The Chota Char Dham Yatra of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has earned the name of being one of the most spiritual pilgrimage experiences in India. The Chota Char Dham Yatra is said to bring salvation or moksha (freedom from the karmic cycle of birth and rebirth) to the pilgrim on the completion of their Char Dham Yatra journey. Nowadays there are various ways by which anyone can have this blissful experience one of them being with the help of Char Dham Yatra helicopter services providers who cater to a range of pilgrimage demands including the Badri Kedar Yatra and even the Ek Dham Yatra. People going on this journey should be prepared for a tough time and should also be ready to deal with anything and it is guaranteed that a journey to the Chota Char Dham temples will leave you with a feeling of deep rejuvenation.
Origin of Chota Char Dham
There are several myths, legends and historical accounts related to the establishment and creation of this incredibly holy Yatra journey of Uttarakhand. One person who should be credited with the origin of this holy pilgrimage is the 7th and 8th century philosopher and Saint Adi Shankaracharya who decided to work on the revival of the spirituality in the Indian continent. He did so by travelling all over India and establishing mutths and pilgrimage circuits one of them was the Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. He went to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and established the temples there dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Related Legends and Historical Account
One of the most famous legends related to the establishment of Kedarnath Dham is that during their lookout for Shivji in Guptkashi, the Pandava brothers had recognized the bull to be the lord and asked him for his forgiveness and after which the brothers went on to establish various temples and shrines dedicated to the lord which are now known as the Panch Kedar Yatra. Badrinath Dham was established on the spot which is considered to be the place where Lord Vishnu is said to have performed intense penance and meditation and where goddess Laxmi was saving him from the harshening weather conditions. The Dhams of Gangotri and Yamunotri are built on the emergence points of rivers Ganga and Yamuna simultaneously which are two of the holiest rivers in India.
Locations
Kedarnath – It is located on an elevation of 3,583 metres above sea level in the district of Rudraprayag by the banks of the holy river of Mandakini. Set against the incredible backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas this is the highest places jyotirlinga in the world.
Badrinath – Located by the river of Alaknanda and on an elevation of 3,300 metres above sea level, Badrinath Dham is situated in the district of Chamoli.
Gangotri – Sitting on an elevation of 3,415 metres above sea level and within the district of Uttarkashi, Gangotri Dham is located on the emergence point of the holy river of Ganga.
Yamunotri – This is the remotest shrines of Chota Char Dham which is located on an elevation of 3,293 metres above sea level and within the district of Uttarkashi of the Garhwal division.
Yamunotri Dham:
As the name suggests this holy Dham is dedicated to goddess Yamuna and is located in the district of Chamoli against the impressive backdrop of the Bandarpoonch Parvat. Considered to be one of the remotest Chota Char Dham site this vibrant temple can be reached after covering a trekking distance of just 6 to 7 kms starting from Hanuman Chatti. The temple is placed in a way which marks the emergence point of the holy river of Yamuna. Yamunotri Dham is also the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand and it opens its doors for pilgrims during the auspicious eve of Akshaya Tritiya.
How to Reach
By Road – Buses ply on a regular basis from Haridwar / Rishikesh to Hanuman chatti (the last motorable road service. The roads are in good condition and you can also hire a taxi or rent a private car for Yamunotri Dham.
By Train – The last railway station to Yamunotri is in Rishikesh which caters to a network of trains from different part of India. You can book a bus service for Hanuman chatti from the train station itself.
By Helicopter – The closest helipad for Yamunotri is situated at Kharsali from where a ground transfer in a taxi takes place till Hanuman chatti.
Best Time to Visit
Being situated at height and considered to be one of the remotest Dhams in the Chota Char Dham Yatra circuit it is wise to visit Yamunotri during the summer months of late April to mid-July and end of August to the shutting down dates of the Dham which falls generally on end of October. As a precautionary measure remember not to avail your Char Dham Yatra service during the peak monsoon or rainy months.
Opening and Closing Dates
Opening Dates – Yamunotri Dham is the very first temple to be visited during the Chota Char Dham Yatra and it opens up with the onset of the summer months marked by the holy eve of Akshaya Tritiya which is set to fall on May 8th 2022.
