It’s revered among the very sacred pilgrimages from the world – four temples nestled in seclusion, one of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Nothing spells devotion over a trip to the Char Dhams. Ganga, Yamuna, Vishnu, and the mighty Shiva exist within their purest incarnations up there, and getting a Hindu is the closest one could come to experience heavenly bliss.
Table of Contents
History
Adi Shankaracharya, who had been the excellent Reformer and Philosopher group collectively, discovered these Sacred Pilgrimage sites into the spiritual circuits throughout the 8th century. Generation followed centuries, and tens of thousands of devotees from all around the world regularly go to these four religious places in Uttarakhand.
During Winter season all Char Dhams are shut for six months because of significant snowfall all temples have been inaccessible.
What’s Char Dham Yatra, and why is it important?
Char Dham, literally ‘the four abodes’, yatra denotes the travel up the hills to four holy temples in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s also known as “Chota Char Dham” to distinguish it from the larger circuit of Char Dham websites. A bath in the sacred waters of the Yamuna river is supposed to cleanse among sins and shield from premature departure.
Gangotri Dham, the next temple which drops upon the Chota Char Dham circuit, is the birthplace of this sacred river Ganga. Kedarnath, called the property of Lord Shiva, has the greatest located jyotirlinga. Located on the banks of Mandakini River, the opinion of the temple contrary to its snowy backdrop is resplendent. Also part of this larger Char Dham circuit, it stands Garhwal Hill superbly, rearing its gold mind and fluttering its red flags with Godly existence.
Where and how can you begin on your own Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham yatra opens to the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya of Chaitya month and stays open until Bhai Dooj. The whole yatra will require you 11 to 12 days. If time allows, there are a Whole Lots of other diversions, like Gaumukh and Tapovan, across the valley, Bhauravnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Chopta, Auli, and Hemkund Sahib. You may opt to begin your yatra from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, based on your convenience. It’s also only a 4-hour train ride from Haridwar.
Char Dham yatra starts with a trip to Yamunotri Dham following a 36 km drive by Barkot, accompanied by a 7 km blackout. Barkot also links to Uttarkashi that is only about 100 kilometers from the Gangotri Dham. Kedarnath can be pushed from Rudraprayag, which is about 180 kilometers from Uttarkashi, accompanied by a 21 km trek up the mountain. Rudraprayag can be only 160 km from Badrinath Dham, that’s the closing Dham on your yatra.
By Badrinath, numerous paths can lead you back to Delhi through Haridwar. If you aren’t able to accommodate all four Dhams on your itinerary, Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams would be the ones that are recommended.
You can pick either GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.) or private bureaus. We offer customized packages under your budget. For lodging, the very best choices are Char Dham camps in the kind of Swiss cottages that are located relatively near the shrines and are equipped with the essential requirements. You will find additional budget and deluxe choices such as GMVN’s tents.
So, how can you prepare for your Char Dham Yatra?
There isn’t any fixed age limitation for Char Dham Yatris. As a result of demanding requirements, the favored age bracket is between 7 and 65. You may, however, take a health certification to confirm your wellbeing condition. All Char Dham Camps are equipped with first aid boxes and oxygen tanks, but taking your first-aid kit to the street is a fantastic idea.
Char Dham yatra is made up of 2 treks – a 6 kilometers one-piece dip from Jankichatti into Yamunotri and a 21 kilometers one-way trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, so comfy shoes that have a fantastic grip are essential! Ponies, Pithus, and Palkis are offered for people not keen to or not able to trek.
The weather in Char Dham is pleasant from April to June. The air becomes cold and thin, and thus, warm coats, sweaters, gloves, and woolen socks are recommended. If you’re traveling at the rainy season, take a raincoat too.
Visit Char Dhama
Envision a world straight from your creativity; A universe reminiscent of religious utopia – where Godly existence isn’t only perceived but strongly felt.
Char Dham yatra is about experiencing that dream. The journey might be extended, hard, and not for your faint-hearted, but it’s certainly rewarding – both emotionally and sensually.
Best Time for Char Dham Yatra
The month of April, May, and the first half of June possess a nice climate since it marks the summers at the Char Dham. The monsoon months aren’t the Greatest Season to journey the Char Dham since June’s second half. July and August tend to be rain that might cause landslides very often from the Char Dham. You can also travel through the month of September, October, and also the middle of November for a few Dhams, as winter begins with the beginning of November from the Himalayas.
