After enjoying the evening in Nathala , next day morning we checked out from Hotel & proceeded towards Dehradun. There are two routes for Dehradun , one via Rishikesh & second one is via Mussoorie. We preferred to go via Mussoorie because my sister wants to visit Dhanualti on the way back to Dehradun. In next 15 minutes we were in Uttarkashi which is about 3 kms from Nathala. Some of the worth seeing places in Uttarkashi are already mentioned in my previous post “Scenic spots on the way to Gangotri”.
uttarkashi - View of ITBP camp
After Uttarkashi we passed through a small village Dunda which is about 17 kms from Uttarkashi. Around 10 kms later we reached Dharasu bend. Dharasu bend is in T shape , at this point the road is divided into three paths.One road goes to Gangotri , second one towards Uttarkashi & third one towards Rishikesh via New Tehri . We took Rishikesh road & reached village Barethi which is about 3 Kms from Dharasu bend.
On the way to Dehradun
From Barethi we reached village Chinyalisaur which is about 3 kms from Barethi & 34 kms from Uttarkashi. This village is one of the beautiful villages on this route. Some of the people prefer to stay here while going towards Yamnotri / Gangotri.For the stay GMVN hotel & and couple of private lodges / Hotels are available. The major town after Chinyalisaur is New Tehri. We were not expecting such a smooth ride on this road , the entire stretch of the journey was smooth supported with beautiful scenic view of the nature except the motion sickness.
way back to Dehradun
New Tehri is about 75 kms from Uttarkashi. New Tehri is the only planned city of Uttarakhand state. Tehri Dam is the main centre of attraction of the town. New Tehri was developed as the residence of the people whose home got submerged in the water while construction of the dam. I have already written a detailed post on Tehri & Tehri Dam hence not repeating the same. Please go through the link given.
New Tehri
After traveling further for 13 kms we reached Chamba. From here one road goes to New Tehri , second one goes to Rishikesh & third one goes to Dehradun via Musoorrie. It is situated at an elevation of around 1,676mts above sea level. One can enjoy the Panoramic view of the splendid Himalayas from here. Previously Chamba was the part of the Gorkha Kingdom but later King of Garhwal ruled this place.
Chamba
Chamba
From Chamba we reached Kaddu khal which is about 26 kms from Chamba. In Kaddu Khal there is a famous temple “ Surkanda Devi “ which is situated at an elevation of 3,030 m above sea level. The temple site is accessible on foot, being about 2 km from the motorable road connecting Kaddu Khal. The legend is that Sati, the wife of Shiva, gave up her life in the yajna started by her father. Shiva passed through this place on his way back to Kailash with the dead body of Sati whose head fell at the spot where the temple of Surkhanda Devi stands. The snow-covered Himalayas and the forest area between Mussoorie and Chamba offer a splendid view. A big local fair is held here in the month of June every year, attracting tourists from all over.
Surkanda Devi Temple
Entrance Surkanda Devi temple
Back from Temple
Our next destination was Dhanaulti which is about 14 kms from Surkanda Devi temple. Dhanaulti is located amidst thick virgin forests of Deodar and Pines. Unobstructed views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks are distinctly visible from Dhanaulti, adding charm to this heavenly place. Dhanaulti is situated on Mussoorie – Chamba road at an elevation of 2286mts above sea level.
Dhanaulti
Eco park is the main attraction in Dhanaulti . It was my third visit to Dhanault , last one was in 2006 when Eco park was not constructed .During that time there was only a small table top adjacent to GMVN hotel. It was developed by the collaboration with forest department-Mussoorie & inaugurated in 2008. There is Entry Fee of Rs 15 For Adults and Rs10 for Children. A nice place for the whole family to spend an afternoon.
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
While kids were enjoying the swings in park, we went for a walk, the surroundings of this park was full of scenic views. After capturing a few scenic memorable moments in our camera we left this place for Dehradun.
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
Eco Park - Dhanaulti
On the way we stopped at Shiva temple which is located about 20 km away from Dehradun on the Mussoorie Road. It is a private temple where you can not offer any donations. Initially, the temple was made for the personal use , but later it was opened for public. In Prasad they offer Rajma- Rice, Kadhi -Rice, Fried Rice. Tea is also served as Prasad.
