Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand
The Char Dham Circuit is an important pilgrimage in Hinduism as it associates to the attainment Moksha - the ultimate goal. Devotees from all around the world visit and offer darshan in the four sacred shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, collectively known as the Char Dham. According to tradition, the sacred sites must be visited in this order. Tradition is embedded in the pilgrimage in the form of Vaishnava, Shaivite, and Shakti sites. Thus, it covers all the major sects of Hinduism that resonates with purest and highest energy.
Yamunotri – The source of the river Yamuna – the seat of Goddess Yamuna
This sacred shrine, Yamunotri was built near the holy river Yamuna by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri . Later, it was rebuilt by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The temple is dedicated to Shakti in form of Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Surya and sister of Yama. This Dham is located at a height of 3293 metres above sea level in district Uttarkashi.
Gangotri – Home to the sacred Gangotri temple – the seat of the Goddess Ganga
Gangotri temple lies at a height of 3100 metres above sea level on the banks of river Bhagirathi in district Uttarkashi. The holy river Ganga flows from the Gaumukh Glacier - the second largest glacier in India. It is believed that Goddess Ganga descended here on earth when Lord Shiva released the river in his matted locks. The temple structure was built under Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa in 18th century. Each year in the month of May, on the day of Akshay Tritiya, the temple gates are opened to pilgrims. The gates are closed in the month of October or November on the festival of Bhai Dooj.
Kedarnath – Holiest Hindu shrine of Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas established by Adi Shankaracharya
Kedarnath Temple is located on the banks of river Mandakini at an altitude of 3584 metres above sea level in district Rudraprayag. It is the remotest site in the Chardham Yatra circuit and to reach the main shrine the pilgrim has to trek 16 kms from Gaurikund. The shrine was first built by the Pandavas when they came to seek penance for killing the Kauravas. After the Himalayan Tsunami of 2013 a new route is being constructed. The temple gates are closed during the winters because of harsh weather conditions.
Badrinath – The seat of God Vishnu established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century
This Badrinath temple is located in the town of Badrinath at an altitude of 3,133 metres in district Chamoli. It is a Vaishnava site dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is amongst the 108 Divya Desams which are dedicated to Him. This shrine is part of the Panch Badris dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu meditated here while Goddess Lakshmi protected him from harsh sun by taking the form of Badri Tree. The shrine gates are opened later in April till early November. The shrine is located along the banks of river Alaknanda. A hot water spring called Tapta Kunda located in the vicinity of the temple is frequented by pilgrims to take a dip before visiting the shrine. It is believed to have healing medicinal properties.
Snapshot
- Regions: District Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 10 Nights and 11 Days
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun Airport/Railway Station to village Kharsali – The Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna via the queen of hills, Mussoorie
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kharsali | 2675 m | 215 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at village Kharsali |
Day 1 starts after we pick up the guest and start our journey towards village Kharsali via Mussoorie. After having our lunch en-route the day ends in the quaint village Kharsali in district Uttarkashi where we will stay in a guesthouse overnight.
Day 2: Trek from Kharsali to Yamunotri Temple and return
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Trek Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 3293 m | 12 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at village Kharsali |
Day 2 starts with a trek from Kharsali towards Yamunotri - the source of the river Yamuna. We reach the Yamunotri temple – the seat of Goddess Yamuna and offer our prayers. You will find hot water springs around the temple where rice is cooked an offered as prasad. Around the temple there are other places to visit like Surya Kind, Divya Shilpa, Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti, Saptarishi Kund, amongst others that you can visit as time permits. The day ends as we start our trek back to Kharsali for an overnight stay in the guesthouse.
Day 3: Drive from Kharsali to Gangotri – The Seat of Goddess Ganga via Moriyana Top
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | 3100 m | 255 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Gangotri |
We start our day early in the morning driving from village Kharsali towards the holy town of Gangotri. After having our lunch en-route the day ends in Gangotri where we will stay in a guesthouse overnight.
Day 4: Drive to Uttarkashi town after Temple Darshan of Gangotri Dham, en-route visit to Gangnani – Hot water spring and Darshan at Viswanath Temple
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | 3100 m | 215 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Uttarkashi town |
We start our day by offering prayers at Gangotri Temple. You can buy cans from local shops and carry the sacred Ganga Jal from here. There are many temples around the main shrine as well. You will find the Surya Kunda near Gangotri temple where you can see the river falling into a deep ravine from large boulders. After the darshan, we drive back to Uttarkashi town. On the way, we will visit the hot water springs of Gangnani that is an ideal place to retreat and rejuvenate. The day ends with darshan at the Viswanath Temple followed by an overnight stay in a guesthouse in the town.
