Char Dham Yatra Yamunotri Gangotri Kedarnath and Badrinath

TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy - Moderate

TREK DURATION

10 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

13560m

GROUP SIZE

TREK DISTANCE

BASECAMP

Uttarakhand

BEST TIME

Late April to June

PICKUP POINT

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Char Dham Yatra Overview

The Char Dham Yatra is not a trip but more like a journey to purify your soul. It will cause inner peace to you and you will be like a new person. The temples are all at Garhwal though the scenery is very different. The landscape changes from one location to another. The lovely Himalayan ranges will accompany you on the way.

Yamuna begins with Yamunotri where river Yamuna originates. The journey continues to Yamunotri and then to Gangotri which culminates to Kedarnath and Badrinath. The peace of the Himalayas, the sound of the streams in the rivers, Hymns in the temples, and the warmth of the native culture are all that make the trip memorable. Whether it is spiritual inspirations you desire or road touring in the core of the mountains of Uttarakhand, Char Dham Yatra is a sight to behold that can be enjoyed to both give beauty and spirituality.

History Of Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra has a history of thousands of years, and it is closely tied to the spiritual culture of India. These four Himalayan shrines were defined by Saint Adi Shankaracharya as such that through which the followers could directly link into divine powers and cleanse their souls through pilgrimage.

The ancient story of each dham is different. Yamunotri is linked to Yamuna Goddess and is said to take care of the devotees in the cruelty of life. Gangotri is the origin of the holy river called Ganga which has come to earth following the penance of King Bhagirath. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of lord Shiva which have been worshipped since the Mahabharata. This is a place where the Pandavas are said to have won the blessings of Lord Shiva in order to have obtained liberation. Badrinath is the seat of Lord Vishnu, which is referred to in various Puranas and was reinstated by Adi Shankaracharya himself who meditated in the area.

These shrines gave a meaning of Devotion, courage and self purification and this symbolism was practiced over centuries. They were situated in remote and difficult Himalayan geography, but sages, kings and pilgrims still visited them as a form of great faith. Today, due to increased facilities and roads, the Char Dham Yatra is more convenient but it still has the pre-modern beauty of a trip in which spirituality is in harmony with nature.

1. Kedarnath

At an elevation of 3583 mts, Kedarnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas that are worshipped all over India. It is believed to be constructed by Pandavas and later restored bu Adi Shankracharya during the 8^th century AD. It is a vital part of the Panch Kedar where the hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped. According to mythology when Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva after the Mahabharata, to attain salvation Shiva took a form of a bull. To evade Pandavas, Shiva disappeared into the ground and later reappeared at the Panch Kedars. The Hump of the bull emerged at Kedarnath where it is worshipped by thousands of devotees every year. The idol from Kedarnath is brought to Ukhimath which is the winter abode of the deity of Kedarnath and is worshipped here during the winters.

2. Badrinath

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is a part of the main Chota Char Dham as well as the main Char Dham of India. Situated at an elevation 3,300 mts near the banks of Alaknanda river, Badrinath is nestled between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. It is believed that Pandavas crossed Badrinath on their way to salvation in search of heaven and is considered as the place where Lord Vishnu meditated and is considered one of the Panch Badris group of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. One could also visit Mana “The First Village of India” around 5 kms from Badrinath near the Tibetan border known for its mythological and cultural significance. The idol of Badrinath is brought to Narsimha Temple at Joshimath during the winters. Badrinath houses a group of hot sulphur springs known as the Tapt Kund thought to have medicinal values.

3. Gangotri

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3100 mts. The source of Ganga is the Bhagirathi river originating from the Gangotri glacier that merges with Alaknanda at Devprayag and forms the holy Ganga. The temple was originally built by a Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa. It is believed that Ganga descended from heaven at Gangotri from the locks of Shiva’s hair.

4. Yamunotri

Dedicated to Godess Yamuna, Yamunotri is the source of sacred Yamuna river in the Garwhal Himalayas at an altitude of 3291 mts. The temple is accessible by a 6 km trek from Janakichatti. The actual originate point of Yamuna is the Champasar glacier around 1 kms from the temple. The idol is made of a black marble and was constructed by the King of Tehri Garwhal. There are hot springs throughout the vicinity of the temple of which Surya Kund is the most important.

Things To Do In The Char Dham Yatra

Scenic Treks and Nature Walk.

