Char Dham yatra is considered one of the holiest pilgrim journeys taken in Hinduism. It consists of four places among the mighty Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The four places are as follows: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the Panch Kedar.
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Taking this ultimate journey, which begins from the west and ends in the east, tests both physical and mental strength. Mostly the yatra is taken during summertime.
It is believed that taking this journey helps in attaining salvation (moksha). And thus, every Hindu pilgrim desires to take this at least once in his lifetime.
Char Dham Yatra Tour Itinerary:
Char Dham Yatra typically begins from Yamunotri. This takes the pilgrims to high altitudes of Rawai Valley. It is believed that a bath in the holy Yamuna river protects from untimely death.
The next destination is Gangotri. The shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name of River Ganga – the name having been derived from the myth of the ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that succeeded in bringing her upon the earth from the heaven.
After Gangotri, pilgrims travel to Kedarnath. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is close to the source of the holy river Mandakini.
And lastly, Badrinath, situated on the banks of river Alaknanda. It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here while his consort Lakshmi took the form of a berry (Badri) tree to offer him shade.
So the tour itinerary is Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath.
Char Dham Temple Opening Dates for 2020
- Yamunotri – 26 April 2020 (06:00 AM)
- Gangotri – 26 April 2020 (05:30 AM)
- Kedarnath – 29 April 2020 (06:10 AM)
- Badrinath – 30 April 2020 (05:30 AM)
Yamunotri
Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri houses scenic beauty and calmness. It lies on the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by mighty peaks all around.
It is situated in beautiful meadows, giving picturesque views and a soothing lifetime experience. But nothing comes so easy, reaching this holy shrine requires a lot of stamina, but in the end, it is all worth it!
State: Uttarakhand
District: Uttarkashi
Altitude: 3235 m
Best time to visit: April to October
Weather: Summer 6 to 20 degrees, Winter -7 to 5 degrees
Belief Behind Yamunotri
According to Hindu tradition, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the god of death and a holy dip in this river secures a painless death to the devotee. It is also believed that devotees who take a dip here do not have to face an untimely death.
How To Reach Yamunotri?
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest Airport to Yamunotri. It is 210 km away from Yamunotri. There are regular flights available from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. Further taxis are available to Hanuman Chatti.
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By rail
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (200 km) and Dehradun (175 km). These two stations have frequent and easily available trains from all over India.
Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh and Dehradun. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, and Barkot and many other destinations to Hanuman Chatti.
By road
Yamunotri is directly not connected with motorable roads and the trek commences from Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state.
Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Hanuman Chatti are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Barkot, etc.
Places To Visit In Yamunotri:
1.Yamunotri temple
Built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, Yamunotri is the first destination of the Char Dham Yatra. It is the origin of the river Yamuna and considered very holy. This temple opens on Akshay Tritiya and closes on the second day of the Diwali festival.
2.Janki Chatti
This is a popular place that is famous for thermal springs and is in the midpoint of the Yamunotri trek. It is situated 7 km from Yamunotri and is accessible by jeeps.
3.Surya Kund
Among the many hot springs, Surya Kund is the famous one. The water of Surya Kund has a surprising temperature of 1900F. Pilgrims tie potatoes and rice to cook it by immersing it under the water of Surya Kund. After cooking it is served as prasad.
4.Divya Shilla
It is the rock pillar worshipped before entering the holy Yamunotri temple.
Gangotri
Devoted to Goddess Ganga, the river known as the Ganges. It is one of the most sacred places in India.
The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier and is known as Bhagirathi. The name Ganga picks up later on after the river passes Devaprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda.
It is surrounded by astonishing views of snow loaded mountains and clear water of river Ganga.
As this is one of the most sacred places in India, the food available here is vegetarian. Non-vegetarian and alcohol are frowned at and should be avoided.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Uttarkashi
Altitude: 3415 m
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
Weather: Summer 10 to 15 degrees, Winter 0 to 10 degrees
Belief Behind Gangotri
The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance.
How To Reach Gangotri?