Closing Dates – The gates for this temple shuts down for Darshan during the holy eve of Bhai Dooj which is set to fall on the day which marks the onset of the winter months. The dates have been decided to be 29th October 2022.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Weather Conditions
Summer Weather – The summer months in Yamunotri Dham falls between end of April to late June when the entre route is cleared for the season and the weather is relatively pleasant. The temperature during this time averages between 10 to 20 degree Celsius.
Monsoon Weather – The months of early July to late August is considered to be the monsoon months when the temperature drops to 8 to degree Celsius and it is dangerous to make a journey during this time.
Winter Weather – The months of late September to March are the winter months when the entire Yatra is shut down and the region gets covered in a thick covering of snow.
Gangotri Dham:
Set against the verdant green covering of the Garhwal Himalayas and surrounded by the mystical glory of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, this gleaming white temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple which was built by the great Amar Singh Thapa, marks the beginning point of the holy river of Ganga. This is the place where king Bhagirath is said to have worshipped to goddess Ganga to make her way to earth from her heavenly abode. The temple is one of the most easily reachable Dham shrines and visiting it will definitely fill your hearts with immense devotion for the goddess.
How to Reach
By Road – The road leading up to Gangotri Dham is well connected with various networks of other roads from its nearby cities and towns. You can avail a bus or a taxi service from Haridwar / Rishikesh or any other nearby town and it will leave you till the main entrance of Gangotri Dham.
By Train – The closest rail head to Gangotri is located in Rishikesh and from here on you will be able to hire taxi service or a bus to Gangotri Dham which will be an easier option.
By Helicopter – The closest helipad for Gangotri is situated at Harsil which is situated at a mere distance of 25 minutes and upon reaching this helipad the pilgrims is transferred via a car journey up till Gangotri temple.
Best Time to Visit
The months of late early May to mid-July are considered to be the peak months to travel to Gangotri Dham. If the freezing temperatures don’t bother you then you may also visit Gangotri Dham during late September to its closing date. Gangotri is covered in a thick blanket of snow remainder of the times and the journey here is impossible then.
Opening and Closing Timings
Opening Dates – Gangotri Dham Kapat is thrown open during the auspicious eve of Akshaya Tritiya which is scheduled to fall on 7th may 2022. This day the idol of the presiding deity is also shifted from her winter home in Harsil.
Closing Dates – The Kapat shuts down during the holy eve of Diwali which is set to be on 27th October 2022
Temple Timings – 6:15 am to 9:30 pm
Weather Conditions
Summer Weather – Summer months witnesses the most amount of pilgrims turn out since the overall temperature is bearable and the cool winds makes the journey a pleasant experience. The average temperature during this time remains between 10 to 15 degree Celsius.
Monsoon Weather – Although travelling on the hills during the rainy season should be completely avoided but reaching Gangotri Dham is an extremely easy task. The temperature during this time remains between 10 to 8 degree Celsius and starts to fall even more.
Winter Weather – The winter months typically experiences huge amounts of snowfall accompanied with freezing and subzero temperature levels.
Kedarnath Dham:
As the name suggests this holy Dham which is located amongst the lush greenery of the Kedar valley in the district of Rudraprayag, this temple is dedicated to the lord Kedar form of Lord Shiva. The exact date of the construction of this temple is still unknown but is believed to have been built by the Pandava brothers whilst they were on their way to heaven and on a lookout for lord Shiva. Lined by the holy river of Mandakini on one end this temple is not only the highest Jyotirlinga in the world but it is also the resting place of the great saint and the founder of most of the mutths and pilgrimage circuits in India, Adi Shankaracharya.
How to Reach
By Road – The closest road head to Kedarnath is at Gaurikund from where the 14 km for trekking journey commences. People can take their private cars till Gaurikund and park it in the parking area there.
By Train – Just like all the other Char Dham Yatra sites the closest train station to Kedarnath is situated in Rishikesh and from here on you will be able to take the bus or shared jeep heading for Gaurikund.
By Helicopter – The helicopter service to Kedarnath will drop you at the helipads located in either Phata / Guptkashi / Sersi or Sitapur from where you will be transferred in a chopper service to Kedarnath helipad which is situated at a mere distance of 500 metres from the main temple entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Being situated at a height the timings of your visitation is important. The months from the opening of the Kapat Dham during the months of early May to mid-July are considered to be the best time to go on this holy journey to Kedarnath Dham.
Opening and Closing Timings
Opening Dates – The temple will open up on the holy eve of Akshaya Tritiya which is scheduled to take place on May 9th 2022. This day also marks the onset of the summer months.
Closing Dates – Kedarnath Dham shuts down on the holy eve of Bhai Dooj which is set to take place on 29th October 2022. The idol of the presiding deity is shifted to his winter abode in Ukhimath.
Temple Timings – 4:00 am to 9:00 pm
Weather Conditions
Summer Weather – Being situated on an incredible height the summer is considered to be the most favorable time to visit since the weather clears and the region remains thronged with pilgrims from various parts of India and the world. The temperature during this time stays between 15 to 20 degree Celsius.
Monsoon Weather – After the devastating and unexpected cloudburst of June 2013, pilgrims are advised to carefully plan out their visit to Kedarnath.
Winter Weather – The entire region remains covered in a thick covering of snow during the winter months when the Darshan is also shut down for the season.
Badrinath
Dedicated to the Badri form of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Dham or Badri Vishal is one of the most colorful and vibrant looking temple amongst all the other Chota Char Dham sites of Uttarakhand. Located in the district of Chamoli this Dham is believed to have been resurrected in the same spot where lord Vishnu is believed to have performed his intense penance as goddess Laxmi shielded him in the form of a tree. The place is named so since the entire valley is believed to be once completely covered in Badri (jujube) trees, which has now gone obsolete. This is one of the most thought provoking and spiritually awakening temples in India and a visit to it is a must.
How to Reach
By Road – Various interstate buses ply from various parts of the surrounding cities like Haridwar, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Delhi, Rishikesh etc to Badrinath. The road leads up completely to the entrance of the temple.
By Train – Rishikesh being the closest rail head for Badrinath Dham caters to a number of trains which makes its way from different parts of India. Pilgrims also decide to avail the services of buses or shares cabs to make their way to Badrinath Dham.
By Helicopter – You choose from a range of helicopter service provider companies which ply from Dehradun to the helipad in extremely close proximity to the main temple entrance.
Best Time to Visit
The most convenient and comfortable time to make your trip to this holy Dham is during the summer months of April to mid – July when the temperature is extremely pleasant and the temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degree Celsius.
Opening and Closing Timings
Opening Dates – The Kapat of Badrinath Dham opens up during the holy eve of Akshaya Tritiya which is predicted to fall on 9th may 2022.
Closing Dates – The temple shuts down its Kapat during the holy eve of Vijayadashami that is predicted to fall on 8th October 2022.
Temple Timings – 4:30 am to 9:00 pm
Weather Conditions
Summer Weather – The weather condition during the summer months remain bearable and the best time to visit the Dham. The temperature during this time remains between 15 to 25 degree Celsius and is considered to be the best time to visit.
Monsoon Weather – The rainy season here lasts from mid-July to early September where the temperature drops and stay stays somewhere between 8 to 12 degree Celsius.
Winter Weather – With the onset of the winter weather during the months of early October the entire region remains covered in a thick covering of snow and the Darshan as well as visitation is completely shut down.
Latest Char Dham News 2022:
Here is some recent and updated news on Char Dham Yatra of 2022:
Flood of 2013:
When Kedarnath Dham was taken up by the overflowing waters from the Chorabari Tal caused due to a sudden cloudburst, the entire region got completely washed up. The flood waters destroyed anything and everything that came in its way. Apart from the main temple structure which was secured by a huge mountain rock everything else had perished including a large number of pilgrims. Kedarnath Dham has been rebuilding after it. The trekking route which was destroyed during the flood has now been reestablished via a newer and a safer route. Few shops and local tea stalls are built again but on in a congested manner. The paths heading for the main entrance have also been widened. Various expert agencies and construction works re worked towards the re development project of Kedarnath Dham.
