Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to a diversity of temples and welcomes pilgrims all year. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most well-known holy locations and circuits visited by pilgrims in Uttarakhand. This Yatra, or pilgrimage, takes you to four holy locations in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. ‘Char’ means four in Hindi, while ‘Dham’ defines holy places.

Every year, the high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months, opening in the spring (April or May) and closing with the arrival of winter (October or November). It is recommended that the Char Dham Yatra be completed in a clockwise direction. As a result, the pilgrimage begins in Yamunotri, continues to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath. It is possible to accomplish the voyage by road or by air (helicopter services are available). Some devotees even go on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath, known as the Do Dham Yatra.

The Yamunotri temple in Uttarkashi district is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is located in a narrow canyon near the source of the River Yamuna (India’s second-most sacred river after the Ganga). Gangotri, devoted to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers, is located in Uttarkashi’s district. Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Rudraprayag district. Lord Vishnu is honoured in Badrinath, which is home to the famous Badrinarayan Temple. The Char Dham Yatra is both divine and difficult, but it delights the soul!