Chardham Yatra
in Uttarakhand
Get ready for the upcoming Himalayan pilgrimage to explore the world-famous shrines of Shri Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath Dham in the Himalayas in 2024.
Get ready for the upcoming Himalayan pilgrimage to explore the world-famous shrines of Shri Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath Dham in the Himalayas in 2024.
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is a journey for the upliftment of soul and innermost self. Located in the Garhwal Himalaya ranges in Uttarakhand, these are the four most sacred Hindu shrines that draw devotees from India and around the world. The purpose of this sacred journey is to attain salvation, or moksha, the ultimate state of liberation in Hinduism. The 4 Dham temples hold immense significance in Hindu mythology. 4 Dham Yatra is a pious pilgrimage tour to sacred Badrinath (abode of Lord Vishnu), Kedarnath (abode of Lord Shiva), Gangotri (abode of goddess Ganga) and Yamunotri (abode of goddess Yamuna) Shrines. There is another Char Dham, which consists of four holy sites scattered all over India. Established by Adi Shankaracharya, these are Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Odisha and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
4 Dham circuit which includes the shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, remains open from April to October or first week of November. They remain closed in the winter due to heavy snowfall. However, except the monsoon (avoidable), one can visit the temples at any time during the months between April and October. For an ideal pilgrimage experience, plan your trip between mid-July and October. During this time, the weather remains pleasant, and the four holy temples are less crowded, allowing for easy darshan.
Temple Opening Dates for 4Dham Yatra 2024-
Experience the Best of the Himalayan Pilgrimage with our 4Dham Yatra Tour Packages 2024 for Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri Dham Temple.
Overall, the weather in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri & Yamunotri Temples from March to November is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. It is best to visit the temples during the months of March to May or September to November to avoid the heavy rains of the monsoon season. However, it is important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable in the Himalayan region, and travellers should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
Find Peace And Rejuvenation At Yamunotri Dham, The First Stop Of 4 Dham Pilgrimage Tour
At a height of 3,291 metres, YAMUNOTRI TEMPLE is located in the western part of the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple was constructed in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. The temple was rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and is devoted to the river Yamuna, who is symbolised by a silver image that is covered in flowers. Yamunotri Temple is the first destination of 4 Dham Yatra circuit which defines a pious journey to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangorti and Yamunotri. Some people also plan for Gangotri Yamunotri Do Dham Yatra which only includes the journey to Yamunotri and Gangori, the two sources of India’s most holy rivers, Yamuna and Ganga, respectively. Hot springs that are spilling out of the mountain caves are close to the temple. The most significant Kund is the Suryakund. Before puja is done to the god, Divya Shila, a shrine located next to the Suryakund, is worshipped. The hot water springs are used by devotees to make rice and potatoes that are then tied in muslin cloth and offered to the shrine. Such prepared rice is brought home as prasadam.
Gangotri Dham, Where The Ganges Originates And The Soul Finds Peace.
As per Hindu mythology, it is assumed that the holy river Ganga descended on the planet in GANGOTRI. India's Uttarkashi, in the Uttarakhand region, is home to Gangotri Dham. It is one of India's most sacred pilgrimages and is situated among the majestic Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and dense forests at a height of 3,415 metres. There are numerous ashrams, shrines, and temples in Gangotri. On the banks of the Bhagirathi River stands the Gangotri Temple, which honours the goddess, Ganga. The sacred rock, known as the "Bhagirath Shila," where King Bhagiri had bowed to Lord Shiva, is located near the temple. In the CharDham tour circuit, which also includes the three other holy sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri, it is the second and highest temple. The popular hikes Gaumukh, Gangotri National Park, Gangotri Glacier, Tapovan, and Bhojwasa all start from this base camp. The most significant temple of the Ganga was first constructed by Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century and was reconstructed by the King of Jaipur. Located 19 kilometres from Gangotri in Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, the river's real source is reachable by hiking.