Sunrise and Sunset dham has some exquisite walks amid forests, rocky paths, falls, and meads. It is particularly unforgettable as the journey to Kedarnath is accompanied by the giant mountains and glaciers. Even the lesser walks that will take you around Yamunotri and Gangotri will provide you with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and nature of Uttarakhand.

Local Villages and Mountain Culture.

You will also drive through the beautiful villages in the Himalayans as you get to enjoy the hospitality of Pahadi people. The journey is culturally enriching as one watches locals cook food, looks at their wooden houses, have uncomplicated meals and listens to the tales about the shrines. The mountain life is very simple and kind and makes a long lasting impression.

Try Simple, Local Pahadi Food

On the road, you will have the chance to try traditional mountain food such as dal-chawal, mandua roti, hot kheer, fresh vegetables, and warm soups. It is also simple food yet very warm, particularly when one has travelled a long distance or walked a long distance. These local meals make their own interesting experience of the trip.

Test Of Endurance and Devotion

Char Dham Yatra might seem easy on a map but in real-life, it is a long journey with the changing altitudes, curved roads up the mountain, and unpredictable weather. Although the infrastructure is now more accessible due to modern infrastructure, the journey is tedious and needs physical effort. Travellers can take hours on the road, and in some cases, landslides and steep gravel paths, cold and thin air. The yatra is neither very technical nor dangerous, yet, it requires you to give the mountains the due respect and take things at a very slow pace.

Effect of Weather and Altitude

The altitude is one of the major obstacles of the yatra. The four Dhams are all located above the 3,000 meter mark in areas where there is a lower concentration of oxygen than in the plains. This may expose them to small symptoms such as headache, fatigue or breathlessness particularly to individuals who travel rapidly without taking a break. You have weather as well--mornings of sun may be changed to a downpour, or even to mists or snow-squalls. Cold weather conditions and particularly the night time can be exhausting to the body, thus warm clothes and water are important.

Energy and Perseverance of the Spirit

The yatra is also a test of emotional strength besides physical strength. Pilgrims rise early, drive long distances and sometimes get delayed by weather/traffic. Remaining composured, composed and straight is as crucial as exercising. The mountains make people go slower and embrace the natural speed of the process. This change of mind is the most valuable experience of pilgrimage to many travellers.

Applicability to the various age groups

The Char Dham Yatra is accessible to such a large number of individuals including elderly travellers, but planning is important. The older pilgrims have many more rest periods, prefer comfortable lodging, or make use of ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. It can be easier physically but young travellers have to cope with such difficulties as cold winds or long travelling days. Heavy planning, medical check-ups and having a realistic expectation will make the yatra attainable to the majority.

Start packing with a good backpack (50L). Pack in 5 t-shirts and a trekking pant and 2 jeans / joggers. Take a nice fleece jacket and a padded jacket. You are now going to put all your toiletries in a zipper bag. A pair of trekking shoes and a pair of sandals will be required. Well, now take a woolen beanie, suncap and a pair of gloves. Bringing a pair of thermals at night should be also included in the pack. Always remember to carry some cash and government ID.

Travel Tips And Safety Guidelines

Get physically ready for the Yatra: The Char Dham Yatra is characterized by extensive traveling, mountainous roads, and hiking in some cases. It is a good idea to train your body several weeks before the trip. The yatra is made comfortable with the help of light exercises, walking, and breathing exercises. Fitness will make you like the process in such a way that you are not tired or out of breath when you are in the mountains.
Start Your Day Early: The most secure and stable time in the mountains is mornings. Early start is to avoid the clouds and rain of the afternoon and traffic. You will make it to your destination before nightfall thus being able to rest, acclimatize to the elevation and get ready to go on the next day. Early travel also guarantees a smoother visit to the temple with less people in the temple.
Adhere to Local Instructions and Temple Rules: Follow instructions of guides, drivers and local authorities- they are familiar with the mountains. adhere to the temple directions, do not enter the closed areas, and act in accordance with all the instructions. Wearing no shoes, keeping shoulders covered and being silent in temples is one way of preserving the sacred environment.
Be Environment-Friendly: The Himalayas are gentle and very holy. Littering should be avoided, dustbins used and reusable bottles carried. Be kind to nature, please do not pick plants and be a responsible traveler. To ensure that the beauty of the mountains will be maintained in case of future pilgrims, it is important to keep the mountains clean.

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Trek Inclusions

Transport support from Haridwar/ Dehradun to Haridwar/ Dehradun (Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am).
Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification). There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Trek Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions
Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.