The gates of the Char Dham Yatra available to the pilgrims on the afternoon of Akshaya Tritiya annually usually in the month of April and May. Akshay is regarded as a very auspicious day for the commencement of the route of salvation the pilgrims’ attempt to walk to. The gates are available for a mere span of just 6 weeks as a result of extreme weather conditions from the Himalayas. The idols are changed from the temple into other places, and the gates have been shut.
Char Dham Packages
| Chardham Ex Delhi | Avg Rs 31,999 | 11 Nights | Meals , Accommodation , Transfer , Sightseeing |
| Chardham Yatra by Helicopter | Avg Rs 1,78,000 | 5 Nights | Meals , Accommodation , Transfer , Sightseeing |
| Chardham – Ex Haridwar | Avg Rs 26,999 | 9 Nights | Meals, Accommodation, Transfer, Sightseeing |
Route
1. Yamunotri Route Map
A conclusion to this area requires endurance and a lot of guts to achieve because the narrow trail is carved out on the mountain’s face. This is only one of the very scenic and exciting treks one of the 3 additional dham sites. The surroundings are magnificent, and every turn showcases the raw beauty of character.
Yamunotri Dham has located at a distance of 13 km from Hanuman Chatti and 6 km in Janki Chatti. The motorable road heads upward until Janki Chatti through Syana Chatti, Rana Chatti, and Hanuman Chatti, situated at a distance of 50 km in Barkot. Ponies, palanquins, and mules can be found as a way of alternative transport approach.
Road Map:
Rishikesh —> Narendra Nagar (16 kilometers) —> Chamba (46 kilometers) —> Brahmkhal (15 kilometers) —> Barkot (40 kilometers) —> Syana Chatti (27 kilometers) —> Hanuman Chatti (6 kilometers) —> Phool Chatti (5 kilometers) —> Janki Chatti (3 kilometers) —> Yamunotri (6 kilometers).
2. Gangotri Route Map
This Hindu pilgrimage place is located at the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is located from the sacred River Bhagirathi that’s assumed to be the source of this holiest river in India, River Ganga. Place atop in an elevation of 10,200 feet above sea level; legend has it that this is where Goddess Ganga had escalated following Lord Shiva had introduced the river from the guards of his hair.
Gangotri is very well connected with a community of roadways linking to all significant websites. The title ‘Gangotri’ radiates a sense of innocence, heavenly love, and intense calmness that every Yatri can experience in their trip. Two paths are leading around Gangotri that are:
Route 1:
Delhi —> Haridwar —> Rishikesh —> Narendra Nagar —> Tehri —> Dharasu Bend —> Uttarkashi —> Bhatwari —> Gangnani —> Harsil —> Gangotri
Route 2:
Delhi —> Dehradun —> Mussoorie —> Chamba —> Tehri —> Dharasu Bend —> Uttarkashi —> Bhatwari —> Hangnani —> Harsil —> Gangotri
3. Kedarnath Route Map
Dedicate to Lord Shiva; the temple is among those prime hubs of spiritual actions in India. Devotees flock here throughout the summer months to provide their prayer to the presiding deity and all the hopes of attaining moksha or salvation. Perched in a whopping elevation of 11,755 feet above sea level, Kedarnath can also be contained at the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The paths and paths leading to the significant temple shrine have been in excellent problems.
Road Map:
Rishikesh (213 kilometers) — Devprayag (74 kilometers) — Srinagar (35 kilometers) — Rudraprayag (33 kilometers) — Tilwara (9 kilometers) — Agastyamuni (10 kilometers) — Kund (15 kilometers) — Guptkashi (5 kilometers) — Phata (11 kilometers) — Rampur (9 kilometers) — Son Prayag (3 kilometers) — Gauri Kund (5 kilometers) — Rambara Bridge (7 kilometers) — Lincholi (5 kilometers) — Kedarnath (4 kilometers)
A new path was produced place the 2013 flash flooding that devastated the temple’s environment.
4. Badrinath Route Map
Located at an altitude of 10,279 feet above sea level in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath Mandir is regarded as among the most religious centers of pilgrimage for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple can also be among the 108 Divya Desam and a center for its Chota Char dham Yatra.
Sitting from the banks of River Alaknanda, one of the lush green Garhwal Hills and surrounded by snowcapped Narayana Parbat, Badrinath springs into life throughout the darshan seasons. A well-connected network of streets gets access to the temple convenient to achieve. There are frequent buses that operate in regular periods linking Rishikesh and Badrinath.
Road Map:
Rishikesh — Devprayag (71 kilometers) — Kirti Nagar (30 kilometers) — Sri Nagar (4 kilometers) — Rudraprayag (34 kilometers) — Gauchar (20 kilometers) — Karnaprayag (12 kilometers) — Nandprayag (20 kilometers) — Chamoli (11 kilometers) — Birahi (8 kilometers) — Pipalkoti (9 kilometers) — Garur Ganga (5 kilometers) — Helang (15 kilometers) — Joshimath (14 kilometers) — Vishnuprayag (13 kilometers) — Govindghat (8 kilometers) — Pandukeshwar (3 kilometers) — Hanuman Chatti (10 kilometers) — Badrinath Ji (11 kilometers)
Char Dham Yatra Complete Route Map
The general yatra space is of 1,607 kilometers that commence in Haridwar and finishes at Rishikesh.
Here is the entire route map:
- Haridwar – Barkot – 220 km (6 hours)
- Barkot – Yamunotri – 36 km drive (7 hours)
- Barkot – Uttarkashi – 100 km (4 hours)
- Uttarkashi – Gangotri – 100 km (4 hours)
- Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag – 180 km (7 to 8 hours)
- Rudraprayag – Kedarnath – 74 km of the drive along with 20 km od trekking on the new route
- Rudraprayag – Badrinath – 160 km (6 to 7 hours)
- Badrinath – Rishikesh – 297 km (10 to 11 hours)
- Rishikesh – Delhi – 230 km (6 hours)
Bear in mind that driving the hills isn’t allowed from 8 pm to 4 am.
Places to Visit in Chardham
1. Mussoorie & Kempty Falls:
It’s at the height of 6,170 ft and controls an enchanting view of this snow-capped Himalayan Ranges of Uttarakhand. There Are Lots of world-renowned schools in Mussoorie, such as Woodstock School and Mussoorie International School.
2. Lakhamandal Temple
Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva from the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun. The most famous attraction of this temple is that the Shivlinga that’s manufactured from shining graphite. The river Yamuna flows across the Lakhamandal village. According to legend, it’s thought that Duryodhana had intended to burn off the Pandava brothers within this temple.
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple- Uttarkashi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the earliest temples of Lord Shiva situated by the banks of the river Bhagirathi. It’s thought that if Varanasi gets bombarded with water, the statue of Lord Vishwanath in the Kashi Temple is going to be changed here. Within the temple, we find sculptures of Shiv Ji, Parvati Ji, Ganesha, and Nandi Bail. There are a couple of stores that sell essential pooja items.
4. Gangnani Hotwater Springs
Gangnani is 215 kilometers from Rishikesh, on the road to Gangotri. It’s a naturally scenic location where you can peacefully meditate. You get a magnificent view of the neighboring Caribbean ranges out of here. The famed hot springs called Rishikund is situated here. The majority of the devotees seeing Gangotri have a sacred dip in these waters before moving to the principal temple.
5. Harsil
The road to Gangotri determines Harsil, which’s at the height of 2.600 meters. Numerous trekking paths are going through Harsil. During winters, the idol out of Gangotri is placed in the temple of Mukhwa close Harsil.
6. Vishwanath Temple- Guptkashi
It’s an ancient structure made from rock. Many vacationers choose darshan at this renowned temple before moving to Kedarnath.
7. Triyuginarayan Temple
It’s thought that Lord Shiva wed Parvatiji inside this temple, at the presence of Lord Vishnu. There’s an eternal flame that burns night and day. It’s said that this passion is burning off because of the period of Lord Shiva’s wedding. The construction of this temple is much like the Kedarnath temple and has been assembled by Adi Shankaracharya. Many tourists visit the temple by trek.
8. Kalimath Temple
Kalimath Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district at the height of 6000 feet. The mighty snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath surround it. It’s among those 108’Shakti Peeths’. This temple is dedicated to Kali Ma, together with Lakshmi Ji, along with Saraswati Ji. It becomes bustling during Navratras when lakhs of devotees have come to take darshan of Goddess Kali. Parvati. Ganesha and Nandi could be viewed here.
9. Ukhimath Temple
This temple can be found in Ukhimath that is 41 kilometers from Rudraprayag. Lord Omkareshwar is worshipped here every day. Throughout winter, the idol out of Kedarnath temple has been brought down to the temple at a doli. There’s a construction in the temple complex at which the priests of this temple live.
