Discover the magical journey

Chardham Yatra 2023 Registration is compulsory for every pilgrim who wants to perform the ritual. Travelers can register with four easy steps:

1) Fill up the ChardhamYatra registration form https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/signin.php

2) Submit it with required documents

3) Pay a processing fee via online payment gateway or offline at banks and post offices

4) Download an electronic copy of the registration certificate.

The registration process is designed to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims during the journey.

Char Dham, which literally means “four abodes,” refers to four important pilgrimage sites located in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, India. These four sites are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, and they are considered to be the holiest places for Hindus.

The Char Dham Yatra, or pilgrimage, is a popular journey undertaken by Hindus from all over the world. It is believed that visiting these four sites will help one attain moksha or salvation, and wash away their sins.

Yamunotri, the first site in the Char Dham circuit, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is believed to be the daughter of Lord Sun.

Gangotri is the second site and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, who is considered the most sacred river in India.

Kedarnath is the third site and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva went into hiding to avoid the Pandavas.

Badrinath, the fourth and final site, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the most important site in the Char Dham circuit.

The Chardham Yatra is typically undertaken during the summer months, between the months of April and November, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. The journey usually takes several days, and pilgrims travel by road or on foot, visiting each site in turn. Many people believe that the journey to the Char Dham sites is as important as the sites themselves, as it is an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Northern India’s hill state.

Chardham Yatra is a highly revered pilgrimage in Hinduism that involves visiting four sacred shrines located in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The four shrines that make up the Chardham Yatra are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

There are several reasons why people undertake this yatra. Some of the main reasons include:

1. Spiritual significance: The Chardham Yatra is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. It is believed that visiting these holy shrines helps to attain spiritual enlightenment and blessings of the deities.

2. Purification of the soul: The journey to these sacred shrines is believed to purify the soul and wash away the sins of a person.

3. Adventure and trekking: The Chardham Yatra involves trekking through some of the most beautiful and challenging terrains of the Himalayas. This offers adventure enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region.

4. Cultural experience: The Chardham Yatra also provides a cultural experience as it offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the region. It provides an opportunity to meet and interact with people from different parts of India.

In summary, people undertake the Chardham Yatra for spiritual reasons, to purify their soul, to experience adventure and trekking, and to gain a cultural experience.

The Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage circuit in the northern india’s hill state of Uttarakhand that includes four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The route for the Chardham yatra can vary depending on the starting point and the mode of transportation, but the most common route followed by pilgrims is as follows:

1. Yamunotri: The journey to Yamunotri starts from the town of Barkot, which is located about 220 km from Haridwar. From Barkot, pilgrims travel to the village of Hanuman Chatti and then to Janki Chatti, which is the base camp for the trek to Yamunotri. The trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is about 6 km long and can be completed on foot or by pony.

2. Gangotri: After visiting Yamunotri, the next stop is Gangotri, which is located about 210 km from Yamunotri. Pilgrims travel from Yamunotri to the town of Uttarkashi and then on to Gangotri. The distance between Uttarkashi and Gangotri is about 100 km and can be covered by road.

3. Kedarnath: The journey to Kedarnath starts from the town of Guptkashi, which is located about 230 km from Gangotri. From Guptkashi, pilgrims travel to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 14 km long and can be completed on foot or by pony.

4. Badrinath: After visiting Kedarnath, the final stop on the Char Dham Yatra is Badrinath, which is located about 220 km from Kedarnath. Pilgrims travel from Kedarnath to the town of Joshimath and then on to Badrinath. The distance between Joshimath and Badrinath is about 45 km and can be covered by road.

The Chardham Yatra typically takes about 10-12 days to complete and can be done by road, helicopter or on foot. The route is well-connected by roads, and there are several tour operators who offer Chardham Yatra packages. It is important to note that the Chardham Yatra is usually open only during the summer months, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.

The best time to go for the Chardham Yatra depends on the weather conditions and the opening and closing dates of the shrines. Generally, the Chardham Yatra season starts in late April or early May and lasts until November. Char Dham Yatra 2023, starts on April 22nd as gates of Yamunotri & Gangotri open for pilgrim.

