Chardham is regarded as the most sacred pilgrimage of
the Hindus. The Char Dham
comprises of four holy destinations located in the Garhwal Himalayas,
Uttaranchal. The four main pilgrimage centers are Kedarnath, Badrinath,
Gangotri and Yamunotri. The most favorable time to visit the Char Dham
is between May and October. It is a frequent destination for the
religious minded and one who believes in the existence of God. Ganges,
the holy river and her tributaries pass through all the four Dhams. For
those who visit the Chardham it is a rejuvenating spiritual experience
for the religious. For centuries it has been the meeting ground of the
saints and pilgrims. According to Hindu religion it is a path to their
salvation or moksh. The four sacred spots is collectively called the
Chardham. It is said that Chardham must be visited from left to right
starting from Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath and
lastly completing the journey at Badrinath. This is called the parikrama
according to Hindu tradition.
Facts About Char Dham:
The Yamunotri is located at an altitude of 3,235m whereas Gangotri is
at an altitude of 3,200m, Kedarnath at 3,581 m and lastly Badrinath at a
height of 3,133m.
The climate is more or less cold through out the year but in winter
i.e. from December to March the temperature is Subzero, which is snow
bound. While in summer the temperature is bearable. Rainfall is around
1,460 mm through out the year. The best season to visit is between May
and October for all the four Dhams. If you are planning your trip in the
month of May you require heavy woolen clothes, in September light
woolens will do but in October - November you require really heavy
woolens to protect you from freezing cold.
How to Reach
If you are planning to travel by air than the nearest airport is Jolly
Grant in Dehradun.
For rail journey the nearest railhead are at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and
Kotdwar.
If you plan to travel by road than Badrinath and Gangotri is connected
with Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Dehradun and Haridwar.
For Yamunotri motorable road is available upto Hunumanchatti 222 km
away from Rishikesh. From here you have to walk on foot for 14 km to
reach Yamnotri.
For Kedarnath motorable road can be used up to Gaurikund 207 km away
from Rishikesh and the rest 14 km you have to walk on foot.
