Here’s an overview of Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, and Panch Prayag, focusing on their significance, attractions, and cultural importance:

1. Haridwar

• Significance: One of the seven holiest places in Hinduism, Haridwar is where the Ganges River leaves the mountains and enters the plains. It is a major pilgrimage site and hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
• Highlights:
  • Ganga Aarti: A spectacular evening ceremony at Har Ki Pauri, where devotees offer prayers to the Ganges, accompanied by chanting and music.
  • Temples: Important temples include Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, accessible via cable car or a trek.
  • Pilgrim Hub: Acts as a base for travelers heading to the Char Dham Yatra (Kedarnath and Badrinath).

2. Kedarnath

• Significance: Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a crucial site in the Char Dham pilgrimage.
• Highlights:
  • Kedarnath Temple: Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, it is one of the oldest temples in India, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks.
  • Trekking: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is both challenging and rewarding, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
  • Spiritual Atmosphere: The temple is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the months of May to November when it is open to devotees.

3. Badrinath

• Significance: Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the final shrine in the Char Dham circuit, situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters.
• Highlights:
  • Badrinath Temple: Known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance, it attracts numerous pilgrims.
  • Tapta Kund: A natural hot spring where devotees take a holy dip before entering the temple.
  • Scenic Beauty: The temple is surrounded by the majestic Neelkanth mountain, making it a picturesque site.

4. Rishikesh

• Significance: Often referred to as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh is a spiritual hub located on the banks of the Ganges River and serves as a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
• Highlights:
  • Yoga and Meditation: Numerous ashrams offer courses and retreats in yoga, meditation, and spirituality.
  • Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Iconic suspension bridges that provide scenic views of the Ganges and surrounding hills.
  • Adventure Sports: Rishikesh is known for white-water rafting, trekking, and camping, attracting adventure enthusiasts.

5. Panch Prayag

Panch Prayag refers to the confluence of five sacred rivers in Uttarakhand, each holding immense spiritual significance.

• The Five Prayags:
  1. Vishnuprayag: Where the Alaknanda meets the Dhauliganga River, known for its scenic beauty.
  2. Nandaprayag: The confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers, surrounded by lush greenery.
  3. Karnaprayag: Where the Alaknanda meets the Pindar River, named after the legendary warrior Karna.
  4. Rudraprayag: The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, significant for the nearby Rudranath temple.
  5. Devprayag: The final confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the Ganges, considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism.

Conclusion

Haridwar, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh, and Panch Prayag are interconnected through their rich spiritual heritage and natural beauty. They attract pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of culture, spirituality, and stunning landscapes in the heart of the Himalayas.

Day 01: Delhi - Haridwar 

Arrive at the Airport/railway station meet and assist by a Hindustan Journey representative and later drive to Haridwar, on arrival transfer to your Hotel. Visit Har-ki-Pauri for Ganga Aarti in evening. Back to your hotel, Night halt.  

Haridwar: Haridwar, lying at the feet of Shiva's hills, i.e., Shivaliks, in the Haridwar district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, is a doorway. Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth forms Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sixty thousand sons of king Sagara. In the traditional of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for salvation of their departed elder. It is doorway to the sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters up into the snowy ranges of the central Himalayas . The 'Aarti' worship of the Ganga after sunset and the floating 'dia' (lamp) is a moving ritual. 

Day 02 : Haridwar – Guptkashi / Phata (9 hr : 250km) 

After Breakfast Drive to Phata Dinner & overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 03:  Guptkashi / Phata  - Gaurikund -  15min – 4km  / Gaurikund – Kedarnath Dham Darshan Trek ( 16Km) 

Approx.  charges for Pony: -  Rs. 2200 - 3200/- Per Person 

Approx.  charges for Doli: -  Rs. 3000 - 4000/- Per Person 

Approx.  charges for Helicopter Rs. 6,500/- per person

After Morning Breakfast drive to Gaurikund, Trek start from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes ets, Dinner & overnight Stay at Guptkashi/Phata. 

Gaurikund : At a distance of 5kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters., one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple . This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Shankaracharya Samadhi: The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his Samadhi at the early age of 32 years.

Bhaironath temple: About half a kilometer away from Kedarnathji, a small temple is dedicated to Bhaironath. It is worshipped on the opening and closing day of Sri Kedarnath Shrine. It is believed that when Kedarnathji temple is closed, Bhaironathji protects this land from evil. 
Rituals  & Activities : Visit Guptkashi,Gaurikund , Snan in Tapt Kund at Gauri Kund and Darshan of Gauri Ganesh Temple & get blessing of Ganesha and start the trek of kedarnath Ji. Evening Aarti Darshan of Kedarnath Ji , Darshan of Aadi Guru Shankracharya , Darshan of Udar Kund & Bambam Kund , Pitra Kund . Chance to meet Gurus and Sadhus meditating for long time in Kedarnath.  Darshan of Rama cave (Gufa)

Day 04: Guptkashi/Phata –Badrinath Dham Darshan - Joshimath(8hr -220km) 

After Breakfast Drive to Badrinath in evening to visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti.  Dinner & Overnight stay at Joshimath/Badrinath.

Badrinath one of the "Four Dhams" is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".

Tapt Kund : Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bathe before entering the Badrinath temple.

Narad Kund : A recess in the river, near Tapt Kund, forming a pool from where the Badrinath idol was recovered.

Brahama Kapal: A flat platform on the bank of river Alaknanda. Hindus perform propitiating rites for their deceased ancestors.

Sheshnetra: 1.5kms. away is a boulder having an impression of the legendary serpent, better known as the Sheshnag's eye.

Charanpaduka : 3kms. away is a beautiful meadow where the footprint of Lord Vishnu is seen on a boulder.

Mata Murty Temple : Devoted to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. Other important temples include Sesh Netra Temple , Urvashi Temple and Charanpaduka.

Vasundhara : As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 kms. from Badrinath out of which 2 kms. 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.

Day 05: Joshimath/Badrinath – Srinagar/Rudraprayag

After breakfast Drive to Srinagar/Rudraprayag via Vishnuprayag, Karnprayag, Nandprayag, Rudrapryag Dinner & Overnight Stay at Srinagar/Rudraprayag.

Vishnuprayag:   where two river confluences Dhauli Ganga & Alaknanda

Karnprayag:   confluence of river Pindari and river Alaknanda.

Nandprayag:   confluence of river Nandakini and Alaknanda River.

Day 06: Srinagar/Rudraprayag – Rishikesh -  Haridwar 

After Breakfast Drive to Haridwar via Devpryag Sangam of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, after a back drive to Rishikesh visit Ramjhula and Laxman Jhula after a back drive to Haridwar and overnight stay.

Day 07: Haridwar -  Delhi

Early morning checkout and proceed to visit Haridwar: “MAA CHANDI” “CHANDI DEVI MANDIR” which is just 7kms from the main haridwar city, later proceed to visit “MAA MANSA DEVI MANDIR”, ( By your Own) after that procced to Delhi and drop.