The name ‘Char Dham’ is quite popular in the context of Hinduism and spirituality in India. The term mainly translates into the four holy sites. And these sites are located in Dev Bhoomi, Uttarakhand. You will come across pilgrims from all over the country and abroad heading to the Char Dham, namely Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The four religious destinations are located at higher altitudes in the Himalayas. One who does the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ in one’s lifetime, is said to be free of all sins.

The high-altitude holy temple sites are closed for around half the year, due to heavy snowfall. However, pilgrimage resumes in the summer months. Hindus believe that one should complete the yatra in a clockwise direction. So, the journey of the ‘Dhams’, starts from Yamunotri, then one moves on toward Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.

History of Char Dham Yatra

Before you know more about the tour, you must have a clear idea of its beginning or background. Adi Shankaracharya, who was a religious reformer, started the tour sometime in the 8th century. Moreover, he segregated the four holy sites and routes as well.  The generations that came thereafter, started following the traditions.

Detailed Overview of The Char Dham Yatra

• The tour starts from the holy site of Haridwar. From there, pilgrims and tourists head to Barkot. The route to Barkot happens to be very scenic. After a short break, you will again head towards Phoolchatti, which is 236 km from Haridwar. The
• The trip from Phoolchatti to Yamunotri consists of a drive and trek. After you reach Yamunotri, you can take a dip in the holy waters of the Kund, like all the others. You can offer your prayers to the goddess and then come back to Phoolchatti, where you are supposed to retire for the night again.
• The next day, your tour starts early in the morning, with a breakfast halt at Barkot. Then the bus, you will be travelling in, heads toward Uttarkashi. Visit the Vishwanath temple there and depart the place by noon, to stopover at Harsil. After an overnight stay, you will again head by bus towards Gangotri. You can take a plunge in the holy waters of the Ganga, to wash off all sins.

• Again, you will return back to Uttarkashi, and retire overnight at a hotel as arranged by your tour operator. From Uttarkashi, you have to travel toward Guptkashi, via Chamba or New Tehri, thereafter. Visit Tehri Dam on the way. You will reach Guptkashi by evening. Stay at any accommodation overnight, and then you again resume the journey from Guptkashi to Kedarnath via Gauri Kund. You have to trek for around 17 km. Be a part of the evening aarti at Kedarnath and pay your reverence to the goddesses and gods.
• Next morning, you can again visit the Kedarnath temple, before you head to Tilwara. You have to trek again for 17 km to Gauri Kund. From Gauri Kund, you will again board a bus and head toward Tilwara. The route from Tilwara, includes a visit to Joshi math and then Badrinath, where it culminates. Narsing Temple is located at Joshi Math. Pray to the divine at Badrinath and retire for a night. You return back to Haridwar, like most tourists thereafter.

The Char Dham Yatra, takes you through the beautiful valleys, where you can unwind, apart from connecting to your religious side.  Always book the best travel and tour operator, for the best memories.