Yamunotri | Gangotri | Kedarnath | Badrinath
Yamunotri is the first of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Yamunotri is source of revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine. The shrine is perched atop side of the Bandar Poonch peak (3154 mt above sea level). The main temple is dedidated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur towards end of 19th century. After destroyed by an earthquake once, it has been rebuilt. The pilgrims has to trek 5 km to reach the temple. There are many thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple. The most important of these is Suryakund, which is a tank full of boiling water. Rice can be dipped in water to cook and taken as prasad. Near the kund, a rock slab called Divyashila is worshipped before puja is offered to the black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. Origin of the shila is not known but this holds a place of reverance in the rituals in and aound Yamunotri since time immemorial.
Hanuman Chatti and Dotital Yamunotri Trek are other important places of interest near Yamunotri
Gangotri is the second of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Gangotri glacier, the second longest glacier of Indian Himalayas, is source of revered river Ganga. It is located at an altitude of 3048 mt. The origin of the river is at Gaumukh which is further 18 km trek from Gangotri. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred stone “Bhagirath Shila” where King Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva and holy Ganga first descended on earth from heaven. The temple was built in 18th century which is an exquisite 20 ft high structure made of white granite. Gangotri town serves as the starting point of the Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan and Gangotri-Kedartal trekking routes
Other key places of interest near Gangotri are:
Kedarnath is the third of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Amidst the majestic Kedarnath range of mountains stands on of twelve “Jyotirlingas” of Lord Shiva which is also known as Kedar. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in this district (Rudraprayag), the most important one being Kedarnath. Situated at an altitude of 3500 mt. and amidst the background of snow covered mountains, the temple is build of large, heavy and evenly cut grey slab of stones. This temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Kedarnath is origin of River Mandakani which flows adjacent to shrine. The pilgrims has to trek 16 km to reach the temple from last motorable road at Gaurikund. Helicopter services are also available from various base camps.
Other key places of interest near Kedarnath are:
Kedarnath is most well known and visited shrine among Panch (or 5) Kedar. The four other being:
Badrinath is the fourth and last of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Encirlced by a beautiful valley on the banks of river Alaknanda with Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, Badrinath is the holiest of four shrines in the itinerary of char dham. Perched on the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan, Badrinath is the abode of Lord Vishnu. The name Badrinath is derived from wild berries which are referred as Badri. Long time ago, this spot was covered with with badris or wild berries, hence was known as Badri Van or wild berries forest. The revered shrine is still alive wih myriad legends from mythology.
Other key places of interest near Badrinath are
Badrinath is most well known and visited shrine among Panch Badris. The other four are:
Char dham yatra can be covered in 9 days but actual duration may vary due to customized itinerary as per your comfort and needs. The below brief will take you to a overview of the tour to understand how the journey will follow:
