Haridwar to Char Dham Yatra: A complete travel guide

Char Dham yatra includes visits to the following four pilgrimage sites i.e.Gangotri, Yamnotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage journey in Hinduism that encompasses four significant pilgrimage sites located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These four sites are revered as the holiest destinations for devout Hindus, believed to be blessed by the divine and spiritually significant in the Hindu faith. It typically begins in April or May and continues until October or November, coinciding with the favorable weather conditions in the region.

Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. As the name suggests, Haridwar is made up of two words, “Hari” and “Dwar”. Hari means “God” and Dwar means “Door”, which means “Hari ka Dwar” or “Door of God”. Haridwar is also known as the “City of God”. It serves as a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage routes in Hinduism. The Char Dham Yatra encompasses four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide from Haridwar to Char Dham Yatra:

Reaching Haridwar:

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is approximately 37 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Haridwar.

By Train:

Haridwar is well-connected by trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The Haridwar Junction Railway Station is situated in the middle of the city.

By Road:

Haridwar is well-connected by road with major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and others. You can reach Haridwar by state-run buses, private buses, or taxis.

Char Dham Yatra Route:

1. Yamunotri:

Yamunotri is the first destination of the Char Dham Yatra. You can reach Yamunotri via Rishikesh and Barkot. From Barkot, it’s a 42 km drive to Janki Chatti, the base camp for Yamunotri. From Janki Chatti, it’s a 6 km trek to the Yamunotri temple. From Haridwar, you’ll need to travel approximately 225 kilometers to reach Yamunotri.

2. Gangotri:

The second holy abode is Gangotri. It is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. From Yamunotri, you need to travel around 232 kilometers to reach Gangotri. The route involves driving back to Barkot and then to Gangotri via Uttarkashi. Gangotri is approximately 21 km from Uttarkashi.

3. Kedarnath:

The third divine abode is Kedarnath. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. From Gangotri, you need to travel approximately 250 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. The route involves driving back to Uttarkashi and then to Kedarnath via Guptkashi. From Guptkashi, it’s an 18 km trek to Kedarnath, or you can take a helicopter ride.

4. Badrinath:

Badrinath is the fourth and final holy destination of the Char Dham Yatra. It is dedicated to lord Vishnu. From Kedarnath, you need to travel around 218 kilometers to reach Badrinath. The route involves traveling back to Guptkashi and then going to Badrinath via Joshimath. Badrinath is approximately 25 km from Joshimath.

Tips for the Char Dham Yatra:

1. Plan well in advance: Char Dham Yatra is a popular Hindu pilgrimage journey. Make sure to get all the necessary permissions and book your hotels and accommodations in advance.

2. Weather Conditions: Before starting the journey check the weather conditions., as the weather in the Himalayan region is very unpredictable, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.

3. Travel essentials and packing: This journey involves lots of walking and trekking. So it is recommended to carry all your necessary travel documents, including identification proofs and permits required for the journey. Pack things like warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy trekking shoes, a first aid kit, necessary toiletries, a torch, etc.

4. Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions during your visit to the sacred sites.

5. Health checkup: It is recommended to go for a health checkup before going on a Char Dham Yatra. As it contains a lot of physical activity like walking and climbing difficult treks. Visiting high altitudes can be tricky at some times for some people. So keep all the necessary medicines and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during treks.

6. Safety Precautions: Follow safety guidelines provided by local authorities and guides, especially during treks and helicopter rides.

FAQ’S

1. What is the ideal time to go on Char Dham Yatra?

Char Dham Yatra typically begins in April or May and continues until October or November, coinciding with the favorable weather conditions in the region. It depends on the condition of the weather. The weather in the Himalayas tends to change very frequently.

2. What is the significance of Char Dham Yatra?

Char Dham Yatra includes visits to the following holy sites i.e. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites are considered to be the sacred and holiest sites of the Hindu pilgrimage journey. People go on this journey to achieve all-round peace of mind, body, and soul.

3. What are the safety measures for Char Dham Yatra?

This journey involves lots of walking and trekking. So it is recommended to carry all your necessary travel documents, including identification proofs and permits required for the journey. Pack things like warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy trekking shoes, a first aid kit, necessary toiletries, a torch, etc. It is recommended to go for a health checkup before going on a Char Dham Yatra. As it contains a lot of physical activity like walking and climbing difficult treks. Visiting high altitudes can be tricky at some times for some people. So keep all the necessary medicines and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during treks.