In the folds of the snow-covered reaches of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand are situated the sacred Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. They together form the Char Dham or the Four Holy Shrines.
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In the ancient religious scriptures, the region has named the land of the gods’ scores of pilgrims visit the shrines by trekking arduously along the mountain paths, all for a communion with the divine. These sites in sacred scriptures imply the very places where devotees could earn the merits of all the pilgrimages put together.
Char Dham is the different abodes of God widely revered by the Hindus. The term “Char Dham” was given by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the spiritual Guru of Hindus. One of the most prominent pilgrim tours in North India, Char Dham Yatra, encompasses India’s four most religious destinations – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The term ‘Char Dham Yatra’ symbolizes the holy pilgrimage to the sacred places undertaken by the Hindus every year.
Haridwar: It is at this place that Holy River Ganga enters into the plains from high mountains, and it is the gateway to pilgrimage to the holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Haridwar means the gateway to the abode of God. It was known as Mayapuri in the ancient scriptures. It is one of the four religious centers where Kumbh, the congregations of millions of pilgrims, takes every twelve years, seeking dip in the holy river Ganga to bequeath their sins as per Hindu mythology. Lots of pilgrims visit Haridwar to take a dip in the sacred waters of Ganga and later on attend Aarti at Har ki Pauri, which means steps towards God.
Yamunotri: on the left bank of Yamuna, with hot water spring oozing out of the mountain at the foothill of Kalindi Mountain, has its beauty draped in mystique as in the mighty background waterfall 200 meters come down thundering from the melting glaciers far above, is where Yamunotri Mata temple is located.
Chestnut, walnut, and apricot grow in large quantities in this beautiful valley. In Surya Kund, the hot water spring pilgrims put rice and potatoes and after it got cooked were taken back as a blessed present of Yamuna Mata. The worship of Yamuna takes place at Divya Shila.
Gangotri: Ganga River originates from the snout of Gaumukh, around 18 km away from Gangotri, which is a pretty fascinating trek. King Bhagirath wanted to bring Ganga to earth as in the plains of India, there was a lack of water for irrigation for the farmers’ fields, and the local population was in deep trouble. He performed hard penance to Lord Shiva to release the Ganga from His hair. Lord Shiva was pleased to observe his persistence and brought Ganga to the earth. As the River Ganga is a lifeline to the plains of India, people pay respect and worship as Mother Ganga at the Gangotri.
Kedarnath: The shrine stands regally facing the Mandakini River with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains in the valley. Pandavas lost their peace of mind due to their guilty conscience as they have killed their kiln and Guru in the Mahabharat war. They wanted to get absolved of their sin by the blessings of Lord Shiva. They went to Varanasi for atonement, but Lord Shiva was not in the mood to oblige them and went to the Himalayas at Gupt Kashi. Pandavas came to the Himalayas for their penance. Still, again, Lord Shiva didn’t fulfill their wishes and went to Mandakini valley Pandavas pursued there also, so Lord Shiva took the form of Bull and started grazing with a herd of buffalos in Mandakini valley. One of the Pandavs, Nakul, had God gifted power to know the whereabouts of anything. Hence, Pandavas knew that Lord Shiva was in the herd but which one they didn’t know, so Bhim, the most powerful of them, put his feet on both banks of Mandakini, knowing very well that only buffalos and bulls would pass through under his legs. But, Lord Shiva will not pass through. Due to this fact, Lord Shiva was recognized by Pandavas. Bhim caught hold of the hump of Shiva in the form of a Bull. Lord Shiva went under the earth, leaving the hump in the hands of Bhim.
Pleased with the determination and grit of Pandavas for their atonement, Lord Shiva obliged them with absolvent of their sins and pronounced that whoever will worship the hump with pure oil will be absolved of all his wrongdoings. From that day onwards, scores of people visit Kedarnath and offer their prayers for the blessings of the almighty.
Badrinath: As per Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was relaxing on its Shehsh Nag bed on the bank of the celestial lake. Goddess Laxmi was cuddling His feet. Narad the sage passed through that place and reprimanded Lord Vishnu for indulging in worldly deeds. Lord Vishnu was shocked and sent Laxmi, his consort, to Patal Lok, and himself went to the Himalayas in isolation. Lord Vishnu spent several years in meditation, Laxmi, when returned, could not find Lord Vishnu. She searched and searched and at last seen Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, pleaded with him to return. Lord Vishnu agreed if the valley of Badri Vishal shall remain the valley of meditation and not of worldly pleasure. He was also pleased by the resolve of Laxmi for putting so much effort in her search that He pronounced that every time the devotees will chant His name, they should recite the name of Laxmi first. The reason behind why we chant Sita Ram and Radha Krishan.
