Chaar Dhaam Yatra

• Destinations Covered:
  1. Yamunotri Dham – Goddess Yamuna
  2. Gangotri Dham – Goddess Ganga
  3. Kedarnath Dham – Lord Shiva
  4. Badrinath Dham – Lord Vishnu
• Best Time to Visit:
  The pilgrimage is best undertaken during the summer months, from May to October. The temples are closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, typically from November to April.
• Duration:
  The entire Chaar Dhaam Yatra from Delhi takes around 10 to 12 days, depending on the pace of travel, your itinerary, and preferred mode of transport.

Itinerary for Chaar Dhaam Yatra from Delhi

Here’s a detailed itinerary starting from Delhi, covering all four holy shrines:

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar (230 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (approximately 6-7 hours)
• Highlights:
  • Begin your journey early from Delhi and head to Haridwar, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage cities.
  • Visit Har Ki Pauri, take a dip in the holy Ganges, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the evening.

Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (210 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (7-8 hours)
• Highlights:
  • After breakfast, drive to Barkot, a town located near Yamunotri.
  • Check into your hotel or guesthouse for the night and rest for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri Dham (48 km drive + 5 km trek)

• Travel Mode: By road to Janki Chatti (48 km), then trek 5 km to Yamunotri
• Highlights:
  • After breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti, the base point for the Yamunotri trek.
  • Begin the 5 km trek (or opt for a pony or palanquin ride) to reach Yamunotri Temple.
  • Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and dip in the Surya Kund (hot spring).
  • Return to Barkot in the evening for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi (82 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (5-6 hours)
• Highlights:
  • After breakfast, drive towards Uttarkashi, located near Gangotri.
  • Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and relax for the night in Uttarkashi.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri Dham (100 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (4-5 hours)
• Highlights:
  • Early morning drive to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges River.
  • Visit the Gangotri Temple, take a dip in the holy Bhagirath Shila and the sacred Ganges.
  • After offering prayers, head back to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag (160 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (7-8 hours)
• Highlights:
  • Travel from Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag, en route, enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and rivers.
  • Overnight stay in Rudraprayag.

Day 7: Rudraprayag to Kedarnath Dham (75 km drive + 16 km trek)

• Travel Mode: By road to Gaurikund (75 km), then 16 km trek to Kedarnath
• Highlights:
  • Drive from Rudraprayag to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.
  • Start the challenging 16 km trek (or opt for a helicopter ride or pony ride) to reach Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
  • Offer your prayers at the temple and enjoy the panoramic views of the Kedarnath Range.
  • Return to your accommodation in Kedarnath for the night.

Day 8: Kedarnath to Rudraprayag (16 km trek + 75 km drive)

• Travel Mode: 16 km trek down to Gaurikund, then by road back to Rudraprayag
• Highlights:
  • After a peaceful morning, descend back to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Rudraprayag to Badrinath Dham (160 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (7-8 hours)
• Highlights:
  • Proceed to Badrinath and visit the magnificent Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Don’t miss taking a dip in the sacred Tapt Kund (hot springs).
  • Explore the surrounding scenic beauty and visit the nearby Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border.

Day 10: Badrinath to Haridwar (310 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (10-11 hours)
• Highlights:
  • After a morning darshan at Badrinath, drive back towards Haridwar.
  • Rest overnight in Haridwar.

Day 11: Haridwar to Delhi (230 km)

• Travel Mode: By road (6-7 hours)
• Highlights:
  • After breakfast, drive back to Delhi and end the Chaar Dhaam Yatra with blessings and memories.

Travel Options for Chaar Dhaam Yatra from Delhi:

1. By Road (Private Vehicle/Taxi):
   • Comfortable and scenic, you can book a private vehicle for the entire journey.
   • Shared cabs and taxis are available for group bookings.
2. By Train:
   • You can take a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then travel by road for the rest of the Yatra.
3. By Helicopter (Kedarnath & Badrinath):
   • Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath and Badrinath, making the journey more convenient, especially for the elderly or those with mobility issues.

Accommodation Options:

• Luxury Hotels/Resorts: Available at Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Badrinath, and Kedarnath for comfort.
• Budget Hotels & Guesthouses: Many budget-friendly options are available near the temples and base camps.
• Dharamshalas: Pilgrim guesthouses available for affordable stays.

Important Tips for the Yatra:

• Health Precautions: Consult a doctor before embarking on the journey, especially if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure. Carry necessary medications.
• Pack Wisely: Carry warm clothes, trekking shoes, rain gear, and essential personal items for the high-altitude journey.
• Trek Preparation: Be physically prepared for the treks to Kedarnath and Yamunotri. It is advisable to practice basic trekking skills before the journey.
• Booking in Advance: Book your travel, accommodation, and any necessary permits well in advance, as these destinations can get crowded during peak season.
• Stay Hydrated: Due to the high altitude, drink plenty of water and avoid over-exerting yourself during the journey.

Conclusion:

The Chaar Dhaam Yatra from Delhi is a deeply enriching and spiritual experience that takes you through India’s most sacred and picturesque destinations. Whether you travel by road or opt for helicopters, the journey offers a perfect blend of devotion, adventure, and natural beauty. Embark on this sacred journey to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul!