Char Dham Yatra Packages

Char Dham in Uttarakhand holds a highly revered position among the Hindu pilgrimage sites throughout the country. It is considered a crucial location that believers should endeavor to visit in their lifetime. Numerous followers make their way to the four divine locations - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath to attain salvation. A journey to the Chardham is… + Read More

Char Dham in Uttarakhand holds a highly revered position among the Hindu pilgrimage sites throughout the country. It is considered a crucial location that believers should endeavor to visit in their lifetime. Numerous followers make their way to the four divine locations - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath to attain salvation. A journey to the Chardham is a spiritual exploration leading to these esteemed Hindu temples.

Pilgrimage to the Himalayas: Unveiling the Char Dham Yatra Name

The Char Dham refers to the four abodes or holy destinations that are highly revered in Hinduism, specifically within the Indian context. The term "Char Dham" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Char," meaning four, and "Dham," meaning place of pilgrimage or holy destination, together, they denote the four pilgrimage sites that Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime.

These Char Dham Yatra Names are:

1. Yamunotri: The origin of the Yamuna River, associated with the Goddess Yamuna, who is considered the sister of Yama, the God of death. This site symbolizes the start of the spiritual journey.

2. Gangotri: The source of the Ganges River, which is the most sacred river in Hinduism. The shrine here honors Goddess Ganga, who descended from heaven to earth, according to mythology.

3. Kedarnath: This is where one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is located. It is set against the backdrop of the snow-clad Himalayas, and Lord Shiva is worshipped as the protector and destroyer.

4. Badrinath: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams — the holy shrines for Vaishnavites. It is situated between the twin mountains Nar and Narayan and is steeped in legend and lore.

They are not only stops on a sacred journey but also the gateway to an adventurous journey amidst the rich and diverse scenery of India. So, Char Dham Yatra is more than just traveling from point A to point B; It's about digging deep into what you believe and feel. It is about walks and prayers, mountains and moments of quiet reflection. Char Dham is a journey that takes you inside your heart as much as it takes you across the earth.

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Opening Dates:

Char Dham temples usually open their doors in April or May. The final opening dates, often announced on Basant Panchami and Mahashivratri, are expected to fall on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, which is on 10th May 2024 this year. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Samiti sets these dates annually according to the Hindu Calendar.

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Closing Dates:

Our expertly designed Chardham Yatra tour packages offer a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility and sanctity of these sacred sites. The year 2024 sees the Chardham Yatra commencing on 10 May 2024, coming to a close on 09 November 2024 (Tentative). Post this date, the route to Chardham remains shut for a span of six months due to intense snowfall and unfavorable climatic conditions. Information about this pilgrim tour is detailed below to assist in your Chardham Yatra Tour Package planning.

Reasons to Book Chardham Yatra Packages 2024 with IMT

Our bespoke packages designed to aid your trip to Char Dhams cater to your individual needs. Rest assured that the Char Dham Yatra package cost will not be a concern while booking with us. We promise value for money as you embark on a spiritual expedition.

With IMT, you also have the option of availing Chardham Yatra packages by helicopter, a convenient option to reach your chosen destination swiftly. This package is particularly ideal for elderly individuals and those pressed for time. Nevertheless, a Chardham Yatra by road is available for travelers of all types.

Our budget-friendly Chardham tour packages ensure seamless transfers, comfortable stay, appetizing meals, and an enriching Darshan. Opt from our Chardham Yatra tour packages from various cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, Bangalore, Mumbai, and so on, for an enchanting experience.

The journey to Chardham Yatra 2024 is a challenging one. Among the four sites, two Dhams, Gangotri Dham & Badrinath Dham, can be reached entirely by vehicle. However, to visit the remaining two Char Dhams, Kedarnath Dham and Yamunotri Dham, strenuous trekking is necessitated. Of these, reaching Kedarnath Dham presents the longest and the most demanding trek.

