Do Dham with Tungnath Tour Package

Day 1: Haridwar to Sersi (Drive of approx. 7-8 hours / 220 km)
Your spiritual sojourn begins in the ancient city of Haridwar. You will be met by our representative and will depart early morning for the drive to Sersi, a serene village near Guptkashi. The drive is incredibly scenic, following the course of the holy Ganga and Alaknanda rivers. En route, you will stop to explore the sacred Vishwanath Temple or the uniquely captivating Ardhnareshwar Temple (half-male, half-female form of Lord Shiva) in Guptkashi. Upon arrival in Sersi, you will check into your hotel, freshen up, and rest for the night. The evening is free for you to relax and prepare for the upcoming trek. Overnight stay in Sersi.

Day 2: Sersi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath (16 km Trek)
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Sonprayag, the last point accessible by motorable road. From here, you will take a local shared jeep or bus to Gaurikund, a sacred site known for its hot water springs. This is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. Begin your sacred 16 km trek to Kedarnath. The path is well-marked and ascends gradually through lush forests, waterfalls, and rocky terrain. For those who prefer not to walk, ponies, dolis (palanquins), and kandi (baskets) are available for hire at Gaurikund (at your own cost). Upon reaching the temple town of Kedarnath, check into your pre-booked accommodation (basic lodges or ashrams). After resting, you can visit the Kedarnath Temple for the evening ‘Sandhya Aarti’. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.

Day 3: Kedarnath – Triyuginarayan Temple – Sersi (16 km Trek & Drive)
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking morning ‘Abhishekam’ and ‘Rudrabhishekam’ at the Kedarnath Temple. After seeking blessings from the Jyotirlinga, you will visit the Bhairav Temple, situated on a hilltop behind the main temple, which offers spectacular views of the Kedarnath peak. Also, visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi, a memorial dedicated to the great philosopher. After breakfast, begin your trek back down to Gaurikund. At Sonprayag, your vehicle will be waiting. On the return drive to Sersi, you will make a special stop at the historic Triyuginarayan Temple. This ancient temple is believed to be the venue of Lord Shiva’s wedding to Goddess Parvati, where an eternal flame still burns. Drive back to Sersi for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Sersi – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila – Pipalkoti (Drive & Trek)
After an early breakfast, drive to Chopta, a picturesque meadow and a base for the Tungnath trek, often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’. From Chopta, start the 3.5 km trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trek is steeper than Kedarnath’s but offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. After visiting the temple, the more adventurous can trek an additional 1 km to the summit of Chandrashila Peak, the site where Lord Rama is said to have meditated. The panoramic 360-degree view from the top is simply unforgettable. Descend back to Chopta and then drive to Pipalkoti, a charming town on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Pipalkoti – Badrinath – Mana Village – Pipalkoti (Drive of approx. 3-4 hours each way)
Today, you will visit the abode of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Dham. Drive from Pipalkoti to Badrinath, one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After taking a holy dip in the Tapt Kund (natural hot water spring), proceed for darshan at the main temple. Post-darshan, drive to Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border, located just 3 km from Badrinath. Here, you will visit the Vyasa Gufa (cave where Sage Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata), the Ganesha Gufa, and the mythical Bhim Pul (a massive rock bridge over the Saraswati river). After exploring these culturally and spiritually rich sites, return to Pipalkoti for your final overnight stay.

Day 6: Pipalkoti to Haridwar (Drive of approx. 7-8 hours / 220 km)
Enjoy your last breakfast in the hills and begin your drive back to Haridwar. En route, you will stop at two significant sites. First, visit the Maa Dhari Devi Temple, a powerful shrine of the goddess who is considered the protector of the Char Dham region. Continue your journey to Devprayag, the sacred ‘Sangam’ (confluence) where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the holy Ganges river. Spend some time absorbing the divine energy of this location. You will arrive in Haridwar by late afternoon or early evening, where your memorable Do Dham with Tungnath tour concludes.

Section 2: Stay Details (Accommodation)

Bestpackage.in ensures that your accommodation during the Do Dham Yatra is comfortable, clean, and hygienic, allowing you to rest well for the next day’s journey. The type of stay varies depending on the location and the package variant you choose (Standard, Deluxe, or Premium).

