Embark on Spiritual Journey– Char Dham Yatra Travel Guide 2023

Every year 2 to 3 million pilgrims visit Charm Dham shrines. India envisages a heavenly experience through Char Dham Yatra, a famous pilgrimage tour in the country. These four holy shrines are located in the Himalayas region of Uttrakhand. As per Hindu mythology, It is the abode of God and Goddess, devotees pay sojourn to eliminate their sins and attain moksha (Salvation) that is, liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death. 

Char Dham Yatra 2023; the journey starts from Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It’s also getting popular among foreign tourists. Are you planning to visit Char Dham in the blink of an eye? Then here check out the Char Dham Yatra travel guide that aids you to plan your trip perfectly. 

The Char Dham– Journey to Start 

The Charm Dham comprises four holy shrines that are– Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Let’s see each place in detail: 

Yamunotri Dham 

The river Yamuna is the second largest after Ganga. Its original source is Yamunotri, surrounded by lofty peak mountains and long valleys. Snuggled at a high altitude, settled the Yamunotri temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna. 

Know about the Location and How to Reach Yamunotri Dham 

In the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, on the western side of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,293 meters above mean sea level is located the Yamunotri temple. With majestic mountains, rippling waters of river Yamuna, and the glacier, the temple stands out preponderantly. 

Well, to reach out to the Yamunotri temple, firstly, you must be aware of the route.

Rishikesh - Narendra Nagar - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu - Bhramkhal - Barkot - Hanuman Chatti - Janki Chatti - Yamunotri

No road directly connects to the  Temple, so the tourists have to stop at Janki Chatti; it's the last place where vehicles are accessible. From here, one has to trek around 6 km uphill to reach Yamunotri temple. The following is the mode of transportation you can take: 

1. By Air: Rishikesh Road, Jolly Grant Airport, and Dehradun are the nearest to Yamunotri. From here you can get a bus or book a cab. Start checking domestic flight tickets online and save money. 
2. By Bus: Last access to motorable vehicles stops at Janki Chatti. From here, one has to trek 6 km uphill to reach the destination. Else, take a pony or palanquins.
3. By Train: All around the year regular trains are available from Haridwar to Dehradun. From here you can book a cab or catch a bus. 

Significance and History of Yamunotri Dham

History:

We all know that the source origin of the sacred river Yamuna is Yamunotri. Its temple is contemplated as one of the four shrines of the Char Dham pilgrimage in India. This Hindu temple is devoted to the Goddess Yamunotri. As per the legends, on the bank of the river, Yamuna lived a sage named Asit Muni. He was well known for his devotion to the Goddess. It is believed that the current temple was built in the 19th century by King Narendra Shah. 

As per Hindu Mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of the sun god Surya and sister of Yama, the God of death. It is symbolized by purity and aids in cleansing the soul of the pilgrimage who takes a dip in the water. Aren’t you getting fascinated? If yes, then do book your tour packages at the most competitive rate for your effortless journey.

Significance: 

One of the four holy shrines in India's Char Dham pilgrimage, Yamunotri Temple is highly revered by Hindus for its spiritual and religious importance. The goddess Yamuna, regarded as a representation of purity and said to purify the souls of people who take a bath in her waters, is the subject of the temple.

Visitors to the Yamunotri shrine do prayers and ask the goddess for favors. Natural hot springs surround the temple, and it is common for visitors to bathe in these waters before entering the shrine since it is said to purify the body and mind and promote good health.

Things to do and see in Yamunotri Dham 

The following are certain things to do and see in Yamunotri Dham: 

1. Visit Yamunotri Temple
2. Take a dip in Yamuna Kund
3. Trek to Surya Kund
4. Explore Kharsali Village
5. Visit Hanuman Chatti
6. Take a dip into the Ganges at Gangotri
7. Trek to Yamunotri Glacier 
8. Attend Yamunotri Mela

What stops you from visiting the place? Save money by booking cheap flights and cheap hotels with one click.

Gangotri Dham 

The Gangotri Dham holds a special place in the hearts of the pilgrims and Hindus. It is one of the four sacred places of the Char Dham Yatra. 

Know about the Location and How to Reach Gangotri Dham

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3100 meters above the mean sea level. In the midst of the stunning mountains, natural beauty and the Gangotri envisages peace to mind, soul, and body. 

If you have set your mind on Char Dham then start checking for genuine flight ticket booking sites. Well, the following are the ways you can reach your destination:

Route 1: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Narender Nagar - Tehri - Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri

Route 2: Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu Bend - Uttarkashi - Bhatwari - Gangnani - Harsil - Gangotri

1. By Air: Rishikesh Road, Jolly Grant Airport, and Dehradun are the nearest to Gangotri. From here you can get a bus or book a cab. Start checking domestic flight tickets online and save money. 
2. By Bus: It is accessible to all motor vehicles and has good road connectivity. Catch a bus, cab, or taxi from the destination such as  Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal 
3. By Train: All around the year regular trains are available from Haridwar to Dehradun. From here you can book a cab or catch a bus. 

Significance and History of Gangotri Dham

History: 

The Gangotri Dham history can be traced back to ancient Hindu Mythology which states the river Ganga descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri. It is said that King Bhagiratha, through penance and prayer, brought the river Ganga to earth to purify the soul of his ancestors. 

The Gangotri temple was built in the 18th century by Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa. The temple is made of white granite and located on the bank of the river Bhagirathi, it’s a tributary of the Ganga. The temple is devoted to the Goddess Ganga and is open to devotees from May to November. 

