Char Dham Map
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage circuit located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, comprising four highly revered temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These temples are dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, respectively. Undertaking this pilgrimage is believed to help devotees attain moksha (liberation) and is considered one of the most important spiritual journeys in Hinduism. The Yatra is not only about seeking divine blessings but also about experiencing the rich natural beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
Each of the Char Dham is set amidst breathtaking mountain views, rivers, and forests, offering pilgrims both physical challenges and spiritual enrichment. For centuries, this journey has attracted millions of devotees, all hoping to purify their souls, seek forgiveness for their sins, and gain divine blessings.
Location of Char Dham Sites
1. Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the source of the Yamuna River, which holds great importance in Hindu mythology. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is a key part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is believed to have been built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal in the 19th century. Pilgrims visit to seek blessings and bathe in the holy river.
Location: The Yamunotri Temple is located in Western Uttarakhand, at the source of the Yamuna River in the Harshil Valley, near the Bandarpunch Peak.
How to Reach: The Yamunotri Temple is situated near Janki Chatti, a small village in Uttarakhand. To reach the temple, travel from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Janki Chatti by road, and then embark on a 5 km trek to the temple. Pilgrims can either walk or hire Ponies or Palki service to cover the trek from Janki Chatti to the temple, which is about 5 kilometers away.
2. Gangotri Temple
The Gangotri Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga and marks the origin of the Bhagirathi River, which is regarded as the source of the sacred Ganges River. According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges was brought to Earth from the heavens by King Bhagirath, and the temple stands at the spot where the river first descended. It is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings from the Goddess.
Location: The Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of Eastern Uttarakhand, near the source of the Ganga River, in the Gangotri Glacier region.
How to Reach: The Gangotri Temple is accessible by road. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, travel to Uttarkashi, and then proceed on a scenic drive to Gangotri Temple.
3. Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era and holds immense historical and spiritual significance. It is a revered pilgrimage destination, attracting devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
Location: Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, in the northeastern part of the state. It is nestled in the Kedarnath range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), near the source of the Mandakini River.
How to Reach: Kedarnath is accessible only by a 20 km trek from Gauri Kund or by helicopter, making it the most challenging part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, travel to Gauri Kund by road and then trek or take ponies/palki services to Kedarnath. There are Kedarnath Helicopter Service are also available from Phata and nearby regions to reach temple.
4. Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, and devotees believe that a visit to the temple absolves sins and grants salvation. The temple holds great spiritual significance, drawing pilgrims from all over the world.
Location: The Badrinath Temple is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,300 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, along the banks of the Alaknanda River.
How to Reach: To reach Badrinath, start your journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Badrinath is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from Joshimath via a scenic drive, ensuring a smooth journey for pilgrims.
Char Dham Yatra Route Map
The Char Dham Yatra typically follows a clockwise route, starting from Yamunotri and proceeding to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath. This route is not only spiritual but also geographical, as it takes pilgrims from the lower valleys to the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
Here’s the general route with approximate distances and travel times, along with an idea of how to reach the Char Dham Yatra.
1. Rishikesh to Yamunotri: Pilgrims begin their journey from Rishikesh to Yamunotri, which is approximately 233 kilometers away. The journey takes around 7-8 hours by road to Janki Chatti, the last motorable point. From Janki Chatti, pilgrims must trek 6 km to reach the Yamunotri Temple.
Route Map: Rishikesh-Chamba-Chinyalisour-Barkot-Jankichatti-Yamunotri
2. Yamunotri to Gangotri: The distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri is approximately 222 kilometers. The journey takes around 7-8 hours by road, offering scenic views of the Himalayan landscape as you travel through the beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand.
Route Map: Yamunotri-Jankichatti-Barkot-Uttarkashi-Gangnani-Harsil-Gangotri
3. Gangotri to Kedarnath: From Gangotri, the road distance to Gauri Kund is around 325 kilometers. After reaching Gauri Kund, pilgrims begin on a 16-kilometer trek to reach Kedarnath Temple, passing through rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty. The trek is challenging but spiritually enriching.
Route Map: Gangotri-Harsil-Uttarkashi-Ghansali-Augustmuni-Ukhimath-Sonprayag-Gaurikund-Kedarnath
4. Kedarnath to Badrinath: The journey from Kedarnath to Badrinath covers approximately 223 kilometers by road, which takes about 8-9 hours. The route traverses high-altitude terrain and offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks, making it a remarkable drive on the Char Dham Yatra circuit.
Route Map: Kedarnath-Gaurikund-Ukhimath-Pipalkoti-Joshimath-Pandukeshwar-Badrinath
The Char Dham Travel is a deeply spiritual journey that takes pilgrims through some of the most sacred and picturesque destinations in Uttarakhand, offering an opportunity to experience both divine blessings and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. While the journey involves challenging treks and scenic road routes, it remains one of the most revered pilgrimages in Hinduism, drawing millions from all over the world. The Char Dham Yatra not only strengthens spiritual beliefs but also provides an unparalleled experience of nature’s splendor, making it an unforgettable pilgrimage for all those who undertake it.