Char Dham Yatra Places

The Chardham Yatra package is a celebrated religious tour across India. Our Chardham Yatra tour packages, available via helicopter and road, not only take you to the central locations of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath but also allow you to explore numerous other nearby temples. Embark on a divine journey to these sacred dhams and discover the origins of the River Ganga and River Yamuna. As you traverse through these sacred sites in Uttarakhand, you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Here are the renowned temples you can visit with our tailored Chardham Yatra tour packages:

Yamunotri Temple - A Highlight of the Chardham Tour

Situated at the source of the Yamuna River is the temple of Goddess Yamuna, an integral part of the Chardham. This renowned Uttarakhand pilgrimage offers sacred Mangal Aarti and Shayan Aarti daily, which can be experienced with the Chardham tour package. This year, the doors of the Yamunotri Temple are set to open on the 10th May 2024.

Schedule for Yamunotri Temple - Open from 10th May to 02nd November 2024 Aarti Schedule at Yamunotri Temple - The Mangal Aarti takes place from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM and the Shayan Aarti from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Places of Interest Around Yamunotri Dham - The Yamunotri tour isn't limited to the holy Dham alone, as there are various other sacred spots in close proximity. Below is a list of places that can be included in your Yamunotri Dham Yatra with us.

1. Jankichatti: Located 4 Km away, this residential area serves as the final point during the trek to Yamunotri.

2. Surya Kund: This hot water spring, in proximity to the Yamunotri temple, is regarded as a divine offspring of the Sun God.

3. Kharsali: A small yet breathtaking village situated 5 km from Yamunotri in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

4. Shani Dev Temple: Positioned 2 KM from Yamunotri Dham in the Kharsali village, this temple dedicated to Shani Dev is worth visiting.

5. Hanumanchatti: A serene spot dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located at the convergence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. It is a resting point during the trek to Yamunotri Dham, situated 9 Km away from the actual temple.

How to Reach Yamunotri

The closest vehicle stop is Janki Chatti, from where a 4 Km trek or horseback ride leads to Yamunotri. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, 211 km away, while the closest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, 210 Km from Yamunotri. The majority of pilgrims prefer to reach Yamunotri by helicopter.

Gangotri Temple - The Birthplace of River Ganga

Gangotri temple, situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand and dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is a paramount part of the Chardham tour. The Ganga Aarti is a significant feature of the Gangotri Yatra. Alongside the Gangotri temple, there are other holy temples visited by devotees during the Chardham yatra tour. The temple doors (Kapat) for holy Darshan at the Gangotri Temple are scheduled to open on 22nd April 2024.

Gangotri Temple Timings - Open from 10th May till 2nd November 2024

Aarti Timings at Gangotri Temple - The morning Aarti starts at 6:00 AM and the evening Aarti commences at 7:45 PM.

Places to visit near Gangotri Dham

The Gangotri Yatra is enriched by the presence of several other temples and locations in the vicinity of this sacred Dham. Here are some locations to consider for your Gangotri tour packages:

1. Bhojbasa: Bhojbasa serves as a stop on the trekking trail to Gaumukh and is 11.7 km away from Gangotri.

2. Surya Kund: Positioned 500m from Gangotri, Surya Kund is a striking waterfall and a holy site to pay tribute to the Sun God.

3. Harsil: A quaint and beautiful village on the banks of the Bhagirathi, Harsil is a cantonment area situated 24 Km away from Gangotri.

How to Reach Gangotri

Gangotri can be reached by road as it has good connectivity with nearby cities. The closest railway station is at Rishikesh, situated 249 km away, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, located 279 Km from Gangotri. However, many pilgrims prefer to make the journey to Gangotri by helicopter.

Kedarnath Temple: Revering Lord Shiva as the Tallest Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath Temple - The Highest Jyotirlinga (Dedicated to Lord Shiva) Kedarnath, a notable destination on the Chardham tour, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple doors (Kapat) will open on 14th May 2024 for this year's pilgrimage.

Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates: 14th May till 14th November 2024

Aarti Timings at Kedarnath Temple: Morning Aarti begins at 5:35 AM. Sampurna Aarti is performed in the temple from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.

