Uttarakhand is the land of mythological sanctity and astounding splendor, attracting tourists with its unique attraction like Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Pindari Glacier Trekking, Rudraprayag Snow Skiing, Yamunotri Mountain Trek, Valley of Flowers trek, Gangotri Glacier trek, Kedarnath Yatra, Badrinath Mahadev Temple, etc. The grandeur of these temples and peaks make Uttarakhand a mesmerizing place to visit. Here are some top 4 places to visit on your Uttarakhand Dham Yatra.
Gangotri
The first stop on your Dham yatra should be Gangotri, the source of the Ganges River. The trip to Gangotri is a pilgrimage for Hindus, and the journey itself is incredibly beautiful. You’ll pass through forests and mountains, and the views of the river are breathtaking. Once you reach Gangotri, you can take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges. A visit to Gaumukh Lake (also known as Chomu Lake) is also recommended, as it’s believed that taking a bath there will wash away all sins. It’s best to do this early in the morning before too many people have arrived, but if you’re not up early enough don’t worry – bathing here at any time is said to bring great blessings. All you need to do is fill your cup with water from the Ganges and pour it over yourself three times.
How to Reach Gangotri
You can easily reach Gangotri by bus or taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The journey takes about 9-12 hours. You can also take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then take a bus or taxi from there. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 250 km away.
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
- Badrinath Dham opened from May to October.
- Best Time to Visit – May- June- September-October
- Note: ( It is advisable not to visit between July – August Month due to heavy rainfall and roadblock and landslides issues)
Yamunotri
The second stop on your Dham yatra should be Yamnotri, one of the most sacred sites in all of India. Here, you can pay your respects at the temple of the Yamuna, the goddess of the river Yamuna. The temple is situated at the source of the river, and it is believed that a dip in the waters here can cleanse you of your sins.
How to Reach Yamunotri?
The journey to Yamunotri is a little difficult, but it is worth it for the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. From Rishikesh or Haridwar you can reach Hanuman Chatti. From Hanuman Chatti, you can take a jeep to reach Phool Chatti which is about 5k from Hanuman Chatti. The trek to Yamunotri begins from Phool Chatti. You have to take trek of 5 km to reach Janki Chatti. From Janaki chatti again you have to take a trek of 8kms to reach Yamunotri.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
- Yamunotri Dham opened from May to October.
- Best Time to Visit – May- June- September-October
How to Reach Kedarnath?
The best way to reach Kedarnath is by taking a helicopter from Dehradun or Phata. You can also take a train to Haridwar and then catch a bus or taxi from there. The journey by road takes around 10 hours.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Weather is a huge deciding factor in planning your trip.
- Kedarnath Dham opened from May to October.
- Best Time to Visit – May- June- September-October
- Note: ( It is advisable not to visit between July – August Month due to heavy rainfall and road block issues)
Badrinath
Badrinath is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India, and for a good reason. The temple here is said to be over 2,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The site is also home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Himalayas. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Badrinath is the perfect place for you. Be sure to take some time to explore the nearby mountains and forests – you won’t be disappointed! And finally, don’t forget to try the local food – it’s delicious! While traveling through the country, I was able to sample a variety of dishes that were quite different than what I had eaten at home. For instance, I tried ghee roti (bread made with clarified butter) which is an absolute must-try while in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Badrinath?
You can easily reach Badrinath by road from any major city in Uttarakhand. The journey is scenic and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas. You can also take a train from Delhi to Haridwar and then drive to Badrinath. The journey by train is long but it is a good option if you want to avoid driving in the mountains. There is limited availability for travel during the monsoon season due to landslides blocking some roads leading up to Badrinath. So make sure to check the weather before booking your flight or train tickets.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
We hope these tips will help you plan your trip to one of India’s most picturesque destinations!
- Badrinath Dham opened from May to October.
- Best Time to Visit – May- June- September-October
- Note: ( It is advisable not to visit between July – August Month due to heavy rainfall and roadblock issues)
Other Places to Explore in Uttarakhand
After your tiring but a spiritually uplifting journey, you might be wondering where to go next. Here are the top four places to visit in Uttarakhand:
1. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a must-see for any nature lover. This park is truly a sight to behold with its stunning array of flowers.