Find Solace In The Lap Of The Himalayas At Kedarnath Dham Yatra
On the banks of the Mandakini River stands one of North India's fabled holy pilgrimages, KEDARNATH at a height of 3,568 metres. In the past, the entire region was referred to as Kedar Khand. Along the trip of 4 Dham Yatra, which includes the religious journey to four Himalayan holy sites, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, this pilgrimage offers amazing views of the, majestic Himalayas in the distance. The most significant of the 200 Lord Shiva, shrines in India is considered to be Kedarnath. Similar to Gangotri Yamunotri Do Dham Yatra, people also plan for Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra, which only includes this Shiva temple and Badrinath. According to legend, when the Pandavas prevailed in the battle of Kurukshetra, they went in search of Lord Shiva, who avoided them in the Himalayas by taking the form of a buffalo. Only at a few holy locations, Kedarnath being one where the buffalo's hump was visible, were glimpses of him captured. Kedarnath, located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, only has one open season, as it remains open till autumn. During winters, the idol of Kedarnath is carried down to Ukhimath, in the lower terrain of the Himalayas.
Badrinath Dham Yatra - A Journey To The Abode Of Lord Vishnu In The Himalayas
BADRINATH is one of the Vaishnavite holy places and is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. There are 108 locations where Holi Vishnu has taken on human form, with Badrinath being one among the most significant. Badrinath is also known as Badri Vishal in Hindu mythology due to its enormous size. Adi GuruShankaracharya is claimed to have found Lord Badrinath and brought him back to this temple in the eighth century. Numerous accounts of Hindu tales and scriptures can be found at this temple. Over time, the Mahabharata legends were ingrained in this temple and gave rise to numerous stories that are associated with this revered trip. Shankaracharya discovered the black stone of Lord Badrinath on the Alaknanda River, and the king of Garhwal later placed it in this magnificent temple, which is guarded by Garud at its main entrance. Similarto Kedarnath, Badrinath Temple is also an important part of 4 Dham Yatra and it is one of the four holy sites in the upper Himalayas which is included in the 4 Dham tour circuit.
A Hindu pilgrimage site, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and one of the four shrines in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple at Yamunotri is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and is believed to have been built by the Hindu sage Asit Muni. However, the present temple was built by a Hindu King, Narendra Shah in the 19th century.The temple and surrounding hot springs are considered to have healing properties and attract many devotees every year, especially during the 4 Dham Yatra period from May to October. The area is known for its scenic beauty, wit lush green forests, snow-capped peaks, and hot springs. Moreover, there are numerous opportunities for adventure and relaxation, making the nearby tourist spots in Yamunotri a popular destination for both pilgrimage and tourism.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Yamunotri are:Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a hot spring located in the Yamunotri region of Uttarakhand, India. The temperature of the water here is around 88 degrees, though it is surrounded by snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Devotees make prasad out of rice and potato and dip in this water. They offer it to the deity and take it back home.
Kharsali
Kharsali is around 10 kilometres from Yamunotri, an untouched village in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. It is the winter seat of the deity of Yamunotri Temple as due to heavy snowfall, the temple remains inaccessible during the cold months. The tiny hamlet is perched at the foothills of the Himalayan peak at a height of 2,675 metres.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a revered sacred rock located near the Yamunotri Temple in Uttarakhand, India. It is believed to be a source of divine energy and worshipped by devotees who visit the Yamunotri Temple as part of the 4 Dham Yatra. People offer prayers and perform puja at Divya Shila before entering the temple, as it is considered to bring blessings and spiritual upliftment.
Shani Dev Temple
Shani Dev Temple is located in Kharsali, around 10 kilometres from Yamunotri. The temple houses the deity of Yamuna during the months of winter. It is believed to be built by the Pandava brothers from Mahabharata. Apart from its religious significance, it also attracts people who admire ancient architecture. Shani Dev Temple possesses a marvellous architecture made of stone which looks like a four-storey fort.
Gangotri is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism and is considered the source of the River Ganges. It is considered one of the four holiest shrines in Hinduism. Hindus believe that bathing in the river here can cleanse one's sins and bring blessings. Gangotri also has significant historical and cultural importance, making it a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike.The area surrounding Gangotri is known for its scenic beauty, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and serene rivers. Gangotri is a popular destination for trekking and other adventure sports, including climbing and camping. The region is rich in cultural heritage and offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Indian village life and visit ancient temples and monuments. Overall, Gangotri and its nearby places offer a unique blend of spiritual, natural, and cultural experiences that attract tourists from around the world.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Gangotri are:Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a sacred hot spring located in the Hindu pilgrimage site of Gangotri, Uttarakhand, India. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is visited by devotees as part of their pilgrimage to Gangotri, which is one of the four important places in the 4 Dham Yatra. As per Hindu mythology, Surya Kund is associated with the Hindu god Surya (the sun deity) and is said to have been created by him to alleviate the sufferings of King Bhagirath's ancestors.
