Char Dham Yatra

Char Dham Yatra: A Journey to the Abodes of the Divine

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred and significant pilgrimages in Hinduism, taking devotees to four holy shrines nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. These four sites — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — are collectively known as the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, also called the Chhota Char Dham to distinguish it from the original Char Dham defined by Adi Shankaracharya.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims embark on this soul-stirring journey to cleanse their sins, seek divine blessings, and experience the serenity of the mountains.

The Four Dhams

1. Yamunotri (Source of the Yamuna River)

   • Location: Uttarkashi district

   • Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the river is believed to be the sister of Yama (the god of death). Bathing in her icy waters is believed to cleanse one of sins and protect from untimely death.

   • Main Attractions: Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund (hot spring), Divya Shila.

2. Gangotri (Source of the Ganga River)

   • Location: Uttarkashi district

   • Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, who descended from heaven to cleanse the earth of sin. The river originates from the Gaumukh glacier, 18 km upstream from Gangotri temple.

   • Main Attractions: Gangotri Temple, Bhagirath Shila, Gaumukh trek.

3. Kedarnath (Seat of Lord Shiva)

   • Location: Rudraprayag district

   • Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is set against the backdrop of the stunning Kedarnath peak. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here in the form of a lingam.

   • Main Attractions: Kedarnath Temple, Bhairav Temple, Chorabari Lake.

4. Badrinath (Abode of Lord Vishnu)

   • Location: Chamoli district

   • Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is part of the original Char Dham as well. The temple sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges.

   • Main Attractions: Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund (hot springs), Mana Village (last Indian village before Tibet), Vasudhara Falls.

Best Time to Visit

• Late April to early November, typically May to June and September to October are ideal.

• The temples open each year around Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and close after Diwali (October/November), depending on the Hindu calendar and weather conditions.

Travel Tips

• The yatra involves high altitudes (up to 3,600 meters), so acclimatization and physical preparation are key.

• Registration for pilgrims is mandatory, and biometric registration can be done online or at centers en route.

• You can do the yatra by road, helicopter, or trekking, depending on budget, time, and fitness level.

• Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to GMVN lodges and even a few luxury camps.