By air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Gangotri. It is 250 km away from Gangotri. There are regular flights available from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport. Further taxis are available to Gangotri from Jolly Grant Airport.
By train
The nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 234kms before Gangotri on NH58. Rishikesh has frequent trains from all over India.
Gangotri is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, and many other destinations to Gangotri.
By road
Gangotri is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Gangotri is situated at the end of NH108. Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Buses and Taxis to Gangotri are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, etc.
Places To Visit In Gangotri:
1.Gangotri temple
It is one of the Char Dhams and has great religious importance. It is surrounded by mountains that house snow, rugged terrains and the free-flowing Bhagirathi river. This temple opens from May and closes on the day of the Diwali festival.
2.Tapovan
You can proceed to Tapovan and Nandanvan after reaching Gaumukh Glacier. Astounding views of Shivling and other major peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas are distinctly visible from Tapovan.
3.Bhairon Ghati
From Gangotri about 10 km, lies the Bhairon Ghati. It has a temple of Bhairavnath and is surrounded by dense forest. In order to reach here, we need to travel from Lanka to Bhairon Ghati by road and cross the Janhavi river on foot.
4.Submerged Shivling
A natural rock Shivling submerged underwater is an attractive tourist spot of Gangotri. It can be easily seen when winters are on their way because the water level decreases during this period.
According to myths and legends, this was the place where Lord Shiva was sitting when he received Ganga in his matted locks.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the most famous temples, lying in the Rudra Himalaya range. “Kedar” stands for Lord Shiva – the protector and destroyer.
This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya and is believed to be thousands of years old.
There are inscriptions on the steps of the temple which are written in the Pali language. The inner walls hold figures of various mythological events and scenes.
Visiting this temple is an astounding experience and creates a life long memory. This place offers scenic views throughout the year. In winter it offers snow-covered mountains and in spring it offers green grassy meadows.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Rudraprayag
Altitude: 3553 m
Best time to visit: May to June, September to October
Weather: Summer 7 to 17 degrees, Winter -14 to 8 degrees
Belief Behind Kedarnath
According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into the ground leaving behind his hump on the surface.
How To Reach Kedarnath?
- By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarnath, it is 238 km away. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund.
- By rail
The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 216 km from Kedarnath. Rishikesh is well connected has frequent trains from all over India. From the station, there are numerous taxis and buses available to travel to Gaurikhand.
- By road
Gaurikund is the point where the road to Kedarnath ends and an easy trek of 14km commence. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern states of India. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Gaurikund lies on National Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.
Places To Visit In Kedarnath:
1.Gaurikund
This is the base camp of Kedarnath trek. It has a temple dedicated to Lordess Gauri and hence the name. It also has some hot springs.
2.Triyuginarayan
This temple lies in Rudraprayag district and its architecture resembles that of Kedarnath Temple. It is located at a height of 1980 m and offers delightful views.
3.Sonprayag
Located en route to Kedarnath, at a height of 1829 meters is the Sonprayag valley. With the snow-covered mountains, this valley is a treat to eyes.
4.Vasuki Tal
As the name suggests this is a glacier lake, which is about a 7 km trail from Kedarnath. 4150 meters above the sea level, this easy trek is a must-do for its bright scenery.
5.Chorbari Bamak Glacier
This is a glacier in the Rudraprayag district. Several hanging glaciers and avalanche chutes feed the glacier. The lower part of the glacier is covered by thick debris and bounded by huge deposits of lateral moraines.
The glacier starts from its accumulation zone (600 m) and terminates at an elevation of 3800 m, from where a snowmelt stream originates, called Mandakini, and merges into the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.
Badrinath
Badrinath stands for the place that bears berries. This temple is a picturesque location, between Nar and Narayan Mountain ranges with a beautiful backdrop of Neelkanth mountain peak.
