yatra. The trip will cover all of the prominent temples of the city including, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev, Daksha Mahadev Temple, Anandmai ashram, Vaishno Devi Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, Doodhdhari Temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir.

Haridwar: This beautiful city lies at the base of Shiva's hills, to be exact, the Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttaranchal. Bhagirath, the Suryavanshi prince performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. Soon the penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth forms Lord Shiva's locks. The bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara.

As per the Bhagirath customs, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder. The place is considered as doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, which is almost 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas. One of the most significant rituals is the 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset. Thousands of people float 'dia' (lamp) together which makes it a moving ritual.

DAY 02: HARIDWAR / BARKOT

Early morning, you will be given a wake-up call for Ganges bathing. You will also perform Surya Namaskar at Saptrishi Ghat. Later on, you can take a relaxing break for breakfast and later leave for journey to the first of your Dham. Yamunotri is the daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya.

At last, you will be drive to Barkot will be via Dehradun ,Mussoorie and visiting Kempty fall on the way. You will enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Barkot.

DAY 03: BARKOT / YAMUNOTRI / BARKOT

In the morning, you would leave for Yamunotri Darshan. This will be your first of Himalayan Chardham. Thereafter, you will drive to Hanuman Chatti. From here, our chauffeur will take you to Janki chatty. We will help you transfer to a private jeep. From here, you will either walk or hire Pony or by Palanquin.

Upon arrival of Yamunotri, you will visit the hot kund. It is said that one can easily cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of the hot kund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". This is a common practise among pilgrims. You can also offer "Pooja" near the temple to Divya Shila. Soon after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of sanctimonious "Yamunaji" returning to Hanumanchatti. Later on, you will be driven back to Barkot. Here, you will enjoy an overnight stay at Hotel.

Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the surrounding area of the temple, which flows into many pools. The most significant of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: This is a rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

DAY 04: BARKOT / UTTARKASHI

In the morning after breakfast, you will leave for Uttarkashi. On the way, the journey breaks at Brahamkhal and Dharasu band. Later on, you will be given a lunch break at Uttarkashi. The rest of the evening is saved for leisure.

Later on, you will visit the much revered Vishwanath Temple. The dinner and overnight stay at will be at Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi: This beautiful site lies at the bank of river Bhagirathi. It is widely celebrated for being the abode of temple of Lord Vishwanath. This is the temple where a massive iron trident is erected. The place is also known for many other significant temples including Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar, and Goddess Kuteti Devi.

DAY 05: UTTARKASHI / GANGOTRI / UTTARKASHI (200 KMS)

Early morning, you will be given a wakeup call and served with light breakfast. Thereafter, we will take you to Gangotri. On the way, you will take a break at Gangnani. This is a popular hot water spring. Later on, you will continue the journey for a visit to Gangotri temple. Post Puja, a lunch break at Gangotri will help you relax. Then we will take you to Uttarkashi. The dinner and overnight stay will be at Uttarkashi.

Gangotri Temple: The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century. It is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.

Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the site where, as said by legends Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks. This is clearly visible in the months of winter when water level decreases.

DAY 06: UTTARKASHI / GUPTKASHI

In the morning, post breakfast you will leave for Guptkashi for the Kedarnath darshan. This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Our chauffeur will drive you to Guptkashi. On the way, you will be visiting Heritage Tehri Town and lake. This is developed by submerging entire town under it. Later on, you will reach Guptkashi a large village situated in Kedar Khanda. It is renowned for the primeval Vishwanath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will enjoy an overnight stay at Guptkashi

DAY 07: GUPTKASHI / KEDARNATH

In the morning, we will drive you to Gaurikund. The trek will start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (covering approx 3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. We recommend tour members to carry personal medicines, heavy woollens, toiletries and clothes to for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Here, you will check in hotel. Later on, you will visit Kedarnath Temple and thereafter, a night halt.  

