In Hinduism, the ultimate state of liberation is to attain salvation or Moksha. It is believed that Char Dham Yatra takes you one step closer to accomplish this goal. It is revered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in the world. The four temples that comprise the Char Dham Yatra are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
These holy places are nestled among the lofty peaks of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. There is another Char Dham which was established by Adi Shankracharya.
This circuit comprises four holy pilgrimage sites in four different corners of the country namely Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Orissa, and Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu.
All the sacred sites of Chota Char Dham Yatra are dedicated to different deities and have their major significance. Kedarnath Dham is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Badri or Vishnu.
If you are planning this holy pilgrimage tour and looking for a complete guide of Char Dham Yatra, you are at the perfect place. Here, we have compiled important information, which will help you to plan a tour and keep you updated with the significant details.
How to Plan a Char Dham Yatra?
These holy sites are located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Traditionally, the Yatra is undertaken from west to east. Thus, it starts from Yamunotri, then proceeds to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and ends in Badrinath. Here is essential information which will help you while planning the tour:
- Yatra can start from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun at your convenience.
- The biometric registration of Char Dham Yatra is compulsory.
- Carry necessary documents such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID card, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport.
- Camping facilities in Swiss Cottages are available near the shrines and are equipped with the basic amenities. Deluxe and budget accommodations are also available.
- Char Dham Yatra by helicopter is also available for the pilgrims. Offline and online booking is available. Palki/palanquin, pony/ horse, and pithu are also available for those who are unable to walk.
- It is advisable to carry warm jackets, gloves, sweaters, woolen socks, and raincoats during Yatra.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip are highly recommendable.
How to reach Char Dham?
Char Dham Yatra starts either from Haridwar or Dehradun. There are two ways to undertake the Yatra — by road and by helicopter. Here is a brief about how to reach the holy sites:
By Road: Char Dham Yatra package by road starts from Haridwar. This holy city is well-connected with Delhi and other major cities via road and rail networks. State transport and private buses ply to these holy pilgrimage sites. Taxis are also available.
By Helicopter: Sahastradhara helipad, Dehradun is the base for the Char Dham helicopter package. Helicopter service starts from Dehradun to Kharsali, which is about 6 km from Yamunotri Temple. Harsil helipad is the nearest base for Gangotri Temple, which is situated 25 km from the shrine. Badrinath and Kedarnath helipads are located near the temples.
Where are the Char Dhams located?
Char Dham Yatra comprises four holy abodes, which are located in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The location of pilgrimage sites are:
Yamunotri Dham — Nestled at an altitude of 3293 m above sea level in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is situated at 182 km distance and Haridwar is 226 km away.
Gangotri Dham — Standing at an altitude of 3042 m above sea level, Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi district. Haridwar is 285 km from Gangotri and Dehradun is 240 km.
Kedarnath Dham — Located in the Rudra Himalayan Ranges, Kedarnath is set amidst the mountainscape of Rudraprayag district. From Dehradun, it is 254 km and from Haridwar, Kedarnath is around 125 km.
Badrinath Dham — Snuggled between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district. The distance from Kedarnath is 218 km and from Haridwar, it is 316 km away. From Dehradun, Badrinath is 334 km.
Opening Dates of Char Dham Yatra
Yatra for Gangotri and Yamunotri shrine starts from Akshaya Tritiya. The opening date of Kedarnath temple decides on Shivaratri and for Badrinath Temple, it decides on Basant Panchmi. Char Dham Yatra starts in April-May and closes in October-November near Deepavali every year.
Char Dham Yatra Online Registration
Char Dham Yatra Registration is compulsory. Char Dham Yatra online booking is also available on the official website. Offline Yatra registration is available at several locations such as Haridwar Railway station, Rishikesh Bus Stand, Janki Chatti, Guptkashi, Gangotri, Phata, Sonprayag, Kedarnath, Govindghat, and Uttarkashi. The necessary documents required for registration are photo ID proof such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, and Passport.
With all the information in your hand, you can plan a Char Dham Yatra and bask in the spiritual aura of these sacred sites. Apart from this, admire the natural beauty and delight in the breathtaking views of these enchanting places.
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