Char Dham of Uttarakhand, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage tours in India
Attracting millions of devotees from across the world every year. The Char Dham of Uttarakhand includes visits to four sacred shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
This Yatra holds significant religious and cultural significance for Hindus, as it is believed to wash away one’s sins and bring salvation. The journey to this Yatra shrine is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is often undertaken as a tribute to ancestors and a way to seek blessings from the gods.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand, including its history, significance, and the best time to visit.
History and Significance of Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham of Uttarakhand has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The shrines are said to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu philosophers, in the 8th century. This has considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, and it is believed that a visit to these shrines is necessary to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
The four shrines that form the Char Dham are dedicated to different gods and goddesses and have unique significance. Yamunotri is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, Gangotri to the goddess Ganga, Kedarnath to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. Each shrine has its own legends and history, and visiting them is considered to bring blessings and good luck.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra
This Yatra can be undertaken at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is between May and October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open, making it easier to access the Char Dham shrines.
However, if you are planning to visit during the monsoon season, it is best to avoid visiting Kedarnath as the area is prone to landslides and flash floods. The winter months from November to April are also not recommended for this Yatra as the roads are often closed due to heavy snowfall.
Getting to Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra can be accessed by air, train, or road. The nearest airport to the Char Dham shrines is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are well-connected to major cities in India. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the Char Dham shrines.
If you are driving, you can take National Highway 58, which connects Haridwar to Badrinath and covers the entire Char Dham Yatra route. The road journey to Char Dham Yatra is scenic, and the route passes through beautiful valleys, rivers, and mountains.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Char Dham Yatra Journey
The Char Dham Yatra itinerary typically lasts for 9-10 days and covers the four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
Day 1-2: Journey to Yamunotri
Begin the Char Dham Yatra with a visit to Yamunotri, dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. You can reach Yamunotri either by road or by trekking from the nearest town of Hanuman Chatti. Once you reach Yamunotri, you can take a dip in the hot springs, perform puja at the temple, and offer prayers to the goddess.
Day 3-4: Journey to Gangotri
The next destination is Gangotri, dedicated to the goddess Ganga. You can reach Gangotri either by road or by trekking from the nearest town of Uttarkashi. Once you reach Gangotri, you can perform puja at the temple, offer prayers to the goddess, and take a dip in the holy river Ganges.
Day 5-7: Journey to Kedarnath
The third destination is Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can reach Kedarnath either by road or by trekking from the nearest town of Gaurikund. The trek to Kedarnath is challenging but is also one of the most beautiful, passing through lush green meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls. Once you reach Kedarnath, you can perform puja at the temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Day 8-9: Journey to Badrinath
The final destination is Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can reach Badrinath either by road or by trekking from the nearest town of Joshimath. Once you reach Badrinath, you can perform puja at the temple, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, and take a dip in the hot springs.
Day 10: Return journey
The Char Dham Yatra concludes with a return journey to your starting point. You can return by the same route that you took, visiting the same destinations in reverse order. The journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the memories and blessings that you take back with you will last a lifetime.
Note: The Char Dham Yatra itinerary can vary depending on personal preferences and the mode of transportation. It is advisable to consult with a local tour operator for a customized itinerary that suits your needs.
