The four pilgrimage destinations of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham, are nestled in the serene heights of the mighty Himalayas. These sacred sites attract a vast number of pilgrims each year, making them the most significant religious travel hubs in Northern India. Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins in the west and concludes in the east. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra starts from Yamunotri, proceeds to Gangotri, and finally culminates at Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Overview
Region: Rudraprayag Uttarakhand Duration: 07 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Age limit: 7 to 50 Years
Approx Trekking Km: 14 km
Season: May to June & Sept to Oct
Each of these four sites is dedicated to a different deity. Yamunotri is devoted to the Goddess Yamuna, who accompanies pilgrims to the scenic heights of the Rawai Valley. A bath in the Yamuna’s waters is believed to protect devotees from an untimely death. Gangotri is a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The shrine stands on the banks of the River Bhagirathi, another name for the Ganga, which derives its name from the legend of ancient King Bhagirath’s penance that brought her down from heaven.
Kedarnath is part of the Panch Kedar and is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga and is located near the source of the Mandakini River. Badrinath honors Lord Vishnu and is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here while his spouse Lakshmi took the form of a berry (Badri) tree to provide him with shade.
Before embarking on this journey, one must be prepared to face both physical and mental challenges on the Himalayan roads. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most accessible yet laborious pilgrimages. The Yatra route in the state is typically bustling with activity, especially during the summer. The scenic beauty of the mountains provides strength to the pilgrims as they move toward their destinations.
How To Reach
- By Air: Fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, which is the nearest airport to Rishikesh. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar. Continue your journey by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Govindghat as mentioned above.
- By Train : Haridwar or Rishikesh and then by Road Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh by train, as both cities are well-connected by rail. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, proceed by road to Govindghat, either by taxi or bus.
- By Road : Start your journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are well-connected cities in Uttarakhand. Hire a taxi or take a bus to Govindghat, the nearest roadhead to the Valley of Flowers. The road journey takes around 9-10 hours from Rishikesh and slightly less from Haridwar, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
