Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by asoulwindow
Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand Guide
Table of Contents
2021 Travel Guide For The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand
It doesn’t matter how many times you have scrolled past it on social media and seen it in the movies, nothing will ever prepare you for the gateway to spiritual bliss in Uttarakhand. A Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is a divine getaway to almighty and breathtaking nature at the same time.
About Char Dham
For Hindus, it is the path to attain heavenly bliss. Charm Dham translates to four Dham where there are 4 temples -Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. According to Hindu beliefs, these 4 Dhams are the Himalayas where God and Goddess reside. Hordes of tourists flock to Charm Dham Yatra every year. This Hindu pilgrimage is a magnet. The Dham temples are much revered by Hindus.
Here is everything you need to know about Charm Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand in 2021.
What is Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra is a religious circuit in Uttarakhand which includes four shrines. The shrines’ name includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – all of them form Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. All these religious sites are tucked in the mighty Himalayas.
All these shrines are the epicenter of religious activity in India. The journey of these 4 shrines is what tourists call the Char Dham Package. Char Dham Darshan is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are many different tour packages available.
Why Go For Charm Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand in 2021?
The first reason is to showcase gratitude and pray for the well being of you and your loved ones. The previous year has seriously impacted the lives of all of us due to the unforeseen situation. You should be thankful to God if you and the people around you are still safe. Now come to the point—the significance of Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Hindu manuscripts mention that whosoever visits all four shrines during their lifetime will be granted Moksha (Salvation) in their lives. Also, it is believed that the journey to these four Dhams will wash away all your sins. You will be yearning to go back because these four pilgrimage sites are that special. Char Dham packages will take you here.
Chota Char Dham Yatra – Complete guide 2021
You will feel like visiting the Char Dham, it will unlock doors of gratitude you didn’t know existed for you! In short, it would be like plunging deep into the spirituality and serenity of the Himalayas at the same time. However, it’s a matter of complete belief, but one thing is for sure – you will attain peace, spiritual enlightenment, and overall well being would be enhanced as you breathe the purest Himalayan air. Chardham tour will leave you with memories of a lifetime.
Char Dham Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2021
So, when does Char Dham yatra start 2021? Let’s have a look at the best time to visit Char Dham temple. Char Dham Yatra’s opening dates in Uttarakhand for devotees are decided by the Gadwal Mandal Nigam Vikas. The Yatris (pilgrims) can expect the temple doors to remain open between April-May.
The opening date of each shrine is decided by the temple pujaris (priestess) according to the Panchang Hindu calendar. Keep reading to find out the opening and closing dates of Char Dham Yatra in 2021 of each temple or Dham. The best time to visit Char Dham is during summers. Due to heavy snowfall, Char Dham Yatra is closed during the winter months.
Where Should You Begin Your Char DhamYatra in Uttarakhand?
According to Hindu tradition, Charm Dham Yatra is conducted in the direction from West to East. In accordance with it, you should begin your Char Dham Yatra from Yamunotri, then proceed to Gangotri, and finally Kedarnath and end your Charm Dham journey in Badrinath. Here is the whole route of ChardhamYatra–
Haridwar → Rishikesh → DeoPrayag → Tehri → Dharasu → Yamunotri Dham → Uttarkashi → Gangotri Dham→ Gaurikund → Kedarnath Dham → Joshimath → Badrinath Dham
This will answer your query on how to plan Char Dham yatra!
Get to Know About The 4 Dhams/Temples in Uttarakhand
The four pilgrimage sites: Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham, Kedarnath Dham, and Badrinath Dham, are dedicated to specific Hindu deities. Also called Char Dham ki Yatra, it is popular since times immemorial. Continue reading to find out the overview of these 4 shrines quickly, including how to visit the Char Dham Temple. Whether it is Gangotri Yamutori or Badrinath Kedarnath, your 4 Dham Yatra is incomplete if you miss even one of these.
Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Dham is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3235 m (approx.) and is the Yamuna river source. The temple is built by the King of Tehri Garhwal, Maharaja Pratap Shah, and is set on the Yamuna river’s left source. Bathing the river protects the devotees from an unnatural death.
The pilgrimage spot of Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna, who is the sister of Yamraj (according to Hindu manuscripts). It is believed that the Yamraj promised his sister on Bhai Dooj that whosoever will take a dip in the river will get rid of Yamlok and attain liberation (Moksha).
Other than the shrine, devotees can see their sins at the two therapeutic hot springs. The names of the two hot springs at Yamunotri are Gauri Kund and Surya Kund.
You can reach this temple via foot trail or a trek that starts from Hanuman ki Chhati. However, palanquins and horses are available to transport pilgrims to the temple. Janki Chatti is the last point of road connectivity. Upon reaching there, tourists need to embark on a short trek of 5 km (approx.) to reach the temple. Chardham Yatra package helps in organizing the tour.
Gangotri Temple
Another important place of the Charm Dham package is Gangotri. This pilgrim spot is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The Dham overlooks the Bhagirathi River as it is set on its banks. Gangotri is surrounded by the snow-dusted Himalayas and is perched at a soaring height of 3200 m (approx.). Embrace the blessings of the river Ganga by taking a dip to awash your sins.