Shiv Temple
The main source of earning of temple is variety of precious Gemstones, Pearls, Rudraksh etc are sold in the temple premises.
Shiv Temple - Inside View
We had Kadhi –Rice in Prasad followed by tea & left for Home and within half an hour we reached Home (in laws place).
way back to Dehradun
Our Do Dham yatra was completed happily& successfully. We all were charged for 2011 for another Do Dham yatra (Kedarnath & Badrinath).
A grand finale to the brilliantly written series on your visit to the Yamnotri – Gangotri Dhams. All through the journey, I felt being a part of the entourage and that’s the splendor of your description. The supporting pictures say it all.
This is a collectors’ item.
Dear Ram Sir,
Thanks for your encouraging comment. Our post are incomplete without your comments. I am honored that you liked the series of my visit to Yamnotri / Gangotri.
My last two post ( Scenic Spots on the way to Gangotri & GANGOTRI The Origin of Holy River Ganga) are still waiting for your comments.
Hi Mr. Mahesh ,
Finally your Do Dham Yatra ended. I really enjoyed every bit of it feeling I was travelling with you all the way, and the pics really gave a realistic feeling.
Sahil
Dear Sahil,
Thanks for enjoying the series of Do Dham Yatra.
Dear Mahesh,
The post was beautifully written and pictures were also mind blowing. I think char dham (As established by Aadi Shankaracharya) includes Dwarka (Gujarat), Rameshwaram (TN), Badrinath (Uttarakhand) & Puri (Orrissa).
Thanks.
Mukesh Bhalse
Dear Mukesh,
Thanks for kind words. You are absolutely right that Chardham Yatra covers Rameshwaram , Puri, Dwarka & Badrinath. Yamnotri , Gangotri , Kedarnath & Badrinath is known as Chardham Yatra of Dev Bhoomi Uttrakhand.
Unfortunately, even all good things come to an end. Perhaps for a new fresh start. Travelling is a passion that never ends :-) So Mahesh, where are you taking us the next
I really liked the concept of Smriti Van. I wish it becomes a trend among of us to get trees planted in the names of our loved ones. There can be nothing better than that.
Dear Manish,
Thanks for your golden words. You are very true, traveling is a passion that never ends “. Right now I am in Kolkata & tomorrow night I will be reaching to Patna, my first visit to Patna :-). Along with my official work I will try my best to explore the Patna city, again it depends upon the time.
I too feel that Smiriti van concept was a great start by DFO – Mussoorie , and we all should contribute to extend it further.
I find the pictures of this post mind blowing. Very realistic one.
Thanks a lot for your golden words. I am glad that you liked the pictures.
Lot of detail about the route, names of villages. very helpful for someone who is driving himself.
Yes, one Yatra ends for another to start. Its been very enriching all through, look forward to read about your Kolkata/Patna travails.
Dear Nandan,
Thanks a lot for going through the post & finding it helpful for the follow Ghumakkars.
I have already written about my Kolkata Visit, nothing much to contribute this time.
https://www.ghumakkar.com/2009/12/15/half-day-visit-to-kolkata-%E2%80%93-the-city-of-joy
But definitely I will try to explore Patna, Its my first visit to Patna.
Hi Mahesh,
Nice and very detailed post. I have been enjoying this series of Do-dham immensely, since I was there, as you know.
Shiva temple’s rajma-chawal is an interesting information.
Hope you get on to your next yatra soon and even sooner, tell us about that.
Thanks
Auro.
Dear Dada,
Thanks Dada for your kind words & good wishes.!!!!!!
Mahesh Ji,
Thanks for taking us on this wonderful journey to Yamunotri and Gangotri. You have worked really hard to include such extensive details about the places and their history. I would rate this as the best travelogue on Do dham yatra.
Dear Tarun,
The aim of writing a post is to make it beneficial for the follow Ghumakkar. I tried to pour as much as information I could so that one can plan his/her program accordingly , what to see & what to skip as per the choice and availability of time.
I am really glad to know that you rate this post as best travelogue on Do Dham Yatra.
Thanks for sharing. It was quite informative with some gr8 fotos
Thanks for your kind words !!!!!
Thanks for sharing information! Really good one! Enjoyed reading it.
@ ChatpataDun – my pleasure , thanks for going through the post & liking it