Char Dham Holy Tour

Introduction

Every year, more and more people go on the sacred Char Dham Yatra, visiting the four holy places in the Garhwal region of India: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. RP Adventures offers a special pilgrimage package for this journey starting from Kathmandu, Nepal. Our unique team ensures a memorable pilgrimage experience, providing inner peace and salvation to the soul.

The journey begins in late April and concludes in October/November with elaborate rituals. Despite facing challenges like extreme weather and limited facilities, the adventure of camping under the starry sky and navigating narrow routes adds to the memorable experience of the Char Dham Tour.

The exact dates for the pilgrimage are confirmed by the Mandir Samiti on Maha Shivaratri. As in previous years, the committee has announced the opening and closing dates this year. However, the specific dates are determined by the priest of the Bhimashankar Linga Temple. The Char Dham Yatra continues to attract a growing number of pilgrims each year.

The Char Dham Tour takes place in high-altitude areas, so it’s important for trekkers to be physically and mentally fit. If you prepare and plan thoroughly before your journey, it won’t be as challenging as it might seem. Pick the right time for the trip to make it more enjoyable and memorable.

Let’s dive into details so that you can book from us.

YAMUNOTRI

Nearby Attractions: Hanuman Chatti, Surya Kund, Janki Chatti, Yamunotri Temple
Timings: All around the day
Distance From City: 210 km
Transportation Options: The railway network is good. Local cab services are available.

Many people believe that the Yamunotri Temple, situated high in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,235 meters, has special powers. Pilgrims come from far and wide to visit this temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple, built in 1839 by King Sudarshan Shah, houses a black marble idol of the goddess. Taking a dip in the Yamuna River near the temple is thought to protect people from untimely death.

The journey to Yamunotri Temple usually takes a full day from Uttarakhand’s main towns. The surroundings and the flowing Yamuna River create a beautiful and spiritual atmosphere in the heart of the Himalayas. Many believe that the hot springs around the Yamunotri Temple are magical. Pilgrims bring raw potatoes and rice, dip them in the hot springs, and consider them as special offerings from Goddess Yamuna. They take these items home as blessed offerings.

GANGOTRI

Nearby Attractions: Ganges Glacier, Kedar Tal, Harsil, Auden’s Col
Timings: All around the day
Distance From City: 98 km
Transportation Options: Cab or local buses

Gangotri is an important destination among the Char Dham, found in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by tall Garhwal Himalayan peaks, dense pine forests, and glaciers, it sits at an elevation of 3,415 meters above sea level. The temple, built in the early 18th century by Gurkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa, is dedicated to the goddess Ganga.

Gangotri is considered one of the holiest places for Hindu devotees. The divine atmosphere, along with the breathtaking surroundings, makes it a significant pilgrimage site. Pilgrims visit the sacred shrine between May and October each year. The priests and Brahmins who conduct the rituals are from the village of Mukhwa.

People believe that the water from Gangotri is special. It is carried to offer to Lord Shiva. According to the belief, this water contains Amrit (nectar) and is said to soothe the throat of Shiva, who swallowed poison during the churning of the ocean.

KEDARNATH

Nearby Attractions: Gandhi Sarovar, Kalimath, Gaurikund
Timings: All around the day
Distance From City: 14 km
Transportation Options: Local buses or cab services

The Kedarnath Temple, believed to be over 1,200 years old, is one of the 12 special places dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. The temple is situated against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath peak, which stands tall at 6,940 meters, along with other nearby peaks, creating beautiful scenery. Legend has it that the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Mahabharata, built this temple about 800 years ago. Later, in the 8th century AD, Adi Shankaracharya renovated it.

The temple is a remarkable structure made from large, heavy, and evenly cut grey stone slabs. Inside, the conical Shiva lingam is worshipped as the Lord in his Sadashiva form, making it distinctive among all Shiva shrines. The Kedarnath Temple shuts down on the initial day of Kartik (October-November) and resumes its operations in Vaishakh (April-May) annually.

Snow-covered peaks, meadows, and forests in the lower range of the Himalayas create a serene atmosphere. The temple is positioned on the banks of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, enhancing its scenic beauty. Devotees from all over the country are drawn to this sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva.

BADRINATH

Nearby Attractions: Vasudhara Falls, Neelkanth, Tapt Kund, Badrinath Temple, Charan Paduka
Timings: All around the day
Distance From City: 1 km
Transportation Options: Local cab services

The Badrinath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, part of the real Chardham pilgrimage sites. This temple has a one-meter-tall black stone statue of Lord Badrinarayan. According to ancient mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here for 1,000 years under a Badri Tree for humanity’s welfare.

Situated at 10,279 feet above sea level in the Garhwal region, the temple offers breathtaking landscapes. The presiding deity’s statue is 3.3 feet tall. Legend has it that the Pandavas ascended to heaven from this spot through Mana village, considered the last village in India. Rishi Vyasa is believed to have written the Mahabharata in a cave here.

Itinerary outline

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Transfer to Haridwar
Day 2: Drive Haridwar to Barkot
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
Day 4: Drive Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Day 6: UttarKashi to Guptkashi
Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Day 8: Trek down and Drive to Badrinath
Day 9: Badrinath Visit
Day 10: Drive to Rudraprayag
Day 11: Rishikesh and Haridwar
Day 12: Drive from Haridwar to Delhi.

Conclusion

The Char Dham Yatra not only takes you to important religious sites in India but also helps you understand their significance. For Hindus, visiting this place is a must at least once in a lifetime, and many people, both young and old, have successfully completed this journey. To start your Yatra, it’s important to make a good plan and prepare yourself. Along the way, you’ll pass through many beautiful places in India that will make your trek enjoyable. The surroundings of Chardham are truly amazing. So, get ready and plan your trip with us. If you have any questions or need information about this journey, you can email or contact us.