How to Plan Your Char Dham Yatra - From Haridwar to the Himalayas

How to Plan Your Char Dham Yatra

Every year, thousands of people begin their sacred journey seeking peace, blessings, and a deeper connection to God. This Char Dham Yatra isn’t just a trip, but a blissful transformation. For many, this profound experience begins or finds a comforting pause in the spiritual embrace of Haridwar. Then a majestic trip to the four holy places - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. People believe that visiting these four places can wash away their sins and bring them closer to peace and spirituality. For many people, it’s a lifelong dream to complete this special journey.

What is Char Dham Yatra?

The Char Dham Yatra refers to a pilgrimage to four sacred shrines that are situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Yamunotri - The source of the Yamuna River

Gangotri - The origin of the Ganges River

Kedarnath - A Tirtha dedicated to Lord Shiva

Badrinath - A Sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu

These sites are believed to cleanse one’s soul from sins and grant Moksha. This yatra usually runs from April/May to October/November.

Where does the Yatra begin?

Most of the Yatris start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh. These holy towns offer spiritual preparations for the journey.

Travel Route:

Start from the holy city: Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath (Return to Haridwar, making it both the starting and ending point of your journey.) You can travel by road or hire a local taxi. You can also go for helicopter tour packages to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Haridwar: The Sacred Gateway

- Attend the Ganga Aarti at the Ganges River or Har Ki Pauri

- Visit holy temples like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi

- Take a holy dip in the Ganges River before starting your journey

- Rest and Reflect

Pro tip: Many people like to stay a night or two in Haridwar before the Yatra to rest and prepare. That’s where SpottyGo Comes in. We offer a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly to luxurious in Haridwar. You can find the best hotels in Haridwar near Ganga Ghat or a hotel near Har Ki Pauri, which are major attractions of the city. Check out all the options and book your stay in advance with SpottyGo.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the source of the Yamuna River. This site serves as the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. The most famous tourist attraction of this place is the Yamuna Temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,290 meters.

Key Places:

Yamunotri Temple
Saptarshi Kund - 1 min away from the temple
Janki Chatti - 2.6 km from the temple
Hanuman Chatti - 9.7 km from the temple

Gangotri

Gangotri is a pilgrimage town situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is believed to be the source of the Ganges River and the seat of Goddess Ganga. The Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is located in the heart of the town.

Key Places:

Gangotri Temple
Gangotri National Park
Surya Kund: 500 m
Gauri Kund: 650 m
Pandav Gufa - 1.6 km from the temple

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old. The temple is surrounded by the Himalayas and is built with large gray stones.

Key Places:

Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi - 140 m from the temple
Chorabari Tal - 210 m from the temple
Bhairavnath Temple - 650 m from the temple
Vasuki Tal Kedarnath - 1.0 km from the temple

Badrinath

Badrinath, a sacred Hindu shrine, is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. This site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds a very important place in the hearts of Vaishnavites. It is nestled between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges.

Key Places:

Badrinath Temple
Tapt Kund - 1 min from the temple
Vyas Gufa - 5.3 km from the temple
Saraswati River - 7.4 km away from the temple
Vasudhara Falls - 7.8 km away from the temple

Where to stay in Kedarnath/Badrinath?

Finding the right place to stay during your journey is very important, especially when you are visiting places where you need to trek and walk a lot.

You’ll definitely want to stay somewhere close to Kedarnath Temple or Badrinath Temple, offering basic amenities and a pleasing experience.

SpottyGo offers the best accommodation, ideal for Yatris looking for comfort, cleanliness, and conveniences, without the stress of last-minute bookings.

Travel Tips:

Register for the Yatra via the official portal or at registration centres because it’s mandatory.
Pack carefully, as it gets cold even in May-June.
Be prepared for steep climbs and long walks.
Carry essentials such as ID proofs, power banks, and medicines.
Make sure to book hotels and transport in advance.