Chardham DKNS Group

We arrived in Delhi, the air humming with heat and the certainty of a busy airport. Our group gathered clumsily, some with eyes wide, others peering at phones for updates. Getting to the hotel was a gradual introduction to the city's pace, with rickshaws whizzing by, beeping lorries, and the smells of spices drifting through the window. As we drove into the hotel, it was clear we were all running on a mix of euphoria and exhaustion, and with the unspoken agreement that the actual expedition would start the next day.

The road from Delhi to Dehradun was an hour-long stretch of highway broken up with dusty villages, teeny tea stalls, and an occasional cow standing watch along the road. It felt like the miles went slowly and simultaneously. When we arrived, the hotel was a welcome sight, unadorned but pleasant, with individuals bringing us water as if we'd crossed the desert. The evening briefing was solemn, a preparation for what lay ahead. We took our duffel bags, listened to the plan, and slept. The mood was half expectation and half nervous; we'd be leaving the known the following day.

The helicopter ride to Yamunotri was a highlight, green valley unfolding beneath us and clouds drifting like curtains. After landing in Kharsali, we walked or rode to the temple. The path was narrow and steep, and the air thin, but the temple's peacefulness made up for it. The darshan was short but deeply felt. That evening, the quiet Shani Mandir visit helped us ease into the rhythm of the yatra.

Gangotri was crisp and spiritual, tucked between high mountain cliffs and thick pine forests. The Ganga's origin story felt alive in the rushing Bhagirathi River. The temple was serene, the darshan unhurried. We stood in silence on the riverbank, letting the cold mist touch our skin. It was a place that asked nothing but presence.

Kedarnath marked a shift. By now, we were moving as one group, more aware of each other’s pace. Helicopter hops felt routine. The temple stood surrounded by snow, ancient and unmoved. In that moment of darshan, with chants echoing around us, the physical effort of the journey fell away. Later that evening, back at the base camp, many of us sat under the stars, quiet, content, changed.

Badrinath brought a sense of completion. The temple was more accessible, nestled in a scenic valley with hot springs nearby. It was grand yet welcoming, a fitting final stop. The darshan was smooth, and the prayers somehow felt lighter. After days of rough climbs and raw beauty, Badrinath offered closure a place to breathe deeply, look back, and say thank you