Gaurikund: Situated at a distance of 5 kms from Sonprayag, this kund is widely celebrated for taking bath in the hot water pond and a visit to the famous Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. The place also makes the base for a trek to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This is a picturesque spot located, against the milieu of the magnificent Kedarnath range.

DAY 08: KEDARNATH / RUDRAPRAYAG

You will trek down Gaurikund in the early morning, after Temple Darshan. Later on, you will be driven to Rudraprayag. Here, you will check in Hotel in Rudraprayag and enjoy overnight Night Halt.

Rudraprayag: This is named after Lord Shiva (Rudra). The Rudraprayag is situated at the holy convergence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers, at a distance of 34 km from Srinagar (Garhwal). The existence of two distinct routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag provides great significance to the place. The whole district is blessed with enormous natural magnificence, and places of religious significance including lakes and glaciers.

DAY 09: RUDRAPRAYAG / BADRINATH

In the morning, you will be driven to Badrinath via Joshimath. Here, you will check in hotel. Later on, in the evening, you will visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti. Badrinath is one of the most revered of 'Four Dhams'. In fact, it is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the nation. Situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, shielded on either side by the two mountain ranges Nar & Narayan, with the lofty Neelkanth Peak, the site ensures a splendid milieu to the visitors. This sacred spot was once covered with wild berries. This is also how this place got the name "Badri van", literally meaning, "Forest of Berries". You will enjoy an overnight stay at Badrinath during the visit.

Our package will include a visit to the following sacred sites:

Tapt Kund: This is known for natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda. This is precisely where pilgrims take customary bath prior to entering the sacred Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund: The pilgrims will take a relaxing alcove in the river near Tapt Kund. It forms a pool and this is from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal: This is a flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Here, Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra: This is about 1.5 kms from Brahama Kapal. It is a boulder giving an impression of the legendary serpent, widely eminent with the name of Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka: This is about 3 kms away from Sheshnetra is an exquisite meadow where the footstep of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple: The temple is devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Some of the other prominent temples here include the Urvashi Temple, Sesh Netra Temple, and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village: This beautiful village is inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe. This is also the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara: This is a splendid water fall 5 kms from Badrinath.

Bhim Pul: This is situated on the other side of Mana village. It is a massive rock forming a natural bridge which lies over the boisterous Saraswati River. It offers a mesmerising a spectacular view of water rumbling down through the narrow passageway under the rock. The legends have it that the rocks have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

DAY 10: BADRINATH / SRINAGAR

The pilgrims will have early morning bath in the Taptkund. Thereafter, one will enjoy darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is noteworthy for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). Our representative will take you to several other interesting sight-seeing spots here such as Charanpaduka, Mana, Vyas Gufa, Bhimkund, Maatamoorti, and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. This is within the 3 kilometers radius of Badrinathjee. Later on, you will be driven back to Srinagar. Here, we will help you check in hotel. You will enjoy overnight stay at Srinagar.

DAY 11: SRINAGAR / RISHIKESH

The day begins with early morning visit to the famous Narsingh Temple and Shankracharaya Math. Later on, our representative will drive you back to Rishikesh. Upon arrival, you will check in hotel.

Rishikesh, also known widely as the 'place of sages' is an eminent spiritual town situated on the bank of Ganga. It is bordered by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on all three sides. The legends have it that when Raibhya Rishi practiced hard penances, the Lord appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and the site came to be known as ‘Rishikesh’.

Here, we will take you to various temples and sight-seeing places including Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla, Shivananda Ashram, Bharat Mandir, Parmarth Ashram. You will enjoy an overnight stay at sacred town of Rishikesh.

DAY 12: RISHIKESH / DELHI

Our chauffeur will drive you back to Delhi. On arrival to Delhi, we offer you safe and smooth transfer to Railway Station / Airport. With this, our Char Dham tour comes to an end.

The Tour at My Taxi Ends with Pleasant Memories that Etch in your Mind Forever!