No pilgrimage is absolute without the pilgrimage to Badrinath 15.2 meters high shrine on the bank of river Alaknanda. It is beautifully painted with vivid colors and has beautiful carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is one of the four most important pilgrim centers of Hindus scattered on the four corners of India. According to Hinduism, one must undertake a pilgrimage to Badrinath during his lifetime. Such is the recognition of this beautiful shrine in the lap of natural bliss.
Mana Village: It is the last village of the Indian population and is mentioned in ancient scriptures as Manipadrapam and located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers. Mana is the only place where River Saraswati one can see as, after that, it vanishes into Pataal Lok. There are ancient caves like Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. The great epic Mahabharat was composed here. It has also provided the world with religious scripture in Bhagavad Gita, the philosophy of Life, and its rights and wrongs.
Rishikesh: According to Hindu scriptures, Raibhya Rishi undertook hard penances on the right bank of Ganga and mountains on three sides. God, pleased with his penances, appeared and blessed him. From that moment, the location is called Rishikesh, The Celestial Abode. It attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Bharat, the brother of Ram, performed arduous penances at Rishikesh, and the temple came up at that spot. Later on, the town took birth around it. It became the abode of saints and sages from where they undertook a pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. The Char Dhams of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Departure from Delhi and the Trip Calls off at Delhi.
As per schedule
Meet our driver at the Delhi hotel/Airport and drive to Haridwar. Arrive in Haridwar, Check into the hotel. Visit to Mansa Devi Temple (At extra cost) & Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in the evening. Overnight stay will be at Haridwar.
Early in the morning, we will start our journey to Barkot, which is around seven hours. Reach Barkot and transfer to the hotel/Camp. The view of lush green step fields in the background of the Bandarpoonch peak will welcome you. Overnight stay will be at Barkot.
In the morning, we will start for Yamunotri. We will drive 36 km. To Jankibai Chatti by road and after that there is 5 km trek to Yamunotri. Ponies, Doli, Kandis, and porters are available at Jankibai Chatti at extra cost. The trek to Yamunotri is quite rewarding. A trek passing through lush green fields, rhododendron trees, numerous cactus varieties, and many Himalayan shrubs creates an aura of its own.
After visiting Yamunotri, we will trek down to Jankibai Chatti and board the vehicle for Barkot. The night stay will be in Barkot.
On this day, we will start for Uttarkashi, which will take around 7 hours. After taking some rest at the hotel, we will visit the Vishwanath temple. The night stay will be in Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi: It is located on the bank of the river Bhagirathi, surrounded by two rivers Aruna and Assi. Shiva is the Lord of this town and worshipped in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The ringing of temple bells along with conch shell sound emanates from many temples in this holy town. On the day of Makar Sankranti, villagers from nearby villages in their colorful attire visit the city. The atmosphere remains vibrant with local songs, music, and dance.
We will start in the morning for Gangotri, around 100 km away, and it will take approximately three hours to reach Gangotri. Visit Gangotri Temple and perform pooja and return to Uttarkashi for a night stay.
We will start from Uttarkashi in the morning for Gupt Kashi around 220 km, and it will take approximately 10 hours. We will reach Gupt Kashi in the evening. On the way, we will halt at various confluences for the sake of photography.
Rudra Prayag: The union of Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. There is a sheer difference in the colors of water flowing in these two rivers as the color of Mandakini is deep green since it passes through thick vegetation and has curative properties. In contrast, the water of Alaknanda is Muddy because it flows through glaciers, and its residue also flows in it; hence it is rich in minerals.
Gupt Kashi: This is a crucial place full of great views of steppe fields far below and various nature hues. Pandavas wanted redemption from Lord Shiva as they have sinned by killing their brothers Kauravas. Shiva didn’t want to absolve them of their sins as per His frame of mind at that time. So Gupkashi was the place where Lord Shiva remained out of sight of Pandavas. The reason it is called Gupt Kashi.
On this day, we will move to Phata from here take a helicopter for Kedarnath (Extra Cost). Enjoy the views of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, numerous waterfalls, and the shimmering Mandakini River. Perform your puja at the Kedar Nath and return to Phata. From there, we will pick you up and transfer you to Gupt Kashi for an overnight stay.
Alternatively: One can visit Kedarnath by trekking 22 km from Gauri Kund. We will transfer you to Son Prayag, board a sharing Jeep to take you to Gauri Kund. It will charge Rs. 100/- per pax. From Gauri, Kund Trek of twenty two km begins to Kedarnath. Ponies, Dollies, and for kids pits are available at Gauri Kund on a payment basis. The trek to Kedarnath is a lifetime experience with the ever-present Mandakini river roaring below, waterfalls coming down from melting glaciers in the backdrop of dense forest. After reaching Kedarnath, take some rest at the accommodation and perform puja at the Holy Shrine. Overnight stay will be at Kedarnath.
