Disha • Feb 26, 2023 • 3

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Char Dham Yatra in India

The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage circuit in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which includes four sacred shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Here is an ultimate guide to visiting the Char Dham Yatra in India:

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Char Dham Yatra is between the months of May and June, and September and October. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the roads are in good condition.

2. How to Reach: The Char Dham Yatra can be reached by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From these cities, one can take a taxi or bus to reach the Char Dham Yatra.

3. Route: The Char Dham Yatra starts from Yamunotri, then proceeds to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally, Badrinath. The entire circuit covers a distance of around 1,500 km.

4. Accommodation: There are several budget-friendly and luxury hotels, lodges, and guesthouses available at each of the Char Dham sites. One can also opt for camping or trekking to experience the natural beauty of the region.

5. Things to Do: Apart from visiting the sacred shrines, there are several other things to do on the Char Dham Yatra. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, take a dip in the holy rivers, trek to nearby mountains, and attend the evening aarti ceremonies.

6. Safety: The Char Dham Yatra involves traveling through steep and narrow mountain roads, which can be risky. It is advisable to hire a reliable driver and a sturdy vehicle, and carry appropriate medication and first-aid supplies.

7. Dress Code: There is no specific dress code, but it is recommended to wear comfortable and modest clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. It is also customary to remove shoes and cover the head while entering the shrines.

8. Local Cuisine: The local cuisine of Uttarakhand is a must-try for food lovers. Some of the popular dishes include rajma chawal, aloo ke gutke, and kumaoni raita. It is advisable to carry some snacks and water bottles during the journey.

9. Etiquette: It is important to respect the local culture and traditions while visiting the Char Dham Yatra. It is customary to seek permission before taking photographs of locals or sacred places, and to avoid littering or damaging the environment.

10. Precautions: Before embarking on the Char Dham Yatra, it is advisable to consult a doctor and obtain necessary vaccinations. It is also important to carry sufficient cash, as ATMs and banks may not be easily accessible in remote areas.

    

11. Yamunotri: The first stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Yamunotri, which is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters. It is the source of the Yamuna River and is considered to be the abode of the goddess Yamuna. The temple at Yamunotri is accessible by a 6 km trek from the town of Janki Chatti.

12. Gangotri: The second stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Gangotri, which is located at an altitude of 3,042 meters. It is the source of the Ganges River and is considered to be the abode of the goddess Ganga. The temple at Gangotri is accessible by a 19 km trek from the town of Gangotri.

13. Kedarnath: The third stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Kedarnath, which is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. It is considered to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is accessible by a 16 km trek from the town of Gaurikund.

14. Badrinath: The final stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath, which is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters. It is considered to be the abode of Lord Vishnu and is accessible by road from the town of Joshimath. The temple at Badrinath is one of the most visited shrines in India and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

15. Helicopter Services: For those who have time constraints or health issues, there are helicopter services available that can take them to each of the Char Dham sites. These services are operated by government agencies as well as private operators.

16. Religious Significance: The Char Dham Yatra is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, and is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and lead to moksha or liberation. It is believed that a person who completes the Char Dham Yatra is absolved of all their sins and attains salvation.

17. Other Attractions: Apart from the Char Dham sites, there are several other attractions in Uttarakhand that one can explore, such as the Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib, and Auli. One can also indulge in adventure sports like trekking, skiing, and river rafting.

18. Environment Conservation: It is important to note that the Char Dham Yatra has a significant impact on the environment and ecology of the region. Therefore, it is important to practice responsible tourism and take steps to minimize the impact on the environment. The Uttarakhand government has launched several initiatives to promote eco-tourism and protect the fragile ecosystem of the region.