Ek Dham Yatra | A Spiritual Trekking Expedition

Mana Village, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is famously known as India’s last village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Just 3 km from Badrinath, this scenic village sits at an altitude of around 3,200 meters, surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas. It is an essential stop for travellers on the Chardham Yatra packages, as it is steeped in mythological significance.According to legend, Mana is believed to be the place where the Pandavas, from the epic Mahabharata, started their journey to heaven. The village is home to the Vyas Cave and Ganesh Cave, where Sage Vyas is said to have written the Mahabharata. Alongside its deep-rooted history, Mana offers mesmerising landscapes, glacial rivers, and a chance to experience the unique lifestyle of the local Bhotiya community. The traditional stone houses, woollen handicrafts, and local cuisine add to the village’s charm, making it a must-visit destination.Timings & Entry Fees of Mana Village:Timings: Open throughout the day; best visited between May and October before snowfall makes access difficult.Entry Fees: No entry fee; however, visitors may contribute to local temples or cultural sites.

The Cave of Veda Vyasa

Mata Murti Temple is a small but important temple located near Badrinath in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Mata Murti, who is believed to be the mother of Lord Narayan’s twin incarnations, Nara and Narayana. According to legend, she prayed deeply for Lord Vishnu to be born as her son, and her prayers were fulfilled. That’s why this temple holds special significance, especially for devotees visiting on their Chardham Yatra packages.It is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River; the temple is surrounded by beautiful Himalayan mountains, making it a peaceful and divine place to visit. Devotees believe that offering prayers here can bring blessings and spiritual enlightenment. The temple is most lively during the Mata Murti Ka Mela, a festival that celebrates the motherly power of Mata Murti. People from all over visit during this time to take part in the celebrations and seek blessings.Timings & Entry Fees of Mata Murti Temple:Temple Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visitors. Donations for temple upkeep are appreciated.

Raghunathji Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is an important pilgrimage site along the Chardham Yatra. Located in the town of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, this ancient temple is known for its rich history and religious significance. You can explore this sacred temple and enrich your journey with Chardham Yatra Packages to get a deeper connection to the divine.The temple stands as a symbol of devotion to Lord Rama, with a peaceful and serene atmosphere that draws thousands of pilgrims each year. The temple is believed to have been established in the 17th century by Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu. It is a beautiful example of traditional wooden architecture, surrounded by scenic views of the Kullu Valley. Visiting Raghunathji Temple allows devotees to experience not only the spiritual essence of the place but also the divine blessings of Lord Rama, making it an essential stop for anyone on the Chardham Yatra.Timings & Entry Fees of Raghunathji Temple:Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.Entry Fees: Free entry for all visitors; donations are accepted.

Rishikesh is known as the Adventure Capital of India, and river rafting is one of the main attractions here. The city is located on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills and forests. The strong currents of the river make it a perfect place for rafting. Many people who book Chaardham Yatra packages also explore Rishikesh for adventure activities like rafting, camping, and bungee jumping.Rafting in Rishikesh is available for everyone, whether you are a beginner or have experience. The rafting routes have different difficulty levels, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the famous rafting stretches include Brahmpuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Kaudiyala. The best time for river rafting is from September to June, as the monsoon season (July and August) makes rafting unsafe. Apart from adventure, rafting in Rishikesh also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and holy ghats along the river.Timings & Entry Fees of Raghunathji Temple:1. Timings & Costs2. Rafting Timings: Usually from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.3. Rafting Cost:Brahmpuri (₹600 – ₹1,000 per person)Shivpuri (₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per person)Marine Drive (₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per person)Kaudiyala (₹2,000 – ₹2,500 per person)

Hanuman Chatti is a small yet important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. This peaceful destination is about 13 km from Yamunotri and serves as a base for pilgrims trekking to Yamunotri Dham. The place is named after Lord Hanuman, and there is an ancient Hanuman Temple where devotees stop to offer prayers before continuing their spiritual journey. Many pilgrims include Hanuman Chatti in their journey as part of Chardham Yatra packages, making it a special stop on the way to the divine sites of Uttarakhand.Surrounded by lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and flowing rivers, Hanuman Chatti is not just a religious place but also a great spot for nature lovers and trekkers. The fresh mountain air, calm environment, and scenic beauty make it a perfect place to rest and rejuvenate before heading towards Yamunotri.Timings & Entry Fees of Hanuman Chatti:Temple Timings: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November, as the weather is pleasant.Entry Fees: No entry fee for visiting Hanuman Chatti or the temple.Nearby Facilities: Basic guesthouses and food stalls are available for travellers.