10. Chopta
You will find very popular treks from here to Tungnath, Deoriatal, and Chandrashila summit. It is the maximum summit where a Shiva temple is situated.
11. Vridha Badri
Vridha Badri is just one of the Panch Badri located in Animath at Chamoli district. It lies at a distance of 7kms from Joshimath. Within this temple, Lord Vishnu is in the kind of an older man- therefore the title Vridha Badri. Adi Shankaracharya, across the 8th century, has reinstated this statue. Many tourists come to the temple and also invest some time in praying and meditating to Lord Vishnu. This temple is available during the year.
12. Shankaracharya Math
Shankaracharya Math or Jyotir Math is situated in Joshimath and has been established across the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. There’s also a cave where Adi Shankaracharya took Tapasya. There’s a 2400 years old Kalpavriksha tree at the enclosure. It’s thought that Adi Shankaracharya meditated beneath this tree.
13. Narsingh Temple
Narsingh Temple is among those Sapt Badri’s situated at Joshimath. It’s located in the lower bazaar region. The idol of Lord Vishnu is currently in half man and half a shape and therefore known as Narsingh. During winters, the icon of Vishnuji from Badrinath is brought down at a doli and put within this temple. It’s thought that if the ideal arm of Narsingh temple drops off, the road to Badrinath will get blocked because of landslides.
14. Yog Dhyan Badri Temple
This temple can be found in Pandukeshwar that is 24 km from Joshimath. Yog Dhyan Badri is just one of the Panch Badri in which Lord Vishnuji is in a meditative pose. Legend claims that Kunti was wed to King Pandu at Pandukeshwar. The chilly Utsava- Murti festival is conducted every year after Badrinath temple is shut.
15. Tapt Kund
Harness Kund is situated just outside the main doors of the Badrinath temple. It’s a set of hot sulfur springs that has medicinal value. Devotees believe it is required to have a dip in these waters before heading for darshan of all Badri Vishal. Two ponds are known as Narad Kund and Surya Kund. The temperature of this water stays around 55 degrees throughout the year.
16. Brahma Kapal
It’s an even surface on the banks of this river Alaknanda. It’s thought that Lord Brahma resides here, and therefore people run shradh ceremonies within here. It had been at this place that Lord Shiva got rid of his curse following murdering Lord Brahma. Mata Murthy temple is among the renowned temples situated nearby.
17. Mana Village
It’s the last Indian village laying before the China border that’s 24 kilometers away. It is possible to go to Vyas Gufa, where Ved Vyas wrote the Mahabharat and Ganesh Gufa, where Ganeshji composed it. Throughout the wintertime, all of the villagers migrate into lower areas as Mana gets coated with snow. A massive rock bridge across the Saraswati River known as Bhim Pul was allegedly placed by Bhim to ensure Draupadi could cross the river. Other areas of interest include Mata Murthy and Vasudhara Falls.
18. Panch Prayag
Pilgrims have a sacred dip in these Prayags before heading for darshan to the significant temples of Uttarakhand. Each of the prayags may be accessible by road throughout the year.
19. Auli
Auli is a hill station situated 15 kilometers from Joshimath at the height of over 2500 meters. It’s a famous tourist destination for ski in India. The SAF Winter Games was held. Lots of professional tutors from foreign countries visit Auli for enjoying the joys of their slopes. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam organizes ski courses for novices. Also, they have a rest home for sailors to remain. You can get incredible views of Nandadevi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat out of here. Auli could be reached by automobile or from the maximum cable car ride of 4 kilometers from Joshimath. Also, they possess a Chair Lift plus even a Ski Lift.
20. Dhari Devi Temple
The idol in the temple would be the top body of Goddess Dhari. It is one of those 108 Shakti Sthals of India. There is a puzzle in the idol; it appears like a young woman in the evenings, a woman in the afternoons, and enjoys an old lady after day. People today think that the Uttarakhand tragedy of 2013 happened. The priests of the temple were attempting to change the Dhari Devi idol from the first location so that a dam was constructed in precisely the same site.
21. Vashishtha Gufa
It’s an ancient cave in which Sage Vashishtha that had been the son of Lord Brahma, meditated. He was also among the seven great sages of India. It’s a cave in which lots of tourists come to perform profound meditation. You may even go from the Gufa into the river banks and meditate. There’s an ashram in precisely the same place known as Vashishtha Ashram.
Conclution
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Here is the official website for Uttarakhand Tourism
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