On this day, move early in the morning for the return journey to Gupkashi. Come down to Gauri Kund take sharing Jeep from there, costing Rs 100 to Sonprayag. We will pick you up from there and transfer you to Gupt Kashi for a night’s stay.
On this day, early in the morning, we will start from Gupt Kashi for Badrinath. On the way, we will halt at various confluences for the photographic sessions and visit Narsimha Temple at Joshi Math, where worship of Lord Badrinath takes place in winters and is a seat of Shankaracharya. We will be reaching Badrinath in the afternoon and transfer to accommodation. We will visit Mana Village in the evening.
Rudra Prayag: The union of Mandakini and Alaknanda. Mandakini originates from Kedarnath. There is a sheer difference in the colors of water flowing in these two rivers as the color of Mandakini is deep green because it passes through thick vegetation and has curative properties. In contrast, the water of Alaknanda is Muddy since it flows through glaciers, and its residue also flows in it; hence it is rich in minerals.
Nand Prayag: It is the confluence of Nandakini and Alaknanda. Nandakini originates from Nanda Devi.
Karan Prayag: It is the confluence of the Pindar River, which originates from Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon region and Alaknanda. There is also a temple here dedicated to Karna, who mediated here from Mahabharat.
Overnight stay will be in Badrinath.
Early morning we will visit Badrinath for Aarti and Puja, and after that, we will proceed for Srinagar.
We will be reaching Srinagar in the evening. Overnight stay will be in Srinagar.
On this day, we will start early for Rishikesh, and on the way, we will visit Dev Prayag. It will take around four hours to reach Rishikesh and is 125 km. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for rest, and after, we will undertake a walking tour of various ashrams and temples. In the evening, attend the Aarti at the bank of Ganga. Overnight stay will be at Rishikesh.
We will leave Rishikesh after breakfast for Delhi. Arrive in Delhi in the afternoon. Tour ends. If informed in advance, Adventure Delight will be more than happy to make further arrangements.
Ans. Char Dham Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are in the state of Uttrakhand in India. Yamuna River, Ganga River, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu are the deities of Char Dham. These are the most sacred shrine for Hindus and must-visit temples in one’s lifetime to attain salvation.
Ans. The best time to undertake a journey to Char Dham is May-June and September-October. Due to heavy rainfall resulting in massive landslides and roadblocks, the monsoon months are strictly not for this trip.
Yes. It is pretty safe to visit Char Dham for a solo lady traveler. Anyway, the people are pretty helpful, hospitable, and easy to talk to in the Himalayas. There are pretty decent facilities to stay in and for food available throughout the pilgrimage route.
Ans. The availability of ATMs is quite widespread on this pilgrimage route.
Ans. Only decent vegetarian food is available on the entire route.
Ans. Heavy woolens, loose cotton clothes, raincoat and umbrella to be carried if undertaking journey in May-June-September and in October only heavy woolens to be carried.
Ans. Yes, there are many neat and clean stay options are available on Char Dham Route. But please don’t expect luxury.
Ans. The pilgrimage to Char Dham should begin from the Eastern side and end at the western side as per Hindu mythology. Yamunotri Dham is the easternmost shrine; hence, it should be started from Yamunotri and completed at Badrinath, on the west side.
The ideal itinerary, to visit Char Dham, from Delhi for twelve days is- Delhi-Hardwar-Barkot-Yamunotri-Barkot-Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Uttarkashi-Srinagar-GuptKashi-Kedarnath-Guptkashi- Badrinath-Srinagar-Rishikesh-Delhi.
Nowadays, helicopter services are also available from Uttarkashi to Gangotri and from Guptkashi and Phata for Kedarnath. It is strongly recommended to avail of this service as the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 22 km and is not a cup of tea for faint-hearted people.
Ans. Yes, there is no differentiation between Hindus and non-Hindus anyone can undertake the Char Dham tour anyway. Hindus also have to register themselves for this pilgrimage, and the same is with non-Hindus.
Ans. If you would like to witness the might of faith in the eyes of 77 years old many ladies and men taking 22 km trek from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath. If your interest lies in spirituality, then Aarti at various river banks of Ganga and these holy shrines will engulf you. Suppose raw natural beauty, green meadows, the sight of clouds in the backdrop of blue sky, multiple waterfalls, and gigantic rustic mountains is where your passion lies. In that case, this is a perfect adventure. This tour will give you a chance to visit Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world.
Ans. Mana is the last village of the Indian population, and it is five km away from Badrinath. It is the only place where one can see the Saraswati river, the mythological river. There is also a confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers at Mana Village. Bhutia tribals habituate it.
