Dharchula is a pictures que town nestled in the northern part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, near the border with Nepal and Tibet. This charming town is a hidden gem in the Himalayan region, offering breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage,and a gateway to numerous trekking and adventure opportunities
Popular Trekking routes from Dharchula
Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Route:
Dharchula is one of the starting points for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. The trek involves crossing the Lipulekh Pass and is known for its religious and scenic significance.
Also known as Chhota Kailash, this trek takes you to the base of the Adi Kailash peak. It’s a relatively challenging trek and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Om Parvat trek is known for the natural occurrence of the sacred “OM” symbol on the mountain. The trek takes you to the holy Om Parvat, providing a unique and spiritual experience.
Panchachuli Base Camp trek offers stunning views of the five peaks of Panchachuli. It’s a challenging trek that takes you through remote villages and alpine meadows.
Ralam Glacier Trek:
Ralam Glacier trek is known for its panoramic views of the Ralam Valley and the surrounding peaks. It’s a challenging trek that takes you to the snout of the glacier.
GMVN provides various services and facilities to pilgrims and tourists who undertake the Char Dham Yatra, including transportation, accommodation, and other logistics. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of the pilgrims during this challenging journey through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. This pilgrimage is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism, and it attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
Day 1 : Haridwar — to Barkot
Pickup from Haridwar Railway Station. Drive toBarkot via Mussoorie, En-route visit Kempty Fall (Suggestible to have your lunch at Kempty fall as further no good restaurants are available beforeBadkot). Overnight stay at Barkot Hotel.
Drive to Jankichatti/Phoolchatti, trek start from
here to Yamunotri (6kms). Either by walk or by horse or by Doli at own cost.
The trek passes through a lush green valley, a profusion of conifers,
rhododendrons, cacti, and several species of Himalayan shrubs.
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
3291 meters
Distance Covered:
05 kms Trek One Side (4 Hrs)
Accommodation Style:
GMVN Rest House (Double/Triple
sharing)
Day 3 : Barkot — Uttarkashi
Post breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and
drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated
on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments,
Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, Visit the famous Vishwanath Temple.
Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
1352 meters
Distance Covered:
90 kms / 3-4 hours drive
Accommodation Style:
GMVN Rest House (Double/Triple
sharing)
Day 4 : Uttarkashi — Gangotri to Uttarkashi
Early morning breakfast at hotel and drive toGangotri. Nestled in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is set at analtitude of 3048 mts. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin Visit the Gangotri Temple. The 18th century’s temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near asacred stone where King Bhagirathi worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed tohave touched earth at this spot. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structuremade of white granite. After performing Pooja Late afternoon drive back toUttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
3048 meters
Distance Covered:
200 kms / 7-8 hours drive
Accommodation Style:
GMVN Rest House (Double/Triple
sharing)
Day 5 : Uttarkashi — Guptkashi
Drive straight to Guptkashi via Moolgarh &
Lambgoan. En route, you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The
Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach
Guptakashi. On arrival Check-In at the Hotel, evening visit Ardh Narishwar
Temple. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
1319 meters
Distance Covered:
220 kms / 8-9 hours drive
Accommodation Style:
GMVN Rest House (Double/Triple
sharing)
Day 6 : Guptkashi — Kedarnath
Early morning after breakfast check out from the
hotel and drive to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, 21 km trek to Kedarnath. You can
hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). On arrival check in
at Govt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Lodges ( Guest Own
Arrangement ). Or you can return back to Sonprayag as per your strength and
choices.
Note :Passengers those are opting helicopterservices here might can come back to Sitapur or back to hotel on same day. Wehave kept the stay arrangement here for consequent 03 nights. But in case of night stay in KADARNATH JI, is not included. Will be directly payable bythe passengers.
Early morning you get up before dawn and after
taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath
Shiva. Later you’ll start the return trek of 20 km from Kedarnath to Sonprayag.
The vehicles wait for you in Sonprayag Car Parking and you’ll drive to your
hotel (Guptkashi). Dinner and Overnight at Guptkashi
Morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath.
