Char Dham Yatra – Travel Guide & Itinerary

Flamingo Travels introduce, As Char Dham temples are opened for pilgrims on Akshaya Tritiya day (May 9th, 2016), here is complete travel guide for Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand) along with detailed Itinerary.

Char Dham is referred to the four holiest pilgrimage sites in India that are widely revered by Hindus. These holy sites are Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram situated in four different directions of India. The Char Dham defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of three Vaishnavite and one Shaivite pilgrimage centers. The pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand were known as Chota Char Dham to differentiate them from the bigger circuit of Char Dham sites, but after the mid-20th century they have been also referred to as the Char Dham. Among four scared sites Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the other hand, Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to Goddess Ganga and Yamuna rivers respectively. It is considered highly sacred by Hindus to visit Char Dham during one’s lifetime. These four ancient temples also marks the spiritual source of four sacred rivers – Ganga(Gangotri), Yamuna (Yamunotri), Mandakini (Kedarnath) and Alaknanda (Badrinath).

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes, with millions of devotees paying a visit to all these religious places in aspiration of eliminating all sins and to attain salvation by the blessings of the Lord. The Char Dham must be visited from left to right – beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, then Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath. This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama.  Every year more than 250,000 pilgrims visit Char Dham from various parts of India. Char Dham – the four pilgrimages are open from May till October every year. All four sites can be covered in one stretch in 10-­11 days. Nowadays, one can also get helicopter services to visit Char Dham sites in just 2 days.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is one of the four sites of Char Dham pilgrimage situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of River Yamuna and is regarded as the seat of Goddess Yamuna. This is the western most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, situated at an altitude of 3293 m atop Bandar punch parvat.

The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The temple was first built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the early 19th century. The temple was damaged in the earth quakes of 1923 and 1982. But it was subsequently rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, who was the ruler of this region. Yamunotri Temple can be reached by 5 km trek from Janki Chatti which is the nearest road point. Janki Chatti, Kharsali, Saptarishi Kund, Barkot and Hanuman Chatti are the other attractions in Yamunotri. Yamunotri also has famous trekking routes, such as Hanuman Chatti – Yamunotri route, Dodi Tal and Janki Chatti.

The temple opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya Tritiya, which generally falls during the last week of April, or early May. The temple closes on the sacred day of Diwali in October / November. Kharsali is the winter home to the idol of goddess Yamuna. The best time to visit Yamunotri is from May to June and September to October.

Distance from Rishikesh: 209 km

More Details: Yamunotri Travel Guide

Gangotri

Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand along with Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. It is situated at an altitude of 3100 m in the Garhwal Himalayan Range on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi River. River Ganges originates at Gaumukh in Gangotri Glacier, which is located about 19 km away from Gangotri town. As per legends, Goddess Ganges took the form of a river in order to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors, after his severe penance. Lord Shiva received River Ganges in his thick hair locks, to reduce the impact of her fierce flow.

Gangotri is famous for its ancient temples and religious significance. The present Ganga Temple at Gangotri was built by a Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. Near the temple is located a sacred stone where King Bhagiratha is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Surya Kund, Pandava Gufa, Bhaironghati and Gaumukh are the other religious attractions in Gangotri. Gangotri town is the starting point of the Gaumukh, Tapovan, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal and Gangotri-Kedartal trekking.

Gangotri temple is opened from May and gets closed on the occasion of Diwali festival in Oct / Nov. Gangotri temple remains closed during winters as the region is prone to heavy snowfall. The idol is shifted to Mukhyamath Temple in Mukhba village, 20 km downstream.

Distance from Rishikesh: 264 km

More Details: Gangotri Travel Guide

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and is one of the four major sites in Uttarakhand known as Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. It lies at an altitude of 3584 m near Chorabari Glacier, the head of river Mandakini. It is the most remote of the four Char Dham sites and is flanked by breathtaking snow-clad peaks. The famous Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year. Other than Kedarnath temple, Bhairavnath temple, Chorabari Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Vasuki Tal, Deoria Tal and Ukhimath  are the some other religious places near Kedarnath.

Kedarnath can be reached by 14 km steep climb from Gaurikund to the temple of Kedarnath and can be done on foot or on ponies. Ponies or horses are available on rent from Gaurikund. After the flash floods of 2013 which greatly affected the Kedarnath region, the route has been modified. The 14 km trek is now of 21 km which starts from Sonprayag. A general health check-up is done to ensure the safety of the tourists before allowing them to go further after registration. From here a trek of 7 km takes place up to Bhim Bali, while the next halt is at Linchauli at another 7 km. The last halt is the Kedarnath temple after a trek of another 7 km. The original route from Gaurikund runs through Rambara (7 km) – Linchauli (4 km) – Kedarnath (3 km).

The extreme weather condition of Kedarnath prompts the temple to be open only for 6 months from the end of April to the beginning of November. The town receives heavy snowfall during the winter months which makes it uninhabitable. The residents of Kedarnath shift to villages lying at lower altitudes during the winter months while Lord Kedarnath’s Palki is transferred to Ukhimath.

Distance from Rishikesh: 224 km

More Details: Kadarnath Travel Guide

Badrinath

Badrinath is the most important of the four sites of famous Char Dham pilgrimage; the other three being Puri, Dwarka and Rameswaram. It is also visited as part of Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage along with Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri in Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. According to the epic Mahabharata, Badrinath is the site where Nara and Narayana, the dual forms of Vishnu, did meditation. It is also believed that the Pandavas passed through Badrinath on their way to heaven. Legend has it that Sage Vyasa authored Mahabharata at a cave in Mana, which is about 4 km from Badrinath.

