Char Dham Yatra: A Complete Guide

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India, comprising four sacred sites in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This spiritual journey is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation (moksha) to devotees. Nestled in the Himalayas, these four dhams attract thousands of pilgrims every year.

Guide to the Four Dhams

1. Yamunotri Dham

Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand

Main Deity: Goddess Yamuna

Significance: It is the source of the Yamuna River, considered sacred in Hinduism.

How to Reach:

• Nearest town: Barkot
• Nearest railway station: Dehradun (172 km)
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km)

Trek: 6 km trek from Janki Chatti

Attractions:

• Surya Kund (hot water spring)
• Divya Shila (sacred rock)

2. Gangotri Dham

Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand

Main Deity: Goddess Ganga

Significance: Origin of the holy Ganges River at Gaumukh Glacier (18 km trek from Gangotri temple).

How to Reach:

• Nearest town: Harsil
• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (250 km)
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (268 km)
• Direct road access to the temple

Attractions:

• Gaumukh Glacier (source of the Ganga River)
• Pandava Gufa (cave where Pandavas meditated)

3. Kedarnath Dham

Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand

Main Deity: Lord Shiva

Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a significant Shiva temple.

How to Reach:

• Nearest town: Gaurikund
• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (216 km)
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km)

Trek: 16 km trek from Gaurikund or Helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, or Dehradun.

Attractions:

• Bhairavnath Temple
• Vasuki Tal (sacred lake)

4. Badrinath Dham

Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand

Main Deity: Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan)

Significance: It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).

How to Reach:

• Nearest town: Joshimath
• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (295 km)
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (317 km)
• Well-connected by road

Attractions:

• Tapt Kund (hot water spring)
• Mana Village (last Indian village near the China border)
• Best Time to Visit Char Dham
• The ideal time for the Char Dham Yatra is April to June and September to October.

• Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, best for pilgrimage.
• Monsoon (July–August): Risk of landslides and heavy rains.
• Autumn (September–October): Clear skies and comfortable weather.
• Winter (November–March): Dhams are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Check - Chardham Yatra Packages 2025

Char Dham Opening & Closing Dates

The Char Dham temples open in April/May and close in October/November each year. The dates are announced on Akshaya Tritiya by temple authorities.

Yamunotri & Gangotri: Open on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and close on Bhai Dooj (October/November).

Kedarnath: Opens in April/May and closes after Diwali (October/November).

Badrinath: Opens in April/May and closes in late October/early November.

Travel Tips for Char Dham Yatra

• Health & Fitness: Prepare for high-altitude travel; carry necessary medicines.
• Registration: Mandatory for all pilgrims via Uttarakhand Tourism’s official website.
• Packing Essentials: Warm clothes, rain gear, trekking shoes, and a first-aid kit.
• Accommodation: Government guesthouses, hotels, and Dharamshalas available.
• Helicopter Services: Available for Kedarnath and full Char Dham Yatra packages.

Check - Chardham Yatra By Helicopter

Conclusion

The Char Dham Yatra is a spiritually enriching journey that connects devotees with the divine. Whether by road, trek, or helicopter, the experience is profound and fulfilling. Plan well, follow safety precautions, and embark on this sacred pilgrimage for a blissful experience.