Enroute to Badrinath (Uttarkashi - Birahi ...Part I)

Day 3 - Uttarkashi - CHOWRANGIKHAL - Kemundakhal - Birahi

After exploring so much the previous day, which included visiting one of the 4 Dhams - Gangotri, the picturesque Harsil and the equated to Varanasi - Uttarkashi among others, today was relatively a non action packed day.

Our next destination, Badrinath was about 325 kms away and we were to cover about 250 kms of it today, finally calling it a day at Birahi. Thus, the 3rd day of our yatra was one of those days when we spent a good part of the day travelling towards the upper reaches of the mountains, towards our aimed stop - Birahi.

As usual, we left our hotel at Uttarkashi quite early in the morning. Vistas of large pine trees carpeting the steep hills,

...the long rays of sun peeking down from the silent sky, the quietly flowing Ganges following us through the verdant valleys,

...the stretch of browns, greys and greens bowing out before the blues,

– My large picture window seat had a view to die for!

There was a zest in the air and spring-in-the-steps infectious ambiance. It was like taking a ride in the nature’s own enigmatic theme park; one which unveiled the timeless charms of a region that is at peace with itself and also seemed spellbound by its own beauty...

 Tranquil it was but it had its moments of thrill too!

The Himalayan fox was here...somewhere!!

As we made our way forward, we spotted a Himalayan fox! Pity, it was way too quick and ran away even before I could think of clicking it!!

Our first stop – Chowrangikhal

Two hours after winding up the hills, we reached our first stop of the day – a small village by the name of Chowrangikhal. Khal translates to village in Garhwali, the local language, and Chowranginath is the patron deity of the village, hence the name. The temple was small but very beautiful and serene nonetheless.

The small yet beautiful Chowranginath Temple at Chowrangikhal

Idol of the deity - Lord Chowranginath in the Temple

Our driver suggested we have our breakfast here in one of the roadside dhabas outside the temple and we decided to heed his advice.

The dhaba where we had our breakfast in Chowrangikhal

We were treated to some hot steaming parathas and fresh chana curry on a portable table laid out under the sun especially for us. With the hostile terrain out there, this was really warm, humble, homely sort of place. Priced at a meager Rs. 15 per plate, this was a treat and I thoroughly relished the simple old world taste.

My parathas and tea getting ready

Traditional brick kiln and wood fire used to cook food

The parathas cooked right in front of our eyes, on brick kiln and wood fire, the traditional Indian way of cooking provided a visual treat as well… it just couldn’t have gotten better! Wow... What a start to the day, I thought!!

Our Travel Route Map for Day 3 of the Char Dham Yatra

Uttarkashi - Birahi travel route map, Char Dham - Himalayas

(Click on the map to enlarge)

Color Key for the map

       - Our Route for the day from Uttarkashi to Birahi

       - Halts en route, starting point and destination included

       - The three Prayags of the five Panch Prayags

You can also see Chamoli village and Gopeshwar village which are very famous tourist destinations, very near to Birahi.

Previous posts from this trip -

1. Char Dham Yatra

2. Planning the Char Dham Trip
3. Introduction to Uttarakhand and Char Dhams

4. ISKCON Temple, Delhi
5. Entire DAY 1 of the Yatra (includes The journey finally begins... Haridwar to Uttarkashi)

6. Entire DAY 2 of the Yatra (includes Enroute to Gangotri - Gangnani, Enchanting Mother Ganga... Our First Dham - Gangotri, Places to visit in and around Gangotri, Bhaironghati, Harsil, Pilot Baba Ashram in Bhatwari, Temples of Uttarkashi)