Char Dham Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus in India. It refers to the four sacred places of worship in the Indian state of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Yatra takes devotees to these four holy shrines and is considered to be one of the most auspicious pilgrimages for Hindus.

If you are planning a Char Dham Yatra from Delhi, here’s everything you need to know:

Mode of transportation: Delhi is well connected to Uttarakhand by road, rail, and air. You can either take a flight or a train to Dehradun or Haridwar and then take a cab or bus to the Char Dhams. Alternatively, you can also hire a private cab or book a tour package that includes transportation from Delhi.

Route: The Char Dham Yatra generally starts from Yamunotri, then moves on to Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath. The distance between each shrine is around 200-300 km, and it takes around 2-3 days to cover each leg of the journey. It is advisable to start the journey early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach the destination before sunset.

Best time to visit: The Char Dham Yatra season starts from April/May and goes on till October/November. The weather is pleasant during this time, and the roads are mostly clear. However, it is advisable to check the weather conditions and road conditions before planning your trip.

Accommodation: There are several guesthouses, hotels, and dharamshalas available for pilgrims at each of the four Char Dham shrines. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Things to carry: As you will be visiting temples, it is advisable to wear modest clothes and carry a shawl or a stole to cover your head. Other essential items include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle.

Places to visit: Apart from the four Char Dham shrines, there are several other places of interest that you can visit during your trip. Some of the popular tourist attractions include the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Char Dhams themselves.

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages for Hindus. It refers to the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these shrines has its significance and is visited by millions of devotees every year.

Here’s a detailed itinerary for the Char Dham Yatra:

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar

The journey from Delhi to Haridwar is around 5-6 hours. Upon reaching Haridwar, you can take a dip in the holy Ganges and attend the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay in Haridwar.

Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot

Start your journey towards Yamunotri. The drive from Haridwar to Barkot is around 7-8 hours. En route, you can visit Kempty Falls and Lakhamandal Temple. Overnight stay in Barkot.

Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri

Early morning, drive to Janki Chatti, and from there, you can trek to Yamunotri, which is around 6 km from Janki Chatti. Take a dip in the hot water spring and perform pooja at Yamunotri Temple. Overnight stay in Barkot.

Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi

Drive towards Uttarkashi, which is around 4-5 hours from Barkot. En route, you can visit the Prakateshwar Cave and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri

Early morning, drive to Gangotri, which is around 4-5 hours from Uttarkashi. Visit the Gangotri Temple and take a dip in the holy Ganges. Overnight stay in Gangotri.

Day 6: Gangotri to Guptkashi

Start your journey towards Guptkashi. The drive from Gangotri to Guptkashi is around 8-9 hours. En route, you can visit Tehri Dam and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.

Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

Early morning, drive to Gaurikund, which is around 30 km from Guptkashi. From there, you can trek to Kedarnath, which is around 16 km. Alternatively, you can also take a helicopter ride from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Perform pooja at Kedarnath Temple and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.

Day 8: Kedarnath to Badrinath

Start your journey towards Badrinath, which is around 200 km from Kedarnath. En route, you can visit Joshimath and the Narsingh Temple. Overnight stay in Badrinath.

Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag

Visit the Badrinath Temple and take a dip in the Tapt Kund. Later, drive towards Rudraprayag, which is around 150 km from Badrinath. En route, you can visit the Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Ganesh Gufa. Overnight stay in Rudraprayag.

Day 10: Rudraprayag to Haridwar

Start your journey towards Haridwar. The drive from Rudraprayag to Haridwar is around 4-5 hours. Upon reaching Haridwar, you can take a dip in the holy Ganges and attend the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay in Haridwar.

In conclusion, the Char Dham Yatra is an enriching and fulfilling experience that every Hindu should undertake at least once in their lifetime. With careful planning and preparation, you can make the journey from Delhi to the Char Dhams a memorable one.