Char Dham Yatra: The Enchanting Abode of Four Dhams in Uttarakhand
Yamunotri Dham, Uttarkashi
Gangotri Dham, Uttarkashi
Kedarnath Dham, Rudraprayag
Badrinath Dham, Chamoli
One of the most venerated Hindu pilgrimages in India is the Char Dham Yatra. It entails travelling to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, four sacred shrines. These shrines are devoted to the Hindu deities Yamuna, Ganga, Shiva, and Vishnu, and are situated in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas.
The Char Dham Yatra is steeped in Hindu mythology. Each shrine is associated with epic tales:
- Yamunotri – The source of the Yamuna, believed to be blessed by Goddess Yamuna herself.
- Gangotri – King Bhagiratha’s penance brought the celestial Ganges down to earth.
- Kedarnath – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest abodes of Shiva.
- Badrinath – Where Lord Vishnu meditated for countless eons in his form of Badrinarayan.
The Char Dham Yatra is a really personal event. It’s an opportunity to begin a journey of enlightenment, immerse oneself in culture, and establish a connection with the divine.
Hindu mythology states that the Chardham Yatra is auspicious and should be done in a clockwise manner from west to east. This indicates that the Yatra begins at Yamunotri and ends at Badrinath Temple after continuing to Gangotri and Kedarnath temples. In Uttarakhand, India, the most well-known spiritual yatra is the CharDham Yatra, which takes place every year between April and May and ends in October or November
Route:
- Haridwar or Rishikesh – Barkot – Yamunotri (36 Km + 7 Km Trek) – Uttarkashi – Gangotri (100 Km) – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi (180 Km) – Kedarnath (74 Km + 16 Km Trek) – Joshimath – Badrinath (160 Km) – Rudraprayag – Haridwar/Rishikesh
Total Distance: Approximately 1607 Km from Haridwar (1500 Km from Rishikesh)
Number of Days:
The ideal duration for the Char Dham Yatra depends on your travel mode and pace. Here’s a general guideline:
- By Car: 10-12 days
- By Bus: 12-15 days
- By Helicopter: 4-5 days
The journey typically starts from either Rishikesh or Haridwar. Here’s a detailed route with distances, stoppages, and approximate days required to complete the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Yamunotri
- Distance: Approximately 230 km
- Route: Rishikesh – Barkot – Janki Chatti
- Stoppage: Barkot (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 2: Yamunotri to Barkot
- Distance: Around 40 km trek (one way)
- Route: Janki Chatti – Yamunotri
- Stoppage: Barkot (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 3: Barkot to Gangotri
- Distance: Approximately 200 km
- Route: Barkot – Uttarkashi – Gangotri
- Stoppage: Gangotri (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 4: Gangotri to Uttarkashi
- Distance: Around 100 km (one way)
- Route: Gangotri – Uttarkashi
- Stoppage: Uttarkashi (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Distance: Approximately 220 km
- Route: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi
- Stoppage: Guptkashi (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Distance: Approximately 32 km (by road), then 18 km trek
- Route: Guptkashi – Gaurikund (by road), Gaurikund – Kedarnath (trek)
- Stoppage: Kedarnath (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Distance: 18 km trek, then 32 km (by road)
- Route: Kedarnath – Gaurikund (trek), Gaurikund – Guptkashi (by road)
- Stoppage: Guptkashi (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath
- Distance: Approximately 210 km
- Route: Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath
- Stoppage: Badrinath (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 9: Badrinath to Joshimath
- Distance: Around 50 km (one way)
- Route: Badrinath – Joshimath
- Stoppage: Joshimath (Night halt)
- Time required: 1 day
Day 10: Joshimath to Rishikesh
- Distance: Approximately 250 km
- Route: Joshimath – Rishikesh
- Stoppage: Rishikesh (End of the journey)
- Time required: 1 day
In total, this itinerary spans around 10-12days to complete the Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh. However, the actual time taken can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, and individual travel preferences.
Char dham Yatra 2024 Registration, Dates and Helicopter services
Char Dham Yatra Registration:
- Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting the sacred sites.The registration process is typically managed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)
- Pilgrims can register online through the official website:https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/signin.php
- During registration, pilgrims are required to provide personal details, travel itinerary, and medical history for safety purposes
After completing the registration process, you will receive a unique registration number on your phone and have access to the Chardham Yatra registration letter for download.
The ‘Tourist Care Uttarakhand’ app is a fantastic choice for pilgrims who are tech-savvy, and it is accessible on both Android and iOS. With the Char Dham Yatra registration procedure at your fingertips, download the app, register, and finish the process.
For individuals who would rather take a more hands-on approach, this creative solution is available. All you have to do is text the message “Yatra” to the designated WhatsApp number, which is +91 8394833833. From there, a chat window will appear with instructions for registering.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
Prior to reserving helicopter services, Chardham Yatra registration is required. Online registration is available via the Uttarakhand government’s official website::https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/
