A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Chardham Yatra from Delhi. Indeed, Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages undertaken in Hinduism. Specifically, the pilgrimage covers four holy sites in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Furthermore, all these dhams are situated in the beautiful mountains and deep valleys of the Garhwal region, and notably, every one of them has individual religious and spiritual importance. For centuries, this arduous yet rewarding journey has, in fact, been undertaken by pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual reprieve.
This guide will include all the important details regarding taking Chardham Yatra from Delhi with an itinerary, the route map, information on weather, right time to travel, tips for a comfortable journey, and cultural and religious essence that each dham embodies.
Traditionally, the Char Dham Yatra has been conceptualized as a journey to seek enlightenment of moksha. Specifically, the four sites are individually connected to four different deities: Yamunotri and Goddess Yamuna, Gangotri and Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath and Lord Shiva, and Badrinath and Lord Vishnu. All together, it creates a spiritual circuit representing the elements of nature, divinity, and Hindu philosophy. Moreover, in most accounts of the pilgrimage, the hordes of pilgrims moved in a clockwise direction, starting from Yamunotri and then one after another to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and lastly Badrinath. We also offer Luxury Chardham yatra package so you can book it for your comfortable journey.
From Delhi, the north route into Uttarakhand and from there as follows:
Delhi to Haridwar (Approx. 220 km) – Starting point in Uttarakhand. If you want to start your trip from haridwar, we can help you in this. We also offer Chardham yatra package from Delhi.
Haridwar to Barkot/Yamunotri (Approx. 200 km).
Barkot to Uttarkashi/Gangotri (Approx. 175 km).
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi/Kedarnath (Approx. 200 km).
Guptkashi to Badrinath (Approx. 220 km).
Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar and return to Delhi.
The circuitous journey of the Char Dham can be as long as 1,500-1,600 km from Delhi on a round trip. The most common circuit, however, prefers the circuit beginning at Haridwar. In fact, Haridwar is the main gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas and is also well-connected with Delhi.
Char Dham shrines open to the pilgrims from late April or early May and are closed by November due to heavy snowfall. Plan your journey in different seasons with our Chardham yatra family package
The best time is:
Summer (May to June): In this time, the weather will be pretty clear with good temperature. However, it is the most peak time.
Monsoon (July to August): Heavy rains accompanied with landslide make it the most dangerous time.
Autumn (September to October): The post-monsoon season is another excellent time to visit, as the weather is cool and there's much less crowd. We provide Luxury Chardham Yatra Package By Helicopter 2024 also.
Let's dive into every dham one by one, exploring the journey, significance, and experiences unique to each site.
Overview: Yamunotri is the first stop on the Char Dham Yatra circuit. The place is the origin of the Yamuna River and is located at 3,293 metres. It is the temple of Goddess Yamuna and it is the belief that a dip in the holy river Yamuna cleanses one's sins.
How to Reach :
From Haridwar, devotees usually travel by road to Janki Chatti, a town 210 km away, that is the last motorable point. You can also book Chardham yatra package from Haridwar.
From Janki Chatti, it is 5-6 km walking distance to the Yamunotri temple, which would take 2-3 hours to cover on foot. Pony and Palanquin facilities are available.
Special attractions:
Surya Kund: It is a hot water spring near the Yamunotri temple. Devotees normally cook rice here as an offering to the deity.
Divya Shila: A sacred stone near the temple, which is worshiped before one goes into the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Overview: The other dham is Gangotri, located at an elevation of 3,100 metres. It is believed to be the origin of the sacred river of India, Ganga, which was said to have descended on earth to purify all evil deeds done by the people. Gangotri Temple happens to be a sacred temple in the name of Goddess Ganga, but has a strange mystique revolving around it. We also offer Chardham yatra package from Delhi.
How to Reach:
Drive from Yamunotri: 100 km to Uttarkashi, which is a good overnight halt.
From here, the road goes 100 kilometers to Gangotri, which is where the drive reaches an endpoint.
Special Attractions:
Submerged Shivling: This is a natural rock in the river that is said to be the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks.
Bhagirath Shila: A holy stone that lies close to the temple, said to be a place where King Bhagirath meditated to get the Ganga down on earth.
Overview: Kedarnath is the third stop and, furthermore, one of the toughest. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple lies 3,583 meters above sea level. Additionally, it is one of the twelve jyotirlingas, or sacred Shiva shrines, and, moreover, an important stop on the Chardham circuit, which is highly revered for its mythological link to the Mahabharata. We provide Luxury Chardham Yatra Package By Helicopter 2024 also.You can book it with us.
How to Reach:
From Gangotri, it stretches 230 km to Guptkashi-an overnight halt for the pilgrims going to Kedarnath. From Guptkashi, it is 30 km up to Sonprayag, and from there 5km drive up to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath. The trekking distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is of 16 km on foot, on mules or by helicopter if they are available.
Special Attractions:
Bhairav Temple: It is located close to Kedarnath and it is said that it keeps the Kedarnath Valley safe from evil eyes.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: A small structure near the temple marks the spot where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have attained samadhi.
Overview: One of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the last of the dhams—Badrinath. Specifically situated between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges at an altitude of 3,300 meters, this temple sees thousands of tourists every year. Additionally, it falls under the bigger circuit known as Char Dham, which is a larger circuit that includes four spiritual sites around India. Therefore, plan your journey with our Chardham yatra family package.
How to Reach:
Kedarnath to Badrinath is about 200-220 km and would take about 8-10 hours.
The overnight stay will be at Joshimath, which is approximately 45 km ahead of Badrinath.
Special Attractions:
Tapt Kund: This is a hot water kund where the pilgrims are supposed to take a purifying dip before entering the temple.
Mana Village: This is situated at the foot of Nar-Narayana Parvat. It is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, having mythological significance linked with the Mahabharata.
Here's a 10-day itinerary from Delhi to help you plan the Char Dham Yatra efficiently:
1st Day : Delhi-Haridwar (Night stay in Haridwar).
2nd Day: Drive to Barkot
3rd Day : Barkot- Yamunotri-Sarvan dey himlen variant and back to Barkot
4th Day: Barkot - Uttarkashi
5th Day : Uttarkashi- Gangotri-return to Uttarkashi
6th Day: Uttarkashi - Guptkashi
7th Day : Guptkashi-Kedarnath (Night halt in Kedarnath)
8th Day : Return to Guptkashi.
9th Day : Guptkashi to Badrinath.
10th Day: And lastly, Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar, and back to Delhi.
Accommodations: There are cheap hotels, guest houses, and dharamshslas along the Char Dham route. Advance booking is advisable during the peak season to avoid last-minute hassles.
Essential Packing: Warm clothing, Comfortable shoes with trek, rain gear, sunscreen, medications, and energy bars, ID proofs and Char Dham registration.
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a physical journey; rather, it also transforms the mental and spiritual domains. Furthermore, the natural beauty and the aura found at these holy sites within the Himalayas lend peace, purity, and divinity to one's mind. In addition, each dham represents a different facet of Hindu beliefs and, consequently, offers a glimpse into the rich religious traditions of India. You can explore Chardham Yatra with family, so you can book our Chardham yatra family package.
The Char Dham Yatra is such a pilgrimage that combines devotion, natural beauty, and adventure. Indeed, the arduous journey from Delhi to the sacred Himalayan temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath was a test of endurance and faith. Furthermore, while taking this yatra, pilgrims do not seek only the blessings; rather, they absorb the cultural heritage and divine essence of the land. Whether for spiritual or personal reasons, the Char Dham Yatra promises to be an experience of a lifetime. Consequently, for new offers and updates, you can visit our Facebook page Epic Yatra.