Char Dham Railway
Char Dham railway is a proposed project by the railway of India which is a twin railways line which is supposed to complement the highway project which will connect all the Chota Char Dham Yatra sites. The Char Dham Yatra by railway line will commence from the railway station at Doiwala close to Dehradun and then make its way to Gangotri and Yamunotri via a fork at Uttarkashi. Another different set of railway line will link the upcoming railway station in Karnaprayag and make its way to Kedarnath and Badrinath via the fork at Saikot.
Char Dham All-Weather Road Project
The Char Dham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna is a highway development project plan for Uttarakhand by the central government. As per this project the government will develop and upgrade the road that is responsible for connecting all the 4 Dhams of Uttarakhand i.e. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This dream project is set to cost almost 12,000 crore rupees and is said to cover an overall distance of 1,100 km. this project is done so since the Char Dham roads are not meant for all the weather and some of them even gets covered in dust and mud.
Char Dham Yatra Route Map
Here is a brief route map of Char Dham to help you with the planning stages of the Char Dham Yatra:
Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Rishikesh – Delhi
Travel Tips for Char Dham
Health Tips:
- Remember to carry all your important medicines and other medicines that you may require during the journey. You can also include pills for dealing with mountain sickness, vertigo or motion sickness. You can also include anti fever medicine, medicine for stomach related issues, cough syrup, pain killer, ointments etc.
- Make sure you go on regular walking or even try to start some brief exercise activities 3 to 4 months prior to the commencement of the journey. This will help you in dealing with a sudden change in the altitude. For best results opt for breathing exercises.
Package Tips:
- Remember to select and confirm your package way before the commencement sate of the Yatra journey since this is an extremely popular Yatra which is undertaken by a large number of Hindus from various different parts of the world.
- Make sure to get your Char Dham Yatra package with the help of a reliable and trustworthy Char Dham Yatra package provider. Check its customer reviews and experience in this field to be completely sure about the journey.
Char Dham Yatra FAQ
1- Can I take my infant child to Char Dham?
- It is not advisable for parents to take children below 2 years of age since the weather conditions and the overall environment here is not favorable for kids to travel and may cause adverse effects.
2- When does the Char Dham Yatra begin and end?
- The Char Dham Yatra commences during the onset of the summer month of April or May and goes on till the onset of the winter months of either end of October or early November. You have the freedom of going on Char Dham Yatra journey anytime you feel comfortable.
3- Is going on Char Dham Yatra journey a safe option for people over the age of 70?
- With the development of various transport services and other add on amenities the Char Dham Yatra has been made accessible to everyone who is not only old but are also incapable of making the journey. the most convenient option for you will be to opt for a helicopter Yatra journey which will not only cut down on your Yatra duration but it will also be the most comfortable and convenient methods of getting to Char Dham.
4- Please elaborate on the token system in Badrinath Dham, what is its benefit?
- You will be able to access 3 token counters close to the taxi stand in Badrinath Dham. You can collect your token for free from these counters. This token holds the Darshan timing and you will be required to be at the entrance door by almost 10 to 15 minutes in advance. During the peak seasons of May and July each pilgrim is allotted with a Darshan timing of just 15 to 20 seconds and not more than that. If you have a token along with you, you will no longer be required to stand and wait in long lines you will be able to complete your Darshan and go visit a few tourist attractions nearby.
5- Can I visit Kedarnath from Kolkata?
- Yes of course! You can definitely visit Kedarnath Dham from Kolkata. But first of all you will be required to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh via New Delhi and get yourself a bus, taxi, jeep or a private car service heading to Kedarnath Dham with the last motorable road being Gaurikund.
6- What are a few absolutely essential items which we should not miss out on during my Char Dham Yatra journey?
- Some of the most vital and important Char Dham Yatra essentials include – woolen and warm clothing items like – woolen gloves, muffler, monkey caps etc. you should also carry a small first aid kit box containing band aids, Dettol, emergency medicines etc. for some instant energy source during your Yatra remember to carry along some chocolates, glucose packets and dry fruits which will definitely come in handy during your Yatra journey to Char Dham.
