Char Dham Yatra 2024: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri And Yamunotri
The Chardham Yatra Places is a spiritual journey made by Hindus to four sacred sites located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The four places are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath This pilgrimage starts from the holy town of Haridwar. The Chardham Yatra Place is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It’s located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is considered to be one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims who wish to take a dip at the confluence of two holy rivers- Ganga and Yamuna. Some devotees even do a Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines- Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Significance of Char Dham Yatra Places
The Char Dham Yatra Place is one of India’s holiest pilgrimages. It is believed that visiting these four pilgrimage sites will wash away all your sins and assure salvation. The Chardham Yatra Places also include Gobind Dham along with Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Badrinath.
1. Yamunotri:
The holy place Yamunotri, also known as Jamnotri, is said to be the birthplace of the river Yamuna and the seat of its patron goddess Yamuna. Geographically it is situated 150 km north of the town of Uttarkashi and sits high up in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. The actual origin of the river is a frozen lake of ice located on the Kalind mountain, which is another 1km up in altitude. The approach to this lake is quite treacherous and so the main shrine dedicated to the goddess Yamuna sits at the foot of the hill, where devotees come from all over to offer puja to the patron goddess.
List of famous Tourist places in Yamunotri:
- Yamunotri Temple
- Surya Kund
- Chatti
- Saptarishi Kund
- Janki Chatti
- Kharsali
- Barkot (Badkot)
- Dodital
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the Yamunotri Temple is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra Yamunotri.
- Location: Situated at an altitude
- of 3,293 meters, it is the source of the Yamuna River.
- Main Attractions: Yamunotri Temple and the hot springs at Janki Chatti.
2. Gangotri:
One of the Char Dham Yatra Names (the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in northern India with four holy destinations), Gangotri, in Uttarkashi, is a small town with the temple of Goddess Ganga at its heart. A 12-hour drive from Rishikesh, Gangotri is nestled among lofty Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and dense forests and is one of the highest pilgrimages in India (approx 3,415 m). Other than its divine atmosphere, Gangotri offers stunning vistas all around. According to Hindu legends, the most sacred of all rivers, Ganga descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from his locks. The original origin of the river is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 km away from Gangotri, and is accessible by trekking. After it originates from Gaumukh, the river is known as Bhagiraathi and it acquires the name ‘ Ganga’ after the river Alknanda merges into it near the town of Devprayag.
List of famous Tourist places in Gangotri
- Gangotri Temple
- Bhagirathi Shila
- Pandav Gufa
- Gauri Kund and Surya Kund
- Gaumukh
- Kedar Tal
- Dharali
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and it is the source of the holy river Ganges char dham yatra Gangotri.
- Location: Located at an altitude of 31,00 meters in the Uttarkashi district.
- Main Attractions: Gangotri Temple and the Gaumukh Glacier, the actual source of the Ganges.
3. Kedarnath:
Kedarnath is one of the holiest spots among the four Dhams located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a nagar panchayat in Rudraprayag district. The most remote of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level near the head of river Mandakini, and is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks. Chardham Kedarnath hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world.
List of famous Tourist places in Kedarnath:
- Chandrashila
- Chopta
- Gaurikund
- Sonprayad
- Vasuki Tal
- Agastyamuni
- Kedarnath Temple
- Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Bhairav Nath Temple
- Deoriatal
- Kalpeshwar Mandir
- Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
- Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is a major site for Shaivites.
- Location: Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters near the Mandakini River.
- Main Attractions: Kedarnath Temple and the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Badrinath:
Badrinath, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is a revered pilgrimage site and a heaven for nature enthusiasts. From ancient temples of breathing natural wonders, Badrinath offers a plethora of attractions that captivate the soul. Join us on a journey through the enchanting landscapes and sacred sites of this divine destination.
List of famous Tourist places in Kedarnath:
- Mana Village
- Tapta Kund
- Nilkantha Peak
- Charan Paduka
- Vasudhara Falls
- Saraswati River
- Mata Murti Temple
- Narad Kund
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Temple is part of both the Char Dham Yatra Badrinath and Chota Char Dham circuits.
- Location: Located at an altitude of 3,133 meters, it lies between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges.
- Main Attractions: Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund(hot springs), and Neelkanth Peak.
Best Time to Visit for Char Dham Yatra:
The Char Dham temple pilgrimage season typically starts in late April or early May and continues until October or November, depending on weather conditions.
Accessibility: The pilgrimage involves traveling through difficult terrain. The government and various private operators provide transportation services, but parts of the journey, especially to Kedarnath, may require trekking.
Accommodation: Pilgrims can find various types of accommodation, from Dharamshala (pilgrim rest houses) to hotels and guest houses, in and around these holy sites.
Preparation: Pilgrims are advised to prepare for high altitudes and cold weather, carry necessary medications, and be physically fit for the demanding journey.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
The Chardham Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage to four famous Hindu shrines. The ancient and holy sites are situated in different corners of India and it can take months to walk the entire distance, but there is an easier way! Take to the skies with our Char Dham temple by Helicopter. You save time and energy while enjoying the amazing view, all at an affordable price. This is a great option for those who want to experience this holy journey in luxury and comfort, without having to sacrifice time or money.
If you are planning to visit the Chardham tours, but have a limited time frame, then by Helicopter ride is the perfect mode of transportation. The journey from Delhi to Badrinath can take up to 4 days by bus and 2 days by car. However, taking a helicopter from Delhi will enable you to be in Badrinath in just over an hour!
Char Dham Yatra Booking & Registration 2024 Process
To undertake the char dham of India 2024, devotees must register themselves. The Uttarakhand government opened the registrations for the pilgrimage on April 12th. Registration can be done online or through biometric registration, a measure introduced after the 2013 Kedarnath disaster to ensure accurate records of pilgrims visiting the shrines.
Char Dham Yatra Booking 2024 Modes of Registration
- Online Registration: Visit the Uttarakhand Tourism Care websites and follow the registration process.
- Mobile Application: Use the Uttarakhand Tourist Care mobile app to register conveniently on your smartphone.
- Whatsapp Registration: Send “Yatra” to the Whatsapp number of Uttrakhand Tourist Care.
- Offline Registration: Visit any designated offline counter along the Chardham Yatra route, present a valid ID, and complete the Chardham Yatra registration 2024 form.
Documents Required for Char Dham Yatra 2024 Registration
For a successful Char Dham Yatra registration in India 2024, ensure you have the following documents:
- Valid identity proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc,)
- A scanned copy of the valid ID proof for online Char Dham Yatra registration 2024.
Steps to Register Online for Char Dham of India 2024
The journey traditionally takes place over 12 days, but you can now make it happen in as little as 5 days.
Here are some tips on how to make your Char Dham Yatra Package registration process as quick and seamless as possible!
Chardham Registration is compulsory for every pilgrim who wants to perform the ritual. Travelers can register with seven easy steps:
- Visit the official website of Uttarakhand Tourism Care.
- Click on “Register/Login” and sign up on the portal.
- Complete the OTP verification process.
- Receive login credentials on your mobile number or email ID.
- Log in and access the registration dashboard.
- Fill in all required details and upload scanned documents.
- Complete the registration process and receive a Unique Registration Number(URN)