Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage, is spread across Uttarakhand. It comprises four holiest shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Each of these is blessed with spiritual significance and will give you an unparalleled spiritual experience.
Spiritual Importance
Hindus believe that doing Char Dham Yatra will wipe out sins and lead to moksha. These temples are in Himalayas, not just gives spiritual peace but also natural beauty.
Historical and Mythological Facts
Char Dham Yatra has its roots in ancient scriptures. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century saint, played a key role in establishing these holy sites. Each Dham is associated with mythological stories of deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and divine rivers Yamuna and Ganga.
The Four Dhams in Uttarakhand
Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of Yamuna River and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Located at 3293 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow capped peaks and valleys. Pilgrims usually start their Char Dham Yatra from here.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the origin of Ganga River. Gangotri Temple at 3100 meters is a peaceful place where pilgrims worship Goddess Ganga. Bhagirathi River flows here adding to its beauty.
Kedarnath
Home to Kedarnath Temple, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at 3583 meters, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Himalayan terrain makes it a tough yet rewarding destination.
Badrinath
Nestled on the banks of Alaknanda River, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple at 3133 meters is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes making it a highlight of the pilgrimage.
Explore Our Hindu Pilgrimage Destinations:
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| Chardham Yatra Packages 2025 | 06 Days to 12 Days |
| Char Dham Yatra Package From Dehradun |
10 Days / 09 Nights |
| Char Dham Yatra Package From Delhi |
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| Chardham Yatra By Helicopter | 05 Nights/ 06 Days |
| Vaishno Devi Tour with Patnitop | 03 Nights / 04 Days |
| Vaishno Devi by Helicopter with Amarnath Yatra | 05 Nights / 06 Days |
Places to Visit in Yamunotri
Yamunotri Temple
This ancient temple is the main attraction in Yamunotri. Built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, it has a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. The temple is crafted from granite stones and features a garbha griha (sanctum) and a mandap where devotees gather for prayers.
Open from May to October, the temple also marks the starting point of the sacred Yamuna River, whose actual source lies at 4,421 metres.
Surya Kund
Located near the Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund is a significant hot spring named after Surya, the Sun God, who is believed to be the father of the Yamuna River in Hindu mythology. Despite being surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the spring maintains an astonishing water temperature of 88°C, creating a fascinating contrast with its icy surroundings. This natural wonder holds spiritual importance, and pilgrims often cook rice and potatoes in the boiling water as an offering to Goddess Yamuna.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila, meaning “sacred rock” or “slab of divine light,” is a holy stone located near the Yamunotri Temple in Uttarakhand, India. This revered rock holds deep spiritual significance for devotees visiting the temple.
According to Hindu mythology, Divya Shila marks the spot where Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Surya (the Sun God), first descended to Earth. Before entering the Yamunotri Temple, pilgrims offer prayers at Divya Shila, seeking blessings and purification. This sacred site is an essential part of the Yamunotri pilgrimage, symbolizing divine power and faith.
Barkot
Barkot is a charming hill station located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. The distance from Yamunotri to Barkot is approximately 45 km, taking around 1:30 hour minutes via NH134. Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is a significant stopover for pilgrims traveling to the sacred Yamunotri and Gangotri temples, part of the revered Char Dham Yatra. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Renowned for its lush apple orchards, Barkot is also a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. It offers exciting trekking routes to Yamunotri, Dodital Lake, and Dodi Tal.
Kharsali
Nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Kharsali is a charming village located near the sacred Yamunotri Temple. Called winter seat of Goddess Yamuna. Peaceful village with natural springs, ancient temples and serene beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Yamunotri, adding Kharsali to your itinerary is a must. The village is approximately 5 km from Yamunotri. Beyond its religious importance, Kharsali is known for its ancient Shani Dev Temple, believed to be one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Lord Shani in India.
Read Also –Best Time to Visit Char Dham
Places to Visit in Gangotri
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri, the second stop after Yamunotri, holds great significance in Hindu mythology as the place where Goddess Ganga descended to Earth. The temple, built by Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century, opens around Akshaya Tritiya in May and closes on Diwali day.
Bhagirathi Shila
Bhagirathi Shila, situated near the Gangotri Temple in Uttarakhand, India, is a revered stone with deep-rooted mythological and spiritual significance in Hinduism. As per ancient beliefs, this sacred site is where King Bhagirath undertook intense meditation for centuries to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and bring the holy river Ganga to Earth. The stone is named “Bhagirathi Shila” to honor King Bhagirath’s unwavering devotion and his legendary efforts to guide the celestial river to the mortal world.
