Char Dham refers to the four sacred pilgrimage sites in India that hold immense religious significance in Hinduism. These include Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is believed to cleanse one’s sins and help achieve Moksha (liberation). Here’s a brief overview of each along with travel and seasonal information:
1. Badrinath (Uttrakhand)
- Location: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,300 meters, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), around 314 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Haridwar (about 318 km away).
- By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by road from major cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun.
- Best Season to Visit: May to October (except monsoon season, July–August, due to landslides).
- Other Information: The temple remains open from April/May to November, and the closing ceremony is during Diwali.
2. Kedarnath (Uttrakhand)
- Location: Situated in the Rudraprayag district, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 239 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (about 221 km away).
- By Road: The last motorable point is Gaurikund, and from there, a 16 km trek leads to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are also available.
- Best Season to Visit: May to October (ideal time is before monsoon and post-monsoon).
- Other Information: The temple is closed during winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
3. Gangotri (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Situated in Uttarkashi district, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga, located at an altitude of 3,100 meters.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 250 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (about 234 km away).
- By Road: Gangotri is accessible by road via Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
- Best Season to Visit: May to October (avoid monsoon, as the area is prone to landslides).
- Other Information: Gangotri is the origin point of the River Ganges. Trekking is popular here, especially to the source of Ganga, Gaumukh.
4. Yamunotri (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Located in the Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 3,293 meters, it is the source of the Yamuna River and dedicated to the goddess Yamuna.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 210 km away.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Rishikesh (about 209 km away).
- By Road: The last motorable point is Janki Chatti, from where a 6 km trek leads to Yamunotri.
- Best Season to Visit: May to October (avoid July and August due to heavy rains).
- Other Information: Yamunotri is famous for its hot springs, and devotees often cook rice and potatoes in the water as prasad (offering).
General Tips for Char Dham Pilgrimage:
- Clothing: Due to the high altitude, carry warm clothes, especially during early summer and autumn.
- Health Precautions: Altitude sickness can be an issue; consult a doctor if you have pre-existing health conditions.
- Permits: For foreign travelers, special permits might be required for some regions.
Transportation: Shared taxis and buses are available, and private vehicles can be hired from Rishikesh or Haridwar.