Travel > Holiday Ideas > Pilgrimage > Chardham

The holy river Ganges and her tributaries flow past the Four Dams that are located in the state of Uttaranchal in North India. It is believed that Goddess Ganga descended upon the Earth in the form of a River to help the suffering humanity. It was split into four channels that include Alakananda (in Badrinath), Mandakini (in Kedarnath), Bhagirathi (in Gangotri) and Yamuna (in Yamunotri). Each of the Four Dams is blessed with spellbinding scenic beauty and countless ancient temples. Every year, countless tourists from across the world, visit here in search of peace and tranquility.


Chardhams (The Four Dhams)

Badrinath
Cradled in the twin mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan is the holiest of the four main shrines, Badrinath along the left bank of river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the sacred itinerary of every devout Hindu. Once the spot was carpeted with 'badris' or wild berries and hence was famous as 'Badri Van'.

Kedarnath
Amidst the dramatic mountainscapes of the majestic Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Kedar or Lord Shiva. Lying at an altitude of 3584 mts. on the head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.
The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, HE dived into the ground, leaving behind HIS hump on the surface. This conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol in the shrine.

Gangotri
According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. furthur uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies.

Yamunotri
The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here.


Accommodation at Chardham:
Write to us for Chardham Yatra / Tour

Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winters are covered by snow. Chardham Yatra is allowed only from April to October.
 

Prime Attractions at Chardham

• At Badrinath

• Yog Dhyan Badri

• Bhavishya Badri

• Adi Badri

• At Kedarnath

• Kedarnath Temple

• Shankaracharya Samadhi

• At Gangotri

• Gaukukh

• At Yamunotri

• Yamunotri Temple

Access to Chardham Places
 

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Road: At few places there are motorable roads & at few places the distance is covered on horse or by trek.
 

Rail: Nearest railhead is Rishikesh.