Chardham Yatra- A Spiritual Journey in Search of Moksha

India, the land of 330 million gods and goddesses boasts of a plethora of pilgrimages spread all around its vast boundaries. Amongst these ancient and newly constructed spiritual destinations, Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand holds a significant place in Hinduism. Hindus believe that nothing can be more righteous and religiously divine than embarking on this pious journey with your parents. This holy yatra consists of four pilgrimages; Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

What is Chardham Yatra?

As the name suggests, this pious journey refers to the four holiest pilgrimages in North India including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. There is an unflinching faith among Hindus that covering this auspicious journey at least once in their lifetime to cleanse the soul of committed sins and attain salvation or moksha. According to Hindu scriptures, human life is driven by the four significant principles of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. It is believed that completing this pious journey makes you achieve an absolute serenity of mind.

The Four Pilgrimages Comprising this Auspicious Journey

Chardham Yatra, one of the most pious journeys in the Hindu religion comprises four holy pedestals nestled amidst the Himalayas. This spiritual journey commences from Yamunotri and then proceeds towards Gangotri, Kedarnath, and then finally concludes at Badrinath. Let’s have a piece of detailed information about these dams individually.

1- Yamunotri

• Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Height: 3293 mts
• Average Weather: 10° C to -2° C
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali
• Best Time: May to June and Sept to Nov
• Nearest Airport: Dehradun
• Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates: Opening Date- 14 May 2021 – Closing Date- 06 Nov 2021

The first stopover of the Chardham Yatra circuit, Yamunotri is one of the most revered sites of the entire circuit. Dedicated to River Yamuna, the pilgrimage attracts a huge footfall of devotees from different geographic regions of the world every single year. According to interesting Hindu mythology, Asit Muni, a well-known Hindu sage used to take baths daily in both the rivers Ganga and Yamuna but after a certain age, it became difficult for him to move towards Gangotri hence, he requested Goddess Ganga to help him. The goddess was super impressed with his devotion so, she appeared at Yamunotri in the form of a stream in which the sage took bath.

Despite holding huge spiritual importance in Hinduism, the destination is also very popular for its challenging trekking trails, thermal springs, and gorgeous glaciers. There is nothing wrong in saying that it is a complete package of holiday destinations where you can seek the blessings of the deity, witness the surreal beauty of nature, pass through the rugged and rocky mountains, and the thick dense forests.

Places to explore in and around Yamunotri- Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund, Saptrishi Kund, Yamunotri Glacier, and Divya Shila are a few of the star attractions of Yamunotri Dham.

2- Gangotri

• Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Height: 3,415 mts
• Average Weather: 15° C to -3° C
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali
• Best Time: April to June and Aug to Nov
• Nearest Airport: Dehradun
• Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates: Opening Date- 15 May 2021 – Closing Date- 05 Nov 2021

Gangotri, the seat of Goddess Ganga, is visited by millions of devotees every year. This prominent destination of River Ganga is nestled at a huge elevation and a distance of 19 km from Gaumukh, the originating place of this pious river. There are multiple mythological tales associated with its origin and the most interesting and popular one states that King Bhagiratha performed a deep meditation to plead Goddess Ganga. He wanted a peaceful liberation of the souls of his ancestors and for this, he meditated for many years.

His strong devotional attribute impressed the goddess and she came down on the earth for the very first time. This is the place where devotees from different geographic regions of the country come to take bath in the river and to seek the blessings of the deity at Gangotri Temple. There is a strong belief among Hindus that taking a dip into this pious river wash off their committed sins and attain salvation. Pandava Cave, Bhagirath Shila, submerged Shivlinga, etc. are some other places to explore here.

3- Kedarnath

• Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Height: 3,583 mts
• Area: 2.75 km²
• Average Weather: 10° C to -5° C
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali
• Best Time: May to June and Sept to Nov
• Nearest Airport: Dehradun
• Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates: Opening Date- 17 May 2021 – Closing Date- 06 Nov 2021

One of the most eminent destinations of Shiva worshippers, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hindus. Pilgrims from the varied geographic region flock to this revered site to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for their lifelong prosperity and wealth. Enveloped by the gorgeous Himalayan ranges, the pilgrimage is amongst 12 of the most prosperous Jyotirlingas and this makes it more popular among Hindus. Likewise other sacred sites of the circuit, Kedarnath also holds a special place in Hindu mythology. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva transformed himself into a bull in trying to elude Pandavas.