• In Sersi (Nights 1 & 3): You will be staying in comfortable hotels or resorts. These properties offer clean rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water (often in buckets during peak season), and a dining hall serving vegetarian meals. Some premium options may offer better views and amenities.

• In Kedarnath (Night 2): Accommodation in Kedarnath is very basic and simple, consisting of government-run lodges, ashrams, or private camps. Do not expect luxury. Rooms are small and basic with common bathrooms or attached toilets with limited water supply. This is due to the high altitude and challenging location. The focus here is on functionality and warmth.

• In Pipalkoti (Nights 4 & 5): Pipalkoti offers much better accommodation options. You can expect comfortable hotels with modern amenities like attached bathrooms, 24/7 hot water, comfortable beds, and often, great views of the surrounding mountains from the property.

• General Stay Notes: All stays are on a twin or triple-sharing basis as per your booking. Linens and basic toiletries are usually provided. It is always advisable to carry your own towel, soap, and other personal toiletries. The accommodations are chosen for their strategic location, cleanliness, and food quality.

The travel flow for this package is designed for a smooth and efficient pilgrimage, minimizing fatigue while maximizing the experience.

• Day 1 (Haridwar to Sersi): Long driving day. The flow is to gain altitude gradually while stopping at key religious sites to break the journey.

• Day 2 (Sersi to Kedarnath): Drive + Trek. The flow involves a short drive to Sonprayag, a local vehicle ride to Gaurikund, followed by a full day of trekking. The day ends at the highest point, Kedarnath.

• Day 3 (Kedarnath to Sersi): Trek + Drive. The flow is the reverse of Day 2. A morning of temple visits followed by a full trek down, then a short drive back to the base hotel in Sersi.

• Day 4 (Sersi to Chopta/Tungnath to Pipalkoti): Drive + Trek + Drive. The flow is a morning drive to Chopta, a steep but short trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila, a descent, and then a scenic drive to Pipalkoti for the night.

• Day 5 (Pipalkoti to Badrinath/Mana to Pipalkoti): Drive (out and back). This day is a round trip. The flow is a morning drive to Badrinath for darshan, followed by a short drive to Mana village for exploration, and then a return drive to the same hotel in Pipalkoti.

• Day 6 (Pipalkoti to Haridwar): Long driving day. The flow is a continuous descent, with well-planned stops at Maa Dhari Devi Temple and Devprayag Sangam for rest and spiritual merit before concluding the tour.

Vehicle Information:
Bestpackage.in provides comfortable and well-maintained vehicles for the entire duration of the tour, excluding the Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Gaurikund sector which is on foot or by local public transport.

• Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle depends entirely on the size of your group.

  • For 1-4 persons: A sedan car (e.g., Toyota Etios, Maruti Suzuki Dzire) or an SUV (e.g., Mahindra XUV500, Toyota Innova).

  • For 5-9 persons: A Tempo Traveller (12-16 seater) for comfortable long-distance travel.

  • For larger groups (10+): A mini-bus or a full-sized bus.

• Vehicle Features: All vehicles are equipped with good suspension, air conditioning (which will be turned off in the mountains to prevent engine overheating), and ample space for luggage.

• Driver: An experienced, local driver who is familiar with the challenging mountain roads will be provided. His expenses (food, stay, salary) are included in the package cost.

• Kedarnath Sector: For the short 7-8 km ride from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, you will use local shared jeeps or buses. This is the most efficient and common method as private vehicles are not permitted beyond Sonprayag.

Meals Information:
The package includes breakfast and dinner from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast. The food is pure vegetarian and prepared with hygiene in mind.

• Breakfast: Typically includes options like Aloo Paratha, Pyaz Paratha, or Mix Paratha served with curd, butter, or pickle, accompanied by tea or coffee. On some days, Poha or a similar light snack is served.

• Dinner: A wholesome North Indian thali is served, which usually includes Dal (lentils), a seasonal Sabji (vegetable), Roti (whole wheat flatbread), Rice, and a simple dessert or pickle.

