Overview
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage that takes devotees through four revered shrines in the Indian Himalayas. The total length of the journey varies depending on the route taken and the mode of transportation, typically covering around 1,500–1,600 km. This spiritual circuit spans the valleys of Garhwal in Uttarakhand, leading pilgrims to the divine abodes of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The highest point of the yatra is Kedarnath (3,583m/11,755 ft), nestled in the snow-clad Himalayas.
Most pilgrims follow a traditional clockwise route, starting from Yamunotri, proceeding to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally concluding at Badrinath. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedar Dome. Each destination holds deep religious significance—Yamunotri marks the source of the Yamuna River, Gangotri is the origin of the holy Ganges, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is the sacred shrine of Lord Vishnu.
The Char Dham Yatra typically begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, which are well-connected by road, rail, and air. Pilgrims travel by road, helicopter, or trek to reach the shrines, experiencing a blend of spiritual devotion and natural grandeur throughout the journey.
