Tucked amidst the serene scenic vista of the Himalayas, the pilgrimages of Hindu Char Dham Yatra holds immense significance in Hinduism and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Embarking on this holy Yatra is a pious journey to meet your inner self where the holy pedestals are driven by spirituality and devotion.
The four holy shrines of this auspicious Hindu Char Dham Yatra established in four different directions of Uttarakhand and dedicated to different gods and goddesses draw millions of devotees from all around the globe. However, this is not the only charm of this spiritual Yatra as the spellbinding views of the majestic Himalayas, gorgeous waterfalls, rivers, meadows, valleys, and other beautifying features of nature make this Yatra more exciting.
Explore the Hindu Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand
Yamunotri Dham
This spiritual journey commences from Yamunotri, a temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. This immensely religious site of Uttarakhand is located at a height of almost 3293 meters above sea level and is established in the Uttarkashi district. The temple is encircled by gorgeous mountains on all sides and lies in the proximity of the Indian and China border.
Those who are burdened with stress and want to spend some time in a serene ambiance shall visit this place at least once in their lifetime. If you are also planning to explore this sacred site then must plan it between May and October as the temple is open for six months a year only.
Other Attraction: There is a hot water spring near the temple where the pilgrims cook Prasad (rice and potatoes) to offer the deity.
Gangotri Dham
Nestled at an altitude of 3100 meters above sea level, Gangotri Dham holds a huge place in the hearts of devotees. Enlisted among the four sacred and significant shrines of Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Gangotri is one of the holiest places in the country having an intimate connection with the River Ganges.
According to Hindu mythology, it is the same place where Goddess Ganga came down on the earth to wash away the committed sins of King Bhagirath. Hindus believe that visiting this auspicious shrine of Ganga is not only a religious duty but also a spiritual calling.
Kedarnath Dham
The religious city of Badrinath is counted amongst the four holy pedestals of Char Dham Yatra. Elevated at a height of almost 3584 meters above sea level, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence every year thousands of Shiva followers flock to this pilgrimage. Apart from its spiritual significance, the pilgrimage is famous for its intricate architecture too.
There are more than 200 temples established in our country but Kedarnath happens to be one of the most popular ones. Kedarnath Tourism is strengthened by factors like religious zest and natural beauty. One needs to be physically fit and mentally very strong to reach this holy shrine as one has to cover a very challenging trekking trail to reach the shrine.
Badrinath Dham
One of the most eminent destinations of Vishnu worshippers, Badrinath is visited by thousands of tourists from all around the world. The destination is settled amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges and the destination doesn’t attract tourists only with the spiritual significance but also treats them with recreational activities.
There are several glimmering lakes, sacred ponds, towering peaks, and water bodies that make it a perfect place to explore with your family and friends. Likewise other pilgrimage sites of the circuit, Badrinath is best explored between May and the first week of November. This holy shrine of Lord Badri is elevated at a height of almost 3300 meters above sea level.
Opening Dates of Char Dham Yatra
The opening dates of Yamunotri and Gangotri have been decided and it is finally confirmed that the Yatra will commence on the grand occasion of Akshay Tritiya. The doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines will open on the 14th of May and Badrinath will open on the 18th of May. There is no date decided for Kedarnath as it will be decided on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
How to Reach?
You can select any mode of transport to reach the shrines as the pilgrimages are accessible via airways, railways, and roadways. But it is quite difficult to cover the challenging trekking trail falling en route hence Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is one of the most convenient ways to explore these sacred shrines of Hindu Char Dham Yatra.
Accommodations on Char Dham Yatra
Devotees from far across the world embark on this divine journey to tread a religious and righteous life. One who is visiting the shrines of the circuit must not bother about their food climate and accommodation as there are several hotels and resorts established in the region.
Thus, selecting the perfect accommodation completely depends upon your budget and needs and if your pocket doesn’t allow you to stay in hotels or resorts then you can go for GMVN guest houses established by the state government.
Best Time to Visit
The four holy shrines of this circuit are open for a public visit for half a year only as the destinations are located at very huge altitudes and witness unfavorable climatic conditions. During the winter months, the regions receive heavy snowfall which makes it difficult for the pilgrims to climb up the trekking trails.
The temples open with the onset of the summer season i.e. either in the last week of April or in the first week of May and get closed by the very first week of November. So, you can plan your trip between May and October except for the monsoon months (you might get stuck due to landslides).
Travel Tips
There are certain tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind when you plan to embark on this auspicious journey.
The destinations are elevated at huge altitudes and insane locations hence network connectivity becomes a huge obstacle and to stay connected with your family, friends, and relatives you must have good network connectivity. BSNL provides a great network service here.
Carry enough woolen clothes with you to stay fit and healthy as the climate doesn’t remain the same throughout the day. During the daytime, you find leasing and favorable climate and at night you start feeling cold so you must carry woolens along with you.
If you or any of your group members are suffering from any prolonged disease then you must pack your medications in your baggage.
As the pilgrimages are tucked at huge heights hence, you don’t find ATMs everywhere so it is highly recommended to carry enough cash with you so that you feel comfortable in case of emergency.