Uttarakhand is referred to as Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods) because it is home to numerous major pilgrimage sites, holy sites, and temples that draw millions of travellers and enlightenment seekers each year. The four Dhams—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—that are located in the Garhwal region are considered to be the most holy places in all of India.
Visit For Char Dham Yatra 2023
The Char Dhams are the well-known four Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in Uttarakhand among the majestic Himalayan ranges. Four locations make up the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Hinduism: Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Yamunotri and Badrinath.
The Hindu religion holds a high regard for all of these places. Every Hindu seeks salvation (Moksha) above all else by making at least one pilgrimage to the holy sites in their lifetime.
When is the Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra?
Only a few months of the year are dedicated to the opening of these four temples in Uttarakhand. In the winter, there is no access to the area due to the severe snowfall, thus the gods’ idols are transported to temples elsewhere. Every year, in May, Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand opens and remains operational till October. Plan your travel during these months if you want to visit all four shrines together. Huge numbers of pilgrims visit these locations in search of divine favours.
Route For Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham is traditionally practised moving from west to east. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra path entails starting in Yamunotri, travelling to Gangotri, and finishing at Kedarnath and Badrinath, respectively.
Every temple honours a different Hindu god. While the river goddesses Yamuna and Ganga are honoured in Yamunotri and Gangotri, respectively, Lord Shiva is housed in the modest setting of Kedarnath. Then comes the Lord Vishnu-dedicated Badrinath Temple. Each shrine’s specific information is provided here.
The most frequent travel route is shown here:
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Tehri → Dharasu → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Gaurikund → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath
The Char Dhams
Yamunotri Dham
The Yamunotri Dham, the first Dham along the pilgrimage route, is located there, near the source of the Yamuna, a holy river. It has the name of the goddess Yamuna, Yama’s twin sister (the God of death). One is believed to be shielded from an untimely death and cleansed of all sins by bathing in the sacred waters of the Yamuna river.
According to legend, the sage Asit Muni bathed in both the Ganga and the Yamuna while residing in a nearby ashram. A stream of the Ganga began to flow across the stream of the Yamuna when he was old and unable to travel to Gangotri.
The Yamuna goddess is represented at the Yamunotri Dham by a black marble idol, which is set against the stunning backdrop of the Yamuna river, which cascades down from one side of the temple.
Gangotri Dham
The Ganga River was born in Gangotri Dham. According to well-known Hindu mythology, this is where the River Ganga was born after Lord Shiva decided to free the powerful river from his hair. The second of the four temples in the Chota Char Dham Route, Gangothri Dham, is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. General Amar Singh Thapa of Nepal placed the temple’s foundation stone.
The strong river starts its course at Gaumukh, the revered tip of the Gangotri Glacier. About 19 kilometres separate this location from Gangotri. The Pandava Gufa and the Bhagirath Shila, two well-known holy sites, are also situated near to the Gangotri Dham.
Kedarnath Dham
It is a 22-kilometre hike uphill from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham. The pilgrims can use pony and manchan services to go to the building. One of the five places thought to be where Lord Shiva lives is the Kedarnath Dham. The name “Kedar” is used to describe Lord Shiva in the Vedas and Puranas. According to Hindu belief and devotion, Kedarnath is regarded as the home of Lord Shiva, who still resides there as a linga. The jyotirling is also the highest in elevation.
The temple is a historic building made of stone that is situated beside the Mandakini River. It is thought that the Pandavas constructed it, and Adi Sankara restored it in the eighth century CE. This temple looks just stunning against the snowy background. One of the most significant Dhams in the yatra is without a doubt Kedarnath Dham.
Badrinath Dham
Lord Vishnu reveres Badrinath, especially when he takes on the dual form of Nara-Narayana. Adi Shankracharya rebuilt the Badrinath temple in the eighth century as part of his effort to revitalise Hinduism. On the Alaknanda River’s banks, the Badrinath Dham is surrounded by numerous historic and religiously significant ancient sites.It is understandable why Badrinath is one of the most frequented shrines in the nation despite the challenging trek there.
