Check out the various places of interest in and around Char Dham Yatra.
Beyond the famous Char Dham temples, the route is dotted with serene ghats, ancient shrines, hot springs, and breathtaking landscapes that enrich the journey. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or a nature enthusiast, here’s a complete guide to the must-see places during your Char Dham Yatra.
Overview: Yamunotri, the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the deity of the sacred Yamuna River. Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters in Uttarkashi district, this shrine marks the spiritual source of the river and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and natural hot springs.
Overview: Gangotri, the second Dham, is the spiritual source of the Ganges River, revered as Goddess Ganga. Situated at 3,100 meters in Uttarkashi district, the temple is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, offering serene views and a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Overview: Kedarnath, at 3,586 meters in Rudraprayag district, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key stop in the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is set against the backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas and the Mandakini River, exuding divine energy.
Overview: Badrinath, the final Dham, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at 3,133 meters in Chamoli district. Nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountains, this majestic temple is part of both the Chota Char Dham and the larger Char Dham circuit, making it a pinnacle of spiritual significance.
The Char Dham Yatra is not just about the four Dhams; the journey itself is a tapestry of spiritual and natural wonders. Here are key places to explore along the route, starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh:
Haridwar: The “Gateway to Gods,” Haridwar is a starting point for the Yatra. Visit Har Ki Pauri for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Saptarshi Ghat for a spiritual immersion.
Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh offers Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and Triveni Ghat for spiritual and scenic experiences. It’s a great stop for Yoga meditation in Rishikesh and river rafting in Rishikesh.
Devprayag: The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers, where the Ganges officially begins. The serene setting and Raghunath Temple make it a must-visit.
Uttarkashi: Known as the “Kashi of the North,” this town en route to Gangotri features the Vishwanath Temple and several ashrams, offering a blend of spirituality and tranquility.
Harsil: A serene village near Gangotri, known for its apple orchards, tranquil landscapes, and proximity to Nelong Valley, ideal for nature lovers.
Guptkashi: A scenic town en route to Kedarnath, home to the Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Kund, and Ardhnarishwar Temple. It’s a great base for exploring the region’s mythology.
Rudraprayag: The confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers, featuring the Gopinath Temple and Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. It’s also a hub for adventure activities.
Chopta Region: You can visit Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoriatal and Ukhimath.
Kempty Falls, Mussoorie: En route to Yamunotri, this popular waterfall is perfect for a refreshing break and boating at the nearby Mussoorie Hill station and Mussoorie Lake.
Tehri Lake: Near Uttarkashi, this man-made lake offers adventure activities like jet skiing, boating, and paragliding, along with stunning views of the Tehri Dam.
Lakhamandal Temple: A 6th-century Shiva temple en route to Yamunotri, steeped in history and linked to the Mahabharata. It’s a hidden gem for history buffs.
Dhari Devi Temple: Located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, this temple is revered as the protector of the Char Dham route. The goddess is believed to change appearance thrice daily.
Auli: A stunning ski resort and meadow offering panoramic Himalayan views and adventure sports, perfect for a scenic detour near Badrinath.
Joshimath: The winter seat of Badrinath’s deity, featuring Narsingh Temple and a gateway to spiritual and trekking adventures.
Mana Village: India’s last village near Badrinath, steeped in mythology with Vyas Gufa, Bhimkund, and the Saraswati River’s origin.