2. Haridwar is a holy city located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India and is known for its beautiful temples and ghats
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3. Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is known for its scenic beauty, lakes, and temples. When visiting Nainital, you can head over to Gandhi Park or enjoy boating or hiking at either Naukuchiatal Lake or Jhula Devi Temple. One more thing about these two destinations: They’re not too far from each other!
4. Mussoorie is another great destination for exploring when visiting Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 3000 meters, it offers spectacular views and some beautiful architecture as well as many tea gardens to explore. You should definitely add Mussoorie to your list of things to do if you find yourself traveling through Uttarakhand! If you want to avoid spending all your time in one place, this mountainous destination will offer plenty of opportunities for adventure while still being close enough to home (Dehradun) that it won’t feel like a world away. There’s also so much history in Uttarakhand; did you know this region was ruled by 10 kings for three centuries?
Final Note
A Dham yatra is a pilgrimage to the four main religious sites in Uttarakhand and is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages. The four sites are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Each site has its own unique history and significance, and all are worth visiting on your Dham yatra. You will also see several temples and shrines along the way which may be less famous but still well worth a visit. Be sure to plan your journey well ahead of time, take it slow, and enjoy every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions
10 FAQ about the 4 dham yatra in uttarakhand
- Note: ( It is advisable not to visit between July – August Month due to heavy rainfall and road block issues)
Kedarnath
Situated atop a mountainous ridge at 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level, Kedarnath is one of the highest points in the Indian Himalayas. The shrine of Kedarnath is a simple but majestic structure made of grey stone with a conical dome. It is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make the arduous journey to Kedarnath to pay their respects at the shrine. Lakhs undertake this yatra or pilgrimage every year and it is said that over 300 people died during the 2016 floods when Kedarnath was ravaged by heavy rains and landslides triggered by a cloudburst. No vehicles are allowed to enter and devotees will be asked to trek up 18 km on foot instead of using vehicles. Lying alongside Rudraprayag in the Garhwal district, Kedarnath can be reached through an 18-km trek from Gaurikund.
1) What are the four dhams?
The four dhams of Uttarakhand are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. They are considered to be the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Some also refer to them as Char Dham meaning four abodes. All four sites are located in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state in India.
2) When do they occur?
The four dhams yatra usually occurs between May and October.
3) What is the best time to visit the four dhams?
The best time to visit the four dhams is during the summer months of June, and July.
3) How can I go on a trip like this with my friends?
The first step is to figure out where you want to go and what kind of trip you want to take. Do you want to see all of the main sights in a short amount of time, or do you want to take your time and explore one area in depth? Once you know what kind of trip you want, start researching different tour companies that offer trips to that destination.
4) Will I see other tourists there?
Yes, you will see other tourists there. The four dhams are popular pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. However, you will also find plenty of non-Hindu tourists enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
5) How long does the trip take?
The trip takes anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. It all depends on how much time you want to spend at each site and how many side trips you take.
6) Do we have to walk all the way?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. The main temples at each of the four dhams are a few kilometers from the main town, so you will have to walk or take a local bus to reach them. However, once you’re at the temple complex, you can usually find a spot to sit down and relax.
7) Are these for real?
The four dhams of Uttarakhand are considered to be the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. They are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Each site has its own unique history and significance.
8) Where should I stay when I visit them?
The best places to stay when visiting the four dhams are in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Joshimath and Badrinath. All of these cities have a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. There are also many ashrams and temples that offer lodging for pilgrims.
9) Do we have to pay anything extra?
The Four Dham Yatra is a free service provided by the Uttarakhand government. However, there are some costs associated with it, such as transportation and accommodation. Additionally, you may need to pay for any optional activities that you choose to do while on the tour.
9) Can I use public transport to reach there?
You can use public transport to reach all four dhams, but depending on where you’re coming from, it might be more expensive or time-consuming than other options. If you’re coming from Delhi, for example, it’s cheaper and faster to take the train to Haridwar and then take a shared jeep from there. But if you’re coming from further away, like Mumbai, it might be better to fly into Dehradun and then take a shared jeep or bus from there.
10) Is it really safe to travel as a female solo traveler?
The world can be a scary place, especially for female solo travelers. But that doesn’t mean you should never travel alone. In fact, traveling solo can be a great way to learn more about yourself and the world around you.