Pandava Gufa
Pandava Gufa, or Pandava Cave, is an ancient natural cave about 1.5 km from Gangotri Dham in Uttarkashi. According to legend, the Pandavas meditated here while traveling to Kailash after the Mahabharata war. They performed penance at this cave to seek moksha, which is why it is called Pandava Gufa.
Surya Kund and Gauri Kund
Surya Kund and Gauri Kund are two important sites near the Gangotri Temple in Uttarakhand, India.
Surya Kund is located about 500 meters from the temple. It is believed that Goddess Parvati bathed here and offered prayers to the Sun God, Surya.
Gauri Kund lies on the other side of the iron bridge from Surya Kund. This sacred site is named after Goddess Parvati (also known as Gauri), who is believed to have meditated here to win Lord Shiva’s heart.
Kedartal
Kedartal, also known as Shiva’s Lake, is a breathtaking glacial lake located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Situated about 17 kilometers from Gangotri, this sacred lake is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated. The trek to Kedartal is known to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding in India, making it a must-visit destination for trekking enthusiasts.
Places to Visit in Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar pilgrimage, situated on the banks of the Mandakini River. This 1,200 year old temple is a major attraction. Stone structure stands strong against harsh weather and has a conical Shiva Lingam.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Shankaracharya Samadhi, located near the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, is a sacred site believed to be the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya. He was a great Hindu philosopher who revived Hinduism and promoted the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This revered spot is about 600 meters behind the Kedarnath Temple and can be easily reached on foot.
Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairavnath Temple in Kedarnath is an important pilgrimage site located about 1 kilometer from the Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas. As per local legends, Lord Shiva appointed Bhairava to protect the Kedarnath Valley, especially during the winter when the main temple remains closed.
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal is a beautiful glacial lake situated near the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 4,135 meters (13,566 feet) above sea level. According to legend, Lord Vishnu bathed in this sacred lake after the churning of the ocean, making it an important pilgrimage site in the Himalayas.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 975 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, including snow leopards and Himalayan musk deer.
Places to Visit in Badrinath
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand along the banks of the Alaknanda River. Situated at an altitude of about 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his meditative form as Badrinarayan. While its origins trace back to the Vedic era, the present structure was built by the Garhwal kings in the 16th century. The temple also hosts the Badri Kedar Festival in June, featuring vibrant cultural performances.
Joshimath
Joshimath, also known as the Gateway to Badrinath, is an important stop for pilgrims traveling to the Badrinath Temple. This peaceful town in Uttarakhand is famous for its spiritual significance and beautiful surroundings. A major attraction here is the Narsingh Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Narsingh Avatar, which is the main temple of Joshimath. With its religious importance and scenic charm, Joshimath is a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers.
Tapt Kund
Tapt Kund is a sacred natural hot water spring located at the entrance of the Badrinath Temple, about 1 kilometer from the Badrinath Bus Stand. Pilgrims traditionally take a dip in Tapt Kund before entering the temple, as it is believed to cleanse the body and soul. The name “Tapt Kund” means “burning pond,” reflecting its association with Lord Agni (the fire god).
Mana Village
Mana Village is a beautiful and culturally rich settlement in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) in the Himalayas. Just 3 kilometers from the Badrinath Temple, it holds great mythological significance. According to Hindu beliefs, Maharshi Vyas composed the Mahabharata here in a cave known as Vyas Gufa, making it a revered site for pilgrims and visitors.
Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa
Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa are two ancient and sacred caves located in Mana Village, close to the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand.
Vyas Gufa, situated approximately 5.5 kilometers from the Badrinath Bus Stand, is believed to be the place where Maharshi Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata with the assistance of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesh Gufa, located nearby, is linked to Lord Ganesha, who served as Vyas’s scribe, writing down the Mahabharata as Vyas narrated it.
FAQs for Char Dham Yatra
Q: Best Time to Visit Char Dham
The best time to undertake the Char Dham Yatra is from late April to early June and from September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, making the journey safer and more enjoyable.
Q: How to Reach Char Dham Yatra
You can start from Haridwar or Rishikesh, traveling by road or helicopter. Dehradun is the nearest airport.
Q: What is the Order of the Four Dhams?
The pilgrimage typically starts with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Q: Are There Any Age Restrictions for Char Dham Yatra?
While there are no strict age limits, the trek to Kedarnath and the overall journey can be physically demanding. Seniors and children should take extra precautions.
Q: Is It Safe to Travel to Char Dham Yatra During Monsoon?
Traveling during monsoon (July-August) is risky due to landslides and heavy rainfall. It’s advisable to avoid this season for safety reasons.
