Badrinath:
It is considered the holiest of the four main shrines of Uttarakhand. Badrinath is one of the itinerary of the every devout Hindu. The present temple was built about 2 centuries ago by the Kings of Gharwal. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Lord Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Narayan. Badrinath is also known as Vishal Badri. The temple remains closed from October to April due to severe winter conditions. The famous hot spring of Taptkund and Suryakund are just below the temple. A dip considered holy and refreshing to the body as well as the soul is a must before offering prayers to Shri Badrinath.
General Information:
Climate
Month Max. Temp. Min. Temp.
May 5 Deg. C 0.Deg.C
June 14.5 Deg. C 5.9 Deg .C
Cloths : Light woolen (May to September)
Languages : Hindi, Garhwali and English.
Kedarnath :
Set amidst the stunning mountains cape of the Gharwal Hills, Kedarnath at the head of the Mandakini river, is a very holy pilgrimage. It is located at the height of 11,742 feet(3580 m), is a famous pilgrim site for Lord Shiva devotees. According to the legend, Lord Shiva wished to elude the Pandavas and took refuge in Kedarnath. The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike it's usual form is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotilingas. The shrine is closed on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopened in Vaishakh (Apr-May). During 9 months of closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.
General Information:
| Altitude |
: |
3,200 mt. |
Climate
|
|
|
| Month |
Max. Temp. |
Min. Temp. |
| May |
14 Deg. C |
5.7 Deg. C |
| June |
18 Deg. C |
9 Deg. C |
|
| Clothing |
|
|
| Cloths |
: |
Light woolen (May to September) |
| Languages |
: |
Hindi, Garhwali and English. |
Gangotri :
The Ganges is India's most sacred river. Hindus believe its waters to have flowed eternally. It's source is said to be the summit of Mt. Meru; the mythical mountain at the centre of the universe. From there the river descends to earth via Lord Shiva's matted hair, which cushions it's falls. It is worshipped by Hindu's as the goddess Ganga and the great cities of Varanasi, Allahabad and Hardwar on it's banks are amongst the most important pilgrim places in India. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges to cleanse themselves of the Marma of previous and current lives, and so ensure an auspicious rebirth. The closest temple to the sources of Ganges lies 10,300 feet up in the small mountain village of Gangotri, half days climb on foot from the town Rishikesh. "Gaumukh" the actual source of the Ganges is at 13,858 feet; a further days walk ahead to where the Gangotri glacier meets the Bhagirathi river. Prayer plags and small shrines mark the source. A good place to meditate in solitude
General Information:
| Altitude |
: |
3,200 mt. |
Climate
|
|
|
| Summer |
: |
Cool during the day and cold at night. |
| Winter |
: |
Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero. |
| Clothing |
|
|
| Summer |
: |
Light woolens. |
| Winter |
: |
Very heavy woolens. |
| Languages |
: |
Hindi, Garhwali and English. |
Yamunotri:
The temple at Yamunotri marks the source of another sacred river 'Yamuna'. The temple was built by 'Maharani Gularia' of Jaipur in the 19th Century. There are number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The most important of this is 'Suryakund'. The rock pillar 'Divya Shakti' is worshipped before entering the temple. Hanumanchatti: 13 km from Yamunotri. The confluence of Hanuman, Ganga and Yamuna river, from where the trek 'Dodi Tal' (3307 mt) starts. Route -> Rishikesh - Barkot - Hanumanchatti - Yamunotri. Other picturesque places from Yamunotri are - 'Sayanachatti' (18km). 'Chamba' (climb of 1,524 m).
| Altitude |
: |
3,235 mt. |
Climate
|
|
|
| Summer |
: |
Cool during the day and cold at night. |
| Winter |
: |
Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero. |
| Clothing |
|
|
| Summer |
: |
Light woolens |
| Winter |
: |
Very heavy woolens. |
| Languages |
: |
Hindi, Garhwali and English. |
|