Gangotri is the same place where King Bhagirath meditated for a longer duration (according to the legends). Attending evening Aarti at Gangotri Temple is a thing no Hindu devotee should miss. Devotees can reach Gangotri Dham either by trekking or road journey.
Kedarnath Temple
Another holy Dham snuggled in the Himalayas, Kedarnath, is the territory of Shiva bhagwan. It is also famous because Kedarnath is a part of the Panch Kedar. Standing at an elevation of 3285 m (approx.), Kedarnath temple is situated on the banks of the holy river Mandakini. In terms of location and architecture, this pilgrimage spot beacons devotees to come again. Such is the holy power of Kedarnath Temple that it remains unaffected from the 2013 floods.
Pony rides or trekking of 14 km (approx.) is the only option to reach the temple from the last road head at Gaurikund. Due to the placement of northernmost Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath Dham is often visited by the Lord Shiva praisers. A well crafted Chardham Yatra tour package will help you get darshan!
Badrinath Temple
Located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, this Dham in Uttarakhand is considered the most sacred because it is one of the four sacred Dhams in India. The other three are in Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, Puri in Odisha, and Dwarka in Gujarat. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features the Neelkanth Peak in the background – a sight to behold.
Badrinath Temple could be reached without any hassle via road journey or a short trek of 3 km (approx.) from Mana Village – the last Indo-Tibetan Border village. 4 Dham Yatra package will help ease your journey.
Char Dham Yatra in 2021 By Helicopter is Possible: Here is how
Hoards of pilgrims flock to Charm Dham Yatra every year. There is no specific age limit of devotees who should go for a divine getaway to the almighty. But still, the average age group is between 7-65 years (approx.). Plus, pilgrims need to show the updated medical certificate to validate their health condition.
Some tourists feel like a road journey to reach Charm Dham is challenging (yet equally enticing), and not all devotees can cover it via trekking or road trip (especially old-aged people above 50+ years). For them, the government of Uttarakhand has started the helicopter ride to reach Char Dham Yatra.
Char Dham yatra helicopter
The helicopter ride will start from the Dehradun helipad and pilgrims to each and every shrine one by one for Darshan. The best thing about visiting the Dhams in Uttarakhand via helicopter is that you can plan to visit the specific Dham or Temple! Char Dham yatra helicopter ride is memorable and very convenient.
Chardham Yatra by helicopter cost – The average cost of helicopter service is between INR 2500 – INR 1,25,000 (approx.). The cost fluctuates as per the amenities selected by the devotees. Do check out the Char Dham Yatra package by helicopter.
Char Dham Yatra package cost
The overall Char Dham Yatra package cost depends upon what all facilities you seek. The cost of 4 Dham yatra increases and decreases based upon the facilities you are looking for. Also different tour operators offer different Char Dham package.
How to Reach Char Dham in Uttarakhand For Yatra
Getting to Char Dham in Uttarakhand for Yatra in 2021 comes up with three usual options – air, train, and road. However, there is no direct flight, rail connectivity.
By Air: If you want to travel by air, arrive at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from India’s major metro towns. Afterward, cabs and local buses are the options to reach each shrine. All four shrines are well connected to each other via road connectivity.
By Rail: Haridwar to Dehradun is the nearest railhead to reach any of these Char Dham in Uttarakhand. Also, both Haridwar and Dehradun have good connectivity with the road.
Where to stay in Chardham
There are many hotels and home-stays in and around places like Gangoti Yamunotri and Kedarnath Badrinath. You can choose to stay in any of these hotels based upon your budget. Do not expect a 5 star resort but all the basic facilities are available near all the Dham temples. The tourism activity resulted in good infrastructure in this region.
Is Char Dham yatra safe?
Yes, Char Dham yatra is very safe. Due to high religious activity, the infrastructure such as roads, trekking trails etc are upto the mark. In fact you have to trek (or take a helicopter) only to reach Kedarnath. Other Chota Char Dham temples such as Yamunotri Gangotri and Badrinath can be reached via a vehicle. Do carry first aid though medical facilities are provided at every step.
Clean Loo Guide at Chota Char Dham
I was impressed to see that the Government has set up clean toilets not only at the Chota Char Dham temples but also throughout the road journey in Uttarakhand. These are located at random road side or near a local dhaba or restaurant.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Chota Char Dham Yatra
Char Dham Yatra or the Chota Char Dham is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with your spiritual self.
Whether you choose to take Char Dham yatra package by helicopter or go via trekking, the spectacular views add to the experience. 4 Cham Yatra is where adventure meets faith! Chardham Yatra package helps you in planning a tailor made trip.
So what are you waiting for? Plan to visit all four Dhams in Uttarakhand in 2021 to attain spiritual enlightenment in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. Choose
Chardham tour package wisely and you are good to go. It is also a good idea to go to Char Dham yatra with friends and family.
The view from my Soul Window is divine!
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