HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit Yamunotri Temple: Your first top of Char Dham, is a source of River Yamuna, which you be reaching after a scenic 6 km trek from Janki Chatti.
• Holy bath in Surya Kund : Near Yamunotri, the pilgrims will cook rice as offering and take a purifying dip in Surya Kund hot spring.
• Gangotri Temple darshan : The Gangotri temple is dedicate to Goddess Ganga, which is set in Himalayas and is also peaceful for prayers.
• Scenic drive to Uttarkashi : You will be drive to Uttarkashi and will pass around valleys, waterfalls and pine forests.
• Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi : You will be visiting ancient Shiva temple in Uttarkashi for darshan.
• Stay in mountain villages : You will be staying in mountain villages as Barkot, Guptkashi as they offer calm stays and fresh food.
• Harsil Valley : You will be finding scenic spot with deodar trees and apple orchads in Harsil Valley.
• Explore Kedarnath by trek or helicopter : You will be reaching the temple via 16-18 km trek or helicopter ride.
• Attend Kedarnath evening aarti : It is a must to attend kedarnath evening aarti as the bell sounds and chants fill the mountains.
• Visit to Badrinath Temple : The Badrinath temple is colorful Vishnu temple situated by the Alaknanda river.
• Tapt Kund at Badrinath : You must take hot spring hot spring bath before darshan.
• Neelkanth Peak : You will be seeing Neelkanth Peak, which is a snowy mountain rising behind Badrinath.
• Explore Mana village : Mana is the last Indian village near the border, also you will get to see Bhim Pul and Vyas Gufa.
• Darshan at Bhairavnath Temple : The Bhairavath Temple, which is located near Kedarnath, it is believe to guard the region in winter.
• Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi : You will be visiting the tomb of the saint who brought back to life Char Dham Pilgrimage.
• Origin of the River Yamuna : You will be visiting Saptrishi Kund glacier, which is spiritually important.
• Badrinath Evening aarti : You must attend evening aarti at Badrinath as the magical atmosphere with chants and oil lamps.
• Himalayan bridges : There will be cross wooden and metal bridges over rivers.
• Witness the confluence at Devprayag : The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirithi merge to form the Ganga.
• Drive along Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers : You will be driving by sacred rivers, Alaknanda and Bhagirithi which merge to form the Ganga.
• Visit Gaurikund: Gaurikund is the base of Kedarnath trek, which is linked to Goddess Parvati.
• Feel the silence of the Himalayas : You will witness mountain silence in quiet places like Harsil and Guptkashi which also helps you in self- reflection.
• Garhwali cuisine : You will get to taste local dishes like mandua roti and pahadi aloo.
• Meet local villagers : You will be hearing stories and legends from residents.
• Traditional pahadi homes : You will be seeing traditional pahadi homes which is stone-roof houses and wooden balconies.
• Buy souvenirs from temple towns : You must buy temple souvenirs like rudraraksha, shawls, wooden idols and prasad.
• Mountain roads : You will be walking at mountain roads, a thrilling bend and will passing through scenic views.
• Temple architecture : You must learn about temple architecture, its different styles from stone to colourful facades.
• Watch the sky change colours : You will get to watch Himalayan sunrises and sunsets where the sky turns into magical shades.
• Collect lifetime spiritual memories : This journey will bring devotion, nature and peace to you.

Important Notes for Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar

• Be Fit – It is advised to consult doctor especially if you are senior or health patient, as the yatra includes long drivs, walks and climbs. Physical fitness is essential.
• Carry original photo ID proof – It is advised to carry Aadhar, voter ID or Passport if needed at check posts and hotels.
• Avoid plastic usage – It is advised to please use reusable bottles and also no plastic bags.
• Respect the culture and traditions – It is advised to please maintain silence in temples, and also to dress modestly.
• Weather can be unpredictable – It is advised to carry raincoat, an umbrella and some warm clothes with you as weather changes fast.
• ATM availability is limited – It is advised to carry enough cash with you as ATMs are rare in remote areas.
• Start early daily – It is advised to start your journey early so as to avoid traffic and to ensure timely darshan.
• Proper footwear is necessary – It is recommended to carry sports or trekking shoes.
• Stay hydrated – It is advised to drink plenty of water to prevent yourself from altitude sickness.
• Weak Mobile Network – It is recommended to call your loved ones before travelling in remote areas as in those areas there can be limited coverage beyond Uttarkashi/ Guptkashi.
• Power backup is uncertain – It is advised to carry power bank with you as power cuts are common.
• Avoid alcohol and non-veg food – It is prohibited to consume alcohol and non-vegeterian food as the trips are in holy sites.
• Check temple opening dates – The temples are open during May-October only.
• Do not litter – It is advised to carry dustbins or carry your own waste.
• Travel insurance is advisable – It will be useful to carry travel insurance with you as it will be helpful in emergencies.
• Book only Authorized services – It is advised to please be aware of touts and book only authorized services for pony, palki or helicopters.
• Carry prescribed medicines – It is recommended to carry your own medicines prescribed to you by your doctor as pharmacies my not have what you need during your trip.
• Keep buffer days – It is to be noted that due to unpredictable weather or landslides, please keep extra days if any delays happen.
• Pack light – It is advised to carry a light backpack over heavy luggage.
• Helicopter services need early booking – It is recommended to book Helicopter in advance especially for Kedarnath and Yamunotri.
• Temple darshan queues are long – It is advised to please maintain discipline and patient during long lines in temple.
• Elderly should consider doli/pony rides – It is advised for elderly travellers to use Pony or Doli especially for tough treks.
• Accommodations may be basic – It is to be noted that the hotels provided to you will be basic and clean, simple lodges will be for your stay, so please do not expect luxury hotels.
• Carry snacks & dry fruits – It is advised to please carry some snacks and dry fruits with you.
• Follow local guides instructions – You must follow the local guides as they know the routes and rituals.

Best Time to Go for Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar

The best time to visit Char Dham is between late April and early November, with May to June and September to October being the most preferred months. The Char Dham yatra season usually begins in Akshaya Tritiya, which falls in April or May, and continues till Bhai Dooj, which comes after Diwali in October or November. These months offer pleasant weather in Char Dham, making the journey safe and comfortable for pilgrims.

May and June are popular because the weather is clear and all the roads are accessible. However, these are also peak months with large crowds. If you wish to avoid heavy footfall and want a more peaceful experience, then September and October are ideal. After the monsoon rains in July and August, the scenery becomes lush and green, and the skies are clearer again. But avoid traveling during the monsoon season (mainly July and early August) due to the risk of landslides and road blockages.

During the early and late parts of the yatra season, the temperatures in places like Kedarnath and Yamunotri can drop sharply, especially at night. So, it is important to carry woolen clothes even in summer. Overall, plan your trip based on your comfort, health, and crowd preference. But whenever you go, the spiritual experience of Char Dham yatra remains equally divine and unforgettable.