Char Dham Yatra Yamunotri Gangotri Kedarnath and Badrinath
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
TREK DURATION
10 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
13560m
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
1
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
Late April to June
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Char Dham Yatra Overview
Char Dham yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in the Garwhal Himalayas including the temples of “Yamunotri -Gangotri- Kedarnath and Badrinath”. It is a spiritual journey with a blend of nature that leads to salvation and attracts thousands of devotees each year. Established in the 8th century by Adi Shankracharya it holds an important place in the hearts of Hindus. The gates of the temples remains open for 6 months from late April or May till October or November, after which the idols are worshipped at their winter abode.
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 8th 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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Drive: 210 kms
Altitude: 1220m
Gather at the Haridwar railway station for the pickup and drive towards Barkot (1220 mts) via Dehradun and Mussoorie. Enroute we would witness the famous Kempty Falls. It is a 210 kms drive and would take around 6-7 hrs. Once you have reached Check inn at the hotel, have dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot-Janakichatti – Yamunotri – Jankichatti- Barkot
Drive: 40 kms one way
Trek: 6 kms one way
Altitude: 3235m
Early morning after breakfast we start the drive to Janakichatti which is around 40 kms and will take around 1.5 hours. From Janakichtti we will start the trek to Yamunotri that will be 6 kms, you can hire a mule or Doli at your own expense. Once the darshan and pooja is completed spend some time at Yamunotri and trace your steps back to Janakichatti. From there drive back to Barkot have dinner and overnight stay at the hotel at Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi (90 kms one way)
Drive: 180 kms one way,
Altitude: 1353m
Today we will be heading to Uttarkashi which is a 90 kms drive and would take around 2-3 hours. Once we have reached Uttarkashi check inn at the hotel and explore the local market. You can also visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple a famous temple at Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at the hotel in Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi( 100 kms each side)
Drive: 200 kms,
Altitude: 3048m
Early morning after breakfast drive towards Gangotri around 100 kms that would take around 2-3 hours. You will go through the beautiful Harsil valley enroute Gangotri . Perform Pooja and Darshan, spend some time at the temple and then head back to Uttarkashi . Dinner and overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi/ Sonprayag
Drive: 220 kms
Altitude: 1319m
On this day we will be driving towards the next dham which is “Kedarnath ji” . It is a 220 kms drive to Guptkashi/ Sonprayag and it will take around 8-9 hours. You will be accompanied by river Mandakini from Tilwara which is a tribituary of Alaknanda river and emerges from Chorabari glacier flowing through the vicinity of Kedarnath Temple. Once we have reached Guptkashi have early dinner and call the day off as early as possible because the next the day would be a challenging one.
Day 6: Guptkashi -Gaurikund – Kedarnath
Drive: 30 kms
Trek: 19 kms
Altitude: 3583m
Early morning after breakfast start drive towards Sonprayag. From Sonprayag hire a shared taxi to Gaurikund which would be a 5 kms drive. Once you reach Gaurikund start your trek towards Kedarnath ji around 19 kms and would take around 8-9 hours. It would be a little strenuous trek but once you reach Kedarnath ji temple you will be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this place. Dinner and overnight Stay at Kedarnath Ji.
Day 7: Kedarnath – Gaurikund - Sonprayag / Guptkashi
Trek: 19 kms
Drive: 5 kms
Altitude: 1319m
After early morning darshan and pooja at Kedarnath ji temple start your trek back towards Sonprayag . Once you reach Gaurikund hire a shared taxi to Sonprayag from where you would be taken to the hotel at Guptkashi . Dinner and Overnight stay at Guptkashi/ Sonprayag.
Day 8: Guptkashi/ Sonprayag to Badrinath ji
Drive: 200 kms
Altitude: 3300m
Today we would be heading towards our next destination Badrinath ji which is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. It is a 200 kms drive and would take around 8-9 hours. Once you have reached Badrinath check inn at the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel at Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath to Karnaprayag
Drive: 120 kms
Altitude: 1451m
After having breakfast perform pooja and darshan and drive towards Mana village a 5 kms drive from Badrinath ji also known as the “First village of India”. Spend some time at the village getting a glimpse of their rich culture and traditions. After spending some time at Mana we will drive to our last destination of this tour Karnaprayag, confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar river. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Karnaprayag.
Day 10: Karnaprayag to Haridwar
Drive: 190 kms
Today is the last day of the Char Dham Yatra, after breakfast start your Journey towards Haridwar around 190 kms which would take around 7 -8 hours. On the way back you can visit the famous Dhari Devi Temple and witness the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi at Devprayag that forms the Holy Ganges. After reaching Haridwar our representative would drop you at the railway station or at the hotel if you have reserved a room at Haridwar.
The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage encompassing four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each site holds profound spiritual importance, with Yamunotri and Gangotri dedicated to Goddesses Yamuna and Ganga, respectively, while Kedarnath and Badrinath honor Lords Shiva and Vishnu. Undertaking this journey is believed to purify the soul, absolve sins, and aid in attaining moksha. Pilgrims traverse diverse terrains, from lush valleys to high-altitude regions, experiencing both spiritual enrichment and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
The optimal period for the Char Dham Yatra is from late April or early May, commencing on Akshay Tritiya, until Diwali in October or November. The initial months, especially May and June, are favored due to pleasant weather and clearer paths. Monsoon months (July-August) can pose challenges like landslides, while winter months see closures due to heavy snowfall. Planning the yatra during the early season ensures safer travel and a more comfortable experience amidst the serene Himalayan backdrop.
Traditionally, the Char Dham Yatra spans approximately 11 to 12 days, covering around 2,500 kilometers. The journey typically starts from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, proceeding to Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and culminating at Badrinath. This sequence is designed to gradually acclimate pilgrims to higher altitudes, ensuring a smoother and more enriching experience.
Yes, prior registration is compulsory for all pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. Registration can be completed through the official website or designated mobile applications. Pilgrims must carry valid government-issued identification, such as an Aadhar card, passport, or driving license, which will be required at various checkpoints and accommodations throughout the journey.
Yes, helicopter services are available for pilgrims seeking a quicker and more comfortable journey. These services operate from Dehradun to the respective shrines, significantly reducing travel time. However, it's essential to book these services well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as slots fill up rapidly.
Accommodation options along the Char Dham route range from basic lodges to more comfortable guesthouses. While facilities are modest, they provide essential amenities for pilgrims. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage months, to ensure availability and a smoother experience.
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Yamunotri: The source of the Yamuna River, surrounded by serene landscapes.
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Gangotri: Origin of the Ganges River, set amidst majestic mountains.
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Kedarnath: Home to the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Badrinath: A sacred site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled between Nar and Narayan peaks.
Given the challenging terrains and high altitudes, it's advisable for pilgrims to engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or light exercises, prior to the yatra. Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Pilgrims should also consult healthcare professionals, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions, to ensure they're fit for the journey.
While there's no official age restriction, the Char Dham Yatra involves strenuous travel and treks, making it challenging for very young children and elderly individuals with health issues. It's essential for all pilgrims to undergo medical check-ups before the journey and to carry necessary medications. Those with respiratory or cardiac conditions should exercise caution and consult their doctors beforehand.
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