Pandavas were heavily burdened with the guilt of fratricide and they were seeking the blessings of the deity to atone their sin of fratricide but Lord Shiva didn’t want to forgive them so easily hence, he took the shape of a bull and plunged into the ground but one of the Pandavas recognized him and got the hold of his tail and the hump but the remaining part of the body shattered all around.

Places to visit in and around Kedarnath Dham- Besides Kedarnath Temple, one can also visit Shankaracharya Samadhi, Gandhi Sarovar, and the Bhairon Temple.

4- Badrinath

• Location: Chamoli Garhwali, Uttarakhand
• Height: 3,300 mts
• Area: 3 km²
• Average Weather: 12° C to -4° C
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali
• Best Time: May to June and Sept to Nov
• Nearest Airport: Dehradun, Pantnagar
• Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates: Opening Date- 18 May 2021 – Closing Date- 10 Nov 2021

One of the most prime destinations of both Chardham in India and Chardham in Uttarakhand, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds immense significance in Hinduism. Nestled beautifully amidst Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, the pilgrimage draws huge footfall of devotees every year. Pilgrims from far across the world flock to the site to seek the blessings of the deity for their good health, wealth, and lifelong prosperity.

According to Hindu mythology, the pilgrimage is established at the place where Lord Vishnu was once meditating very deeply in harsh climatic conditions and Goddess Lakshmi couldn’t see him in that unfavorable condition hence, she transformed herself as a tree and provided him the shade. Hence, the pilgrimage doesn’t only house the idol of Lord Vishnu but also of the goddess Lakshmi. Everyone who visits the pilgrimage follows the ritual of taking a dip into Tapt Kund before entering the shrine.

Places to explore in and around Badrinath Dham- Vasudhara Waterfalls, Neelkanth, Vyas Cave, Mana Village, and Tapt Kund are other attractions of the pilgrimage.

Best Time to Plan Chardham Yatra

Tucked in the lap of gorgeous Himalayan mountains, Chardham Yatra is an annual pilgrimage opened for pilgrims between May and November. Therefore, one needs to schedule their visit in this period only. However, planning this sacred journey in the monsoon months is not at all recommended as all the pilgrimages are nestled at great heights and are much prone to landslides.

The Most Ideal Time to Plan this Spiritual Journey

Although the pilgrimages are opened for 6 months in a year i.e. from the last week of April to the first week of November it is always better to plan your Chardham Yatra either in May and June or in September and October. These are the two most recommended periods to plan your trip as the weather is quite pleasing and favorable in these months that allows you to reach the desired destinations very conveniently and offers the best sightseeing options.

How to Reach Chardham Shrines

Inarguably, the yatra is quite challenging and physical as well as mentally taxing but with proper planning and practice, it can be completed with ease and comfort.

By Air– Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Chardham Yatra and just after coming out of the airport, one can easily get a private taxi or cab to reach the desired destinations.

By Rail- If you are planning to visit the holy shrines of this sacred journey by railways then you can either take a train to Haridwar Railway Station or Rishikesh Railway Station. Both the railheads are well-connected with the maintained roads hence, you can easily get a road transport for your onward journey towards the pilgrimages.

By Road– Uttarakhand is nicely connected with several nearby cities of the country through well-maintained road networks. The best way to start your road journey is to reach Delhi first and then take a direct bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh from where you can easily catch transport for your journey towards Yamunotri.

Travel Tips for Chardham Yatra

One needs to have proper planning before embarking on this spiritual journey and below enlisted are a few of the most relevant points that one must be aware of. You can also check out our beautifully narrated Chardham Yatra travel guide to have the best understanding about this divine journey.

1. All the destinations are nestled at extreme locations and witness unfavorable climatic conditions. Therefore, the tourists are advised to carry proper woolens so that they can cope up with the extremely cold climate.
2. Don’t forget to carry enough cash with you as it’s not possible to find ATMs at such altitudes.
3. Stay updated with the weather forecast and proceed accordingly.
4. Engage a reputed and trustworthy travel agency for your tour to ensure your safety and security.
5. You are highly advised to complete all the bookings in advance or else be ready to compromise with your comfort level.