Char dham
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year round. Among the countless religious sites and circuits that devotees visit in Uttarakhand, one of the most prominent is the Char Dham Yatra. This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas. In Hindi, ‘char’ means four and ‘dham’ refers to religious destinations.
The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath. The journey can be completed by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even do a Do Dham Yatra or a pilgrimage to two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Yamunotri temple, lodged in a narrow gorge close to the source of River Yamuna (the second-most sacred Indian river after River Ganga) in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The district of Uttarkashi is also home to Gangotri dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers. Located in the Rudraprayag district lies Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Char Dham Yatra is as divine as it is arduous but fulfills the soul!
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Packages
RISHIKESH – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 02HARIDWAR – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 03HARIDWAR – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH-HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 04RISHIKESH – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH-RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 05DEHRADUN–YAMUNOTRI–GANGOTRI–KEDARNATH-BADRINATH-HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 06DELHI – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH-HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 07DEHRADUN – YAMUNOTRI-GANGOTRI-GAUMUKH- HARIDWAR
RISHIKESH – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH-RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 09HARDWAR – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 10RISHIKESH – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH-RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 11HARIDWAR – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – HARIDWAR
TOUR NO. 12RISHIKESH – VALLEY OF FLOWERS – HEMKUND LOKPAL – BADRINATH-RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 13RISHIKESH – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – RISHIKESH
TOUR NO. 14RISHIKESH – YAMUNOTRI – GANGOTRI – KEDARNATH – BADRINATH – RISHIKESH
FAQ
To participate in the Char Dham Yatra, please register at https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/. Registration will give you access to attractions, other services like – pooja booking, heli service, information about darshan timings – and much more. If you want to speak to someone, call us at 0135 – 1364 or send us an email at info.utdb[at]gmail.com.
Q1: How to register for Char Dham Yatra?
Ans: Online Registration Process through Web Portal & Mobile App
https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
- New User – Sign up
- Existing User – Sign In
- Plan your Tour – Manage Tour Info
- Register yourself – Manage Pilgrims
- Register for Others – Manage Pilgrims
- Other services – Manage other services
Q2: Why register?
Ans: It is mandatory. Please do not skip it.
Since 2014, the government has made the registration compulsory and after the completion of the registration process, all the devotees are issued with QR code. The registration helps in better monitoring & control of pilgrim inflow, making the journey safer for everyone. You can get assistance with availing medical assistance, SOS, Police Helpline, etc. once your login to the application.
Q3: Where to find registration centres?
Ans: You will find Registration Centres on route at below mentioned places and also at all Dhams and at Hemkund Sahib. Registration Points:
- Haridwar Rahi Hotel
- Rishikesh ISBT
- Rishikesh Gurdwara
- Janki Chatti
- Sonprayag
- Barkot
- Hina (Uttarkashi)
- Pankhi
- Joshimath
- Gaurikund
- Govind Ghat
Q4: Where to find Verification Counter?
Ans: You will find verification counters at the entry gate of all Dhams and Hemkund Sahib
Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
Q5: What if I forget to register myself for the Yatra before starting my journey?
Ans: If you forget to register yourself before starting the journey, you can also do registration during travelling through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand portal or visit the registration centres.
Q6: How to reach Kedarnath?
Ans: In order to visit Char Dham or any of the dhams, one has to first reach Haridwar or Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is around 20 km away from Rishikesh. This airport is well connected with all major cities in India. The nearest railway stations to reach Kedarnath are Rishikesh (around 200 km away) or Haridwar (around 120 km). From Rishikesh or Haridwar one can start the yatra by Yatra Buses run by GMVN Ltd, GMOU Ltd. and TGMOU Ltd. Taxi service is also available from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Gaurikund, the last road stop before Kedarnath.
From Gaurikund you have to take the 17-km uphill trek that leads to Kedarnath Dham. Pony, doli (palanquin) and helicopter shuttle services are easily available.
Q7: How to reach Badrinath?
Ans: From Rishikesh and Haridwar buses and taxis are easily available. Badrinath is around 300 km from Rishikesh, and 320 km from Haridwar.
Q8: How to reach Yamunotri?
Ans: To reach Yamunotri, the first stop in the Char Dham yatra, you have to travel to Janki Chatti, which is around 220 km by road from Rishikesh. Taxis and busses are easily available. From here, take the 5-km uphill trek to Yamunotri Dham. Pony and doli services are available.
Q9: How to reach Gangotri?
Ans: Gangotri is very well connected by road. Rishikesh to Gangotri is around 270 km and travellers can book buses/taxis that are easily available from Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Q10: How can I best plan my chardham yatra and how many minimum days are needed for the same?
Ans: Ex-Delhi the Char Dham tour by bus or taxi requires 12 days. However, the same tours from Rishikesh and Haridwar requires 10 days’ time. Travellers can also join group departure tours or customise tours conducted by DIVINE TRAVELS or Other tour operators. Tourist may also book Char Dham tour online at DIVINE TRAVELS
Q11: How to book packages?
Ans: Chardham packages can be booked online at DIVINE TRAVELS or any of our below given offices in your city:
Near Swaminarayan Ashram, Shisham Jhari, Muni ki Reti, Rishikesh.
Mob: 6396919007
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