Char Dham is one of India’s most revered pilgrimage treks, comprising four important shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. They are situated in the Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand and are important to Hindu culture. Many pilgrims and tourists visit these places every year to receive the blessings of nature and worship. Other than these temples, there are several gorgeous temples and other sightseeing locations in Char Dham, such as rivers, waterfalls, and mountains, which add a sense of magnificence to the entire trip. If you are planning a trip to Char Dham, then you should check out these ten places.
Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Temple, which is situated considerably close to the mountains, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna – the holy river of India and is one of the starting places that pilgrims visit during their Char Dham yatra. As a custom followed by pilgrims, it is a practice to first wash themselves before paying their respects to the shrine and so devotees take a holy dip in the hot Surya Kund Springs before entering the temple. The trek to Yamunotri is roughly six kilometers long and offers an impressive and beautiful view of the Himalayas.
Gangotri Temple
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This temple is located close to River Ganga which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, one of the most revered rivers in Hinduism. It is believed that the River Ganga first descended to earth at this very spot. The temple is located at 3100 meters above sea level. Not far from the temple, you may go to the Bhagirathi River, the main tributary of the Ganges. People also come here to worship and take a ritual dip in the river which is so cold it almost hurts.
Kedarnath Temple
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This temple is one of the primary shrines of Lord Shiva. It is situated on the Himalayas in the Garhwal region at a height of 3583 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the temple is very difficult to reach but the journey is extremely beautiful. The trek to Kedarnath is about 16 kilometers but ponies and helicopters are available for those unwilling to walk. The beauty and holy atmosphere of Kedarnath is something that no one will forget.
Badrinath Temple
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On the banks of the river Alakanada, sits the Badrinath Temple, which is revered as one of the holiest temples in India alongside being dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The view around the temple is picturesque as it is nestled in lovely mountains and combines perfectly with the gorgeous art of the temple itself. Additionally, there is Tapt Kund which is a nearby hot spring where the devotees can bathe before visiting the temple.
Vasudhara Falls
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Resting within Badrinath is the magnificent Vasudhara Falls. To get to these beautiful waterfalls, a trek of around 5 km from Mana village is needed. It is well worth the effort since the waterfall is breathtaking with its scenic surroundings and reaches around 400 feet in height. Rumor has it, that people with pure intentions are the only ones who will be able to see the waters flowing without a pause. Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of the area and will consider it a must-see spot.
Bhairavnath Temple
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Located alongside Kedarnath temple, is Bhairavnath temple. It is devoted to Lord Bhairav who is the fierce form of Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its legends, and one of them states that: Bhairavnath is the one who guards Kedarnath when the temple is shut during winter. This temple is equally famous for the view it offers as it is set in the heart of the Himalayas and buka close to Kedarnath which makes it easier to reach the temple.
Mana Village
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Mana Village is located near Badrinath and is strategically placed in such a way that it serves as a base for people to go to Tibet. Mana Village graveyards are also known to be the final resting place of Indian soldiers who served in Tibet. Mana Village boasts a beautiful landscape along with a serving local culture. Furthermore, take the opportunity to visit the Vyas Gufa cave which served as a workspace for Maharishi Vyas, where he crafted the Mahabharata. It is highly believed that the Pandavas from Mahabharata passed through Mana Village while embarking towards heaven.
Surya Kund (Yamunotri)
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Such magical places such as Yamunotri temple contain mystical hot springs known as Surya Kund. Surya Kund enables the locals to partake in a combination of delicious agriculture and religion. The locals believe it to be the hot water spring titled Surya Kund that possesses great medicinal value. The water is considered to be transformative for anyone suffering from skin-related ailments. Surya Kund hotspring contains water that can reach a sizzling 88 degrees Celsius, perfect for tourists who want to experience pancakes in a bath.
Gauri Kund
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This is where the Kedarnath trek starts from, and Gauri Kund is named after Goddess Parvati, also referred to as Gauri. It is believed in Hinduism that Gauri meditated at this place to win over Lord Shiva’s love. The area has a hot spring where devotees take a dip before embarking on their trek to Kedarnath. It is also a place where people can enjoy nature in a calm environment.
Hemkund Sahib
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This is one of the important Sikh holy shrines and is found close to the route of Char Dham. The shrine lies at a height and is around a beautiful glacial lake which is surrounded by snow turrets. The lake itself is frozen for most of the year. To reach Hemkunt Sahib, one has to trek for around 6 km from Ghangaria village. It’s a quiet place with intense serene spirituality.
The best time to visit Char Dham is from May to June and September to October. The weather is favorable and the roads are accessible. Try not to travel there during monsoon (July – August) as it’s prone to landslides.
Depending on the means of transportation, the Char Dham Yatra usually lasts from 9 to 12 days. Helicopter rides people can use to finish everything within 3 to 5 days.
Yes, the Char Dham Yatra is particularly difficult as it has long treks, very high elevations, and can be quite challenging physically as well. Both Kedarnath and Yamunotri do require a certain amount of trek, though it is possible to hire horses or palanquins. Do talk to a physician if you have any health complications before your trip.
Bring adequate warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, a raincoat, medication, and identification. Some dry snacks and a water bottle are also recommended for the journey.
Yes, at important points along the route, there are basic medical facilities. Additionally, small hospitals can be found in Kedarnath and Badrinath. For more severe medical problems, it is best to go to larger cities such as Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Conclusion
Apart from being a pilgrimage, the Char Dham Yatra offers a blend of adventure and the beauty of nature with tranquil surroundings. For a traveler or a devotee, a trip to these holy sites is bound to be an enriching and cherubic experience. Have a safe trip, and do not forget to relish the divine aura of the Himalayas.
