Chardham Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage that takes you through the four sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. These four shrines are located in the Himalayan region and are considered to be the holiest places for Hindus. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake this journey to seek blessings and attain spiritual enlightenment. In this blog, we will guide you through the Chardham Yatra, including the best time to start, how to plan, starting point to the endpoint, details inside the destinations, and how to reach them.
Best Time to Start Chardham Yatra
The best time to start the Chardham Yatra is from April to June and
September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open. However, it is important to avoid the monsoon season, which starts in July and lasts till August, as the region experiences heavy rainfall, and landslides are common.
How to Plan for Chardham Yatra
Planning for Chardham Yatra can be overwhelming, but with proper research and guidance, it can be a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning for Chardham Yatra:
Book your travel and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
Carry warm clothes, as the temperature drops significantly in higher altitudes.
Keep a first-aid kit handy, as the journey involves trekking and long hours of travel.
Consult a doctor before starting the journey, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Starting Point to Endpoint (Details Inside the Destinations)
The Chardham Yatra starts from Haridwar and ends in Badrinath. Here's a brief overview of the destinations and what they have to offer:
Yamunotri
The first destination of the yatra, Yamunotri, is located at an altitude of 3,291 meters. It is the source of the Yamuna River and is home to the Yamunotri Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
Gangotri
The second destination of the yatra, Gangotri, is located at an altitude of 3,042 meters. It is the source of the Ganga River and is home to the Gangotri Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Kedarnath
The third destination of the yatra, Kedarnath, is located at an altitude of 3,584 meters. It is home to the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated amidst the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and is accessible only by trekking.
Badrinath
The last destination of the yatra, Badrinath, is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters. It is home to the Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges.
How to Reach Chardham Yatra
The starting point of Chardham Yatra, Haridwar, is well-connected to all major cities in India. Here's how you can reach Haridwar:
By Air
The closest airport to the Chardham Yatra circuit is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 25 km away from the state capital of Uttarakhand. From here, pilgrims can take a taxi or a helicopter to reach the desired destination.
By Train
The nearest railway station is located in Haridwar, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Pilgrims can take a train to Haridwar and then take a taxi or a bus to reach the starting point of the Chardham Yatra.
By Road
The most popular and convenient way to reach the Chardham Yatra is by road. Pilgrims can take a taxi or a bus from Delhi, Haridwar, or Rishikesh to reach the starting point of the yatra.
From where to start the yatra?
The Chardham Yatra usually starts from Yamunotri, the westernmost shrine of the four. Pilgrims can reach Yamunotri from Dehradun or Haridwar by road. The distance between Haridwar and Yamunotri is approximately 220 km and can be covered in around 7-8 hours by car.
Next in line is Gangotri, which is located around 100 km from Yamunotri. From here, pilgrims can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kedarnath, which is approximately 250 km away. Finally, pilgrims can reach the last destination of Badrinath, which is located approximately 225 km from Kedarnath.
Best time to start the Chardham Yatra
The best time to start the Chardham Yatra is from May to June and September to November, as the weather is pleasant during these months. The yatra is usually closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region.
Step-by-step guide
Start the yatra from Yamunotri and take a dip in the holy Yamuna River.
Visit the Yamunotri temple and seek the blessings of the goddess Yamuna.
From Yamunotri, head to Gangotri, which is located around 100 kilometres away. Take a dip in the holy Ganges river and visit the Gangotri temple.
From Gangotri, head to Kedarnath, which is approximately 250 kilometres away. Reach the Kedarnath temple by foot or by taking a pony or a palanquin.
Finally, reach the last destination of Badrinath, which is located approximately 225 kilometres from Kedarnath. Seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu at the Badrinath temple.
After completing the yatra, return to the starting point or take a helicopter back to Dehradun or Haridwar.