Looks like you are ignited on the path of seeking spiritual blessings. We can also assume that you have already started your search but still your quest is unfulfilled. So let us assure you that this is your last stop of any search. Usually the Chardham yatra starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh but Delhi is the capital city of India and is the main junction for any traveller coming from any part of India or World. In case you are coming to Delhi, this blog is going to be a perfect source of information for your yatra.
Anyways let us move further and get to know about a brief introduction and history of Chardham Yatra, a perfect Chardham yatra Itinerary plan, best time to go for Yatra and many other essential tips.
What is Chardham Yatra?
Situated in the breathtaking landscape and snow capped mountains, the Chardham Yatra is among the most visited and sacred places for the Hindus. It is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and consists of 4 most famous temples dedicated to highly admired Hindu deities: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that going on this journey will eliminate all your sins and you will attain salvation by the blessings of the Lord. Every spiritual seeker has in mind to take this Holy yatra (Tirth Yarta) once in their lifetime.
Know tips for planning Chardham Yatra in 2024
Why Choose a Road Trip to Chardham?
Even if there are alternatives for experiencing the Chardham Yatra, traveling on the road offers something special including a combination of freedom and adventure along with spectacular views all along its route. Book Delhi to Chardham tempo traveller and enjoy 12 days trip in utmost comfort. You could cruise up your ways with these curvy roads, valleys to mountain tops, you will get the opportunity to visit quaint little villages on the way and watch Himalayas’ unspoiled beauty spread out, in front of you. Road trips determine your course of travel by either speeding up or slowing down depending on how you feel while immersing yourself in local customs where you can store memories for eternity.
Best Time to Visit Chardham
The timing of your Chardham Yatra is dependent on what you prioritize. In May and June, you can feel a little bit of warmth from the sun and can see clear sky and open roads but during this time you will have to tackle high peak season crowd levels. Chardham road trip from Delhi is best to enjoy serene views of snow-covered mountains.
On the other hand, the shoulder seasons in between September-mid November or in between early May and late April will provide you with pleasant weather and limited crowd levels if compared with other times, though it can be rainy at lower altitudes or may face some snow at higher altitudes occasionally. However, winter (October end to March) should be avoided at all costs due to extremely low temperatures, heavy snowfall and closed temples. In recent years, Chardham has received unlimited crowd which had make darshan and availability lesser.
Delhi To Chardham Travel Route
Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Gaurikund Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag – Haridwar – Delhi
Chardham Itinerary for a Road Trip from Delhi
Prepare for a spectacular journey that passes through beautiful valleys, raging rivers and finally ends at the feet of the majestic Himalayas. Below is what your Itinerary will look like on your way to Chardham from Delhi.
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar (230 km) – In Delhi rent a car or hire a taxi or whatever mode of transportation you find suitable and head towards Haridwar, which is known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas.” In the evening at Har Ki Pauri attend a spectator and mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (189 km) – Once you have bathed in the holy Ganges, start your adventure towards the hills. En-route you can see the well-known Kempty Falls. Your destination for tonight’s rest is Barkot (Jankichatti), which is an attractive high place situated among peace and beauty.
Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot (46 km each way, with a 5 km trek ) – Today you will reach the first temple of this Chardham Yatra. In the early morning you will drive till Janki Chatti and from there you will start your trekking to Yamunotri, which will be around 5 km. Yamunotri, It is the source of river yamuna and it is a belief that taking a dip in this holy river or the naturally formed pool (Kund) there will cleanse your sins and protects you from untimely death also that the river yamuna is the twin sister of the god of death (Yama). The current temple that you will see was built in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.
Plan Delhi to Yamunotri Dham Yatra
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi (82 km) – You will drive along with the river Ganga as you head towards Uttarkashi, this is also one of the significant places to stop. It is well known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple where the idol of Lord Shiva is established. Enjoy the ride with beautiful nature amidst Himalayas.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Harsil to Uttarkashi (100 km each way) – Get ready with the another spiritual journey, this is your second temple of this Chardham Yatra, today you will drive till Gangotri, the birth place of holiest river Ganga which is the lifeline of millions of Indian people. According to mythology, King Bhagiratha brought the Ganges from heaven to Earth through intense penance. Its greatest significance lies in washing away sins of all the people who take a dip in the ice cold Ganga water. The present day temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander in the 18th century. In the afternoon, return to Uttarkashi via Harsil, this is famous for its apple orchids and old style village and picturesque nature.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (200 km) – once you start your journey to Guptkashi, the route will take you through the Garhwal Himalayas. As you reach the Guptkashi, you will witness the mesmerizing peaks of Kedarnath and Mandakini glaciers.
Day 7: Guptkashi to Gaurikund to Kedarnath to Guptkashi ( 34 km each way with 16 km trek) – Guptkashi to Gaurikund is around 18 km, you can book taxi or cab till Gaurikund but from there you will have to do 16 km trek which will take 6-8 hours, or you can choose the helicopter service directly from Guptkashi, to and from Kedarnath. Kedarnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of the most sacred god of Hinduism, Lord Shiva.
The origin of this temple can be traced from the battle of Mahabharata, Pandavas after winning the battle against Kauravs sought blessings of Lord Shiva to atone their sins of Killing siblings during the war. Lord Shiva, in the form of a bull, evaded them and divided himself into the group while leaving behind his hump on the floor surface which is worshipped as Lord Shiva manifested in his Sadashiva form. In the 8th century Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have discovered the location of the hidden lingam and established the temple. A visit to Kedarnath is believed to bring liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (193 km) – This will be your last main temple of Chardham road trip, along with the Mandakini River a scenic drive will take you to Badrinath. According to popular belief, while seeking a peaceful place, Lord Vishnu choose this place for his meditation. Whereas his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, manifested herself in the form of a Badri Tree, so that she can protect Lord Vishnu from extreme weather conditions. He then named this place Badrikashram for the devotion of Goddess Lakshmi.
Even when the sons of Dharam, Nara and Narayana, who were in search of a place to set up their hermitage, found this site as the ideal location for their ashram. Every year millions of people go there to seek blessings and to purify their minds and bodies as well as fulfill the wishes of those who visit it with devotion. There are so many interesting sightseeing places like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charan Paduka, Bhimkund and the Mukh of the Saraswati River. You can also take a holy bath in Tapt Kund, offer Pinddaan at Brahma Kapal and darshan of Badrivishal.
Day 9: Badrinath to Joshimath to Rudraprayag to Haridwar ( 310 km) – After having you breakfast in the early morning you can leave for Rudraprayag (the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers) via Joshimath (a winter abode of Lord Badri). On the way you can visit the various other famous temples like VishnuPrayag, Narsingh Temple, KarnPrayag and NandPrayag. It would be already late. You can rest at the hotel today.
Day 10: Haridwar to Delhi (230 km): Today first take a dip in the holy river Ganga one last time and restore all your memories, carry all the blessings of this unforgettable journey of Chardham road trip and return back to the place you started your journey, Delhi.
( While on the trip you can create a lifetime memory by exploring some hidden gems, immersing yourself into the culture, tasting the local cuisines like Garhwali Kapaal, Aloo Gutke or Mandakini Rajma. Meanwhile, try to connect with nature and perform all the rituals at all those holy places with full devotion. )
Conclusion
From the Chardham road trip you can expect more than just pilgrimage sites. This 4 dham yatra is an opportunity to witness strikingly beautiful landscapes, rediscover yourself and to have a look at the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. We hope you will have received all the necessary information from this itinerary and be able to explore this unforgettable adventure.
