Introduction
Char Dham is a renowned sacred place of worship located in Uttarakhand that is frequented by thousands of pilgrims from around the world. It is Char Dham consists of 4 shrines “Gangotri”, “Yamunotri”, “Kedarnath” and “Badrinath”.
Many millions of people embark on this spiritual journey with a sole goal in mind: to become closer to the god of the universe and be saved.
It is believed that the Hindu must go on the Char Dham Yatra only once in their life to cleanse themselves of all wrongs and to look forward to living a life of beauty with a fresh outlook and with the experiences of the Yatra still in their hearts.
Char Dham is located in Uttarakhand within the Himalayan ranges. Char Dham is said to be explored in a clockwise direction beginning from Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath before moving on to Badrinath. The four shrines remain closed for six months during a year. They are usually open from April or May , and close in November. It is believed that the ideal time to make this journey to be saved is from May to June to avoid the monsoon , and be able to enjoy a pleasant travel.
The journey starts!
Begin your day with the delicious chole-bhature straight out of the gate. You can then proceed to your next destination by departing for Barkot. Make sure to reserve the hotel in advance so that you don’t have to worry about last-minute price hike. We took about seven hours, which is about 200-225 km to get to our hotel. Be amazed with the stunning beauty of the landscape as you travel. The sensation of going in a pilgrimage will not hit until you experience the holy breeze and how it creates peace in my heart. Make sure to stop at the Kempty falls, but do not take an icy dip since the rest of the journey is going to be wet and cold.
You’re likely to awake before 4 am eagerly anticipating what the day will bring you! This is why you’ll start the beginning your “Pahad Char Dham Yatra” beginning at “Jhanki Chatti” in which you’ll travel with an automobile and begin the journey to the first shrine , which is “Yamunotri” the place where the Yamuna River. The journey is challenging due to the fact that the steps are quite steep and the panic mode is activated, however nothing like that takes place. The entire process will go without a hitch and when you get to the destination, nature is sure to surprise you, leaving you stunned. When you reach Yamunotri you can take to take a dip in the holy “Garam Kund” and then perform a ritual on the Yamunotri temple within the temple itself. Be aware of the three idols inside the temple, namely a black idol depicting the goddess Yamuna and the white one symbolizing Goddess Ganga and the one of Lord Hanuman. In the next step, visit Surya Kund. Surya Kund for your “prasadam”.
After you have completed all the rituals, make your way back to Barkot. The return journey isn’t all that exhausting. Upon getting to your hotel, rest all the fatigue.
The next day, leave early to “Uttarkashi” You will still be a bit exhausted from the trek, and after resting your legs whatever you can and after checking in, make sure to eat a good meal and then proceed to the renowned “Vishwanath Temple” and pay homage to “Lord Shiva” after exploring the town for a while return to your hotel, and rest since you’re going to require to rest for the duration of.
The following day will see you traveling towards”Gangotri” “Gangotri” as well as the splendor that it offers is incomparable. it is just as sacred as one could imagine. The temple is home to statues depicting “Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh Lord Hanuman and King Bhagirath”. The manner in which Gangotri is located in and the Himalayan ranges is an incredible experience you shouldn’t be missing. After you’ve spent your time there you can return to the hotel you stayed in Uttarkashi and fall asleep early.
The next day to go to “Guptkashi” and then decide to spend the night there. Uttarkashi is also very stunning. The trip will take approximately 12 hours. You will then immediately go to bed after getting your hotel.
You should wake up very early on the next day as it’s time for your third Dham which will be “Kedarnath” . You will probably be exhausted at the end of your day, but try to finish your day with the utmost integrity and in capturing Lord Shiva within your heart.
The next morning, you get up and make an excursion to “Gaurikund” which is where you can travel to “Rudraprayag” often referred to as the”abode of gods. After checking into your hotel, you can take a stroll around the town for a few minutes and it’s difficult to describe in words the ways you’ll be amazed by such tiny town, but with such an ancient and religious past and the best part is the natural beauty and the breathtaking views that the river offers.
The following day, wake up and begin your journey towards the 4th and final Dham which is “Badrinath” in which you first visit the temple for a prayer and then have a bath in the “Tapt Kund” and then visit other sites and, to be honest, you’ll be exhausted from the whole trip however, you will feel proud that you made it through the entire journey and managed to record the entire experience in your mind and keep it for all time.