Char Dham Yatra - All You Need to Know

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that covers four revered sites in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that undertaking this journey cleanses sins and paves the way for salvation (moksha).

The trek begins at Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River, and continues to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges. Kedarnath is home to one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Traditionally, the pilgrimage involves trekking through rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. However, modern conveniences like helicopter services have made access to these spiritual sites easier.

The Legacy of Char Dham Yatra

According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya created the idea of Chardham in an attempt to bring Hinduism's diverse factions together. Here's a closer look at each of the holy spots:

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is where the Yamuna River begins. In Hindu mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (the Sun God) and the sister of Yama (the God of Death).

It’s believed that bathing in the Yamuna’s waters helps free people from the fear of death and grants moksha. The story of King Shantanu, from the Mahabharata, tells how he sought the blessings of the Yamuna to cleanse his sins.

The Yamunotri Temple, constructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, is the main attraction here.

Gangotri

Gangotri is where the Ganges River begins. The Ganges, known for its purity and power, is said to have come down to earth because of King Bhagiratha’s penance.

Lord Shiva caught the river in his matted hair to soften its flow, preventing it from destroying the earth. This act made the Ganges a symbol of cleansing and purity.

The temple in Gangotri was built in the 18th century. Pilgrims visit to take the holy water from the Bhagirathi River, which later joins the Alaknanda and forms the Ganges.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

The story behind this temple comes from the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra war, wanted to meet Shiva to ask for forgiveness. Shiva, not wanting to meet them, hid in the mountains. When the Pandavas found him, he turned into a bull and sank into the ground, leaving behind his hump, which is now worshipped at the temple.

Badrinath

Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a peaceful place for meditation. According to legend, Vishnu meditated here under a Badri tree to protect the world from the harsh weather.

The temple’s name comes from the Badri tree, which is said to have sheltered Vishnu. The temple’s beautiful intricate carvings tell stories from Hindu epics.

Char Dham Yatra 2025: Opening & Closing Dates You Need to Know

The Char Dham Yatra opens in April and closes in November due to heavy snowfall in the region. Here's a breakdown of the dates and timings:

Temple Timings:

The Best Time for a Soulful Journey to Char Dham Yatra

The best time to visit Char Dham is from late April to June. Summer is the most popular season, with pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.

This makes it perfect for temple visits and trekking, but since it is peak season, you will find bigger crowds and higher travel costs. Nights can get chilly, so carrying warm clothes is a good idea.

The monsoon season (July to September) is not the best time to visit. Heavy rain can cause landslides, making roads unsafe and paths slippery. Though temperatures are cooler (10°C to 20°C), many facilities might not be available, which can make travel difficult.

Winter (October to March) is when the temples close due to snow and adverse weather, but you can still visit the winter homes of Badrinath and Kedarnath in Joshimath and Ukhimath.

Char Dham Yatra Route Guide

Here's a brief overview of the route map and travel details:

Char Dham Yatra Registration: How to Secure Your Pilgrimage Pass

You can register for the Char Dham Yatra in three ways: offline, online, or through WhatsApp. Here’s how:

Registration Modes & Process

Biometric Registration Centres

Pilgrims must complete biometric verification at designated centres across Uttarakhand. Here are some key locations:

• ISBT Rishikesh Haridwar at Rahi Hotel
• Barkot (Yamunotri)
• Sonprayag (Kedarnath)
• Hina (Gangotri)
• Rudraprayag
• Uttarkashi
• Guptkashi
• Chamoli
• Govind Ghat
• Phatta

Documents Required for Registration

• Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.).
• Permit for Gangotri & Kedarnath (obtainable through authorised agencies or the Uttarakhand government).
• Foreign Nationals must carry a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs or Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.

Must-Visit Places Along the Char Dham Yatra Route

Here are some must-see places that add depth and beauty to your Char Dham Yatra experience:

Janki Chatti

Janki Chatti is where your 6 km trek to the Yamunotri Temple starts. The trek is replete with views of snowy mountains, waterfalls, and lots of greenery along the way.

Janki Chatti is famed for its natural hot springs—a perfect spot to soak tired feet before continuing toward the sacred Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.

Auli

At 2,500 metres, Auli is a paradise for skiers. Winters bring powdery slopes, perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while summers turn the landscape into lush meadows ideal for trekking and cable car rides.

With stunning views of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat peaks, Auli is a must-visit in every season. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) organises skiing lessons, making Auli accessible for both beginners and pros.

Narsingh Temple, Joshimath

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, this 12,000-year-old shrine was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Legend says that when the idol’s left arm withers completely, worship at Badrinath Temple will shift to Bhavishya Badri.

Deeply revered in Uttarakhand, Narasimha is also considered Badrinath’s maternal uncle, a belief echoed in local folk songs.

Hanuman Chatti

Situated at the confluence of the Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga rivers, this tranquil hamlet serves as the starting point for three iconic treks: Yamunotri, Dodital, and Darwa Top. There is also a small yet revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to be the site where he rested after fighting Kalnemi.

Vishwanath Temple

The Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is home to a sacred Trishul made from eight different metals. Hindu mythology says this Trishul was used by Lord Shiva to defeat the demon Vakasur.

More than just a place of worship, the temple shares its home with the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, one of India’s top mountaineering schools.

Do's and Don’ts for Safe Travel

Check road conditions before departure and carry essentials like water, snacks, and medical kits.

Do's:

• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
• Carry valid documents (ID, insurance, etc.).
• Always use your car horn at bends.
• Be cautious when driving downhill.

Don'ts:

• Avoid unapproved vehicles or inexperienced drivers.
• Don’t drive after dark (5 am to 7 pm recommended).
• Don’t exceed the vehicle weight limit.

Tips for Senior Citizens and Children:

• Health Check-ups: Ensure a thorough health check before travelling.
• Acclimatisation: Take ample time for adjustment to high altitudes.
• Comfortable Clothing and Supplies: Pack appropriately for the varying weather conditions.

Embracing the Divine Journey of Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra is a journey through towering peaks, sacred temples, and nature’s quiet grandeur. From the misty trails of Janki Chatti to the ancient echoes of Vishwanath Temple, every step brings a blend of devotion and discovery. Whether seeking spiritual solace, an escape into the mountains, or simply an experience to remember, these sacred sites leave a mark long after the journey ends.