Places to Visit in Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is a sacred and spiritual journey to all four Dhams to attain salvation. This is a spiritual journey of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Char Dham Yatra begins at  Yamunotri, and the yatra moves in a clockwise direction to Gangotri and ends at Kedarnath and Badrinath. There are very attractive destinations near the Char Dham that offer a spiritually memorable experience and wonderful scenery. The Char Dham Yatra encompasses both religious temples and the stunning natural scenery of Uttarakhand. These places cover the whole of Uttarakhand and add a touch of wonder to your journey. Proper selection of a tour package will be very helpful in designing the journey with convenience and comfort. 

Places to Visit in Char Dham Yatra 

1. Yamunotri Temple

• Yamunotri Temple is one of the four smaller Dhams in India and is known as the origin of the Yamuna River.

• Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Dev, the sister of Yam. This river, which appears here, fearing the intense penance of the sage Jhemini, is also called Jamunotri.

• It is also called Kalindi because it is situated on Kalind Mountain.

• The Temple complex houses the Divya Shila, Surya Kund, and Hanuman Temple.                                                                                                                               

• The tourist spot of Yamunaji is 14 km from Hanuman Chatti and 6 km from Janki Chatti, and there is a trek from Janki Chatti. 

• The actual origin of the Yamunaji is known as Sapt Rishi Sarover, which is at an altitude of 4421 metres and 14 km ahead of the temple.

Yamunotri Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings

Surya Kund

• It is a natural hot spring located near the temple.

• Prasad is prepared in the hot spring like boiling potatoes and rice to offer to the Goddess River Yamuna.

Divya Shila

• There is a rock near the temple, beside which a  Vishnu temple is located and is worshipped.

Saptarishi Kund

• It is revered as one of the holiest spots in Uttarakhand, where the seven great sages Aarti, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Vasistha, and Vishwamitra meditated near the kund.

Uttarkashi

• Situated at an elevation of 1,158 above sea level.

• Uttarkashi is a beautiful town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

• It is home to the enchanting and peaceful temple, the Gumavdar jangli pani, and the beautiful lakes along the Dodital lake and the natural beauty of North Himachal.

Hanuman Chatti

• Situated 13 kilometres from Yamunotri, it is a small town named after Lord Hanuman, located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

• Hanuman ji crossed this city while searching for Mata Sita.

• Before road construction, it was the starting point of the Yamunotri trek.

Janki Chatti

• It is a trekking base in Uttarkashi, located 6 km from Yamunotri. It is named after Goddess Sita.

• Palki, accommodation or other services for Yamunotri darshan can be availed from here.

• This place is famous for its hot natural water springs and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Travellers like to stay overnight here on their way to Yamunotri.

Kharsali

• Located near Janki Chatti, this place is at an altitude of 2675 meters above sea level and is also known as Khushi Madh.

•  It is famous for thermal springs, dazzling cascades, and a lovely meadow with oaks, coniferous trees and lush green grass. 

• Devotees worship Yamunaji here; in winter, the idol of Yamunaji is brought here.

Barkot

• Barkot is situated at an altitude of 1220 meters and is a wonderful trekking destination for tourists. It is 50 kilometres away from Yamunotri.

• The town of Barkot is famous for offering a perfect view of the Banderpoonch peak, which offers breathtaking views of hills and meadows, and can be enjoyed on your way to Yamunotri Dham.

• Many pilgrims prefer to stop here at night for photography and local sightseeing before heading towards Janki Chati.

•  It is amazing to know that Barkot gets water from both the rivers Ganga and the Yamuna.

Dodital

• It is a wonderful trekking destination near Yamunotri, situated at  3310 meters above sea level. Dodital is a mysterious high-altitude lake of North India because its depth is unknown.

• The lake was named Dodital because it is home to the rare Himalayan trout, Dodi.
  

2. Gangotri Temple

• Located on an elevation of approx. 3100 meters in height and  250 meters from the Gangotri bus stand, this ancient temple sits alongside the Bhagirathi River.

• This temple is nestled amidst Doddar and Pine trees.

• This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga and was constructed by a Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century.

• It is the highest and most important temple of Goddess Ganga.

• The River Ganga originates at Gomukh, Gangotri glacier, which is situated about 19 km from Gangotri.  

• The 20-foot-high temple is built of marble.

• Special pujas are performed in the temple on Janmashtmi, Dhasherra, and Diwali. On other days, regular aarti and Ganga puja are performed.

