Chardham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India. It consists of visiting four holy temples located in the Himalayas of the state of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage includes Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple.

The journey usually begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun and is traditionally completed in a clockwise direction starting with Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath.

The Four Dhams

1. Yamunotri
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, this temple is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. Pilgrims trek around 5–6 km from Janki Chatti to reach the temple.

2. Gangotri
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and marks the origin of the holy River Ganges. It is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

3. Kedarnath
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is located at an altitude of about 3,583 meters and is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.

4. Badrinath
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Temple is situated along the Alaknanda River and is the final destination of the Char Dham pilgrimage.

Importance of Char Dham Yatra

• Considered a spiritually purifying journey in Hinduism.

• Devotees believe completing the yatra helps attain moksha (liberation).

• The pilgrimage combines devotion, Himalayan landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit

The Char Dham temples usually open between April/May and October/November, depending on weather conditions, and remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.