The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Located in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, the Char Dham includes four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Devotees believe that visiting these four temples washes away sins and helps attain salvation (moksha).
Table of Contents
History and Importance of Char Dham
- The Char Dham Yatra was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
- Each dham is dedicated to a different deity:
- Yamunotri – Goddess Yamuna
- Gangotri – Goddess Ganga
- Kedarnath – Lord Shiva
- Badrinath – Lord Vishnu
- Together, they represent the spiritual journey from birth to liberation.
- Devotees believe that completing the Char Dham Yatra brings peace, prosperity, and freedom from rebirth.
Opening and Closing Dates
The Char Dham temples open every year in April/May (around Akshaya Tritiya).
They close in October/November (around Diwali or Kartik Purnima) due to heavy snowfall.
During winter, idols are shifted to nearby temples for worship.
Suggested Read: Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates
Temple Timings
- Morning Pooja: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Evening Pooja: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Special rituals are performed during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Janmashtami, and Maha Shivaratri.
How To Reach Char Dham Yatra
Starting Point – Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
Most pilgrims begin the journey from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. These cities are well connected by road, rail, and air.
1. Yamunotri
Location: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
How To Reach:
By Road: Drive to Janki Chatti, the last motorable point.
Trek: 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple.
Ponies and palanquins are available for senior citizens.
2. Gangotri
Location: Uttarkashi district, on the banks of River Bhagirathi.
How To Reach:
By Road: Direct road access to Gangotri town.
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (250 km).
Nearest Airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport).
3. Kedarnath
Location: Rudraprayag district, at 3,583 meters altitude.
How To Reach:
By Road: Reach Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
Trek: 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Mandir.
Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun.
4. Badrinath
Location: Chamoli district, on the banks of River Alaknanda.
How To Reach:
- By taxi From Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun.
By Road: Direct road access to Badrinath town.
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (295 km).
Nearest Airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport).
Suggested Read: Best time Visit to Char Dham Yatra
Travel Routes
Traditional Route: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.
Pilgrims usually complete the yatra in 10–15 days.
Government and private buses, taxis, and tour packages are available.
Festivals and Rituals
- Opening Ceremony: Priests perform special rituals when temples open in summer.
- Closing Ceremony: Idols are moved to winter shrines with grand processions.
- Daily Poojas: Abhishek, Rudrabhishek, Aarti, and chanting of Vedic hymns.
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra Registration
Modern Facilities
Accommodation: Guest houses, dharamshalas, and hotels are available at each dham.
Medical Aid: First-aid centers and hospitals are set up during yatra season.
Helicopter Services: For Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Online Char Dham Yatra Registration: Pilgrims must register online before starting the yatra.
Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- Carry warm clothes, as temperatures are low even in summer.
- Start treks early morning to avoid bad weather.
- Book helicopter tickets and accommodation in advance.
- Keep medicines, raincoats, and trekking shoes handy.
- Respect the environment – avoid plastic and keep the Himalayas clean.
FAQs For How To Reach Char Dham Yatra
Q: What is Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to four shrines in Uttarakhand – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Q: How To Reach Char Dham Yatra starting point?
Ans. Most pilgrims start from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, connected by road, rail, and air.
Q: How to reach Yamunotri?
Ans. Drive to Janki Chatti, then trek 6 km. Ponies and palanquins are available.
Q: How to reach Gangotri?
Ans. Gangotri has direct road access. Nearest airport is Dehradun, nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
Q: How to reach Kedarnath?
Ans. Reach Gaurikund by road, then trek 16 km. Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun.
Q: How to reach Badrinath?
Ans. Badrinath is accessible by road. Nearest airport is Dehradun, nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
Q: How long does Char Dham Yatra take?
Ans. Usually 10-15 days to complete all four shrines.
Q: What is the best time to visit Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. Best time to visit Char Dham Yatra Between May and October, when the temples are open and weather is suitable.
Conclusion
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey; it is a spiritual experience that combines faith, devotion, and adventure. From the hot springs of Yamunotri to the icy peaks of Kedarnath, every dham has its own charm and importance.
Sachin Kumar is a travel content writer associated with SRG Holidays Pvt. Ltd., a trusted name in Uttarakhand tourism and pilgrimage tours. With years of experience in writing easy‑to‑read travel guides, Sachin focuses on providing clear information for pilgrims and tourists.