Badrinath is famous for its Badrinath Temple that houses Lord Badrinarayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The present temple is believed to have been established by saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Adi Shankara discovered a Saligram idol of Lord Badrinarayan in the river bed of Alaknanda. He installed this idol in a cave nearby Tapt Kund. It was later shifted to the present temple by the King of Garhwal in the 16th century. Badrinath is also famous for Panch Badri temples, which are Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishtya Badri, Adi Badri and Vriddha Badri, along with Badrinath temple. Some of the other attraction of Badrinath includes Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Sheshanetra, Vasudhara Falls, Charan Paduka, Satopanth Lake, Neelkanth and Mana Village. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag and Pandukeswar are among the other pilgrimage sites on the route to Badarinath.

The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to June and again from September to October. The monsoon months must be avoided as the region is prone to landslides. Tourists are advised not to visit during winters as the region receives heavy snowfall and harsh cold conditions. The Badrinath temple is closed from November to April.

Distance from Rishikesh: 293 km

More Details: Badrinath Travel Guide

Char Dham Yatra Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Haridwar – Barkot/Kharsali (205 Km / 7 to 8 hrs)

This morning arrive Haridwar and depart for Barkot, located on the foot of Yamunotri. Drive via Mussoorie and visit Kempt Falls on the way. On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel/camp. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hiII) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.

Day 02: Barkot/ Kharsali– Yamunotri – Barkot/Kharsali (48 Km / 2 hrs or Start trek)

After breakfast, depart for Hanumanchatti (40 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km). Here you will begin the First Pahad Yatra of Yamunotri (6 Km trek). You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon in Yamunotri take holy dip in Yamuna River and perform Pooja, and take the same route back to Barkot, check in at Hotel / Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel in Barkot.

Day 03: Barkot/ Kharsali – Uttarkashi (85 Km/ 3 hrs Journey)

After breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, Visit the famous Vishwanath Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (100 Km / 3 to 4 hrs)

Early morning breakfast at hotel and drive to Gangotri. Nestled in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is set at an altitude of 3048 mts. Upon arrival at Gangotri take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin Visit the Gangotri Temple. The 18th centurys temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirathi worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite. After performing Pooja Late afternoon drive back to Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 05: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (190 Km / 7 to 8 hrs)

After early morning breakfast check out from the hotel and drive for Guptkashi. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the Guptkashi town. Dinner and Overnight stay in Guptkashi hotel/Camps.

Day 06: Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Kedarnath (30 Km + 20 Km trek)

Early morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Sonprayag. From where, you will start your 20 km trek to Kedarnath. You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Trudging with you are pilgrims chanting "Jai Bholenath." Sometimes the mist would envelop the mountains and slowly lift away, revealing a shiny blinding-white peak that threatens to rupture the skies. On arrival check in at Govt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Lodges.

Day 07: Kedarnath – Sonprayag – Guptkashi/Rudraprayag (20 Km trek + 30 Km / 52 Kms drive)

Early morning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After darshan and puja you come out of the temple and return to the Govt. Camps / Lodges. Later youll start the return trek of 20 km from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. The vehicles wait for you in Sonprayag Car Parking and you’ll drive to your hote (Guptkashi/Rudraprag). Dinner and Overnight at Guptkashi/ Rudraprayag.

Day 08:Rudraprayag / Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath (190 Km 0r 240 Kms / 8to 9 hrs)

This morning, you check out of the hotel at 08:00 am and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. After driving through some wonderful Ghat road you arrive at Badrinath. On arrival check into the hotel. After some rest and refreshments you are all set to go to Badrinath Temple for darshan in the evening. But first you have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinath Ji is 15 meters in height, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. Later back to hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Badrinath – Joshimath – Birahi/Rudraprayag/ Srinagar (165 Km / 5 to 6 hrs)

This morning, go for Badrinath darshan. After darshan return back to hotel, breakfast at hotel and proceed for Badrinath local sightseeing visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and Mata Murti temple. Afternoon driver back to Rudraprayag via Karanprayag. Rudraprayag is a small pilgrim town on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the Rudraprayag / Srinagar town. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Birahi/Rudraprayag/Srinagar – Rishikesh – Haridwar (160 Km / 5 to 6 hrs)

Early morning, after breakfast, you drive downhill to Rishikesh a spiritual city and the Yoga capital of the world. On reaching Rishikesh youll do the Rishikesh sightseeing visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Evening drive to Haridwar and drop in Haridwar Railway Station.

Traditionally Chardham Yatra start from west to east in Clockwise Direction, this means the yatra starts from Yamunotri, proceeding to Gangotri, Kedarnath and then terminates at Badrinath. All these four holy places Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri have their own Significance, Legends, Mythology and history. Majority of Hindus believe that one should visit Char Dhams atleast once in their lifetime to get salvation.

Opening Dates of Char Dhams in 2017

Yamunotri Temple opening date: 28 April, 2017
Gangotri Temple opening date: 28 April, 2017
Kedarnath Temple opening date: 29 April, 2017
Badrinath Temple opening date: 1 May, 2017

Closing Dates of Char Dhams in 2017

Yamunotri Temple closing dates will be updated soon.
Gangotri Temple closing dates will be updated soon.
Kedarnath Temple closing dates will be updated soon.
Badrinath Temple closing dates will be updated soon.

Note: Closing dates of Char Dham temples in 2017 will be updated soon.

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