Chardham yatra places
Complete Guide to Char Dham Yatra Places is one of the most sacred journeys for Hindus. It includes four holy places located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These places are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Thousands of pilgrims visit these temples yearly to seek blessings and spiritual peace. We will explore all four Char Dham Yatra places using simple language.
1. Yamunotri—The Source of River Yamuna
Yamunotri is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. It is the home of the Goddess Yamuna, the river goddess. The temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at about 3,293 meters.
Key attractions:
- Yamunotri Temple
- Surya Kund (hot water spring)
- Divya Shila (sacred rock)
Best time to visit: May to October
About:
Yamunotri is the source of the holy river Yamuna. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is the first stop in the Chardham Yatra.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 210 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun or Rishikesh
- By Road: Drive or take a bus to Hanuman Chatti. From there, you have to trek 6 km to reach Yamunotri.
- Trekking Option: You can walk, hire a pony, or use a palanquin Complete Guide to Char Dham Yatra Places.
Yamunotri Temple Timing
Yamunotri is the source of the holy river Yamuna. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Opening Date 2025: May 10, 2025 (Tentative, on Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing Date 2025: October 31, 2025 (Tentative, on Bhai Dooj)
Daily Temple Timing:
- Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Aarti Timing: Around 6:30 PM
2. Gangotri – The Origin of River Ganga
Gangotri is the second stop of the Char Dham Yatra. It originates from the holy River Ganga, which is worshipped as a goddess in India. The Gangotri Temple is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters.
Key attractions:
- Gangotri Temple
- Gaumukh Glacier (actual source of Ganga)
- Bhagirath Shila (rock where King Bhagirath meditated)
Best time to visit: May to October
About:
Gangotri is the origin of the river Ganga (Ganges). The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 250 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh or Dehradun
- By Road: Direct road access to Gangotri is available. Buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh and Uttarkashi Complete Guide to Char Dham Yatra Places.
Gangotri Temple Timing
Gangotri is the origin of the Ganga river and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
- Opening Date 2025: May 10, 2025 (Tentative)
- Closing Date 2025: November 2, 2025 (Tentative)
Daily Temple Timing:
- Morning Darshan: 6:15 AM to 2:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Aarti Timing: 7:00 PM
3. Kedarnath – Home of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is one of the most important Shiva temples in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located at a height of 3,583 meters. Snow-covered peaks surround the temple, and it is very scenic.
Key attractions:
- Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Vasuki Tal (glacial lake)
Best time to visit: May to September
About:
Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and the most challenging to reach among the four Dhams.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
- By Road: Reach Gaurikund from Rishikesh (approx. 210 km).
- Trekking Option: From Gaurikund, trek 16-18 km to Kedarnath.
- Helicopter Services: These are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Opening Date 2025: May 14, 2025 (Tentative)
- Closing Date 2025: November 3, 2025 (Tentative)
Daily Temple Timing:
- Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Special Pooja (Mahabhishek): Starts at 4:00 AM
4. Badrinath – Temple of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Badri Narayan. It is the last destination in the Char Dham Yatra and is 3,133 meters above sea level. The temple is located between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges.
Key attractions:
- Badrinath Temple
- Tapt Kund (hot water spring)
- Mana Village (the last village before the Indo-China border)
Best time to visit: May to October
About:
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most visited temples and has good road connectivity.
How to Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 310 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh or Haridwar
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available to Badrinath from major towns like Rishikesh, Joshimath, and Haridwar.
Badrinath Temple Timing
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important temples in India.
- Opening Date 2025: May 16, 2025 (Tentative)
- Closing Date 2025: November 10, 2025 (Tentative)
Daily Temple Timing:
- Morning Darshan: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timing: 6:30 PM
Tips for Char Dham Yatra
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer.
- Stay hydrated and take rest if you feel tired.
- Book your travel and accommodation in advance.
- Follow local guidelines and respect religious customs.
- Get a health check-up before starting the Yatra.
- Book hotels and transport in advance during peak season.
- Carry ID proof and necessary medicines.
- Travel with a guide or in a group for safety.
FAQS
What is the route of 4 Dham Yatra?
The route of the 4 Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand starts from Yamunotri, then goes to Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath. This order is traditionally followed for a smooth and spiritual journey.
Which state has 4 dham?
The Char Dham temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — are in Uttarakhand, India. This state is known for its spiritual importance and beautiful Himalayan mountains, attracting pilgrims from all over India.
What is the cost of the 4 Dham tour package?
A Char Dham tour package usually ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per person. Prices depend on travel mode, accommodation, and services included. Helicopter packages can cost ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs per person.
Is Char Dham Yatra arduous?
The Char Dham Yatra can be arduous due to high altitudes, long travel, and changing weather. It involves walking or trekking in some areas, so good health and preparation are essential for a safe and comfortable journey.
Which Dham should I visit first?
You should visit Yamunotri first, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. This is the traditional order of the Char Dham Yatra, from west to east, in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
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