Gaumukh
Gaumukh is a source of the Bhagirathi River, which is one of the primary headstreams of the Ganges River in India. It is located in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, around 18 kilometres from Gangotri Temple. The name "Gaumukh" literally translates to "cow's mouth," as the water emerges from a rock formation resembling the mouth of a cow. The site is surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Gangotri Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayan Mountain range.
Bhaironghati
Bhaironghati is a stunning mountain pass located near Gangotri in Uttarakhand, India, around 10 kilometres away. It is situated at an altitude of 4,500 metres above sea level and is considered as one of the challenging trekking routes in the region. The pass where one can find a small settlement at the junction of Bhagirathi and Jadh Ganga Rivers, offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and is surrounded by the lush green forests of the Himalayas.
Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa is a small hamlet located near the holy town of Gangotri in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at the base of the Himalayan Mountain range and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Bhojbasa is famous for being a popular camping site for pilgrims visiting the Gangotri Temple and Gaumukh Glacier and is also known for its scenic beauty and serene environment.
Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu shrines and a part of the 4 Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. The surrounding mountains and valleys of Kedarnath offer breathtaking views and make for an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The area offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and other adventure activities, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. The region is steeped in history and cultural heritage, and visiting nearby attractions such as the Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, and Chopta offers an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. The peaceful and serene environment of Kedarnath and its nearby attractions provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Kedarnath are:Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Adi Shankaracharya was an Indian philosopher and theologian who founded the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He attained samadhi, or spiritual enlightenment, at the Kedarnath Temple in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. His samadhi shrine is considered a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims and is located near the Kedarnath Temple.
Shri Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairav Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the protector of the entire Kedar Valley in winter. The temple is located in the vicinity of the Kedarnath Temple, within one kilometre and is one of the most important shrines in the CharDham Yatra pilgrimage circuit.
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake situated near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, India. It is considered to be sacred by the Hindu community as it is believed that Lord Vishnu took an auspicious bath in this lake during Raksha Bandhan Festival. That’s why the lake is named Vasuki. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers scenic views to the visitors, making it a popular trekking destination.
Gandhi Sarovar
Also known as Chorabari Tal, Gandhi Sarovar is located at a distance of four kilometres from Kedarnath. Altitude-wise, it is situated at a height of 3,900 metres above sea level on the mouth of Chorabari Bamak glacier, at the foothills of Kirti Stambh Peak and Kedarnath. Apart from the scenic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks one can also visit the waterfalls en route.
Badrinath and its nearby tourist places offer a unique blend of religious and natural attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. The main attraction is the Badrinath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism, which is located in the town of Badrinath. The town is situated in the midst of the stunning Himalayan Mountains and is surrounded by some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, such as the Alaknanda River and the Neelkanth Peak. Other nearby tourist places, such as Mana Village, Ganesha Cave, and the hot water springs, offer a range of scenic vistas and opportunities for adventure activities like hiking and trekking. Additionally, the region has a rich cultural and historical heritage, which can be explored through visits to local villages and monuments.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Badrinath are:Tapta Kund
Tapta Kund is a hot water spring located in the holy town of Badrinath, Uttarakhand, India. It is considered to have therapeutic properties and is believed to cure various skin diseases. Devotees take a dip in the Tapta Kund as a form of cleansing ritual before visiting the nearby Badrinath Temple.
Mana Village
Mana Village, located near the Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India, is a popular tourist attraction for several reasons. One reason is its location, as it is the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibet border. Another reason is its unique culture and traditional lifestyle, with many visitors interested in experiencing the village's local customs and traditions. Additionally, Mana Village is also known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings, with the surrounding mountain ranges, rivers and streams adding to its charm.
Charan Paduka
Charan Paduka is a revered rock platform located in the temple town of Badrinath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is considered as the footprint of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as the presiding deity of the Badrinath temple. Pilgrims visit the Charan Paduka during their Badrinath yatra and offer prayers, seeking blessings and fulfilment of their desires.
Ganesha Cave
Ganesha Cave is a popular tourist attraction in Badrinath, located in Mana Village, near Vyas Cave. It is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha wrote down the epic of Mahabharata. It’s a naturally formed cave, surrounded by lush green plants and offers pleasant views of the nearby Himalayan peaks.
