Region : HaridwarTotal Duration : 9Nights / 10 DaysModerate : DifficultGrade : 1,607 Km
Char Dham refers to the four holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, which are considered the most sacred places in the Hindu religion. These four sites are located in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand state in North India. The Char Dham sites are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Yamunotri: The first stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Yamunotri, located at an elevation of 3,291 meters above sea level. It is the source of the Yamuna River, which is considered one of the most sacred rivers in India. The main attraction of Yamunotri is the Yamunotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna...
Gangotri: It is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, and it is the origin of the holy river Ganges (also known as Ganga). Gangotri is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level.The town of Gangotri is considered one of the four holy pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) in Hinduism, and it is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the main attraction of the town. The temple was built in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gurkha general, and it is made of white granite.
Apart from the temple, Gangotri is also known for its natural beauty and trekking opportunities. The Gangotri Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas, is located about 19 km (12 miles) from the town, and it is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
The best time to visit Gangotri is during the summer months (April to June) when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted, allowing for easy access to the temple and the surrounding areas. However, the town can be crowded during this time due to the high number of visitors. The town is closed during the winter months (November to March) due to heavy snowfall, and it is not accessible by road.
Kedarnatha : Kedarnath is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Rudraprayag district, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. The town is named after the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the four sacred shrines of Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, and it is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is located near the Mandakini River and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, the town also offers several other attractions for tourists, including the Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, and Sonprayag. Visitors can also go trekking and camping in the surrounding mountains.
Kedarnath is accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 239 kilometers (149 miles) away. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and from September to November, as the weather is pleasant during these months. However, the town remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Badrinath : Badrinath is a town located in the Chamoli district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of about 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level, in the Himalayas. The town is famous for its ancient Badrinath Temple, which is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The Badrinath Temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankara in the 8th century CE, and it is one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage in Hinduism. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by majestic snow-covered peaks.
Apart from the temple, Badrinath is also known for its natural beauty and trekking opportunities. The town is located in the midst of the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and is surrounded by lush green forests and valleys. The Vasudhara Falls, Mana Village (the last village before the Tibetan border), and the Tapt Kund hot springs are some of the popular attractions in and around Badrinath
The best time to visit Badrinath is during the summer months (May to June) when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted, allowing for easy access to the temple and the surrounding areas. The town is closed during the winter months (November to April) due to heavy snowfall, and it is not accessible by road.