Chardham

Sriram - Chardham is visited from left to right.
i,e
Yamnotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath &
Badrinath.

Since you have decided to make it threedham.....i,e..skip yamnotiri...I think the tour organiser has continued in the same direction of visiting the dhams from left to right. (The Chardham must be visited from left to right -beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath).

Its upto you in what order you want to see....
Even in Yamunotri, there is a small trek of 7-8 kms and belive me, this trek is more steeper and tiring than Kedarnath which is around 14kms. (I have walked at both the places).
Also, one of my relatives who used the horse at both the places (Kedarnath & Yamunotir) found Yamunotri to be more difficult to handle because of the steepness and also I have seen more people falling of the horse at this place compared to Kedarnath (talking about senior citizens on horseback).

Personally, I feel Yamunotri is more scenic that Gangotri. (Sorry...If I am confusing you more to change your.........iten....)

Cheers!

Thanks Manzey. I was not worried about the left to right or right to left route. I was thinking of anoy other alternate road route to shorten the distance between dhams.

I know,I am skipping yamnotri mainly because of 4 senior citizens in my group. The chardham invloves a lot of travel compared to what you actually see in the dham's. Skipping yamnotri,hels me to get some more time and see the other dhams in a more leisurely way.

I am planning to use that time (u get 2 days,if you skip yamnotri)to relax in a hrishikesh ashram .

So no confusion :-)

Uttarachal maps show..a direct road route from gangotri to ghuttu..I was wondering why not take this route to reach kedarnath...Anywbody aware of quicker access to kedarnath from Gangotri.

Sriram.B

There are shorter routes - both for Gangotri-Kedarnath and Kedarnath-Badrinath. While you may gain in terms of kms, the gain in terms of time will depend upon the road conditions. Furthermore, logistics such as repair shops are not available on some of the long stretches of short cut roads.

Since you have 4 senior citizens in the group, I would advise you to consider travel by normal routes as suggested by your agency.

There is a shorte route.But the roads are bad and all Taxis and tour operatos donot take that route.Your route is the normal one

shorter routes are there but the climb is more steeper and as suggested no logistics will be available. so not advisable for elders.

sriram,
You guessed right, there are shorter/better routes. The agency didn't mention em becos they don't know about em or are trying to play safe.

Day 3 - It is perfectly in order to go from Gadolia to Ghansali (not Ghuttu) and Tilwara, in fact many vehicles will be during this yatra season. So this is what I suggest you do. In fact there is a GMVN at Tilwara, you can stay there (or at Chandrapuri, or at Syalsaur).

Day 5 - On your return from Kedarnath, you shud take (you guessed it) the Kund-Ukhimath-Chopta-Chamoli route, very scenic, shorter - no point covering the same route again and again. You cud stay at GMVN Ukhimath, or Gopeshwar if you want to travel further.
Day 7 - this is the day you shud park yourself at Rudraprayag (GMVN is best). Much better than Kirtinagar (what, some expensive resort? Don't tell me they intend to put you in Garhwal Univ Guesthouse! ).

Sorry for creating a new thread for this,

Hi All,

After dialling n number of numbers and sending the request to n number of websites when I visited this foroum I could not resist myself penning down my query.

I am planning for a chardham yatra starting from 8th of May early in the morning at haridwar. Everyone says that the minimum of travel is 9 nights and 10 days. I was wishing if this can be reduced, please let me know if it can or not. keeping in mind that there are 2 old age, 2 female, 2 kid.

I have contacted various people some are arrogant on thier pricing not ready to hear anything, what they have said it final. Some, very considering. Finally i got hooked up with one who gave me a quotation of

This is break group, where 4 of the group member will start the full chardham yatra where as two members will only join them from kedarnath to badrinath.


India Holiday Home
13,250 for 4 adults on Innova(budget hotels)
9,000 for 2 adult on indica who will later join 4 members.

whereas with skylark
10,885 for 4 adults on Innova(budget hotels)
7,685 for 2 adults on indica who will later join 4 members.

At the same time about GMVN I came to that if at final hour any VIP is comming on that date they they prefer VIP and 90% chances are about the chaning of our iternary. They are asking full amount in the advance to book the package which is very risky.


Where as with Indian Holiday home and skylark the booking amount is very less.

Would higly appreciate for your exp and wise comments.

Thanks
keshav

You can cut it to 9 days/8 nights (Haridwar-Haridwar) as a bare minimum, but this gives you absolutely no breathing space for any delays. At least you need to be be able to add a day or two at short notice, considering you have kids and elderly in your party.

GMVN's package tour is expensive, you shud book accom with them only. It's correct that you have to pay 100% advance, but so long as your tour is on schedule that shudn't be a problem.

You can arrange transport separately. Another member, blwetorch, had a good experience with this agency, ask them for a quote:
http://www.indiamart.com/shubhyatrat...?qtype=contact

In fact, since they arrange tours as well, ask them for a full quote, if you don't want to arrange accom yourself.

Many thanks for this information but my limitation is that I am in UK. Hence, can not be 100% sure on the dates. I will try with indiamart. I am not in a position to book this separately.

few more querries,
1) Are the budget hotels okay?
2) Till now, the most friendly person whom I have dealt with is Amit from India Holiday Home.
3) When I was dealing with GMNV, I have droped many mail but all in vain.
4) When I spoke to them, they asked me to drop a mail, which I have already done.

As per my understanding, if a person makes you comfortable before the start of the tour itself, i think we can expect more hospitality from them when compared to other who hardly give time to understand the doubts and querries. This was reflected with skylark person Kamal Jit as well.

