The Char Dham or the four abodes, the most revered pilgrimage circuit lies in the Indian Himalayas. The journey moves in the clockwise circulation. Starting from left to right, it covers the four sacred destinations, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Char Dham is a wonderful tour of India. Situated in Dev Bhumi of Uttarakhand, it enables devotees to attain the peace of mind. It is a favourite pilgrimage centre for Hindu pilgrims. This holy voyage takes you to the four sacred spots. Blessed with fascinating attractions and majestic temples, every Dham is a treat to the eyes.
Char Dham Yatra India takes you to the following destinations:
Badrinath
Lies at an elevation of 3133 m in Garhwal, Badrinath is the home to Lord Vishnu. It is considered as the most sacred of all dhams, which you can explore with Chardham tour packages. It has snow-covered Neelkanth Peak on the back drop and the gorgeous Alakananda by the side. Badrinath is a paradise for tourists. It usually takes two-days journey from Kedarnath. Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site that lies on the route of Badrinath. The stunning structure of the temple of Badrinath resembles to the Buddhist gompas.
Kedarnath
Chardham yatra tour takes you to the abode of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath. This holy spot positions itself at an altitude of 3584 m. It is among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The spot is also considered as Shankaracharya's samadhi. Kedarnath Temple is the most remote place of four Dhams. Mandakini river, gushing by this holy site, is another charm of the destination.
Gangotri
This is the place from where the river Bhagirathi starts. Lies at a height of 3042 m, Gangotri is another destination of Char Dham tour. Goddess Ganga is the main deity here. According to Hindu Mythology, Goddess Ganga manifested herself in the form of a river to exempt all the sins of the ancestors of King Bhagirath. Ritual duties are observed by the Semwal family of pujaris.
The Aarti ceremony at the site creates a spectacular sight. Adventurous devotees can embark on an overnight 17 km trek to Gaumukh, which serves as the actual source of the Ganga.
Yamunotri
The place positions itself in the lap of Himalayas, opposite to Gangotri.
There is a road opposite to Gangotri that divides from Dharasu and reaches to Yamunotri, which is the source of the Yamuna River. The place can be accessed from Mussoorie. It is another major destination of Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri is a full day trip from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehra Dun. Ritual tasks at Yamunotri like making and distribution of 'Prasad' are performed by the Pujaris or Priests. Rice is cooked into Prasad by using hot springs at the site.