Amidst the white mountain, this colourful temple stands out. Never can a person return from Badrinath without an awesome feel.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Chamoli
Altitude: 3415 m
Best time to visit: May – June, September – October
Weather: Summer 7 to 18 degrees, Winter -1 to 8 degrees
Belief Behind Badrinath
The popular belief is that Badarinath was the domain of Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu managed to unseat Shiva from here to Kedarnath.
Another belief is that when Ganga made her descend to earth she split up into twelve streams and one among the channels, Alakananda felt on Kedarnath which gives Badrinath it’s majestic look.
It is also believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here and Goddess Laxmi, in order to give calm shadow took the form of a berry tree.
How To Reach Badrinath?
By air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Badrinath, it is 314 km away. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Badrinath.
By rail
The nearest railway station to Badrinath is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 295 km from Kedarnath. Rishikesh is well connected has frequent trains from all over India.
Badrinath is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath, and many other destinations to Badrinath.
By road
Badrinath is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Buses and Taxis to Badrinath are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Badrinath is connected with Ghaziabad by National Highway 58.
Places To Visit In Kedarnath:
1.Tapt Kund
This is a natural thermal spring where devotees take a bath or dip before going to the Badrinath temple. It is believed that the holy dip cures allergies and diseases.
2.Narad Kund
This lake is believed to the source of the idol at Badrinath temple. People take a holy dip in this kund before going to the Badrinath temple. It is a hot water spring.
3.Badrinath temple
The last destination among the Char Dham yatra, this temple is the holiest. Even this temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. It is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river.
4.Bheem Pul
This is the place where Bheem threw a big massif rock to make a path joining two mountains so that Draupadi could walk easily on it. Saraswati River is coming from between the mountain with immense force to merge with the water of Alaknanda River.
5.Neelkanth
This is a pyramid-shaped peak that seems magical when the first sun rays fall on it. Named after Lord Shiva it is believed that if you observe you can see Lord shiva sitting and looking at the sky.
6.Mata Murti temple
This temple is dedicated to the mother of Lord Narayan. It is 3 km away from Badrinath. It is believed that Lord Vishnu took his avatar from Mata’s womb to kill a monster. The avatar was the two twins Nar and Narayan. Yearly fair is held in august here.
7.Seeshnetre
On the opposite bank of the river Alaknanda, in the lap of Nar Parvat, there are two small seasonal lakes. Between these lakes is a boulder having an impression of the legendary snake, Sheshnag. The formation of the eye on the boulder is natural.
8.Panch Dharas & Panch Shilas
The Panch Dharas (five streams) which are famous in Badaripuri are Prahlad, Kurma, Bhrigu, Urvashi & Indira Dhara. The most striking of these is the Indira Dhara, about 1.5 km north of the town Badaripuri. Around the Tapt Kund, there are five blocks of mythological importance called Narad, Narsimh, Barah, Garur & Markandeya Shilas (stone).
9.Charanpaduka
This lies 3 km above Badrinath temple, and it is believed that Lord Vishnu stepped on the boulder while he descended from Vaikuntha. This a beautiful place whose journey is through a lot of caves and ends in pretty flowering meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Char Dham Yatra 2020:
- What is Chota Char Dham?
Chota Char Dham yatra is basically visiting the Dhams only in Uttarakhand. It contains Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- What does Char Dham yatra package cost?
It usually depends on the starting point of your journey, the duration, and the number of places you visit. It typically starts from Rs.20000 and can extend up to Rs. 2 Lakh or more.
- What does Char Dham tour package by helicopter cost?
As all these Dhams are located on high elevations, if you are unable to climb, the option of completing the tour in a helicopter is available. It generally costs about Rs. 1.5 LAkh or more. This trip usually takes lesser time and offers more comfort.
- How do I take Char Dham yatra from Haridwar?
The tour itinerary from Haridwar is as follows – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Pipalkoti – Badrinath – Rudrapryag – Rishikesh.
- What is Do Dham Yatra?
