A trek down Char Dham Yatra, the Ganga, Yamuna, Mandakini, and Alaknanda, is an experience not to be missed. It is a journey that takes you to four famous holy sites and is an amazing experience for all enthusiasts. Chota Char Dham is a spiritual journey across four pilgrimage sites in India: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all of which are located in Uttarakhand. Hindus believe that everyone should visit these sites at least once in their lives.
When is the best time to visit?
However, the four locations stay open, from Akshaya Tritiya to Bhai Dooj. The months of May and June are ideal for visiting them because the weather is lovely and the climatic conditions are favorable. The yatra takes about 11–12 days to complete. You will meet people from all over the world, some worshiping and others simply enjoying these incredible sights.
Places to Stop Along the Way
Tapovan:
It is a summer home for numerous sadhus who live in caves, huts, and other structures. It has been a famous trekking destination in recent years, with visitors traveling long distances to explore the vast grasslands of Tapovan, which are adorned with many flowering species.
Gaumukh:
This glacier serves as the source of water for the River Ganga, which is why it is so important to Hindus. It is 18-kilometer trek from the Gangotri Glacier. The terminus of this glacier resembles the mouth of a cow, thus the name Gaumukh.
Chopta:
This valley is well-known among travelers. It’s away from all the hustle and bustle. You can come here to rest or to participate in adventure sports.
Hemkund Sahib:
This Gurudwara, located beside a lake, is dedicated to Guru Govind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. You can find inner calm while admiring the Gurudwara’s splendor by meditating there.
Auli:
A frigid sanctuary that many people visit all year. It’s a skiing destination surrounded by a variety of plants. The snowy mountain peaks and dense forests provide a warm and comforting atmosphere.
Vasuki Tal:
It’s a lake near Kedarnath. The most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see. In the winter, the lake freezes and there is no vegetation surrounding it.
Yamunotri Dham
It will most likely start with Barkot. You will travel up to the Yamunotri Dham, followed by a 7-kilometer hike. You might also go to Uttarkashi, which is only approximately 100 kilometers from the Gangotri Dham.
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna, India’s second most sacred river. The Yamunotri temple is thought to have been built in 1839 by Tehri’s ruler, Naresh Sudarshan Shah. On this tour, you will visit one of the pilgrimage sites. The temple is a work of art in and of itself, and the devotees add to its tranquility and beauty. While flowing down from one side of the temple, the Yamuna River is stunning.
Gangotri Dham
This is one of the four sites that comprise the Chota Char Dham and is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Hindus revere the shrine for its unparalleled beauty. Another important point is that stories hold that this is where the Ganga descended from heaven. Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander, erected the current temple in the early 18th century. The river has traditionally been regarded as the purest. People come here to seek moksha.
Kedarnath Dham
You can drive to Kedarnath, which is roughly 180 kilometers from Uttarkashi, and then hike uphill for about 21 kilometers. Inscriptions written in Pali can be found in this old temple. Adi Shankaracharya Ji erected the current temple. Sculptures of many deities and mythological settings may be found on the temple’s inner walls. A big statue of the Nandi Bull can be found on the temple’s exterior. The temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kedarnath shrine is surrounded by breathtakingly gorgeous snow-covered mountains. After visiting this location, you will undoubtedly feel at ease.
Badrinath Dham
Then proceed to Rudraprayag, which is only 160 kilometers from Badrinath Dham, the final Dham on your Yatra.This religious location, located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is set against the backdrop of the Neelkanth mountain peak, which takes one’s breath away. This location is said to be Lord Shiva’s residence and is steeped in myths and tales. People come from all over the world to hear the gurus’ and sadhus’ stories. This location is very popular during the Mahashivratr festival.
Alternative Options
You might want to finish your Char Dham Yatra in a few days. Choose the Chardham Helicopter Tour to accomplish this. The journey begins in Yamunotri and continues to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and ends in Badrinath. It will take around 4-5 days, but you will be able to travel at your own leisure.
Some Last-Minute tips for Char Dham Yatra
At all times, dress comfortably and warmly.
If you are not feeling well, do not try the voyage.
Carry a variety of medications with you.
Keep in touch with your family and friends.
Carry some form of identification with you in case of an emergency.
If you are unsure of the routes, hire a guide or consult maps.
Carry a low-cost/local cellphone for safety.