Char Dham Yatra By Air (Helicopter)
Destinations: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Haridwar
Duration: 4 nights and 5 days
Observations: spiritual
Budget: Around INR 1.5 lakh per individual
You can even arrange for a helicopter tour of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra if the drive seems too taxing for you. You will be picked up at a helipad in Dehradun if you want to go to the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter, and you will be transported to each shrine individually for darshan. There are a few companies that provide a full Chardham Package tour by helicopter. Either a full tour or a helicopter flight to a particular shrine can be scheduled. You can arrange your package and travel date with the tour operator if you only want to take the Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.
Day 1
DEHRADUN TO YAMUNOTRI
The beginning and ending points of this journey are the government helipad on Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun. The aircraft takes off for Kharsali. You can ride a palanquin from Kharsali to the Yamunotri shrine, which is only 5 km away. After visiting the temple, you will come back to Kharsali and spend the night there.
Day 2
KHARSALI TO GANGOTRI
Helicopter transport will take you to Harsil. After landing, you can take a 45-minute cab ride to the Gangotri temple, which is 25 kilometres away. You’ll make your prayers in the temple and then travel back by road to Harsil. In the evening, take a tour of Harsil before going back to your accommodation to rest.
Day 3
GANGOTRI TO KEDARNATH
You will be taken by helicopter to Phata Helipad, where another aircraft will pick you up to take you to Kedarnath. The trek will take about 15 minutes, and it will only take 30 minutes to go to the Kedarnath temple from the helipad. After you have prayed at the temple, you will board a flight to Guptkashi where you will spend the night.
Day 4
GUPTKASHI TO BADRINATH
You will be taken to Badrinath via helicopter. You can either head straight to the temple for prayers from the Badrinath helipad or check into your accommodation, freshen up, and then visit the temple. Explore Badrinath town in the evening before retiring to your accommodation for the night.
Day 5
BADRINATH TO DEHRADUN
Prepare to see Lord Badrinarayan’s Maha Abhishek, a divinely exquisite rite, at four in the morning. After breakfast, go back to your accommodation and catch a flight to Dehradun.
Char Dham Yatra 2023 Dates
Yamunotri Temple: 22 April 2023 – 29 October 2023
Gangotri Temple: 22 April 2023 – 27 October 2023
Kedarnath Temple: 25 April 2023 – 29 October 2023
Badrinath Temple: 27 April 2023 – 9 November 2023
Things To Carry For Char Dham Yatra 2023
As you prepare for your Chardham Yatra, keep the following items in mind:
Always keep a current ID with you. While visiting the temples, you are required to have identification on you at all times.
Bring any relevant travel documentation, including your passport or ID card, as well as any applicable permits or vouchers.
Travelling in distant locations requires carrying cash, so make sure you have enough on hand. You should also have a debit or credit card with you as a backup.
Pack warm clothing and rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket, thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm cap, as the weather in the Himalayas may be unpredictable.
Bring durable footwear that is both comfortable and supportive, such as hiking boots or trekking shoes, to assist you cross the frequently challenging terrain.
A suitable backpack that will hold your necessities while freeing up your hands.
Always include a basic first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and any other personal medications you might require.
It is crucial to drink plenty of water while travelling. It is good to travel with water purification tablets and a water bottle.
Bring some healthy snacks and energy bars with you so you can stay energised all day.
Bring your personal hygiene products, such as soap, toothbrush, shampoo, and moisturiser.
You will be well-prepared for your trip to the Chardham Yatra and have a secure and enjoyable experience if you pack these goods.
Char Dham Yatra Tips
If you’re taking the Char Dham Yatra this season, keep these travel suggestions in mind. Knowing about these trips beforehand will help you save.
How to Get to Char Dham Yatra
The only method to see every shrine simultaneously is by vehicle. These areas are not connected by rail or air. However, these areas have a network of roads for transportation. Tourists and pilgrims can readily find buses and shared taxis. You’ll pay a cab driver between INR 3,000 and 4,000 for a one side journey to Yamunotri. There is a road that connects the four shrines together.
Via Train
You can take a train to Haridwar or Dehradun if you prefer rail travel, and then you can take a bus or a taxi to Gangotri. There are also public buses that travel from Haridwar to Gangotri.
Via Road
To get to these cities, you can either take a public bus or a private Volvo bus. By car, it takes about 6-7 hours from Delhi. Several cabs are available for rent in Haridwar, so you can choose to go on the Char Dham Yatra by vehicle as well.
Via Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport. From any location in India, you can fly to Dehradun and then arrange a road trip.