Check in to the hotel arrival in Badrinath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the
Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in the
evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors
(Pitrus). There is another interesting sightseeing spot like
Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the “Mukh” of the
Saraswati River. Just within the three km of Badrinathjee. Overnight
stay at Badrinath.
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 waterfall. This place is
5 km. from Badrinath out of which 2 km. 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast & Dinner
Elevation:
3033 meters
Distance Covered:
Drive: 215kms/7 to 8 Hrs
Accommodation Style:
GMVN Rest House (Double/Triple
sharing)
Day 9 : Badrinath — Joshimath – Rudraprayag
Early morning, pilgrims after having a bath in the
Taptkund have the Darshan of Badrivishal, Cradled in the twin mountain ranges
of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the
right bank of the river Alaknanda. with the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the
backdrop, it is an important destination on the sacred itinerary of every
devout Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with ‘badris’ or wild berries and
hence was famous as ‘Badri Van’
Drive to Rishikesh, the ‘place of sages’ is acelebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surroundedby the 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.
Later transfer to Haridwar Railway Station /Dehradun Airport. Tour Terminate.
If you are planning to undertake the Char Dham Yatra, it’s advisable to check with Char Dham Yatra GMVN for the latest information on services, accommodations, and travel arrangements to make your pilgrimage a smooth and memorable experience.
The best time to visit the Adi Kailash Trek in Uttarakhand, India, depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. Generally, there are two primary trekking seasons in this region:
Late Spring to Early Autumn (May to September):
This is the primary trekking season for Adi Kailash.
May and June: During these months, you’ll experience pleasant weather with clear skies. The landscapes are lush and green, and the rhododendrons are in full bloom, adding to the natural beauty.
July and August: The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, which can make the trails slippery and difficult. Landslides are also possible. Trekking during these months is not recommended due to safety concerns.
September: The post-monsoon period in September marks the end of the trekking season. The weather starts to clear up, and it’s an excellent time to visit if you prefer quieter trails and are prepared for some colder nights.
Late Autumn to Early Winter (October to November):
This is the other viable trekking season for Adi Kailash.
October: The weather is generally stable and pleasant during this time, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures. This is considered one of the best months for trekking in the region.
November: As winter approaches, temperatures start dropping, especially during the nights. The landscapes begin to change, and you might experience some early snowfall in higher altitudes.
The best time to visit the Adi Kailash Trek is during late spring to early autumn, specifically in May, June, and October. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. However, your choice of timing should also consider your trekking experience, as the post-monsoon season in September and the early winter in November can provide a unique experience if you are prepared for colder weather and possible snowfall. It’s essential to check the current weather and trail conditions before embarking on the trek and to be prepared for any changes in weather that can occur in mountainous regions.
The Adi Kailash yatra is a Moderate and rewarding trekking tour in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It takes you to the Adi Kailash region, an area with stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. Here are the highlights of the Adi Kailash Trek by point:
Scenic Beauty: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and lush green landscapes. You’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Kumaon region.
Spiritual Significance: Adi Kailash is often referred to as the Chhota Kailash or Mini Kailash, and it holds great religious significance, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Many pilgrims undertake this trek for spiritual reasons.
Dharchula: The trek typically starts from Dharchula, a picturesque town in Uttarakhand, serving as the gateway to the Adi Kailash region.
Trek Difficulty: The Adi Kailash Trek is Moderate and requires a good level of fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, descents, and difficult terrain.
Lipulekh Pass: This trek takes you to Lipulekh Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass that lies on the India-Tibet border. The pass is significant for trade and pilgrimage.
Kuti Village: Along the way, you’ll come across the charming Kuti Village, known for its ancient temples and welcoming locals. It’s an excellent place to learn about the local culture.
Pilgrimage Stops: You’ll visit various temples and sacred sites, including Jolingkong, Kalapani, and the Om Parvat, which is famous for the naturally formed ‘Om’ symbol on the mountain.
Spectacular Landscapes: The trek offers diverse landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, and snow-clad peaks. It’s a visual feast for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Interaction: Interact with the local communities, get a glimpse into their way of life, and savor local cuisine.
Please note that the Adi Kailash Trek requires careful planning, including permits and proper acclimatization due to the high altitude. It’s essential to be well-prepared and consider hiring a local guide for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.