Places to visit near Kedarnath Dham

Your Kedarnath Yatra can also include visits to several other sacred sites close to this holy Dham. Here are some places you could include in your Kedarnath Darshan Yatra:

1. Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek: An easy Himalayan trek that begins in Haridwar and ends at Chandrashila, covering the beautiful Tungnath temple. Kedarnath is located 31 Km away from Chandrashila peak.

2. Bhairavath Temple: Situated on a hilltop, 500m from the Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

3. Gaurikund: The nearest motorable area, located 14 Km away from Kedarnath.
Triyuginarayan Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located 27 km from Kedarnath.

4. Sonprayag: Located 05 Km from Gaurikund and 14 Km from Kedarnath, it is believed that this is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married at the confluence of the River Mandakini and River Basuki.

5. Vasuki Tal: This serene lake sits at an altitude of 4135 meters, providing a stunning view of the Chaukhamba peaks. It is a trek of about 8 km from Kedarnath.

How to Reach Kedarnath

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is at Rishikesh, 216 km away, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, 238 Km away from Kedarnath. Many pilgrims also choose to visit Kedarnath by helicopter. The nearest motorable area is Gaurikund, located 14 Km away from Kedarnath, which is well connected to other cities by bus and taxis.

Badrinath Temple: A Pathway to Paradise

Badrinath, the final destination in the Chardham Yatra, is one of the most renowned Hindu pilgrimages in India. Located at an altitude of 3133 meters in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, this temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple doors (Kapat) for holy Darshan will open on 16 May 2024 at 4:30 AM.

Badrinath Temple Opening & Closing Dates: 16th May till 9th November 2024

Aarti Timings at Badrinath Temple: The Mangal Aarti takes place at 4:30 AM, and the Shayan Aarti commences at 8:30 PM.

Places to visit around Badrinath Dham

Several holy places near the Badrinath temple can make your Badrinath Darshan Yatra more fulfilling. Here are some:

1. Tapt Kund Badrinath: A natural hot spring near the Alaknanda River, believed to be the abode of Lord Agni. Pilgrims often take therapeutic baths in the sacred waters of Tapt Kund.

2. Charan Paduka: Located 3km away from the Badrinath temple, this is believed to be the first stopping point of Lord Vishnu on earth. His footprints are preserved on a rock 3380 ft. atop the hill.

3. Narad Kund: Another hot spring near the Badrinath temple, where devotees take a bath before entering the temple. It's believed that Adi Sankaracharya found the idol of Lord Vishnu in this holy Kund.

4. Bheem Pul: Located 4.8 Km from the Badrinath temple, this natural stone bridge is believed to have been created by Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers, to cross the Saraswati River.

5. Pandukeshwar: Located 22 Km from Badrinath, the sacred place of Pandukeshwar is known for the Vasudev Temple, which is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.

6. Yogdhyan Badri Temple: Located at Pandukeshwar, 23 km from Badrinath, this temple is dedicated to Lord Kuber and Lord Udhava. An idol of Lord Vishnu can be seen here in a meditative pose.

7. Brahma Kapal: Located within 500m of the Badrinath temple, this is a holy site on the banks of the River Alaknanda where people visit to immerse the ashes of their deceased family members in the river.

8. Mana Village: A tourism village located 4.4 Km from Badrinath on the bank of the Saraswati River, known for its breathtaking views.

9. Satopanth Lake: Located 25 km from the Badrinath shrine, this pristine lake sits at an altitude of 15,000 feet and is believed to be the bathing place of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
 

How to Reach Badrinath

Badrinath can be reached by different modes of transportation:

By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand and northern India. You can avail of regular bus services from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Taxis are also readily available from major cities and towns in Uttarakhand.

By Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to reach Badrinath, about 297 km away. However, Ramnagar railway station is also used by many travelers and is approximately 154 km away. From these stations, one can hire a taxi or catch a bus to reach Badrinath.

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach Badrinath, which is approximately 311 km away from Badrinath. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Badrinath. Some pilgrims also prefer to visit Badrinath by helicopter, which is a quicker but more expensive option.

Remember to check the local weather and road conditions before planning your journey as the region can be prone to landslides and weather disruptions, especially during the monsoon season (June to September). The area is most accessible and tourist-friendly from May to November.