Thanks Dilliwala.. Great to see your response !.. Hope you are doing good..

So you suggest that GMVN accomodations are generally good..??

Regards
Sriram.B

I think..kamal jit speaks good english.. I am also talkng to him and he speaks really cordial.

He has quoted me Rs 23,500 for Toyoto innova as I have 6 people.

He has quoted me Rs 42,000 ( 7000 per head) for ( travel + accomodation(budget hotels).

My plan if dor 9 days ( rishikesh- Gangotri-KEdarnath-Badrinath -rishikesh ).

Regards
Sriram.B

The most interesting part of my dealing as of now is that Skylark says that dont pay anything in advance as you are not based in India, once you are here at that time we can take the full amount.

expert suggestions are what I am looking for. which is the norm of this foroum

thanks
Keshav

Just to add something more on this, as I am taking my parents for this holy divine tirth, so please let me know if I am missing anything in this iternary.

CHAR DHAM YATRA

8 May 09: Haridwar - Barkot (220kms/7hr)
Pickup from Haridwar Hotel/Railway Station, Drive to Barkot via Dehradun & Mussoorie. Enroute visit Kempty Fall and others later drive straight to your Hotel for night halt.


09 May 09: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot {36kms drive & 7kms Trek (one side)}
Drive to Hanuman Chatti, from here you have to take local jeeps for Janki chatti (It helps to reduce the trek upto 8 kms), trek start from here to Yamunotri
(6kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost. Arr. Yamunotri, One can 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". Here near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, After taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warn water and having "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" returning to Hanumanchatti. Later drive back to Barkot. Overnight stay at Hotel.


Hanuman Chatti: The confluence of Hanuman Ganga & Yamuna River.

Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again.

Surya Kund: There are a Number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple, which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.


10 May 09: Barkot - Uttarkashi (100kms/4hr)
Drive to Uttarkashi via Barkot. Check in Hotel, Later visit Vishwanath Temple. Night Halt.

Uttarkashi: Situated at the bank of river Bhagirathi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar and Goddess Kuteti Devi.


11 May 09: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi (100kms/3hr each side)
We proceed to Gangotri (3048 mts), enroute we enjoy picturesque Harsil village, Bhagirathi River and the most magnificent view of the Himalayas. After Gangotri Darshan we return to Uttarkashi. overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

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

Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted lock. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.

Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 Yards from the Ganga Temple flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valle, this river meets the Bhagirathi on its left bank.


12 May 09: Uttarkashi - Rudraprayag (175kms/6hr) - 02 persons will join at Rudraprayag
Early morning, drive to Rudraprayag. Check in Hotel, night halt.

Rudraprayag: It is the confluence of river Mandakini and river Alaknanda.

Temples: Rudranath and Chamunda Devi, Koteshwar Temple (3 Kms).


13 May 09: Rudraprayag - Kedarnath (75kms by road & 14kms Trek)
Morning drive to Gaurikund, Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Kedarnath Temple. Night halt.

Gaurikund: At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters., one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing 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 r! emaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.


14 May 09: Kedarnath - Rudraprayag (14Kms Down Trek & 75kms/3hr by Road)
Early morning, after Temple Darshan trek down to Gaurikund. Later, drive to Rudraprayag via Guptkashi. Check in Hotel at Rudraprayag. Night Halt.


15 May 09: Rudraprayag - Badrinath (165kms/7hr)
Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Check in Hotel. Later at evening visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti. Overnight stay.

Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".

Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal : A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform proppitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra : 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village : Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. is motorable upto Mana.

Bhim Pul : On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati river. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (cave) : Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.


16 May 09: Badrinath – Srinagar (200kms/7hr)
Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sight seeing spot like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the "Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Later drive back to Kirtinagar. Check in Hotel. Overnight stay.


17 May 09: Srinagar – Rishikesh (100kms/3hr) – Haridwar (25kms/1hr)
Drive to Rishikesh, visit Rishikesh Local Sight Seeing. Later at evening, transfer to Haridwar Railway Station. Tour End.

Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of " Hrishikesh " and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh.

Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Shivananda Ashram, Parmarth Ashram..

Skylark is the best.Kamaljit and his parner are very helpfull/Minimum 10nighta and 11 days are neessary if elderly persons are there
Jai Kedarnath Ji

GMVN GHs can be booked online at any time, subject to availability.

1) Name them, and I can take a stab. Budget can mean anything in India, there is no authority to control standards.
2) Great. What guarantee do you have that he can actually deliver all he's promising? Reviews/reports on IM? Other websites? People you know?
3/4) Which office are you calling? I agree that GMVN's phone dealings leave something to be desired - try calling Rishikesh, they're better there. It's a waste of time emailing GMVN, this is generally known.

Since they don't own the establishments you'll be staying in, refer again to no. 2 above. I can only reiterate to call Shubh Yatra as well, since in that case we have at least one member's report.

I can only hope that there are no disappointments once you do pay the whole amount. I suppose they can afford to do this if the hotels they deal with don't require an advance for confirmed bookings.
With GMVN one is usually 'safer' becos one knows what to expect - not too much.
May I add - if any GMVNs are included in your stays by the agency, they will have to pay up in advance for the bookings to have any meaning. This not being the way agencies, specially smaller ones, operate, I'll be very surprised if they actually will have firm bookings in hand, even if they tell you they do. Ask them to provide hard evidence for any GMVN bookings before you believe them.

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, GMVN is wholly owned by the Govt of Uttarakhand. I hold no stake.

I don't see any point in staying in Barkot. Better to stay at Hanumanchatti, if not Jankichatti.

The rest of the plan is basically ok. Some fine-tuning cud be done.