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THE CHAR-DHAM CIRCUIT
UTTARAKHAND
The Char Dham circuit, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, comprises four sacred pilgrimage sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These sites hold immense spiritual significance for Hindus and are believed to be the abodes of various gods and goddesses.
Yamunotri is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, while Gangotri is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. Kedarnath is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The Char Dham circuit attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims each year, who undertake the arduous journey to seek blessings, cleanse their sins, and attain spiritual enlightenment.
ATTRACTIONS
Yamunotri Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple is situated amidst picturesque surroundings near the source of the Yamuna River. The hot water springs at Janki Chatti and the Divya Shila are also popular attractions.
Gangotri Temple: Perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Apart from the temple, the Bhagirath Shila, submerged Shivalinga, and scenic Bhagirathi River are worth visiting.
Kedarnath Temple: Located amidst the Garhwal Himalayas, the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The breathtaking scenery of the Kedar Valley and the Vasuki Tal lake are must-see attractions.
Badrinath Temple: Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and the scenic Neelkanth Peak are nearby attractions.
Itinerary
Inclusion
ACTIVITIES
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Pilgrimage: The primary activity of the Char Dham Yatra is visiting the sacred temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath to seek blessings and perform rituals. Pilgrims undertake this journey to cleanse their souls and fulfill their spiritual aspirations.
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Trekking: Uttarakhand is blessed with scenic trekking routes that offer stunning views of the Himalayas and serene landscapes. You can embark on treks to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and nearby areas like Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and Tungnath-Chandrashila.
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Nature Walks: Explore the picturesque surroundings of the Char Dham sites by taking leisurely nature walks along the riverbanks, through lush forests, and amidst blooming meadows. These walks provide opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
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Hot Springs Bathing: At Yamunotri, pilgrims can take a dip in the natural hot springs at Janki Chatti, believed to have therapeutic properties. Similarly, the Tapt Kund in Badrinath is famous for its hot water springs, where devotees take a holy bath before visiting the temple.
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Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand by interacting with locals, attending religious ceremonies at the temples, and experiencing traditional music, dance, and cuisine. You can also visit nearby villages to learn about local customs and traditions.
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Sightseeing: Explore the historical and natural attractions near the Char Dham sites, such as Guptkashi, Joshimath, Mana Village, and Chopta. Visit ancient temples, caves, waterfalls, and viewpoints to witness the beauty and diversity of the region.
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Photography: Capture the breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, cascading rivers, and vibrant culture of Uttarakhand through photography. The Char Dham Circuit offers ample opportunities for capturing memorable moments and stunning vistas.
Exclusion
DURATION
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By Road:
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If you're traveling by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh, a standard Char Dham Yatra typically takes around 10 to 12 days to complete.
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This duration includes travel time to each pilgrimage site, sightseeing along the way, and any additional stops or detours you may wish to make.
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By Helicopter:
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Traveling by helicopter significantly reduces the duration of the Char Dham Yatra. Helicopter tours typically range from 3 to 5 days, depending on the itinerary and package chosen.
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Helicopter tours offer the advantage of quick transportation between the pilgrimage sites, allowing you to complete the yatra in a shorter time frame.
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Combination Tours:
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Combination tours that include the Char Dham Yatra along with visits to nearby attractions such as Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, and Auli.
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These combination tours can range from 12 to 15 days or more, depending on the destinations covered and the activities included in the itinerary.
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T & C
ACCESSIBILITY
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Yamunotri:
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Yamunotri is accessible by road up to Janki Chatti, from where pilgrims need to undertake a 6-kilometer trek to reach the temple.
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Gangotri:
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Gangotri is accessible by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The temple is located around 300 kilometers from Rishikesh, and the journey takes approximately 10-12 hours.
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Pilgrims can travel by road up to Gangotri town, where the temple is situated.
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Kedarnath:
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Kedarnath is accessible by road up to Gaurikund, from where pilgrims need to trek or hire ponies/dolis to reach the temple located 16 kilometers away.
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Badrinath:
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Badrinath is accessible by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The temple is located around 320 kilometers from Rishikesh, and the journey takes approximately 10-12 hours. Pilgrims can travel by road up to Badrinath town, where the temple is situated.
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By Helicopter:
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Helicopter services are available for Char Dham Yatra, providing a quicker and more convenient mode of transportation.
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Helicopter services operate from Dehradun, Sahastradhara (near Dehradun), and Phata (near Kedarnath).
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