Introduction
The Chardham Yatra is a spiritual pilgrimage which will take you to four sacred temples which are situated in the Garhwal Himalaya. For devotees, this pilgrimage gives them a chance to get connected with the god and to wash away sins, also give them a chance to find peace in their heart. The four temples are:
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Yamunotri: Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna
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Gangotri: Gangotri Temple dedicated to goddess Ganga
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Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva
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Badrinath: Badrinath Temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu
This pilgrimage is an adventure with devotion in which you’ll walk through the green lush forests by crossing the icy rivers and you will see the snow-covered mountain peaks. Journey can be tough for you but believe me this will be the best experience for you because lots of people believe that this trip changes their life forever.
The Four Sacred Destination
Yamunotri
Where?
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In the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state, situated at an elevation of 3,293 meters.
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Marks the original source of the Yamuna River (beginning at the glacier termed as Champasar Glacier).
Why Visit?
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The temple is dedicated to Yamuna, sister of Yama.
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Pilgrims taking a dip in the Yamuna here are believed to liberate them from suffering.
How to Go?
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Begin your trek from Janki Chatti (last road point).
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6 km uphill journey (Trek or take the service of ponies/palanquins). Roads are narrow and steep.
Don’t Miss:
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Surya Kund: Hot spring – boiling (88 degree Celsius!) where pilgrims boil rice in cloth that is tied up as prasad.
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Divya Shila: A red rock pillar which is worshipped before entrance into the temple.
Gangotri
Where?
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At an altitude of 3,100 meters in Uttarkashi district.
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Ganga River source (originates at Gaumukh Glacier, 18 km away).
Why Visit?
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Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, who came to earth to sanctify souls..
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Taking a holy dip here is considered to wash away sins.
How to Go?
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4-5 hrs drive from nearby Uttarkashi town to Sankri Village (100 km). Roads are smooth but winding.
Don’t Miss:
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Bhagirath Shila: The Rock on which King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated for 5,000 years to bring Ganga on the Earth.
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Shivling (Shivling of Burakedar): Natural rock Shivling watched only in winter when water level decrease.
Kedarnath
Where?
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Near Mandakini River, Rudraprayag District, situated at an elevation 3,583m.
Why Visit?
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The fourth of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the Panch Kedar.
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Reestablished 1,200 years ago, by Adi Shankaracharya.
How to Go?
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16 km distance from Gaurikund (6-8 hrs) or 10 mins via helicopter.
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Steep rocky trek; ponies/palkies available.
Don’t Miss:
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Gandhi Sarovar: A blue lake where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were submerged.
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Bhairav Temple: Protector for Kedarnath becomes the Deity is the protection for the night when Kedarnath is closed in night time for public.
Badrinath
Where?
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Chamoli district, 3,133 meters high, alongside Alaknanda River.
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Near India-China border (Mana Village is the last inhabited village).
Why Visit?
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Adopted shrine of Lord Vishnu who is said to have been in meditation here under a Badri (berry) tree.
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A component of both Char Dham and Chota Char Dham.
How to Go?
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Belongs to more than 2000 years old and just 40 km drive from Joshimath town (1.5 km). Roads are well-maintained.
Don’t Miss:
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Tapt Kund: Natural hot water spring (45 degree Celsius) to take bath before prayer.
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Mana Village: Visit mana village because this village is the first village of india.
Best Time to Visit
Before boarding for Char Dham or any single dham you should have knowledge about when to go because of temples opening time. Temples of Char Dham are open for only 6 months from May to October because of bad weather. So, visiting during May and June is the best time because in these months the weather is pleasant which is ideal for those people who love to visit in quiet and pleasant weather. And if you love to enjoy Snow Falls or adventure then you can visit during September and October. Avoid visiting during July and August because these months are risky to travel because of landslides, heavy rainfall and road blockage. So, visiting during May to June and September to October are the best times.
Planning your Yatra
Route option: You have to follow traditional route option to visit Char Dham, first go to Haridwar/Rishikesh which is the base starting point of Char dham, now go to Yamunotri by taking bus or personal vehicle and then go to Gangotri then Kedarnath and then Badrinath.
The route will be followed like this:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Transportation: You can take a flight from your city to Dehradun/Jolly Grant and the other option is train to Haridwar Rishikesh. After reaching Haridwar/Rishikesh you can take a shared taxi, bus and also helicopter service from guptkashi, phata, sirsi to complete your yatra.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially in peak season because accommodation can be limited and unavailable at any time, so booking in advance is the best way to avoid struggle during accommodation booking.
Physical Preparation: Before a month from the date of yatra you have to prepare yourself because you will trek to a high elevation for the Temple. So, you can prepare yourself by doing exercises like Running, Brisk Walking, Squats, Push ups, Pull ups and Breathing exercise by joining yoga. These will help you to build your strength and stamina.
Registration: Before going on yatra you have to register yourself or your family member (if they are going) on government website for Char Dham Yatra
Safety and Health Tips
Stay safe and healthy on your Char Dham Yatra with these simple tips:
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Acclimatize Slowly: High places (mountains) can give you headaches or dizziness. Rest on your first day, drink plenty of water and don’t run or do heavy work.
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Pack Smart: Carry a small first-aid kit, medicines for headaches, colds and stomach issues. Bring thick jackets, gloves and waterproof shoes/raincoats for cold weather.
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Know Emergency Numbers: Save local police, hospital and rescue team numbers. Inform family or friends about your travel plan.
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Respect Nature and Temples: Use reusable water bottles and bags. Don’t throw trash—keep the mountains clean. Follow temple rules: dress modestly, remove shoes and stay calm inside.
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Eat Safe, Stay Strong: Drink bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw or uncovered food. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke to stay healthy.
By being prepared and respectful you’ll have a safe journey!
Conclusion
Char Dham yatra is a holy pilgrimage of four sacred temples which is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Every single temple is dedicated to a different god and goddess which is Yamuna, Ganga, Shiva and Vishnu. Every year lots of people visit these temples to pray and to prove their devotion by dealing with steep hikes, cold weather, and high mountains which make it a tough journey.