Chardham Yatra is normally a 10 to 14 days tour and sometimes it gets difficult to get leaves for such a long period. Thus, pilgrims cover Char Dhams in Do Dham Yatra or Ek Dham (individually one Dham at a time). Popular Do Dham Yatra is in the form of Yamunotri–Gangotri Yatra or Badrinath–Kedarnath Yatra with a small time duration of 5 to 7 days.
- How do we take Yamunotri yatra on foot?
The Yamunotri temple is located 13 kilometres from HanumanChatti and a 6 kilometers walk from Janki Chatti. Ponies, Horses, or palanquins are available for rent to reach Yamunotri temple.
The motorable road continues till Jankichatti via Syanachatti, Ranachatti, and Hanumanchatti, which is 50 km from Barkot. From Jankichatti its is a 5 km trek to Yamunotri for which ponies, dandies, and kandies (baskets for carrying children) are also available.
- Where to stay in Kedarnath?
There are hotels in Kedarnath, where you can stay. The hotels in Kedarnath are a bit costly but if you book your hotel through a travel agency then it may cost you a slightly cheap. After the floods in Kedarnath, the staying options are limited. GMVN offers dormitory beds in about 4 – 5 different campsites. Some come with attached washrooms others are with common washrooms.
- Who built the Kedarnath Temple?
The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is said to be more than 1,200 years old. It was built by Adi Shankaracharya and is among one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India.
- How did the Kedarnath temple survive floods?
It survived due to its sturdy construction. Striations on the wall of the temple, that could have formed when the glacier moved around the structure, further support the theory.
It is believed that large amounts of water flowed down from the Chorabari lake formed by the melt of the glacier. Miracle or just great architecture, the shrine survives and continues to attract the devout to this day.
- When did the Kedarnath disaster happen?
On 16 June 2013 at approximately 7:30 p.m., a landslide occurred near Kedarnath Temple with loud thunder followed by the gushing of the huge amount of waters from Chorabari Tal or Gandhi Tal down Mandakini River at about 8:30 p.m. which washed away everything in its path.
- How to reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
The fastest way to reach Kedarnath from New Delhi is to take flight from New Delhi to Dehradun then take a taxi from Dehradun to Kedarnath. The cheapest way to reach Kedarnath from New Delhi is to take Ddn Janshtbdi from New Delhi to Haridwar then take State Transport Bus from Haridwar to Kedarnath.
- How to reach Kedarnath from Mumbai?
The fastest way to reach Kedarnath from Mumbai is to take Airways from Mumbai to Dehradun then take a taxi from Dehradun to Kedarnath. The cheapest way to reach Kedarnath from Mumbai is to take Dehradun Exp from Mumbai to Haridwar then take State Transport Bus from Haridwar to Kedarnath.
- How far is Kedarnath from Badrinath?
The aerial distance from Badrinath to Kedarnath is 41 km.
- Which is higher- Kedarnath or Badrinath?
Kedarnath (3553 m) is higher than Badrinath (3415 m).
- Can we visit Kedarnath in December?
Kedarnath will be closed form Diwali. Kedarnath temple in December is totally covered under snow. So it will be impossible for anyone to even reach the temple.
- Can we visit Kedarnath in August?
Yes, the temple remains open. However, summertime (May-June) brings pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Kedarnath and other nearby sites. However, monsoons fall from July to August and bring heavy rainfall, causing landslides and hindrance.
- How old is the Kedarnath temple?
The Shiva Temple of Kedarnath is around 3000 years old.
- How long is the Kedarnath Yatra?
Kedarnath has the lengthiest trek. It takes around 10-12 days to visit all the temples. However, it’s now possible to cover all the temples in two days by helicopter.
- Which river flows in Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is located at a distance of 223 km from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and close to the source of the Mandakini river at the height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level.
- Can I take the Kedarnath tour on my bike?
Yes, the route is Delhi – Haridwar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Gaurikund.After Gaurikund you would have to trek 21 km one way. Or you can even take the helicopter from Phata/Sirsi (near Guptkashi).
- How far is Badrinath from Rudraprayag?
It is around 155 km by road and 70 km by air.
- How far is Badrinath from Auli?
