Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimage journeys for Hindus. It is a journey to four sacred shrines located in the beautiful mountains of Uttarakhand, India. These four shrines are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Each of these shrines has its own unique significance and history. For centuries, Char Dham Yatra has been attracting pilgrims from all over India and the world. In this article, we will take you on a journey to some of the amazing places you can visit during Char Dham Yatra.
Kedarnath Temple:
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic snow-covered Himalayan peaks. The temple is made of large, heavy, and evenly cut gray stones. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata period. The temple is open from the end of April to November, and during this time, thousands of pilgrims visit this holy shrine.
Badrinath Temple:
The Badrinath Temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River at an altitude of 3,133 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important shrines in India. The temple is believed to be built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. The temple has a distinct architecture and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The temple is open from May to November.
Gangotri:
Gangotri is the source of the holy river Ganga. It is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is believed to be built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha General, in the 18th century. The temple is open from May to November.
Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River. It is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is believed to be built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal in the 19th century. The temple is open from May to November.
Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The park is known for its alpine flowers, meadows, and glaciers. The park is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The best time to visit the park is from July to September.
Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The shrine is located at an altitude of 4,632 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The shrine is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The shrine is open from May to October.
Mana Village
Mana Village is located near the Indo-China border in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the last villages before the border. The village is known for its ancient caves, temples, and cultural heritage. It is believed to be the place where the Pandavas took the route to heaven. The village is open from April to November.
Auli
Auli is a famous skiing destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan peaks and is known for its pristine natural beauty. The place also offers several adventure activities like trekking, camping, and skiing. The best time to visit Auli is from December to March.
Joshimath
Joshimath is a beautiful town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The town is located at an altitude of 1,890 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan peaks. The town is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. The town is open throughout the year.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The town is located at an altitude of 890 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The town is known for its ancient temples and natural beauty. The town is open throughout the year.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The city is known for its ancient temples, yoga centers, and adventure activities. The city is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” The city is located at an altitude of 372 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan peaks. The best time to visit Rishikesh is from September to November and from March to April.
Haridwar
Haridwar is a beautiful city located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The city is known for its ancient temples and religious significance. The city is also one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. The city is located at an altitude of 314 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan peaks. The best time to visit Haridwar is from October to February.