We highly recommend that you take the time to carefully read the valuable information provided below to aid you in planning for your upcoming 4 Dham pilgrimage tour of the Himalayas.
Below, you will find information regarding the distances from Haridwar to the four dham temples and other major destinations along the route. Please review this information carefully.
CharDham Yatra generally starts in April/May with the opening of four temples, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year, during the eve of Akshay Tritriya, which is also known as Akha Teej, the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples open for the pilgrims. On the other hand, on the day of Maha Shivratri, the date of opening for Kedarnath and on Basant Panchami, Badrinath opening date is declared. The four temples remain open till autumn (mid-November). 4 Dham Yatra 2024 for the upcoming year will open in May and end in November.
The Chardham Temples are located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, and are considered to be some of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The weather in this region can vary greatly depending on the season and altitude. Here is a brief overview of the weather details of 4 Dham Temples from March to November:
The 4 Dham is a group of four Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. These temples are located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in northern India. They are considered as some of the holiest Hindu shrines and are believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher and theologian, in the 8th century. The 4 Dham Yatra (pilgrimage) is a popular spiritual journey among Hindu devotees and is undertaken to attain Moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
People who want to take the pious journey to the four holy sites in 4 Dham circuit, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, need to register themselves first. Let’s know about How to login and register for Chardham tours.
India is a hub for street markets, you will be able to witness these enormous markets on your golden triangle tour. You will be able to shop here at the most reasonable prices. From Handicrafts, and textiles to all those antiques from ancient India, you will able to get the best souvenir of your trip.
4 Dham Yatra consists of pilgrimages to four abodes in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. If you would like to book a special puja (a Hindu ritual offering) at any of these temples, you can follow these steps:
The aarti timings in the 4 Dham temples (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) vary depending on the season and the local customs. However, aarti is generally performed in the evening, after the evening prayers and before dinner. You can check with the local priests or the temple authorities for the exact timings during your visit.
4 Dham Yatra generally starts in April/May with the opening of four temples, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year, during the eve of Akshay Tritriya, which is also known as Akha Teej, the doors of Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples open for the pilgrims. On the other hand, on the day of Maha Shivratri, the date of opening for Kedarnath and on Basant Panchami, Badrinath opening date is declared. The four temples remain open till autumn (mid-November). Char Dham Yatra 2024 for the upcoming year will open in April and end in November.
Here’s everything you need to know about helicopter booking for 4 Dham Yatra-
Helicopter travel is available for visiting all the four temples of 4 Dham Yatra, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The service is arranged by the state government and it fully depends on the weather condition.
Availability of accommodations in every shrine of Chardham Yatra is nowadays in abundance. People generally start their journey for this pilgrim from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun. From these cities, buses, taxis and shared cars are available to each temple, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. As these temples are located in the higher altitudes, devotees may have to trek from a certain place to reach the temples.
Here are some general health precautions for 4 Dham pilgrims:
Altitude Sickness: Char Dham temples are located at high altitudes, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and informative articles regarding the 4 Dham Yatra 2023.
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Published: 8 February,2023
Published: 12 April,2022
The 4 Dham Temples in Uttarakhand is a journey to fulfill your transcendent quest. It's a journey to escape from the worldly charms to the Eden- like paradise of almighty where the chaos of the world stops and ethereal harmony prevails. Each of the Dhams of this Hindu pilgrimage circuit are dedicated to a different deity, and have their own major significance.
Yamunotri, from where the Char Dham Darshan Tour begins, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, while Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Kedarnath, which is revered as one of the 12 jyotirlingas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath, which is also a part of the Char Dham established by Adi Shankaracharya, is dedicated to Lord Badri, or Vishnu. Driven by the whirlwind of devotion and spirituality devotees yearn to take this pilgrimage tour once in a lifetime., but what makes the yatra even more exciting is the spellbinding views of the Himalayas, mountain forests, meadows, waterfalls, rivers, valleys, and other lovely faces of nature that one comes across on the way. The journey takes you to the pious Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, blissful Gaurikund, Kedarnath Gufa, Tapt Kund, Brahma Kapal, Neelkanth Peaks, Bhagirathi River, Vasuki Taal, Surya Kund, Divya Shila and many more sacred sites. The Chardham Darshan Yatra of Uttarakhand always commences from Yamunotri and then continues to Gangotri and Kedarnath before coming to an end in Badrinath.
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