• Meals in Kedarnath (Excluded): As clearly mentioned in the exclusions, meals in Kedarnath are not included due to the very basic and unpredictable nature of food services there. You will need to purchase your meals at the small eateries or at your lodge.

• Lunch (Excluded): Lunch is not included. You will stop at en-route restaurants (dhabas) where you can purchase freshly cooked, simple meals at your own expense.

This tour is not just a sightseeing trip; it is a profound spiritual journey. Here are the key spiritual highlights:

1. Kedarnath Dham: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that a pilgrimage to Kedarnath washes away all sins and grants Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The temple’s unique architecture and its location in a stunning Himalayan valley add to its powerful aura.

2. Badrinath Dham: The most sacred of the four Char Dhams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his meditating form. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The Tapt Kund (hot spring) is believed to have medicinal properties, and a dip here is considered essential before entering the temple.

3. Tungnath Temple: The highest Shiva temple in the world. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples. Legend says the temple was built by the Pandavas to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war. The trek itself is a form of moving meditation.

4. Chandrashila Peak: Literally “Moon Rock.” It is believed that Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana. The peak is also associated with the Moon God, Chandra, who is said to have meditated here to be free from a curse.

5. Triyuginarayan Temple: This ancient temple is famous for its perpetual “Akhand Dhuni” (eternal flame). It is revered as the exact spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. Couples often visit this temple to seek blessings for a happy marriage.

6. Mana Village & Bhim Pul: Visiting the last village before the Tibet border offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The Bhim Pul, a massive rock bridge, is believed to have been placed by Bhima, the strongest Pandava, to help Draupadi cross the Saraswati river. The Vyasa Gufa is where the Mahabharata was composed.

Q1: What is the total duration of the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
The complete tour lasts for 6 days and 5 nights, starting and ending in Haridwar.

Q2: What is the refund policy if I cancel my booking?
The cancellation policy is as follows: 15% cancellation fee if cancelled 25+ days before departure. 50% cancellation fee if cancelled 7-25 days before departure. 100% cancellation fee if cancelled within 7 days before departure. The refund will be processed and paid between 15-25 days after the cancellation request.

Q3: Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
The tour includes treks to Kedarnath (16 km) and Tungnath (3.5 km), which are physically demanding. However, alternatives like ponies, dolis (palanquins), and palkis are available for hire on both treks. Senior citizens in good health with walking stamina can manage, but it is recommended to consult a doctor and hire support services.

Q4: What type of food is provided? Is lunch included?
The package includes pure vegetarian breakfast and dinner. Breakfast includes parathas or poha with tea/curd. Dinner includes dal, sabji, roti, and rice. Lunch is not included in the package. You can stop at en-route dhabas or local eateries to purchase lunch at your own cost. Meals in Kedarnath are also excluded.

Q5: Are ponies, dolis, or helicopter tickets included in the package price?
No, the cost of ponies, dolis (palanquins), horses, or helicopter tickets for the Kedarnath and Tungnath treks is not included in the package. These are optional services that you must arrange and pay for directly at the starting points (Gaurikund for Kedarnath, Chopta for Tungnath).

Q6: What should I pack for the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
You should pack waterproof and wind-resistant jackets, warm clothing (gloves, woolen socks, mufflers), sturdy trekking shoes, raincoats, a reusable water bottle, sufficient cash (as online payments may not work), valid ID (Aadhaar card), and all your personal medicines.

Q7: How do I confirm my booking for this tour package?
Booking is confirmed after you make an advance payment of ₹10,000. After the payment, you need to share a screenshot/proof of payment along with your Aadhar card and an email ID with Bestpackage.in for confirmation.

Q8: What is the significance of Mana Village on this tour?
Mana Village is the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border. It holds great cultural and geographical importance. On this tour, you will visit key sites here, including the Vyasa Gufa (where the Mahabharata was written), Ganesha Gufa, and Bhim Pul, offering deep spiritual and mythological insights.

Q9: Is travel insurance included in the package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the Do Dham with Tungnath package. It is highly recommended that you arrange for your own comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on this trip to cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or baggage loss.

