CHARDHAM YATRA
Uttarakhand, India’s Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand’s Dev Bhoomi in 2024
Char Dham Yatra: The Puranic names for Uttarakhand include Dev bhoomi (country OF GODS), punyabhoomi, and rishiyon se youktbhoomi (country full of sages).
A place inhabited by several gods and goddesses, where Mother Ganga travels to purify everyone with her sacred water,
There is “one such holy place in Uttarakhand” that is home to the five badri, five Kedar, and five Priyag.
The four pilgrimage sites, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, are situated in the Indian Himalayas in various districts of Uttarakhand, far from pollution and with a refreshing atmosphere and verdant surroundings.
These four sacred sites are referred to as “char Dham,” where “char” means “four” and “dham” means “religious destination.” The pilgrimage known as the “Tirthyatra” brings thousands of followers from both India and other countries.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Jankichtti
Day 2: Jankichtti to Yamunotri back to Jankichtti
Day 3: JankiChatti to Gangotri
Day 4: Gangotri to Uttarkashi
Day 5: Kedarnath via Uttarkashi and Guptkashi
Day 6: Kedarnath from Guptkashi
Day 7: Kedarnath temple pooja and Darshan then back to Gaurikund
Day 8: Badrinath from Guptkashi
Day 9: Mana village and Bhimpool
Day 10: Early morning Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar via Rishikesh
Detailed Itinerary
Day1: Haridwar to Jankichtti
Haridwar is a holy city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, situated on the banks of the river Ganges. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, and there are several places to visit and things to see in and around the city.
When driving from Haridwar to Janki Chatti, you may observe some of the following well-known tourist attractions:
Chandi Devi Temple: Offering a sweeping view of the city, this renowned pilgrimage destination is perched atop the Neel Parvat hill.
Mansa Devi Temple: This temple, which honours the goddess Mansa Devi, is accessible via ropeway and is perched atop the Bilwa Parvat hill.The Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is thought to be among the city’s oldest temples. It is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Har Ki Pauri is a well-known ghat on the Ganges River that is regarded as one of Haridwar’s holiest sites. It is also a well-liked location for the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. JankiChatti: The beginning of the trip to Yamunotri, one of the Char Dham shrines, is JankiChatti, a little village at 2,650 metres above sea level. Yamunotri: Dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, the temple at Yamunotri is situated at a height of 3,293 metres. One of the four shrines that comprise the Char Dham Yatra is this one.
Kempty Falls: Known for its stunning waterfall cascade, Kempty Falls is a well-liked tourist destination close to Mussoorie. A trip from Haridwar to JankiChatti will allow you to visit a number of these well-known sights. Various different locations and activities are available, based on your choices and areas of interest. Once you approach the Himari camp site, you will see a checkpost called Naitwar after an hour. Here, you may have tea or snacks.
Day 2: Jankichtti to Yamunotri back to Jankichtti
Depending on one’s fitness level and pace, the roughly 6-kilometer journey from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri takes three to four hours to accomplish. The journey to Yamunotri is regarded as a moderate-level walk that ascends gradually through breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
The following are a some of the trek’s highlights:
Scenery: The journey to Yamunotri passes through breathtaking Himalayan vistas, including as verdant woods, tumbling rivers, and snow-capped summits.
Hot springs: The Kharsali hot springs, which are regarded as sacred by the locals and said to have therapeutic qualities, are located along the route to Yamunotri.
Yamunotri Temple: Situated at an elevation of 3,293 metres, the Yamunotri temple is the trek’s major draw. It is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna and is said to be the source of the Yamuna River.
DivyaShila: This rock pillar, which is said to be Lord Shiva’s throne, is situated close to the Yamunotri shrine. The pilgrims see it as a hallowed spot.
Yamunotri glacier: One of the primary sources of the Yamuna river, the Yamunotri glacier is situated around one km away from the temple.
All things considered, the Yamunotri walk is a breathtaking and spiritually enlightening journey that offers a peek of the area’s natural and cultural riches.
Day 3: JankiChatti to Gangotri
The path from Janki Chatti to Gangotri travels through a number of breathtaking and noteworthy locations. On the route from Janki Chatti to Gangotri, you can stop at the following significant locations:
Bhairav Ghati: Located on the route to Gangotri, Bhairav Ghati is a small canyon. It is thought to be the home of Lord Bhairav, who is regarded as Lord Shiva’s ferocious manifestation.
Mukhba Village: The Bhagirathi River runs alongside Mukhba Village. The town is well-known for its classic wooden homes and lovely apple orchards.
Harsil: Perched on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Harsil is a charming hamlet. Encircled by snow-capped mountains, this place is well-known for its apple orchards and breathtaking scenery.
Gangnani: En route to Gangotri, there is a hot spring called Gangnani. It is a well-liked location for pilgrims to swim since it is thought to have therapeutic qualities.
Hindus consider the Gangotri Temple to be among their holiest sanctuaries. It is located 3,042 metres above sea level and is devoted to the Goddess Ganga.
Gaumukh: About eighteen kilometres from Gangotri, Gaumukh is the Ganga River’s source. It is a well-liked trekking location with breathtaking views of the neighbouring mountains.
On your journey from Janki Chatti to Gangotri, you can stop at some of these significant locations. Along the way, you may take in the breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and other natural features.
Day4: Gangotri to Uttarkashi
The road that travels from Gangotri to Uttarkashi is a beautiful one that passes by several attractive spots as well as significant landmarks.
Some of the main locations along this route are as follows:
Harsil: On the banks of the Bhagirathi River is the quaint village of Harsil. It is well-known for its deep woods, apple orchards, and stunning vistas of the Himalayan ranges.
Dharali: A little village close to Harsil is called Dharali. It is well-known for both its traditional wooden homes and its natural beauty.
Gangnani: It is said that the hot springs in Gangnani offer therapeutic qualities. It is a well-liked location for pilgrims to swim.
Uttarkashi: The town of Uttarkashi is located along the Bhagirathi River. Renowned for its historic temples and ashrams, it is a major pilgrimage site.
KashiVishwanath Temple: Among Uttarkashi’s most well-known temples is the KashiVishwanath Temple. It honours Lord Shiva and is renowned for its distinctive design and fine sculptures.
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering: The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is a well-known mountaineering training facility situated in Uttarkashi. It provides a range of mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing courses.
These are a few of the important locations you might stop at when travelling from Gangotri to Uttarkashi. Along the way, you will encounter rivers, valleys, and Himalayan mountain ranges, all of which are magnificent marvels.
Day5: Kedarnath via Uttarkashi and Guptkashi
The path that leads from Uttarkashi and Guptkashi to Kedarnath is as follows:
Road travel from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi takes around 7-8 hours and covers a distance of about 190 miles.
From Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, you may take a bus or rent a cab. The journey goes through numerous stunning villages and towns, including Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni, and Srinagar.
Guptkashi to Kedarnath: Gaurikund, the beginning of the Kedarnath hike, may be reached by cab or shared jeep once you arrive in Guptkashi. It takes around 1-2 hours to travel the roughly 32 kilometres between Guptkashi and Gaurikund via road.
While travelling from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, you can stop at numerous stunning locations like:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi
Tehri Dam
Chamba town
Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers
On the way from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, you can visit:
Triyuginarayan Temple
Sonprayag, the confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers
Phata, the helipad point for Kedarnath
These locations have great mythical and theological significance in addition to being picturesque. Along the way, you may take in the breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and other natural features.
Day 6: Kedarnath from Guptkashi
To go to Kedarnath today from Guptkashi, use the following path:
Guptkashi to Gaurikund: Getting to Gaurikund, the beginning site of the Kedarnath trek, is the first stage. About 32 km separate Gaurikund and Guptkashi. To go to Gaurikund, you may either take a cab or a shared jeep. Depending on traffic and weather, the road trip takes between one and two hours.
Kedarnath to Gaurikund: Kedarnath is 14 kilometres away from Gaurikund and must be reached by foot. This is a reasonably challenging journey that takes six to seven hours. If trekking is not an option for you, you may alternatively rent a pony or a palanquin to go to Kedarnath.
Some of the locations you may visit on route from Guptkashi to Gaurikund are as follows:
The temple of Triyuginarayan is said to be the location of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is a well-liked pilgrimage place and is around 40 km from Guptkashi.
Here, the Mandakini and Son Ganga rivers converge to form Sonprayag. It is a picturesque location around 5 km from Gaurikund.
Phata: Kedarnath’s helipad is located here. If you are not interested in trekking, you can take a helicopter trip from Phata to Kedarnath.
Some of the locations you may visit while travelling from Gaurikund to Kedarnath are as follows:
Temple of Bhairavnath: This shrine, which is around 4 miles from Gaurikund, honours Bhairavnath, a ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Gandhi Sarovar is a stunning lake around 4,000 metres above sea level. It bears Mahatma Gandhi’s name and is a well-liked location for hiking and camping.
One of the four holy shrines of the Char Dham Yatra is the primary pilgrimage site, Kedarnath Temple. The Pandavas are said to have constructed the Lord Shiva shrine during the Mahabharata period.
In addition to providing a picturesque perspective of the Himalayas, these locations are very significant in mythology and religion. Along the way, you may take in the breathtaking natural splendour of the rivers, mountains, and landscapes.
Day 7: Kedarnath temple pooja and Darshan then back to Gaurikund
Following your visit to Kedarnath, you can stop at some of the following locations en route back to Guptkashi: go in the same manner as Kedarath to Guptkashi
These locations are prominent in mythology and religion, and they provide a picturesque perspective of the Himalayas. The forests, meadows, and other natural settings that you will see on the trip are equally beautiful to behold.
Day 8: Badrinath from Guptkashi
You may take a shared cab or a private taxi from Guptkashi to Badrinath. Around 190 kilometres separate Guptkashi and Badrinath, and travelling that distance by car takes around 7-8 hours.
Some of the locations you can visit on route to Badrinath are as follows:
Joshimath: About 45 km from Badrinath, this well-known highland station is situated. In addition to housing the renowned Shankaracharya Math, it serves as Lord Badri’s winter residence.
Auli: About 55 kilometres from Badrinath, this well-liked skiing location is situated there. Encircled by snow-capped peaks, it presents breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
Day 9: Mana village and Bhimpool
You can take a shared or private cab from Badrinath to Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls today after breakfast. Mana settlement is the final settlement on the Indian side before the border with Tibet, and it is around 3 kilometres from Badrinath. The hamlet is thought to have been the location where Sage Vyas penned the Mahabharata, and it holds great mythical and historical significance. Mana Village has a number of interesting sites, such as the ancient village temple, the BhimPul bridge, the Ganesh Gufa, and the Vyas Gufa cave.
Approximately 9 miles away from Badrinath is the gorgeous waterfall known as Vasudhara Falls. Popular for trekking and camping, the waterfall is thought to have healing effects. A modest walk that gives breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains leads to Vasudhara Falls.
The Pandavas are thought to have constructed the bridge BhimPul, which lies close to Mana Village, during the time of the Mahabharata. One of the Pandava brothers named Bhim is credited with building the stone bridge.
All things considered, the path that leads from Badrinath to Mana Village, Hemkund Sahib, and Vasudhara Falls provides a special fusion of history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
Day 10: Early morning Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar via Rishikesh
You can take a shared cab or a private taxi on this final day of travel from Badrinath to Haridwar. It takes around 10 to 11 hours to travel the 320 kilometres between Badrinath and Haridwar. While travelling from Badrinath to Haridwar, you might stop at the following important areas of interest:
Rudraprayag: This little village with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains is situated at the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The town is particularly well-known for its historic temples, which include the Chamunda Devi and Rudranath temples.
Another town called Devprayag is situated where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge. It is thought to be the location where the two rivers converge to form the Ganges, making it one of the most revered sites in the area.
The “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh is a spiritual hotspot that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
The town is well-known for its historic ashrams, yoga centres, and temples. A few of the main draws in Rishikesh include Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Triveni Ghat.
Har Ki Pauri: Known as one of India’s holiest sites, this well-known ghat is situated near Haridwar. It is said that one can wash away their sins by taking a bath in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri. All visitors to Haridwar should not miss the ghat’s nightly aarti celebration, which is another reason for its fame.
All things considered, the trip from Badrinath to Haridwar provides a singular fusion of history, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Along with seeing these important sites, you may learn about the regional cuisine and culture.
How to prepare yourself for Chardham Yatra
The Chardham Yatra walk is not a very difficult walk, but in order to complete the challenging terrain of this unique adventure, you must mentally and physically prepare. The elevation will rise quickly—in only four days—from 5100 feet to a maximum of 16,207 feet, and you will need to go about 9 to 10 km. Prepare yourself appropriately to make the entire experience enjoyable, stress-free, and less demanding.
Cardiovascular stamina:
To run about 8–10 km in an hour, you must build up your stamina. It takes time for stamina to increase. At least one month before the walk begins, you must begin exercising. Running can help you maintain your energy for the longer routes, but sprinting is the ideal option to increase your stamina. Additionally, jogging is the fundamental exercise you should start with if you’re just beginning to keep a fitness regimen. To prevent boredom and increase your body’s adaptability, you may incorporate swimming and cycling into your regimen.
Strength:
Training your body and mind to deal with the uneven and erratic terrain of mountain trails is another aspect of physical growth. These deviations require you to walk with your rucksack on your shoulders, which might lead to aches and pains in your muscles. The best way to avoid it is to consistently work out and strengthen your legs. Squats may help build the muscles in your lower legs and back, so start completing 2-3 sets of 8–10 repetitions on a daily basis. Another thing you can do to include strength training into your regular routine is to go upstairs and downstairs on foot.
Flexibility:
The extra topping on your pizza when it comes to your body-training plan is flexibility. In addition to relieving muscular tension, it facilitates easy body opening, allowing you to move quickly and navigate even the most difficult terrain. Daily muscular stretching can help to promote flexibility. You’ll be able to accept this Bali Pass Trek diversion by losing those excess inches off your physique.
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