The ideal time to visit the Chardham Yatra is during the summer months from May to June when the weather is pleasant, and the shrines are open for darshan. During this time, the snow has melted, and the roads are accessible. The monsoon season from July to September is not recommended as heavy rains can cause landslides and floods, making the journey risky. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and don’t mind the rainy weather, you can plan your visit during this period.

The autumn months from September to November are also a good time to visit the Chardham. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the crowd is relatively less. However, the shrines close around mid-November due to the onset of winter, and the region receives heavy snowfall, making the journey impossible.

It’s advisable to check the official website of the Chardham Yatra https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/activity/char-dham and the weather forecast before planning your trip. Additionally, make sure to carry warm clothes, raincoats, and other essentials to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

The timings for visiting the Chardham temples can vary depending on the season and the specific temple. However, generally, the temples are open from early morning to late evening.

Here are the approximate timings for the Chardham temples:

1. Yamunotri Temple: The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. 

2. Gangotri Temple: The temple opens at 6:15 AM and closes at 9:30 PM. 

3. Kedarnath Temple: The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 3:00 PM. In the evening, the temple reopens at 5:00 PM and closes at 8:00 PM. 

4. Badrinath Temple: The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. 

It’s advisable to check the official website of the Chardham Yatra and the specific temple for the latest timings and other details. Additionally, during peak pilgrimage season, the temple timings may vary due to heavy crowds, so it’s always a good idea to plan your visit accordingly.

There is no specific age limit for the Chardham Yatra, and people of all ages can undertake the pilgrimage. However, the yatra involves trekking and traveling through rough terrain and high altitudes, which can be physically challenging, particularly for elderly or those with health conditions.

It’s advisable to consult with your doctor before planning the yatra and undergo a medical check-up to ensure that you are physically fit to undertake the journey. It’s also essential to carry all necessary medications and first-aid supplies and stay hydrated during the yatra.

Additionally, the yatra involves travel to remote locations with limited medical facilities, so it’s always a good idea to travel with a group or a local guide who can provide assistance in case of any emergencies. It’s also advisable to carry all necessary documents, including identification proof and medical records, to ensure a safe and hassle-free yatra.

In summary, while there is no specific age limit for the Chardham Yatra, it’s essential to take necessary precautions and consult with your doctor before planning the journey, particularly if you have any health conditions or are elderly.

Whether to opt for a Chardham yatra package or hire a travel designer for the Chardham Yatra depends on your preferences and budget.

A pre-packed tour generally includes a fixed itinerary with a set of accommodations, meals, transportation, and sightseeing, which can be convenient and cost-effective. 

On the other hand, hiring a travel designer or a customized tour can provide you with more flexibility and personalization. You can tailor the itinerary to your interests and preferences, choose your accommodations and transportation, and have more control over the budget.

However, hiring a travel designer can be more expensive than a pre-packed Chardham yatra package, as you’ll have to pay for the services of the designer and the cost of the customized arrangements. 

In summary, both Chardham yatra package and hiring a travel designer have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. It’s essential to do your research, compare the costs and benefits, and choose the option that works best for you.

The Chardham Yatra can be undertaken via road or helicopter, and the choice depends on your preferences, budget, and time constraints.

By road: Undertaking the Chardham Yatra via road can be a cost-effective and more immersive way to experience the pilgrimage. The roads are well-connected, and there are several options for transportation, including buses, taxis, and private cars. However, the journey can be time-consuming and physically challenging, particularly in the high altitude regions. The roads can be narrow and winding, and the traffic can be heavy, particularly during the peak pilgrimage season.

By helicopter: Undertaking the Chardham Yatra via helicopter can be a faster and more convenient way to visit the shrines, particularly for those with time constraints or physical limitations. Several tour operators offer helicopter services from Dehradun and Phata to the Chardham shrines, with options for VIP or regular services. However, the cost of helicopter services can be significantly higher than road transport, and the availability can be limited, particularly during the peak pilgrimage season.

In summary, both road and helicopter options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your preferences and budget.