The pristine Char Dham Yatra, also known as the Chota Char Dham Yatra is one of the leading pilgrimage tours in India. This beautiful journey through the lengths and breadths of Uttarakhand is not only brimming with four stunning temples but is also blessed with an idyllic setting. All of the four temples are nestled in the laps of the mighty Himalayas, coupled with mesmerising rivers, awe sniping meadows and a cool breeze which carries the aroma of a thousand flowers.
The Char Dham Yatra can easily be covered in 14 days if you choose to walk and traverse the path in the more traditional way. You can also opt for a helicopter ride, which is more scenic and will give you an aerial view of the beauty that unfolds down below.
This pilgrimage tour in India is a must-visit and can also be life-changing and soul touching.
Yamunotri Temple
The stunning Yamunotri is the first pilgrimage stop on your Char Dham Yatra. Located by the serene Yamuna River, this temple is located at an elevation of 4421 metres above sea level. Its presiding deity is Goddess Yamuna in her human form. The journey to the Yamunotri temple is quite scenic and you will be privy to gushing waterfalls, lush green meadows and the iconic Yamuna River.
The Temple opens from 6 am and closes at 8 pm. The temple and the entire Char Dham Yatra remains closed for the winters and opens in the first week of May. If you wish to attend the Aarti then can come here between 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Gangotri Temple
Located at an altitude of 3048 m above sea level, the Gangotri temple is devoted to Goddess Ganga and is crowded with pilgrims and tourists during the Char Dham Yatra. This pilgrimage tour in India has situated about 19 km from Gaumukh, where the Holy River- Ganga originates. This beautiful temple has a wonderful aura throughout the journey. You can feel the radiating peace and tranquillity as you traverse through the rough yet refreshing terrain.
The temple opens at 6:30 am till 2 pm, and then again from 3 pm to 9:30 pm. The Aarti starts at 3:00 pm.
Kedarnath Temple
One of the most visited and iconic sites in the Char Dham Yatra, the Kedarnath Temple will take you on a journey, through the wonders of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green forests and the winding route. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is situated at an altitude of 3553 metres above sea level. It is also one of the most visited temples in the Char Dham Yatra.
Adorned by the Himalayas in the background, this Shiva Temple is an icon in any pilgrimage tour in India. The atmosphere is electric, and you can walk with the pilgrims who will enthusiastically break out in chants and hymns to make your journey even more spiritual and holy.
The Kedarnath temple opens from 6:30 am to 3 pm, and again from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. The Aarti timings are: 5.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Badrinath Temple
Wrap up your Char Dham Yatra with the stunning Badrinath Temple. The last stop on your Indian pilgrimage tour, the Badrinath Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Badrinarayan in this temple. The Badrinath Temple is situated in the Chamoli district and is quite a wonder to witness. With the snow-peaked Himalayas and thundering rivers to keep you company, the Badrinath Temple is the perfect way to end your Char Dham Yatra.
The temple opens at 4:30 am to 1 pm, and again opens from 4 pm and closes at 9 pm. The Aarti takes place from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, so you can plan accordingly.
The Char Dham Yatra is arranged by any tour agencies if you do not wish to plan all of this alone. This circuit also has come great accommodations, which are quite budget-friendly. All you need to do is, allow the peace and tranquillity to flow through your veins and watch the magic of the Char Dham Yatra unfold in front of you.
