Overview
Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand – The Spiritual Journey in Dev Bhoomi
Uttarakhand, often referred to as Dev Bhoomi (Land of the Gods), holds a sacred place in Hindu mythology. Revered as punyabhoomi and rishiyon ki bhoomi (land of penance and sages), this divine state is home to many holy sites that have spiritual, historical, and natural significance.
Among its most celebrated pilgrimages is the Char Dham Yatra, which includes four prominent temples—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Nestled in the lap of the Indian Himalayas, these destinations are known not only for their deep spiritual energy but also for their serene environment and awe-inspiring beauty.
What is Char Dham Yatra?
The term Char Dham translates to “Four Abodes,” representing the four sacred Hindu shrines in Uttarakhand. These places are:
Yamunotri – Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters, it is the source of the Yamuna River. Pilgrims also visit the hot water springs of Janki Chatti and Surya Kund believed to have healing properties.
Gangotri – Dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Situated at 3,100 meters, this shrine marks the origin of the sacred Ganga river from the Gangotri Glacier. The temple honors the legend of King Bhagiratha and the descent of Ganga from the heavens.
Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva. At 3,583 meters, this temple is set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered peaks. Believed to be built by the Pandavas, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at 3,133 meters in Chamoli district, it is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here for ages. The temple is home to the sacred Tapt Kund hot springs and was revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE.
Spiritual Significance
According to ancient scriptures and legends, the Char Dham Yatra is a journey toward salvation (moksha). It is said that undertaking this pilgrimage even once in a lifetime washes away sins and liberates the soul. Pilgrims traditionally follow the yatra in a clockwise direction, beginning from:
Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
This route is not just a physical path, but a spiritual passage through devotion, penance, and divine connection.
Mythological Origins
The roots of the Char Dham Yatra date back to Vedic times. Legends say:
Yamunotri is linked to Sage Asit Muni who worshipped Yamuna here.
Gangotri is where Ganga descended to Earth, brought by King Bhagiratha’s penance.
Kedarnath connects to the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
Badrinath is where Lord Vishnu is believed to have meditated beneath a Badri tree for thousands of years.
Why Visit Char Dham?
Spiritual Purification – Each site offers a unique connection to deities and nature.
Natural Beauty – Majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and peaceful environments surround the temples.
Cultural Richness – Experience rituals, architecture, and ancient traditions alive to this day.
Adventure & Devotion – The journey includes trekking, remote travel, and inner transformation.
Iitinerary
Day 01 – Pickup from Haridwar and Drive to Jankichatti
After the Ganga Pooja, drive to Jankichatti via Mussoorie, Kamptifall, Nainbag, Damta, and Barkot (218 km, 8-9 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand, is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Along the way from Haridwar to Jankichatti, there are several notable attractions to explore:
Chandi Devi Temple: Located atop the Neel Parvat hill, it offers a panoramic view of the city.
Mansa Devi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, it can be reached by ropeway.
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple: One of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Har Ki Pauri: A famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges, considered one of the holiest spots, especially during the evening Ganga Aarti.
Janki Chatti is the starting point for the trek to Yamunotri, one of the Char Dham shrines, at an altitude of 2,650 meters.
Day 02 – Trek to Yamunotri Dham
Early morning, trek from Jankichatti to Yamunotri Dham (5 km). After Darshan and Pooja, return to Jankichatti for an overnight stay.
The trek to Yamunotri is moderate, passing through scenic landscapes, lush green forests, and hot springs like Kharsali. The Yamunotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is situated at 3,293 meters and is one of the Char Dham shrines. Nearby, the Divya Shila and Yamunotri Glacier are also worth visiting.
Day 03 – Drive from Jankichatti to Gangotri Dham
Drive from Jankichatti to Gangotri Dham via Uttarkashi and Harshil Valley (222 km, 8-9 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel and evening Ganga Aarti Darshan.
On the way, visit:
Bhairav Ghati: A narrow gorge believed to be the abode of Lord Bhairav.
Mukhba Village: Famous for apple orchards and traditional wooden houses.
Harsil: A scenic village known for its apple orchards and beauty.
Gangnani: A hot spring with medicinal properties.
Day 04 – Visit Gangotri Temple and Drive to Uttarkashi
Visit Gangotri Temple in the morning, then drive to Uttarkashi (108 km, 6-7 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
On the route:
Harsil and Dharali: Known for their natural beauty.
Gangnani: A medicinal hot spring.
Uttarkashi: A pilgrimage town with temples like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
Day 05 – Drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km, 8-9 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
On the route, visit:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Tehri Dam, Chamba Town, and Devprayag – the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
Day 06 – Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund and Trek to Kedarnath
Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund (30 km), then trek to Kedarnath (16 km, 8-9 hours). Overnight stay at the camp or hotel. Join Kedarnath Aarti Darshan in the evening.
On the way, visit:
Triyuginarayan Temple – where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to have married.
Sonprayag – the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers.
Bhairavnath Temple and Gandhi Sarovar on the way to Kedarnath.
Day 07 – Visit Kedarnath Temple and Return to Guptkashi
Early morning visit to Kedarnath Temple for Pooja and Darshan. Then, trek back to Gaurikund (16 km, 7-8 hours). Same day, drive back to Guptkashi for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08 – Drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath Dham
Drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath (215 km, 8-9 hours). Evening join Badrinath Aarti Darshan. Overnight stay at the hotel.
On the way, visit:
Joshimath: Home to Shankaracharya Math and the winter seat of Lord Badri.
Auli: A skiing destination offering stunning Himalayan views.
Day 09 – Visit Mana Village and Bhimpool, Vasudhara Falls
After breakfast, visit Mana Village (3 km from Badrinath) and Vasudhara Falls (9 km). Mana is the last village before the Tibet border and is famous for Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul.
Vasudhara Falls is known for its scenic beauty and medicinal properties, attracting trekkers and pilgrims alike.
Inclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport from Haridwar to Haridwar Tempo Travelleror Mini Bus
Accommodation in Hotel on twin/three share basis all Char dhamyatra
Breakfast, Lunch, evening sneaks Dinner,
Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication
Good Experience ChardhamYatraTrek Leader Guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders