With its abundance of historical relics, India can boast of several widely dispersed pilgrimages. The huge Chardham in the state of Uttarakhand are among the most well-known pilgrimage destinations in India, as they mark the spiritual origins of four holy rivers.
As mentioned, the right time for the visit is between May and November. However, it is better if you avoid monsoons and choose May and June instead. The most convenient period allows you to reach your destinations quickly and offers better sightseeing options.
A pilgrimage to the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri shrines is collectively called Char Dham yatra. Tens of thousands of pilgrims join the yatra annually, which starts from Yamunotri in the west. It then proceeds to Gangotri and Kedarnath, and Badrinath in the east. Last year, over 1.45 lakh pilgrims visited the Badrinath shrine, 1.34 lakh visited Kedarnath, 23,837 pilgrims went to Gangotri, and 7731 pilgrims visited Yamunotri.
How to reach?
Char Dham Yatra can be started in Delhi, Haridwar, or Dehradun. The Yatra can be done in one of two ways: by road or by helicopter. If you prefer to take the Chardham Yatra by helicopter, you must first arrive in Dehradun before beginning your trek. On the other hand, if you are travelling by bus, you can begin your adventure in the national capital.
By road: From Haridwar, Delhi, and Dehradun, the road-based Char Dham Yatra tour begins. With the help of rail and road networks, this holy city is well connected to the other main cities. Both public and private buses travel to these holy pilgrimage locations. Taxis are widely accessible from Haridwar and Rishikesh as well.
By Helicopter: The Chardham helicopter package is based on Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad. Around 6 km from Yamunotri Temple, in Kharsali, the helicopter service begins from Dehradun. The closest base for the Gangotri Temple is the Harsil Helipad, which is 25 kilometres away from the shrine. The helipads for Badrinath and Kedarnath are close to the temples and accessible at walking distance.
Where is Char Dham situated?
Yamonunotri Dham:
Yamunotri Dham is located 182 kilometres from Dehradun and 226 kilometres from Haridwar. It is situated away in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand at the height of 3,293 metres above sea level.
Gangotri Dham:
Perched at an altitude of 3,100 m above sea level, Gangotri temple is situated in Uttarkashi district at a distance of 285 km from Haridwar and 240 km away from Dehradun.
Kedarnath Dham Located in the Rudra Himalayan Ranges near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath is settled amidst the mountainscape of the Rudraprayag district. Gangotri Temple is 254 km from Dehradun, and from Haridwar, Kedarnath is around 125 km.
Badrinath Dham – Snuggled between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, Badrinath is situated in the Chamoli district. The distance from Kedarnath is 218 km from Haridwar, which is 316 km away. From Dehradun, Badrinath is 334 km.