The Chardham Yatra is more than a pilgrimage—it’s a spiritual awakening that touches the soul. Nestled in the serene Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Chardham (meaning “four abodes”) refers to the four sacred shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each Dham represents a different spiritual element and together, they form the core of Hindu belief in salvation (Moksha).

🛕 The Four Dhams – A Sacred Circuit
🚩 1. Yamunotri – The Origin of River Yamuna
Located at 3,293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is the source of the holy Yamuna River. Pilgrims trek through stunning pine forests and rugged paths to seek blessings at the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The nearby Surya Kund, a hot water spring, is used for offering prasad.

Best Experience: A soul-refreshing trek from Janki Chatti to the temple with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.

🚩 2. Gangotri – The Source of River Ganga
At an elevation of 3,100 meters, Gangotri is the spiritual origin of the River Ganga. The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, stands by the Bhagirathi River and marks the sacred site where Ganga descended to Earth.

Must See: Visit Gaumukh Glacier—the actual source of the Ganges—through a moderate trek from Gangotri.

🚩 3. Kedarnath – The Seat of Lord Shiva
Tucked away at 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most remote of the Char Dhams. The Kedarnath Temple, built in stone, is a symbol of strength, faith, and resilience, surrounded by awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks.

Note: You can trek to Kedarnath (16 km) or opt for helicopter services for easier access.

🚩 4. Badrinath – Abode of Lord Vishnu
The final stop is Badrinath, at 3,300 meters, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badri Narayan form. It is part of both the Chardham and the all-India Char Dham circuits. The colorful temple sits on the banks of the Alaknanda River, offering a divine sense of peace.

Don’t Miss: A dip in the Tapt Kund, a hot water spring believed to purify the soul before darshan.

🌤️ Ideal Timeframes to Visit Char Dham

📅 1. May to June (Late Spring / Early Summer)

• Why it’s Best: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and safe roads
• Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (can drop at night)
• Highlights: Fresh snow still visible, vibrant temple opening ceremonies

✅ Best for families, senior citizens, and group travelers

🌧️ 2. July to August (Monsoon)

• Avoid if possible
• Roads become slippery, frequent landslides and flash floods
• Darshan can be interrupted due to weather-related delays

⚠️ Travel only if well-prepared and with local guidance

🍁 3. September to Mid-October (Post-Monsoon / Early Autumn)

• Why it’s Great: Lush greenery, clear skies, and thinner crowds
• Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
• Scenery: The Himalayas look refreshed after rains, making it perfect for photography and peaceful darshan

✅ Ideal for adventure lovers, photographers, and spiritual seekers

❄️ 4. Mid-October Onwards

• Temples close for winter (Kapat Bandh) due to heavy snowfall
• Kedarnath and Badrinath usually close by mid to late October

🛕 Temple Opening & Closing Dates (Approximate)

• Yamunotri & Gangotri: Open on Akshaya Tritiya (April–May)
• Kedarnath: Opens a day or two after Akshaya Tritiya
• Badrinath: Opens on or after Kedarnath
• All shrines close by Bhai Dooj (October–November)

Summary

🧳 Travel Essentials

• Warm clothing (layers, gloves, thermals)
• Raincoat or poncho (monsoon protection)
• Trekking shoes
• First-aid kit & medicines
• ID proof and travel documents
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, energy snacks

🚌 How to Travel

You can travel by road (bus/taxi), or opt for Chardham Helicopter packages for a more comfortable and time-saving experience. Pilgrims usually start from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, which are well connected by train, road, and air.

Come join Tirath dham Yatra this year for Strengthening your spiritual connection.

Book your Yatra at BOOK NOW