Do Dham Yatra : Gangotri and Yamunotri

Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Day 2: Barkot – Jankichatti- Yamunotri- Barkot
Day 3: Barkot- Uttarkashi
Day 4: Uttarkashi - Gangotri- Uttarkashi
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Haridwar

• Sacred birthplace of two holy rivers

The greatest attraction of this yatra is visiting the origin of the most sacred rivers in India namely, Ganga and Yamuna. On Yamunotri you get to see the origin of Yamuna River, which is surrounded by snow-white mountains and natural hot springs. At the Gangotri you are at the head of the course of the Ganga as she starts off on her Himalayan path. It is believed that these places cleanse the mind, soul and previous karmas.

• Bhagirathi River and Local Exploration

Gangotri is bordered with the small scenic walks which give serene walks along the river and the forest patches that are nearby. It is a serene activity sitting by the riverbank, meditating, or having your feet in the cold water. Another thing to consider is visiting the small markets which are selling the woollens, the local food and religious objects that echo with the culture of Uttarkashi.

• Landscapes & Mountain Culture in the Himalayas.

The trip takes you through picturesque villages of the mountain ranges, apple trees, wooden cottages, and hospitable people. Uttarkashi and Yamunotri-Gangotri are mesmerizing places which are incredibly beautiful, cultural, and spiritual, and as a result, yatra is not only a religious place, but also a gorgeous one.

• River Scenery and Meditation Areas.

The route is also blessed with rivers- Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers at Yamunotri and Gangotri respectively. Being at the side of such rivers, listening to the ever running water, and seeing the mountains on the surrounding makes the most ideal moments of calmness. Himalayan energy is very peaceful and pilgrims usually sit here to meditate.

• Trek To Yamunotri

There is about a 6km trek for the Yamuntri Dham visit. You have to walk from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri. The trail to the shrine is easy but ascending. People with age may face difficulty while trekking to the temple. But there are options for ponies and palanquins. 

• Drive to Gangotri

The trip to Gangotri Temple is relatively less complicated due to the fact that it can be reached entirely by road. Car access is all the way to the temple and thus it is family friendly, elderly and first time pilgrims. The problem with this is only the high altitude of approximately 3,100 meters which may give mild headaches, fatigue or breathlessness in case a person travels at an excessive speed. The weather is also unpredictable making it cold even in summer. Gangotri is one of the more comfortable temples to pay a visit to within the Himalayas since walking small trailages around the temple or sightseeing nearby riverbanks require lesser effort.

• Weather and the Altitude

There can be minor effects of the altitude on the pilgrims who may complain of tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Wearing appropriate clothes, being warm, consuming water and not hurrying can also be quite helpful in coping with such difficulties. Oxygen decreases with higher altitudes and hence individuals with asthma, heart or breathing disorders, must observe extra caution and consult a physician before yatra.

• Challenging Pilgrims and Families

The older tourists can consider the yatra a little bit challenging primarily because of the Yamunotri trek and long roads to the divines. Nevertheless, the supply of ponies, palanquins, warm sheds, resting places, and hospitals makes pilgrimage very easy as compared to the years ago.

• Do Dham Yatra In May And June

The Do Dham Yatra opens around May or June. The trails open up and you will be able to visit the shrines. Your days will be warmer but nights can be very chilly. The clear skies and greenery look very beautiful.

• Do Dham Yatra In July And August

The monsoon season presents stunning sceneries, whereas it contributes to the difficulty of the yatra since it rains heavily. During this period, there are usually landslides, slippery roads and road blocks particularly on the road to Yamunotri. Although the temples are not closed, this is not the best season to visit unless pilgrims are ready to take up delays which may be caused by weather.

• Do Dham Yatra From September to Early November

This is a good time to appreciate the serene travelling experience with few crowds. But the nights start getting colder particularly in Gangotri hence warm clothes are necessary. The period after the monsoon months provide a serene and picturesque pilgrimage.

