What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage to four sacred shrines nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four dhams form a hallowed circuit that Hindus believe cleanses the soul of all sins and paves the path to moksha (liberation). The circuit is traditionally undertaken from west to east, beginning at Yamunotri and concluding at Badrinath.
This Himalayan Char Dham is distinct from the broader "Char Dham" described by Adi Shankaracharya, which includes Puri, Dwarka, Badrinath, and Rameswaram across the four corners of India.
The Four Sacred Shrines
1. Yamunotri — Source of the Yamuna
Located at an altitude of approximately 3,293 metres, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna river and the seat of Goddess Yamuna. The main temple houses a black marble idol of Yamuna Devi. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the Surya Kund — a scalding natural hot spring — as an offering. The trek from Janki Chatti to the temple is roughly 6 km each way.
2. Gangotri — Origin of the Ganges
At 3,100 metres, Gangotri is the origin point of the Bhagirathi river, considered the main headstream of the Ganges. The temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga sits beside the river. The actual glacial source, Gaumukh, is a further 18 km trek and is visited by more adventurous pilgrims.
3. Kedarnath — Abode of Lord Shiva
Perhaps the most dramatic of the four, Kedarnath stands at 3,583 metres in the shadow of the Kedarnath mountain. The ancient stone temple — believed to have been built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya — houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The 16 km trek from Gaurikund or helicopter services are the primary means of access.
4. Badrinath — Abode of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath at 3,133 metres is the most accessible of the four and is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples). The colourful temple complex lies beside the Alaknanda river, beneath the towering Neelkanth peak. The Tapt Kund hot spring at its base is where pilgrims traditionally bathe before entering.
Recommended Itinerary
- Day 1–2: Arrive at Haridwar or Rishikesh. Rest and acclimatise.
- Day 3–4: Yamunotri (via Barkot / Janki Chatti)
- Day 5–6: Gangotri
- Day 7–9: Kedarnath (trek or helicopter)
- Day 10–11: Badrinath
- Day 12: Return to Haridwar / Rishikesh
When Do the Temples Open?
The Char Dham shrines are seasonal, opening in late April or May (typically on auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar) and closing in October or November for winter. The exact opening and closing dates are announced by the temple trusts each year. The doors close after Diwali as heavy snowfall makes the region inaccessible.
Getting There
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport. Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
- By Rail: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the main railheads.
- By Road: State transport and private buses run from Haridwar and Rishikesh to the base points of all four dhams.
Key Tips for Pilgrims
- Carry warm clothing even in summer — temperatures drop sharply at night.
- Acclimatise gradually to prevent altitude sickness; ascend slowly.
- Register for the yatra through the Uttarakhand government's official Char Dham portal, now mandatory.
- Carry personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
- Respect local customs, keep pilgrimage sites clean, and avoid plastic.