The Chardham route map highlights how India has an important place in various spiritual activities and religious faith. Major parts of this country are associated with various types of Dharmik activities. Crores of Hindus have been living in the country for centuries and they are always indulged in the worship of God and various religious activities. Out of the various Dharmik activities, visit to various “Holy Places” is the most significant form of Vedic activities according to Hindu belief. It is believed that if a person visits all the “Holy Places” and offers his prayer to the God present there then he can achieve “Moksha”. “Chardham” means the four “Holy Places” of Yamunotri and Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is important for a person to visit these four “Holy Places” situated in the extremities of the north part of the country during his lifetime.

Geographical Overview

India is an enormous nation, occupying the whole South Asian subcontinent. Its geographical layout is quite diverse and sophisticated. The Chardham Yatra route map passes through all the major geographical surfaces present in the country such as the mighty Himalayan ranges, Gangetic plains, Deccan plateau, Eastern and Western Ghettos, the desert region, rain-fed Indo-Gangetic plains and hills, and valleys. The Chardham Yatra route is a kaleidoscope of the diversity of the land. The famous Yatra route is of the pilgrimages undertaken by devout Hindus visiting the shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, located in the distant areas in the Himalayas.

The place, Badrinath, is included in both the Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham Yatra routes. The Chardham is known as the mother of all pilgrimages and there are Char Dhams, (Puri in the east, Dwaraka in the west, Jagannath in the south, and the Badrinath). Gangas and Yamuna at Yamunotri and Gangotri respectively, the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna are worshipped at Yamunotri and Gangotri. The river Ganga is worshipped at Gangotri and Shiva at Kedarnath. Lord Vishnu is worshipped at Badrinath. Kedarnath is the first shrine to be opened. The Mandakini valley, where Kedarnath is located, is the spot where the Ganga descends from the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas.

The Four Sacred Shrines

Chardham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour to the four holy shrines situated in Garhwal Himalayas. The sites include Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, which are the sources of sacred rivers Yamuna and Ganga, Lord Shiva’s place for salvation and Lord Vishnu’s place for salvation specifically meant for the people of the Northern India respectively. Chardham thus represents the four sacred and revered places of childhood or sacrifices or oneness with nature or Moksha for people of India.

Significance of the Chardham Yatra

As described in Hindu texts, the significance of the Chardham Yatra is manifold, with pilgrimages to these sites bringing peace and prosperity to the devotee, freeing them from the circle of life and death, and granting them moksha. The ancient pilgrimages to Badarikashram (near Badrinath), to pay a visit to Lord Vishnu, were considered a gateway to liberation and, therefore, of utmost importance. Usually, pilgrims begin their journey starting from Yamunotri, then make their way to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally conclude at Badrinath, forming a sacred Chardham circle. It is said that pilgrims should visit Badrinath last as during this time, Lord Vishnu spends his six months in Kedar and this, to Hindus, is a very sacred and dedicated place. Only upon their return to Badrinath should pilgrims make the offering of food to the deities.

Route Map Overview

The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindu devotees from around the world. The Chardham is made up of Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple. This Chardham Yatra route map is specially made for such pilgrims visiting Chardham, who get confused in visiting these temples. This pilgrimage is not only significant for Hindus but also for those who wish to see the beautiful and mesmerizing nature of these valleys. Along with visiting Chardham, these pilgrims wishing to visit the famous hills of north India may also take some detours to visit temples of Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc. available in their way, or in the way after completing the yatra.

The complete circuit of Chardham pilgrimage involves covering the route in the clockwise direction. Start your holy journey from Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi district, then head to Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple and finally sign off your trip with the visit of Badrinath Temple in Chamoli district. In order to visit these temples, a little planning is required. The order of attractions may vary according to your tour plan. Most of the tourists coming to this temple yatra do not know about the place, route, and important information of these temples, so they are often confused and ask for the right path. This Chardham route map provides you a complete solution to all your problems relating to the path of these temples and also gives important details about them.

Starting Points and Access Routes

Most devotees traveling by train or plane to the Chardham region come from Delhi, the
national capital. There are many trains, buses, and flights from Delhi to either Dehradun or Haridwar. Gas and diesel-driven buses (both public and private) make the 250 km journey in about 10 hours. You can also haul the distance by booking a taxi either beforehand or at Hauz Khaz in New Delhi. From Haridwar, travel to Rishikesh, which is 25 km northwards; Rishikesh is the starting point of the Chardham pilgrimage tour, and for those treading along the old pilgrimage by foot, is the starting point of the 3,600 km long journey into Tibet, the Himalayan region—including the Chardham—that houses some of the most sacred Hindu shrines and involving travel through a variety of topographic zones encompassing plains, forests, hi-tech cities, and some of the highest mountain passes not only of India, but of the world. Rishikesh is very well connected by buses with the various destinations in Uttar
Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. There are two principal roads leading northwards from Rishikesh, one via Narendranagar, Tehri, and Panuwai and the other via Muni Ki Reti, Phool Chatti, and Bharatkhal. Narendranagar-Panuwai connects Muni Ki Reti and Phool Chatti and is more scenic. Large buses bound for Gangotri, and behind them mini-buses and taxis, travel up the Rishikesh-Narendranagar-Tehri-Koteshwar-Panuwai-Uttarkashi route—the route from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is motorable only up to Harsil.

Conclusion

The five sacred placesfor Chardham Route Map – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state – are regarded as Chardham or the eastern Chardham, because of their special antiquity and sanctity. The Chardham are sources of the two holy rivers, the Yamuna and the Ganges, and the shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, who are worshipped as the three presiding deities of Hinduism. The Chardham links the entire region into a sacred and civilizational continuum and contribute tremendously to the spiritual health, cultural harmony, and social unity of the Indian people. They had always been places of pilgrimage for millions of the devotees and recognized as destinations of significance for thousands of globally located visiting tourists in perpetuity.

1. What is the best time to undertake the Chardham Yatra?

The best time to undertake the Chardham Yatra is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the routes are accessible.

2. How can I prepare physically for the Chardham Yatra?

It’s advisable to start with light exercises and gradually move to more rigorous workouts. Walking, jogging, and breathing exercises can help build stamina and endurance for the trek.

3. Are there medical facilities available on the Chardham route?

Yes, there are medical facilities available at various points along the Chardham route. However, it’s recommended to carry a personal medical kit and necessary medications.

4. How can I book a Char Dham, Teen Dham, or Do Dham Yatra Package?

You can book our Chardham Yatra By Road packages by contacting us through phone at +917534004088 or via email at info@pinalholidays.com. Alternatively, you can visit our office at 503 Neelpadam 2, Sector 4 Vaishali Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201019.

5. Can senior citizens and children undertake the Chardham Yatra?

Yes, senior citizens and children can undertake the Chardham Yatra. However, it’s important to consult a doctor and ensure they are physically fit for the journey.

6. What are the accommodation options available during the Chardham Yatra?

There are various accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury lodges and guesthouses available along the Chardham route. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season.

Char Dham Yatra Package

ex Haridwar
Duration : 08 Night / 09 Days

Char Dham Yatra Package

ex Delhi
Duration : 10 Night / 11 Days

Do Dham Yatra Package
(Kedarnath-Badrinath) 

ex Haridwar
Duration : 04 Night / 05 Days

Gangotri-Yamunotri Yatra Package

ex Haridwar
Duration : 04 Night / 05 Days