The temple of Yamunotri is the for the Char Dham yatra. Dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, it is the source point of the river Yamuna. The shrine is located at a height of 6315 m. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is surrounded by mountains from all the sites and was the home of the ancient sage asit muni. The temple of goddess Yamuna is the main shrine, and there are many hot springs in the vicinity of the temple where devotees cook rice and potato and serve it as prasad.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga and the sacred Shila, where the raja Bhagirath has worshipped lord Shiva to bring Ganga to the earth. Located at 3048 m above sea level, the Gangotri glacier is the primary source of the sacred river Ganga. In the middle of the river is a natural rock, which can be seen in winter when the water level recedes. It is believed it is the same rock where the lord Shiva received the goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country and is located in the Rudraprayag district. The temple of Kedarnath is situated at a height of 3581 m and is built of solid grey stones that stand beautifully against the backdrop of the Kedarnath range. According to the legend, the Pandavas came here to pray to lord shiva, but the lord shiva kept eluding them and hid here in the form of a bull. When being trailed by Bhima, he immersed himself into the ground, leaving the hump on the ground worshipped at the Kedarnath Dham.
Located in the Narayana range Badrinath Dham is one of the main shrines among the four dominant Char Dham of India as well as Chota Char Dham. The temple of Badrinath is situated on the bank of river Alaknanda and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. The traces of Badrinath is dated back to Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Dedicated to Lord Badri, Vishal offers an unparallel sanctity to the devotees. The temple’s main idol is a black stone representing lord Vishnu seated in a meditated state. The holy temple of Badrinath is divided into three parts: graph griha, darshan mandap, and sabha mandap.
Harsil is located on the picturesque valley of the Gangotri Uttarkashi highway. Harsil is a hidden and unspoiled jewel of Uttarakhand and is perfect for people who want to spend alone time in nature. The serene environment, dense canopy of deodar trees, birds chirping, and gushing water of Bhagirathi make it a perfect place for weekend gateway and a must-visit on your way to Gangotri.
Rudra Prayag is a small quaint town where the confluence of rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda occurs. The town’s main tourist attractions are Jagdamba and Shiva temples, and the Kedarnath Dham is around 86 kilometers from Rudraprayag. Many tourists come to visit the town to see this phenomenon.
Devbhumi Uttarakhand is an abode of some of India’s holiest places, temples, and shrines. Thousands of Hindus, devotees, and spiritual seekers go on a pilgrimage trip to Uttarakhand every year. Visiting Chardham is one of them, as it is quoted as the easiest way to attain moksha. The sacred shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath together form the sacred char, Dham. Starting with the common point of Rishikesh, these four shrines are formed in two distinct groups that are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
The valley of flowers is situated in the north Chamoli district. The place is full of a meadow of various flowers and diverse flora and fauna. It is also home to some endangered species, such as blue sheep, musk deer, and many other migratory birds. You can trek at the Valley of Flowers on your way to Badrinath.
Designated as a tourism village by the Uttarakhand government, it is the last village of India at the border of India and China in the Himalayas. Chamoli district Mana village is only 3 kilometers from Badrinath Dham. According to the legend, Pandavas went through the village Mana on their journey to heaven. The major attraction is the pool which is a vast rock bridge across the Saraswati River.
Usually, the best time for the partaking of char Dham yatra is from April to October. The government of Uttarakhand announces the opening and closing dates of shrines. Although during the monsoon season, yatra should be avoided due to the risk of landslides.
As per Hindu mythology, any auspicious travel starts from west to east; hence, you must start your pilgrimage from Yamunotri, Gangotri, then proceed to Kedarnath and finish off at Badrinath.
To start your journey to Char Dham, you must reach Rishikesh; From there, you can take buses and private cabs.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. Helicopter service can also be taken from here for Badrinath and Kedarnath.
By train:
Haridwar, Rishikesh, No War, and Dehradun are very well connected by railways to all the major cities of India. From there you can take a bus or taxi for the journey.