• The major attraction of Gangotri is the Jalmagna Shivling, visible only in winter.

• This temple opens in May and closes in November, then the goddess shifts to Mukhyamath Temple in Mukhba village, near Harsil, in winter.

Gangotri Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings

Pandava Gufa(1.5 km trek from Gangotri)

• Pandava Gufa, an ancient gufa situated a short distance(1.5 km) from Gangotri on the Gangotri road.

• It is believed that the Pandavas meditated here while going to Kailash Parvat. The route to reach here is very beautiful.

• Pandava Gufa is covered with lush greenery, hilly terrains and endless natural beauty.

Surya Kund/Gauri Kund(0.5 km from Gangotri)

• The most beautiful sight of Gangotri is Surya Kund.

• Here, the Bhagirathi River falls from the valleys, and there is a loud waterfall.

• Visitors reach here by taking the Dandi or Tappan Kundi route.

Gaumukh Glacier(19 Km from Gangotri)

• It is the famous trekking site and the most popular pilgrimage near Gangotri.

• Gaumukh is the second largest glacier in India, with a length of 30 km and 4 km in width, 

•  and is located at a height of 13,200 feet above sea level. 

• Gaumukh is the primary source of the Ganges River; the river at the source is called Bhagirathi, and at Devprayag, where it meets the Alaknanda, it is called Ganga.  

• The best time to visit Gaumukh Glacier is between May and June, and September and 

• November.

• The 3-day trek to Gaumukh is open for trekkers and pilgrims from May to October. 

Tapovan(23 km from Gangotri)

• Tapovan is located at approx. 4,463 meters above sea level.

• Tapovan is the best place to visit in Gangotri; it is a very special place because many saints have meditated here for years. It is a good place for meditation, and it gives us peace of mind.

• Tapovan is a green meadow with stunning views of the Himalaya.

• Tapovan can be reached by trekking from Gaumukh Glacier. We can enjoy Mount Shivling from Tapovan.

Vishwanath Temple

• It is located near the bus stop approx. 300 meters walking distance from the bus stand in Uttarkashi.

• Vishwanath Temple is the oldest and holiest temple near the Bhagirathi River.

• A holy Shivling about 90 cm wide and 60 cm high is placed inside the temple. A big trident( trishul) is also placed in the temple; it is believed that the trishul was used by the Goddess Gurga to kill demons.

• In the temple premises, the Shakti Temple stands on the right of the Vishwanath Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, famous for her great powers.     

Bhagirathi Shila

• This rock is near the Temple, and it is believed that King Bhagirathi has meditated here.

• It is believed that the River Ganga fearfully stepped for the first time on such a rock.

• Pilgrims come to the rock, pray for a while, and then leave.
  

Bhairon Ghati

• It is about 10 km from Gangotri, which can be reached by trekking, and approximately 2 to 3 hours is required to explore the place.

• Bhairon Ghati is famous for the Bhaironath Temple, which is surrounded by a deep forest.

• To reach the Temple, we have to go from Lanka to Bhairo Ghati by road, then cross the Jahnavi River.

• Bhairon Ghati is surrounded by natural beauty, as seen by the ropeway. 

Harsil Valley (25 km from Gangotri)

• It is a beautiful riverside village, famous for its apple orchards and pine forests.

Gangnani (52 km from Gangotri)

• It is a famous hot spring with spiritual importance.

Gangotri National Park

• It is a rich and protected place for Himalayan wildlife and flowers.
  

Kedarnath Temple

One of the most revered pilgrims of the four sites of India’s Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 3583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Kedarnath lies on the banks of the Mandakini  River. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October.

• Kedarnath temple is located at an altitude of 3,580 m, near the Chorabari glacier (source of the Mandakini River) in the Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. 

• The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple is built of large grey stone slabs.

• Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India and is an important part of the Char Dham Pilgrimage Yatra.

• Inside the Temple, a conical-shaped rock is placed, which is worshipped as Lord Shiya in his “Sadashiva” form.

• Temple opening timings for pilgrims are from April/May to November.

• The temple is 16 km away from Gauri Kund.

Kedarnath Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings

Bhairav Nath Temple

• Bhairav Nath Temple is situated 500 m uphill from Kedarnath Temple, and is located at an altitude of 3600 m.

• The Temple is dedicated to Bhairav Baba; it is believed that Bhairav Baba is the guardian deity of the Kedarnath Temple.