It is around 57 km by road and 25 km by air.
- What is the elevation of Badrinath?
It is 3415 m.
- What is the distance between Sonprayag and Badrinath?
It is about 214 km.
- Can I find dharma shalas and ashrams in Badrinath?
Yes. Manav Kalyan ashram, Bholagiri ashram, Parmartha Lok ashram, and many more ashrams are available at nominal prices.
- What is the distance between Phata and Badrinath?
It is 197 km.
- What is the distance between Pipalkoti and Badrinath?
It is 77 km.
- How do I get to Valley of Flowers from Badrinath?
You can take a taxi from Govindghat to Badrinath. It’s a one-hour ride, and you can come back on the same day. From Govindghat, your 18 km trek to the Valley of Flowers starts. Elderlies and kids can also take ponies or helicopter service to Ghangaria, the basecamp, just 4 km from the Valley of Flowers.
- How can I go to Mana from Badrinath?
Mana village is connected with Haridwar / Rishikesh directly through NH-58 along with Badrinath and Joshimath towns. You can take a taxi or bus.
Mana village holds a huge religious significance for the Hindus, as the place is related to the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas (the five mythological characters from the epic Mahabharata) passed through Mana Village when they made their final journey to heaven.
- Can I go to Badrinath in winters?
Badrinath Temple is shut down for winter months every year while prayers to the Badri Vishal ‘Utsav Murti’ continue at the Narasimha temple in Joshimath. The priests of Badrinath Temple continue to perform the rituals on the ‘Utsav Murti’ at Narasimha temple during the winter season.
- What is the story behind idol in Badrinath temple?
Lord Vishnu is worshipped at Badrinath temple. The Badrinath shrine is said to be established by Adi Shankaracharya. He found the Saligram idol of Lord Badri immersed in the waters of Alaknanda and installed it in a cave near the Tapt Kund.
- How far is Yamunotri from Badrinath?
It is around 103 km.
- What is Gomukh?
Gomukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The trek takes you to Gomukh (cows’ mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.
- What is the distance between Gangotri temple and Gomukh?
It is 18 km.
- What is the distance between Gangotri and Uttarkashi?
The distance between Gangotri to Uttarkashi is 95 km by Road along with an aerial distance of 54 km. No direct flights or trains or buses are available between Gangotri to Uttarkashi. The convenient, fastest, and cheapest way to reach from Gangotri to Uttarkashi is to take a taxi from Gangotri to Uttarkashi.
- What is Tapovan?
The most well-known Tapovan in India is the area above the Gangotri Glacier at one of the primary sources of the Ganges, in Uttarakhand, India. At the foot of Shivling peak, a barren area at about 4,463m (14640 feet) elevation, is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts, etc. and it has become a trekking destination also. The trekking usually starts from Gomukh and the trek was considered moderate to difficult.
- What is the bus fare from Yamunotri to Gangotri?
It is about Rs.170 The distance is about 221 km.
- How is Saptarishi Kund Trek?
Saptarishi Kund Trek at an altitude of 4421 meters above the sea level and it is considered as one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. This glacial lake is a half kilometer long, dark bluish in color, and the main source of Yamuna River. The Kund is fed by Champasar glacier and is surrounded by rocky glaciers.
- Can I take Yamunotri yatra on foot?
The Yamunotri temple is located 13 kilometres from Hanuman Chatti and a 6 kilometres walk from Janki Chatti. Ponies, Horses, or palanquins are available for rent to reach Yamunotri temple.
The motorable road continues till Jankichatti via Syanachatti, Ranachatti, and Hanumanchatti, which is 50 km from Barkot. From Jankichatti its is a 5 km trek to Yamunotri for which ponies, dandies, and kandies (baskets for carrying children) are also available.
- What is the height of Yamunotri?
Yamunotri Temple is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,291 meters (10,797 ft) in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
- What are Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Timings?
Yamunotri Temple Remains Opens for Pilgrims from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Aarti Time at Yamunotri Mandir: 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
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