Char Dham Yatra – Uttarakhand
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It covers four sacred Hindu shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – all situated at high altitudes, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas.
Importance
Known as the “Teerth Yatra of the Himalayas”, it is believed that completing Char Dham cleanses one’s soul and paves the path to salvation (moksha).
Every year, lakhs of devotees and travelers from across India and the world visit these shrines.
The Four Shrines
Yamunotri Dham
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Famous for hot water springs (Surya Kund).
Trek of about 5 km from Janki Chatti.
Gangotri Dham
Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the river goddess.
Situated on the banks of River Bhagirathi.
Origin of the sacred Ganga River (from Gaumukh Glacier).
Kedarnath Dham
Dedicated to Lord Shiva (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas).
Located at 11,755 ft near the Mandakini River.
Requires a 16 km trek from Gaurikund.
Badrinath Dham
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan).
Located on the banks of River Alaknanda.
Surrounded by the Neelkanth Peak.
Best Time to Visit
- The temples open in April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and close in October/November (Diwali).
- Best months: May–June and September–October (pleasant weather, less crowd).
- Avoid July–August (heavy monsoon and landslides).