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

• It is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple, which is famous for its spiritual history.

• It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi has meditated here and attained Moksha.

• A hot water spring is here to cure human suffering.

Vasuki Tal

• It is a glacial lake surrounded by snow peaks and is situated 8 km uphill from Kedarnath. It is located at an altitude of 4,135 m.

• The water is crystal clear and reflects the white peaks on a sunny day.

• This place is ideal for trekking and photography for nature lovers.

Gaurikund

• This is dedicated to Devi Parvati; it is believed that Devi has meditated here to win Lord Shiva as her husband. 

• Gaurikund is the starting point of the 16 km trek to the Kedarnath Temple.

• It is a hot water spring; it is believed that taking a dip in it washes away sins. 

Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)

• Gandhi Sarover is situated 3 km uphill from Kedarnath. It is located at an altitude of approximately 3,900 m.

• In the past, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here. Gandhi Sarover is famous due to its spiritual and historical values 

Sonprayag

• It is the most peaceful sightseeing in Kedarnath. Sonprayag lies where the Mandakini and Basuki rivers meet before Kedarnath.

• Sonprayag also has spiritual values; it is believed that dipping in it washes away all sins.

Triyuginarayan Temple

• The Temple is about 25 km away in  Kedarnath.

• It is the wedding place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. From that time, an eternal flame has been burning here; the temple is to be dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is the best place to enjoy nature in Kedarnath. Best place for photography, bird watching and trekking. The sanctuary has flourished in forests, snow peaks and meadows. 

• It is the home of musk deer, snow leopards and many birds. 

4. Badrinath Temple

• Badrinath Temple is situated in Badrinath,  in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

• It is not easy to reach here because it is located at a height of 3133 meters above sea level.

• Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has high religious values.

• It is the most sacred pilgrimage site in Hinduism; millions of pilgrims visit here every year.

• The temple opens at the end of April/early May and closes around late Oct/November every year.

Badrinath Temple Darshan & Aarti Timings

Tapt Kund & Narad Kund

• Below the Badrinath Temple, there is a hot water spring, a dip in which provides spiritual satisfaction.

• This hot water is sulphur water; this water cures skin diseases.

• There is another kund named Narad Kund in which one cannot take a bath.

• It is believed that the idol of Badrinath was discovered here by Aadi Shankaracharya.

• There are five stone rocks on all sides of Narad Kund, which are called Panch Shila.

Mana Village

• The village is located at an altitude of 3200 meters and is also the first village of India situated on the northern edge of the Indian Territory.

• This is a beautiful village nestled in the Himalayas, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati Rivers.

• This Village is near the India-Tibbat border, and thus has a blend of both cultures.

• Therefore, there is a mixture of architecture, food, and traditions of both countries all around the village.

Bheem Pul

• Bheem Pul is a natural stone bridge over the Saraswati River near the Mana Village.

• Bheem Pul is named one of the five Pandav brothers who has a strength of 1000 elephants.

• It is a holy site of Hindus near the Badrinath Dhaam and Mann village. There is a temple which is dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati.  

Vays Gufa and Ganesh Gufa

• These caves are small and linked together with the Mahabharat stories and writing traditions.

• Their environment is quite peaceful, and the stories are interesting for all.

Vasudhara Falls

• It is a high and most beautiful waterfall located near the Mana Village.

• The height of this waterfall is 120m, a sacred site for Hindus, and it is believed that a person sitting just below can achieve salvation. 

• The water of this waterfall merges with the Alakhnanda River.

Joshimath

• This is a hill station and camping base in the Himalayan trek.

• It has religious values and is situated on the confluence of the Alakhnanda and Dhauliganga rivers.

• In the winters, the idol of Lord Badri is shifted here for worship.

Charan Paduka

• It is a rocky point located 3 km uphill from the temple. It is believed that the place is blessed by the Lord Vishnu's footprints.

• This place offers beautiful valley views.

Mata Murti Temple

• It is a very beautiful sightseeing place on the Badrinath trek.

• Situated on the Alakhnantha River, connected with the famous annual fair and local Nar Narayan stories.

Conclusion

The Char Dham Yatra comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is a spiritual pilgrimage and also an opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. Most attractive places are near the Char Dham; visiting these places makes the journey unforgettable and wonderful. The Char Dham Yatra path has many other beautiful sightseeing places, apart from the four shrines, which reflect the beauty of Uttarakanth.