Q10: Can I customize the Do Dham with Tungnath tour package?
Yes, the tour package is often customizable. You can contact Bestpackage.in to discuss specific needs, such as adding extra days for rest, upgrading to luxury hotels, or arranging for helicopter transfers to Kedarnath. Customization requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What is included in the Do Dham with Tungnath tour package?
A: The package includes comfortable vehicle transport for the group size, vegetarian meals (breakfast and dinner), accommodation in hotels/camps, and all toll and parking charges.

Q: What are the main destinations covered in the tour?
A: The main destinations are Haridwar, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Chandrashila Peak, Badrinath, Mana Village, Triyuginarayan Temple, Devprayag Sangam, and Maa Dhari Devi Temple.

Q: How long does the Do Dham with Tungnath package last?
A: The tour lasts for 6 days and 5 nights.

Q: What is the itinerary for the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: Day 1: Haridwar to Sersi. Day 2: Sersi to Kedarnath. Day 3: Kedarnath to Triyuginarayan to Sersi. Day 4: Sersi to Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila to Pipalkoti. Day 5: Pipalkoti to Badrinath and Mana Village and back to Pipalkoti. Day 6: Pipalkoti to Haridwar.

Q: Can I customize the Do Dham with Tungnath tour package?
A: Yes, the package is often customizable. Please contact Bestpackage.in directly to discuss any specific changes or upgrades you require.

Q: What are the payment terms for the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: An advance payment of ₹10,000 is required to confirm. A second payment of 50% of the total cost is due before your arrival. The final payment is to be made upon reaching the first stay point of the tour.

Q: What happens if I need to cancel my Do Dham with Tungnath booking?
A: A 15% fee applies if cancelled 25+ days before departure. A 50% fee applies if cancelled 7-25 days before. A 100% fee applies if cancelled within 7 days before departure.

Q: What should I pack for the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: You should pack waterproof/wind-resistant jackets, warm clothes (gloves, socks, mufflers), trekking shoes, raincoats, water bottles, cash, valid ID, and personal medicines.

Q: Are meals provided during the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: Yes, breakfast and dinner are provided. Lunch and meals in Kedarnath are excluded.

Q: What transportation is provided for the Do Dham with Tungnath package?
A: Comfortable private vehicles (car, SUV, Tempo Traveller) are provided for most of the journey, with public transport used for the Gaurikund-Kedarnath sector.

Q: How physically demanding is the trek to Kedarnath and Tungnath?
A: The Kedarnath trek (16 km) is moderate. The Tungnath trek (3.5 km) is more challenging due to its steep sections. Alternatives like ponies and dolis are available.

Q: Is the Do Dham with Tungnath package suitable for senior citizens?
A: It can be, with the use of available alternatives like ponies or dolis for the treks. However, it requires a basic level of mobility and stamina.

Q: Are there any extra charges for activities during the tour?
A: Yes, optional activities like ponies, dolis, or helicopter rides to Kedarnath are not included and will incur an extra cost.

Q: Can I visit other temples during the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: Yes, the tour includes visits to Triyuginarayan Temple, Bhairav Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi, and the temples in Mana Village.

Q: How can I get to Kedarnath from Haridwar?
A: You drive from Haridwar to Sersi, then to Sonprayag, take a local vehicle to Gaurikund, and then trek (or take a pony/doli) to Kedarnath.

Q: What is the significance of Mana Village during the tour?
A: Mana Village is the last Indian village before Tibet, associated with Vyasa, Ganesha, and the Pandavas, offering immense mythological and cultural significance.

Q: How do I reach Badrinath and what is included in the tour?
A: You drive from Pipalkoti to Badrinath. The tour includes darshan at the Badrinath temple and a visit to Mana Village.

Q: Are there any health or safety precautions for the Do Dham with Tungnath tour?
A: Yes, it is advised to prepare with light exercise, stay hydrated, carry personal medicines, dress in layers, and listen to your guide’s instructions regarding altitude.

Q: Is there any travel insurance included in the Do Dham with Tungnath package?
A: No, travel insurance is not included. It is recommended that you arrange your own before the trip.