Gomukh Glacier, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters in Uttarakhand’s Gangotri National Park, is the origin of the Bhagirathi River, which later merges with the Alaknanda to form the sacred Ganga River. The glacier derives its name from its cow-like snout (Gomukh), from where the river emerges.This glacier holds immense spiritual importance, as it is closely associated with the Ganga’s divine descent to Earth, as mentioned in Hindu mythology. Many pilgrims include Gomukh in their journey as part of Chardham Yatra packages, making it a revered spot for prayer and meditation.Apart from religious significance, Gomukh Glacier is a paradise for trekkers. The 18 km trek from Gangotri to Gomukh offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and unique Himalayan flora and fauna. Whether for spirituality or adventure, visiting Gomukh is an experience like no other.Timings & Entry Fees of Gomukh GlacierBest Visiting Months: May – October (Closed in winter due to heavy snowfall).Entry Fee: ₹150 per person (Indian), ₹600 per person (Foreigners) for entry to Gangotri National Park.Permit Required: Visitors need a trekking permit from the Forest Department in Uttarkashi before heading to Gomukh.

The Ganga Aarti is a divine ritual dedicated to the River Ganga, considered the holiest river in India. This spiritual ceremony is performed every evening at various ghats, with the most famous ones being Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. Priests dressed in traditional attire offer prayers using large brass lamps, with the sound of bhajans, bells, and conch shells filling the air.As part of Chardham Yatra packages, many pilgrims attend the Ganga Aarti to seek blessings before or after visiting the four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The sight of the flickering diyas floating on the river, combined with the chants and the cool evening breeze, creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you are religious or simply seeking inner peace, the Ganga Aarti is a must-attend ritual that embodies devotion and serenity.Timings & Entry Fees of Ganga Aarti:Haridwar: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Summer) | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Winter)Rishikesh: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Summer) | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Winter)Entry Fee: Free (VIP seating available at some ghats for a fee).

The Valley of Flowers, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is a mesmerising national park known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Spread over 87 square kilometres, this enchanting valley is home to more than 600 species of wildflowers, including blue poppies, orchids, primulas, and the rare Brahma Kamal. It is also a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A part of Chardham Yatra packages, this natural wonder is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and spiritual seekers looking to experience the untouched beauty of the mountains.For centuries, this valley has been considered sacred, with many believing it to be the resting place of gods. The trek to the valley, starting from Govindghat, takes visitors through lush forests, flowing rivers, and picturesque villages, making it an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season (July to September) when the valley is in full bloom. Whether you are an adventurer, a botanist, or simply someone seeking peace, the Valley of Flowers is a must-visit destination.Timings & Entry Fees of Valley of Flowers:1. Timings: The Valley of Flowers is open from June to October, with the peak blooming season from July to September.2. Entry Fees:Indian Nationals: ₹150 per personForeign Nationals: ₹600 per personThe entry ticket is valid for three days, and additional charges apply for extended visits.

Saptrishi Kund, situated at a high altitude of about 4,500 meters in the Garhwal region, is a sacred glacial lake near Yamunotri. The lake holds great spiritual importance, as it is believed to be the meditation site of the seven great sages, known as the Saptrishis, in ancient times. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows, the area offers some of the most picturesque views in the region. It is also a hidden gem for those exploring Chardham Yatra packages, as it provides a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure.The Kund, formed by the melting snow from the Yamunotri Glacier, is a serene and pristine place. Getting there is an adventure in itself, with a challenging trek that takes visitors through rugged terrain, dense forests, and alpine meadows. Despite the difficulty, the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views make it well worth the effort. For those looking to connect with nature and spirituality, Saptrishi Kund is an unforgettable destination.Timings & Entry Fees of Saptrishi Kund:Timings: Saptrishi Kund is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and October, as the trek is more accessible and the weather is favourable.Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting Saptrishi Kund, but visitors are advised to bring their food and supplies for the trek.