Significance: 

One of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the key reason this is the birthplace of the Ganga River. The Gangotri temple is built near the pillar of Bhagarathi Shila. It is believed that visiting Gangotri Dham will eliminate all your sins and purify the souls of all devotees.  Apart from its religious significance, Gangotri Dham is also surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The snow-capped mountains, the gushing Bhagirathi River, and the Gangotri glacier, which is the source of the river Ganga, make it a popular destination for trekking and adventure sports.

Aren’t you getting fascinated? Move your step ahead, and save your money, time, and effort by booking holiday tour packages.

Things to do and see in Gangotri Dham 

Gangotri envisages a lot of things to explore and see. The following are a few of them: 

1. Visit Gangotri Temple
2. Take a dip in holy water
3. Trek to Gaumukh
4. Visit Gangotri Glacier 
5. Explore the surrounding village
6. Enjoy Aventure Sport
7. Witness the Ganga Aarti  

Kedarnath Dham 

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,580 meters near the Chorabari Glacier– the birthplace of the Mandakini River. It is one of the holiest places and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the Charm Dham pilgrimage circuits. Here know everything about Kedarnath Dham in brief:

Know about the Location and How to Reach Kedarnath Dham 

Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath Dham is the paramount location of the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters in the Himalayas range, around 22 km away from Rishikesh. Due to its location, the temple is open for six months for pilgrims. 

Planning to visit Kedarnath Dham in a jiffy? Before you book your cheap flight tickets online, it’s pivotal to know the routes and ways to reach your destination. 

Route: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh-Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Tilwara - Agastyamuni - Kund - Guptkashi - Phata - Rampur - Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Trek to Kedarnath

1. By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Kedarnath. From here you can get a bus or book a cab to Gaurikund or Haridwar or Rishikesh. 
2. By Bus: Gaurikund is accessible to all motor vehicles and has good road connectivity. Catch a bus, cab, or taxi to reach destinations such as  Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri. Pauli and Chamoli. 
3. By Train: All around the year regular trains are available from Haridwar to Dehradun. From here you can book a cab or catch a bus. 

Significance and History of Kedarnath Dham

History: 

As per the longest epic in the world– Mahabharata, the temple was established by Pandavas. The purpose behind it was to please Lord Shiva with their penance. However, in the 8th century AD,  the Hindu philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya revived the temple when he visited the place with his four disciples. But, sadly, in 2013 due to a catastrophic flood, the temple was hit brutally and also engulfed hundreds of innocent lives. 

Significance: 

For Hindus, the place has immense value. As pilgrims believe that visiting the temple and offering prayers to Lord Shiva aids them to attain moksha. The treks to Kedarnath Dham are also considered a form of penance, and many devotees undertake it to seek blessings and purification of their souls. 

Things to do and see in Kedarnath Dham

The following are the exclusive things to do and see in Kedarnath Dham: 

1. Visit Kedarnath Temple
2. Attend the Evening Aarti
3. Trek to Vasuki Tal
4. Explore Gandhi Sarovar
5. Visit Bhairav Temple
6. Witness the beauty of the Mandakini River 
7. Explore the surrounding areas

Already set your mind for moksha? Book your domestic flight to Char Dham and start your journey to purifying your soul.

Badrinath Dham 

Alias, Badrinarayana Temple, is one of the Charm Dham pilgrimage circuits. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it has a unique North Indian architectural style and consists of a colorful entrance gate. Furthermore, the temple is divided into three sections that are, GarbhaGriha, Darshan Mandap, and Sabha Mandap

. 

Know about the Location and How to Reach Badrinath Dham 

Located at an elevation of 3,133 meters in the Chamoli district of the state of Uttarakhand, in the shadow of the Neelkanth Peak. The temple is situated at a distance of 525 km from Delhi as well as 296 km from Rishikesh. 

Thinking of paying a visit to Chota Char Dham Yatra? Before booking your cheap hotels to stay-ibn and cheap domestic flight tickets. Know the most convenient way to reach the place.

Route: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Kirti Nagar - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Gauchar - Karnaprayag - Nandprayag - Chamoli - Birahi - Pipalkoti - Garur Ganga - Helang - Joshimath - Vishnuprayag - Govindghat - Pandukeshwar - Hanuman Chatti - Badrinath.

1. By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Rishikesh Road, and Dehradun are the nearest airports to Badrinath Dham. From here you can get a bus or book a cab.
2. By Bus: It is accessible to all motor vehicles and has good road connectivity. Catch a bus, cab, or taxi to reach your destination.
3. By Train: All around the year regular trains are available from Haridwar to Dehradun. From here you can book a cab or catch a bus. 

Significance and History of Badrinath Dham

History: 

It dates back to ancient times and the site has been mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, the Vishnu Purana, and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, Badrinath Dham is the place where Lord Vishnu performed penance and meditation for thousands of years to atone for his sins. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the form of the sage Narada and granted him a boon. Narada requested that Lord Vishnu make this place his permanent abode so that devotees could come here and seek his blessings. 

Significance: 

The significance of Badrinath Dham lies in its association with Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have meditated at this site. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took the form of the sage Narada and performed severe penance here. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and granted him a boon. Narada requested that Lord Vishnu make this place his abode so that devotees could come here and seek his blessings.

Things to do and see in Badrinath Dham

The following are the things to do and see in Badrinath Dham: 

1. Visit Badrinath Temple
2. Take a dip into Tapt Kund 
3. Explore Mana Village
4. Visit Neelkanth Peak 
5. Attend Evening Aarti 
6. Trek to Vasudhara Falls
7. Enjoy local cuisine. 

At least once, one must visit the place. If you are planning to witness the peace then start booking your tour packages, domestic flight tickets, and a lot more.