• Delhi To Dehradun / Haridwar: You can take a flight to Dehradun or look for buses or trains to Dehradun/ Haridwar. Jolly Grant (Dehradun) is the nearest airport. The nearest train station is also Dehradun Railway Station.
• Haridwar To Barkot: Look for buses or shared taxis to Barkot from Haridwar. 
• Barkot To Janki Chatti: It is a short 45km drive and you can take a shared taxi to Janki Chatti.
• Barkot To Uttarkashi: Few buses and shared sumo services are available for Uttarkashi.
• Uttarkashi To Gangotri: You can take a morning bus or look for shared taxi services for Gangotri.

• Pray and Find Bliss in the Gangotri Temple

Another place of the yatra that is beautiful would be a visit to Gangotri Temple. The temple is located on the banks of the rapid Bhagirathi River and generates unparalleled serenity and good vibe. Pilgrims have the opportunity to sit before the river and hear the flowing water or just enjoy the calmness of the Himalayas. The aarti at Gangotri in the early morning and at evening is very relaxing and makes one feel in a spiritualized state.

• Participate in the rituals in Surya Kund and Divya Shila

Prior to going inside the Yamunotri Temple, the pilgrims may go to the Surya Kund which is a natural hot spring where the water is so hot that prasad such as rice or potatoes can be cooked immediately. This is a cooked prasad and it is very holy. On the other side of it is Divya Shila, a rock where people pray. The rituals conducted offer profound cultural and spiritual immersion into local cultures of the area.

• Appreciate the Mountain Culture and Spiritual Atmosphere

During the tour, you will be able to meet friendly villagers, temple priests and pilgrims of other parts of India. It makes your trip warmer as you observe the local traditions, have simple meals in the mountain, and hear the tales of the temples. The Garhwal Himalayas is a culture that is based on devotion, simplicity and respect towards nature and that is what makes the whole experience more meaningful.

Get a good backpack (50L) to carry everything in it. Take 3 shirts, trekking pants and jeans/ joggers. Take a fleece jacket and a padded jacket to wear to keep warm. You ought to bring a couple of thermals at night. Now stuff a beanie, suncap, a muffler. Pack trekking shoes and a pair of sandals. Now pack all the toiletries. Carry some cash and your government ID. 

Travel Tips And Safety Guidelines

• Physical Preparations before the Yatra

There is the Do Dham Yatra, which is a road trip and a walk to Yamunotri. Light walking, stretching or simple exercise is good preparation in your body prior to the trip as it builds stamina. Although you may pick a pony or palanquin, the high altitude and the length of time spent during the trip may be tiring and physical preparedness will help to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

• Drive And Walk Slowly

Gangotri and Yamunotri are located in high Himalayas areas with a little reduced oxygen. Driving at a slow pace and making stops will enable the body to adapt automatically. In case of such symptoms as headache, dizziness or breathlessness, take a short rest and drink a lot of water. There should also be no haste to walk too fast or climb too high, especially by the older pilgrims.

• Check the Weather

Uttarakhand weather is also unpredictable particularly when the monsoon and early fall are involved. Weather watching will allow you to organize your time without accidents. Sudden rains may cause roads to be wet and walking paths harder. 

• Transport 

The roads are mountainous, and they need to be carefully driven when approaching sharp curves and tight roads. Always employ drivers who are conversant with the road. Always inspect your car to ensure that it is in good condition. In case of landslides or pouring of rain, then you are better to seek refuge at a safe place until it subsides.

• Look after Aged-People and Children

In case you are on a trip with the elderly or kids, make sure they have frequent rests and keep themselves warm. The Yamunotri route has ponies and palanquins that can ease the path of them. Have necessary medication, warm garments, and snacks at hand. It should not be a long walk with no breaks.

Plan your Do Dham Yatra with Himalaya Shelter. Whether you are an experienced traveller or a newcomer, we are with you. The trek/ trip will be planned by our company based on your team. We have a decent pick-up and drop service. We have always A-rated stays and meals that have the best services.

Himalaya Shelter is proposing tailor made trekking/ trip services to Do Dham Yatra. You can make the Yatra on your own days with your folks. In our company, we are working with smaller groups of people to provide them with the most individualized services. The guides will go to the extent of reducing the pace of the trek, depending on the age and physical capability of the individuals. Book your Do Dham Yatra with your friends and family members for the best experience.