Spiritual Kedarnath by Helicopter Tour Package \ 11 Days Char Dham Journey

Yamunotri Temple:
The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur during the 19th century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt each time.

Surya Kund:
Several thermal springs are located around the temple, flowing into multiple pools. Among them, Surya Kund is the most significant.

Divya Shila:
A sacred rock pillar that is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Uttarkashi:
Situated on the banks of the River Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is home to the revered Lord Vishwanath Temple, where a massive iron trident stands as a significant attraction.

Gangotri Temple:
Built during the 18th century, Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It stands near the sacred stone where King Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. According to legend, Ganga descended here following the Deva Yagna performed to atone for the loss of relatives in the Mahabharata war. The temple is an elegant 20-foot-high structure built from white granite.

Submerged Shivling:
Located beneath the river, this natural rock Shivling marks the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have received the River Ganga in his matted locks. It becomes visible during the winter months when the water level recedes.

Kedar Ganga Sangam:
Located around 100 yards from Gangotri Temple, this is the sacred confluence where the River Kedar Ganga, originating from the Kedar Valley, joins the Bhagirathi River on its left bank.

VIP Darshan slips for Kedarnath Temple will be arranged to help passengers avoid long queues and complete their darshan with ease. The cost of these slips is ₹2,100 per person, which is not included in the package. Any special puja at Kedarnath can be booked directly through the local temple committee, and the applicable charges must be paid by the passengers. Tour members are advised to carry personal medicines, heavy woollen clothing, toiletries, and an extra set of clothes.

Important Note:
Last year, the trekking route to Kedarnath Temple was extended to approximately 19 kms (one way), and pilgrims were not permitted to stay near the temple. As a result, visitors either completed the trek on the same day or opted for helicopter services. This year, the Uttarakhand Government is continuously working to reduce the trekking distance and is also constructing wooden huts to accommodate approximately 3,000 pilgrims near the temple. Yatra registration will be mandatory for visiting this circuit.

Kedarnath Temple:
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Kedarnath mountain range. Lord Shiva, also known as Kedar, is revered as both the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for the deaths of their relatives. Lord Shiva repeatedly avoided them and finally took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When the Pandavas followed him, he disappeared into the ground, leaving only his hump visible. The remaining parts of his body appeared at four different locations, which are now worshipped as Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhmaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath, these five shrines are collectively known as the Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Temple:
The present temple was built during the 8th century AD by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, adjacent to the site of the ancient temple believed to have been built by the Pandavas. The temple houses a unique conical-shaped Lingam and has welcomed pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Behind the temple lies the Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who is believed to have attained samadhi here at the age of 32 after establishing the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.

Badrinath:
Nestled between the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is one of the holiest shrines of the Char Dham, situated on the left bank of the Alaknanda River with the majestic Neelkanth Peak forming its spectacular backdrop. The region was once covered with wild berries known as Badri, giving rise to the name Badrivan.

According to legend, when Goddess Ganga descended to Earth to relieve humanity’s suffering, the force of her descent was too powerful for the Earth to bear. She was therefore divided into twelve sacred streams, one of which became the Alaknanda River, later regarded as the abode of Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinath.

Located at an altitude of 3,133 metres, Badrinath is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. The area was once filled with wild berry forests, which led to the name Badri Van, meaning “Forest of Berries.”

Tapt Kund:
Natural hot water springs situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River, where devotees traditionally take a holy bath before entering Badrinath Temple.

Narad Kund:
A sacred recess in the river near Tapt Kund, believed to be the place where the idol of Lord Badrinath was recovered.

Brahma Kapal:
A sacred platform on the banks of the Alaknanda River where Hindus perform rituals for their departed ancestors.

Sheshnetra:
Located approximately 1.5 kms away, this sacred boulder bears the impression believed to resemble the eye of the legendary serpent Sheshnag.

Charanpaduka:
Situated around 3 kms from the temple, this beautiful meadow features a rock bearing the sacred footprint of Lord Vishnu.

Mata Murti Temple:
Dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath. Other important temples in the area include Shesh Netra Temple, Urvashi Temple, and Charanpaduka.

Mana Village:
The last Indian village before the Tibet border, inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe.

Vasundhara:
A magnificent waterfall located approximately 5 kms from Badrinath, of which around 2 kms is motorable up to Mana Village.

Bhim Pul:
Situated beyond Mana Village, this massive natural rock bridge spans the roaring Saraswati River. According to legend, it was placed here by Bhim, the second eldest of the Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (Cave):
Located near Mana Village, this sacred cave is believed to be the place where Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata and the Puranic commentaries.

Later, drive via Joshimath and Pipalkoti to Rudraprayag. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Joshimath:
Joshimath is situated on the slopes overlooking the confluence of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. It is one of the four sacred Maths established by Adi Shankaracharya and serves as the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. The town is home to several temples, the most prominent being the Narsingh Temple, dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the left arm of the deity is gradually shrinking, and local tradition holds that when it completely disappears, the Badrinath Valley will become inaccessible, and Lord Badrinath will be worshipped at Bhavishya Badri in the neighbouring Niti Valley. Joshimath is well connected by regular bus services to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath, and several other destinations in the region.

Rudraprayag:
Rudraprayag is the sacred confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers.

According to legend, Raibhya Rishi performed intense penance here, after which Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Hrishikesh, giving the town its name.

Later, visit the famous temples and attractions of Rishikesh, including Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Shivananda Ashram, and Parmarth Ashram. Thereafter, continue to Haridwar for an overnight stay.

Rishikesh:
Situated upstream along the banks of the River Ganga at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations. Surrounded by white sandy riverbanks and the Himalayan foothills, the town has long served as a resting place for saints and pilgrims before they continued their journey into the higher Himalayas.

Rishikesh is broadly divided into five distinct areas: Rishikesh (the commercial centre), Muni-ki-Reti, Shivananda Nagar, Lakshman Jhula, and Swarg Ashram, each known for its spiritual significance and religious institutions.

Swarg Ashram is home to numerous ashrams, shops, and food stalls, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers. The newly constructed Ram Jhula spans the River Ganga, while ferries operating during the day allow visitors to cross the river. Prominent institutions in the area include Kali Kambliwale Ashram, founded by Swami Vishudhananda, Parmarth Niketan, known for its impressive statues of Hindu deities, and Gita Bhavan, which houses an Ayurvedic dispensary and a shop offering religious books and traditional Khadi products.

Approximately 2 kms upstream stands the historic suspension bridge known as Lakshman Jhula, named after Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshman. Numerous temples line both sides of the river near the bridge.

To the northeast lies Muni-ki-Reti, a peaceful riverside area along the Chandrabhaga River, known for its white sandy beaches and ideal swimming spots. Boat rides near Swarg Ashram are a popular attraction, and visitors can also feed the fish that gather around pilgrims offering balls of wheat flour into the river.