Char Dham Yatra – A Journey to Moksha (Salvation)
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. This holy journey covers four ancient temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that completing this yatra in the correct Shastra-based sequence washes away all sins and leads to Moksha.
As per Hindu scriptures, each Dham represents a divine element:
- Yamunotri: Source of River Yamuna, symbol of calmness and purity
- Gangotri: Origin of River Ganga, the holiest river in Hinduism
- Kedarnath: Sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
- Badrinath: Seat of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe
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Pauranik Katha (Mythological Significance)
- Yamunotri: According to legends, the river Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the God of Death. Bathing in Yamunotri is said to remove fear of death and ensure long life. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and was built in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.
- Gangotri: It is said that King Bhagirath did intense penance to bring the Ganga from heaven to earth for the salvation of his ancestors. Lord Shiva captured the mighty flow in his hair at Gangotri. The temple was constructed by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander.
- Kedarnath: According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and disappeared underground at Kedarnath, leaving behind his hump — which is worshipped here as the Jyotirlinga.
- Badrinath: It is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here for thousands of years, and Goddess Lakshmi took the form of a tree to protect him. Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered the idol of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda river and re-established the temple.
Sequence as per Shastra
The sacred texts and traditional belief system recommend that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in the following order:
- Yamunotri (West)
- Gangotri (East)
- Kedarnath (South)
- Badrinath (North)
This directional flow represents a journey from the source of life toward enlightenment.
Best Starting Point for Char Dham Yatra
The most convenient starting point for the Char Dham Yatra is Haridwar or Dehradun, due to the high frequency of flights, trains, and road transport. If you’re traveling from outside Uttarakhand, you can also begin from Delhi, which offers the maximum air and rail connectivity across India. In that case, we add 2 extra nights in Haridwar to ease the transition before heading to Yamunotri.
📍 Official Uttarakhand Tourism Website: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary (11N/12D)
Day 1: Delhi – Haridwar
Arrival in Delhi. Travel to Haridwar by road (or train). Evening visit to Har Ki Pauri for Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot
After breakfast, drive to Barkot via Mussoorie. Reach your base for Yamunotri. Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
Drive to Janki Chatti, then trek or take pony/palki to Yamunotri temple. After darshan and holy bath in Surya Kund, return to Barkot.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi
Travel to Uttarkashi, the base for Gangotri. Visit Vishwanath Temple. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Early morning drive to Gangotri. Take a dip in the Bhagirathi river, offer prayers at the temple, and return to Uttarkashi.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi
Travel to Guptkashi via scenic routes. On the way, witness the beautiful Mandakini River. Overnight stay.
Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (Stay)
Proceed to Gaurikund and begin trek (or use helicopter/pony) to Kedarnath. Evening visit to Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay near the temple.
Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi
Morning darshan and trek back to Gaurikund. Drive to Guptkashi. Overnight stay.
Day 9: Guptkashi – Badrinath
Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. Evening darshan of Badrinath Ji. Visit Tapt Kund and other nearby places. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag
Visit Mana Village (last Indian village). Travel back via Joshimath to Rudraprayag. Overnight stay.
Day 11: Rudraprayag – Haridwar
Return journey to Haridwar via Rishikesh. Visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula if time permits. Overnight in Haridwar.
Day 12: Haridwar – Delhi
Final day, drive back or take a train/flight to Delhi. Yatra concludes with blessings of the Char Dham.
Modes of Travel
- By Road: All four Dhams are connected by motorable roads, though hilly terrain requires careful driving.
- By Helicopter: Available from Dehradun, with special Char Dham Yatra helicopter packages.
- By Train: Closest stations – Dehradun (for Yamunotri/Gangotri), Haridwar/Rishikesh (for all four), and Delhi (entry point).
- By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport. Delhi is also a major hub with direct flights across India.
Why You Should Complete Char Dham Yatra Once in Life
The Char Dham Yatra is more than just a journey — it’s a soul-purifying experience. It offers:
- Inner peace and spiritual rebirth
- Freedom from past karmas
- Connection with nature, Himalayas, and ancient traditions
- Opportunity to discover yourself beyond materialism
- Blessings of four divine deities in one sacred circuit
Join Our Expertly Crafted Char Dham Tour Packages
At FundayOption, we offer:
- Group Departures from Haridwar / Delhi
- Well-planned 12-day Yatra with accommodation, veg meals, and local guidance
- Options for Helicopter Yatra & Deluxe Stays
- Assistance for senior citizens and family groups
- Custom tour plans for private groups or large bookings
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