Introduction
India is a land of spirituality and the Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. Located in the beautiful and serene Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Char Dhams – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath represent the path to moksha (salvation). Every year thousands of devotees undertake this holy pilgrimage to pray for the sins of their lives and to get the darshan of the Lord. This journey is not only a religious experience but also a spiritual journey that purifies the mind, body and soul of the devotee.
What is Char Dham yatra
Char Dham Yatra is the places located in different parts of Uttarakhand, i.e. four holy places that have special significance in Hinduism. For example, the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Yamunotri, which is in Uttarkashi in the state of Uttarakhand, from where the holy river Yamuna originates. The temple of Mata Yamuna is located in a small valley, and one has to walk 6-7 km to reach here. The second stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Gangotri, which is also in the Uttarakshi district of the state of Uttarakhand, it is considered to be the origin place of Mother Ganga. Gangotri temple is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, which is considered to be the origin of the Ganges. The third stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Kedarnath, which is located in the Rudraprayag district of the state of Uttarakhand. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at a very high altitude and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. One has to walk 16-18 km to reach here. The last stop of the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath which is in the Chamoli district of the state of Uttarakhand. This abode of Lord Vishnu is situated on Neelkanth Mountain. It is a center of unbroken devotion and peace.
History of Char Dham yatra
Adi Shankaracharya started the tradition of Char Dham Yatra in the 8th century. His aim was that people should visit the major places of India for religious awakening and spiritual purification. Since then, Char Dham Yatra has become a major religious journey.
When and how does the journey beigns
The Char Dham Yatra begins every year from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) and continues till Bhai Dooj (October-November). The doors of the temples are open during this period and closed during the winter season.
Route of Char Dham Yatra
The order of the yatra is always Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath. It has its own spiritual logic. First we visit the river goddesses, Maa Yamuna and Maa Ganga, then we visit the abode of Shiva and Vishnu.
Typical Route From Delhi
Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh by Train or Road
Barkot to Yamunotri trek and back
Barkot to Uttarkashi (Gangotri Base)
Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Guptkashi to Kedarnath trek and back
Kedarnath to Badrinath via Joshimath
Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar
Return to Delhi
Char Dham Yatra Package from Delhi
In today’s time, Char Dham Yatra has become even easier as many travel companies are offering Char Dham Yatra packages from Delhi like Manchala Musafir. The package includes everything from travel, stay, food and guide. For those who want to travel in comfort, some packages are also available by luxury buses and helicopters. AC/Non AC transport from Delhi, Hotel accommodation (Standard to Deluxe), Meals (Breakfast and Dinner), Guided tours and darshan, Trek assistance in Kedarnath, Helicopter option (optional) If you are doing this trip for the first time, then taking Char Dham Yatra package from Delhi will be a smart decision. You don’t have to worry about planning, you are focusing on your trip.
Trekking and Physical Fitness
To reach both Yamunotri and Kedarnath, one has to trek. The trek to Yamunotri is 6 km and the trek to Kedarnath is 16 – 18 km. If you are not comfortable with trekking, there are options like palanquin, doli and mule available. There is also an option to go to Kedarnath by helicopter. But remember that the oxygen level is low during the journey, so good physical fitness and medical checkup are necessary.
Packing list of Char Dham yatra
If you are going on Char Dham Yatra then don’t forget these things. Warm clothes because it is cold in the Himalayan region. Rain coat/umbrella because the weather is bad and it can rain anytime. Trekking shoes so that you don’t face any problem while trekking and climbing the mountain. And don’t forget water bottle and snacks because there are very few shops there. First aid kit so that you can get medicine immediately if you get hurt or fall sick. The most important thing is ID proof and permit because there are regular checks and if you don’t have ID then you won’t be allowed to go beyond Haridwar, you have to carry it. Sunscreen and sunglasses and torch and power bank.
Important Tips for Devotees
Online registration of the trip is mandatory on the Uttarakhand government portal. Health Check-up It is good to consult your doctor before the trip. Travel Insurance Insurance is helpful in high altitude travel. Stay hydrated Keep drinking water to avoid fatigue and altitude sickness. Respect the environment, do not use plastic and keep the holy site clean.
Spiritual Importance of Char Dham yatra
The grace of Yamunotri Maa Yamuna brings happiness and prosperity in life. Gangotri Maa Ganga washes away every sin and brings purity in life. The darshan of Kedarnath Shiva temple brings peace of mind and the path of salvation is attained. By visiting the feet of Badrinath Lord Vishnu, the devotee attains peace and knowledge. This journey awakens the devotion within you, and man experiences a different kind of peace.
Conclusion
Char Dham Yatra is not just a religious journey, it is a spiritual awakening. After visiting each Dham, you get a different divine experience. There are many reliable tour operators available for Char Dham Yatra from Delhi who provide you customized Char Dham Yatra packages from Delhi. Whether you are going with your family or alone, with a good package, this trip will become convenient and memorable for you.