Day 5: Drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi/Sonprayag via the holy Chaurangi Khal and Budhakedar Temples
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guptkashi | Guptkashi (1319 meters)/Sonprayag (1829 meters) | 265 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Guptkashi/Sonprayag |
Day 5 starts with a drive from the town of Uttarkashi towards Guptkashi/Sonprayag in district Rudraprayag. After having our lunch en-route the day ends in Guptkashi/Sonprayag where we will stay in a guesthouse overnight.
Day 6: Drive from Guptkashi/Sonprayag to Gaurikund and trek to Kedarnath
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | 3538 m | 16 km | Overnight stay in Kedarnath |
The day starts with a drive to Gaurikund from where we will start our trek to Kedarnath Dham. We will have lunch during the trek and then continue our journey to the holy shrine. After reaching we offer darshan at the Kedarnath Dham. The day ends with an overnight stay in the Kedarnath region.
Day 7: Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and drive to Triyuginarayan Temple and back to Sonprayag
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Total Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | 3538 m | 16 kilometres (trek) and 36 kilometres (drive) | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Sonprayag |
We start day 7 by trekking back to Gaurikund followed by a drive from Sonprayag to Triyuginarayan Temple where we offer our prayers. The day ends as we drive back to Sonprayag with an overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 8: Drive from Sonprayag to Badrinath via Guptkashi, Ukhimath and Chopta
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badrinath | Badrinath (meters) | 275 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Badrinath |
Day 8 starts with an early morning drive to Badrinath - the fourth sacred shrine dedicated to God Vishu. After having our lunch en-route we pass by Ukimath and Chopta – popularly known as the mini Switzerland of India. The day ends as we reach Badrinath in district Chamoli where we will stay in a guesthouse overnight.
Day 9: Badrinath Darshan followed by a drive to Mana – The last village of India and a drive back to Joshimath via Pandukeshwar
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mana village | Mana village (meters) | 115 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Joshimath |
We offer our prayers at the holy Badrinath shrine in the morning. The temple is an architectural marvel with three structures consisting of a sanctum or a Garbhagriha, worship hall or Darshan Mandap, and a convention hall or Sabha Mandap. The hall leading to main shrine area has intricate carvings. After darshan, we drive to Mana village and have our lunch. We pass by Pandukeshwar as we drive back to Joshimath where we stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 10: Drive from Joshimath to Auli and back to Devprayag with Prayag and Dhari Devi Mata Darshan en-route
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auli | Auli (meters) | 272 km | Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Devprayag |
The day starts early as we visit Auli hill station. Afterwards, we start our journey towards Devprayag – the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. On our way, we offer our prayers at the sacred Dhari Devi Mata Temple. The day ends with an overnight stay in a guesthouse at Devprayag.
Day 11: Drive from Devprayag to Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun
| Destination | Maximum Altitude | Drive Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Devprayag | Devprayag (meters)) | km |
The last day of the Char Dham pilgrimage starts from Devprayag as we drop the guests at Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun. The Cham Dham Yatra concludes as guests travel to their homes from the airport/railway station will feelings of peace and spiritual fulfilment.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE CHAR DHAM YATRA?
Inclusion
- Accommodation (guesthouse and tents)
- Meals
- Government permits, forest camping and environmental fees
- Trekking equipment (tent, sleeping bag with mattress, dining and toilet tent)
- Cook and porters for carrying food material and equipment
- Mountaineering Certified Guide and trek leader
Connectivity
Trains are available from major cities in India to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. From railway stations, one can easily get taxis or buses from nearby points for further journey.
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. Helicopter services are also available for this circuit from Dehradun, Delhi, Jolly Grant airport, Augustamuni, and Gauchar though this doesn’t allow one enough time to acclimatize.
It is advised to take this journey slowly with professional guidance. Team Mountain Advice guides you throughout the pilgrimage to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. Due to the harsh weather and a high altitude, there is a fair degree of caution to be observed. Team Himalayan View specializes in leading treks and challenging mountain expeditions with humbleness and respect for the environment ensuring client safety as the prime motive of the team.
To book your Char Dham Yatra contact us on 9458328820
Things to Carry
- Woollen wear (cap, gloves, jacket, socks, fleece and thermal inners)
- Sun screen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Torch/Headlamp
- Power Bank/Extra battery
- Toiletries
- Dry fruits/ dry snacks/ biscuits/ chocolates
- Personal first aid kit
- Thermos Flask
- Slippers and shoes with good grip (preferably waterproof)
- Rain cover
