The most revered Yatra taken by millions of people every year is the Chardham Yatra. Nestled in the Himalayan region with solitude among these four places are famous for their unique architecture and ancient history. And are named as Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
It is believed that in these four shrines, Goddess Yamuna and Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu exist in the purest personification. And by embarking on this sacred journey, one can get emancipation; and get blessings by the purest incarnations of Gods and Goddesses.
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that a person must undergo Chardham Yatra from east to west, like in a clockwise direction. It means that the journey must experience like this- starting for Yamunotri and then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and in the last Badrinath.
When we go on any trip or holiday, we make sure that we explore or visit every famous destination of that place. Just like that, as compared to other holiday destinations, these four pilgrim spots also consist of the sites, which are a must-visit. And each devotee must explore while they are on their Chardham Yatra.
The top-most 13 destinations to visit during Chardham Yatra are:
Janak Chatti
- Located near Yamunotri, famous for hot water springs.
- Situated at an altitude of 2,700 meters.
- Popular base camp for the Yamunotri trek.
- Ideal for tranquility and scenic beauty.
Janak Chatti is a holy water spring near Yamunotri. This major attraction of this place is the hot water springs, which are very popular among the tourists. Preached at an altitude of 2700 meters, this place is covered with huge mountains from all sides and gives us some fantastic views to adore.
This place is also famous amongst adventure seekers as it acts as another alternative base camp for the Yamunotri trek.
Hanuman Chatti
- Base camp for the Yamunotri trek and adventure activities.
- Surrounded by Himalayan mountains.
- Acts as a starting point for treks to Dodi Tal and Dwarka Top.
This place is an ideal location for people who are adventure lovers as it acts as a base camp for thrilling and exciting trekking experience in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
It serves as a base camp for many famous attractions near Yamunotri, namely Dodi Tal and Dwarka Top. Located in the close vicinity of the beautiful Himalayan mountains, Hanuman Chatti is a perfect spot for the people searching for tranquillity while their Chardham yatra.
Saptarishi Kund
- Believed to be the origin of the Yamuna River.
- Located at an altitude of 4,421 meters.
- Requires a 10 km trek from Yamunotri.
- Offers stunning views of glaciers.
Saptarishi is the place, where it is believed that the holy water of Yamuna originates. This Kund is approximately 4421 meters above sea level. One you can reach at Saptarishi Kund after a 10 km track from Yamunotri. And at the top, you can get a fantastic view of the glaciers.
It is advised to take a guide if you are thinking of going trekking to Saptrishi Kund.
Kedar Tal
- High-altitude lake, known for breathtaking trekking routes.
- Located near Auden’s Col, linking Gangotri and Jogin peaks.
- Ideal for trekkers and mountaineers.
Discovered by John Bicknell Auden, the place is heaven for the trek lovers. If you are a trek lover or mountaineer and searching for the best trekking experience, then Auden’s Col is what you want.
Being one of the highest mountains in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, Auden’s Col is a magical land for travellers. This mountain pass which joins Gangotri and Jogin peaks at the height of 5400 m. One can go from Gangotri to Kedarnath by following Auden’s Col. This place gives us the unforgettable stunning views of giant glaciers on top.
Dayara Bugyal
- Meadow located at 3,950 meters in the Himalayan valleys.
- A serene picnic spot with lush green gardens.
- Resembles European-style meadows.
A public garden in the Himalayan valleys, Dayara Bugyal, is a perfect picnic spot where you can spend some quality time with your family. Positioned at the height of 3950m, this place is covered by lush green gardens on hills. Even though the scene looks like a European-style set, this place exists in India.
Get stunned by the beauty of nature and beautiful meadows of this place during your Chardham Yatra.
Agastyamuni, Kedarnath
- Famous for its ancient temple and unique wall art.
- Believed to be the site where Saint Agastya meditated.
- Known for its historical and architectural significance.
If you are an architect lover and love to explore new places with unique and ancient history and architecture, then the Agastyamuni temple is the perfect destination for you. This place is famous for its grand architecture with a beautiful interior. The walls inside the site are adorned with defining wall arts all over the walls, which gives this place a wholly different yet elegant look.
This place is also remembered for its history as it said that Saint Agastya meditated here for a whole year.
Triyuginarayan Temple
- Believed to be the site where Lord Shiva married Parvati.
- Features four holy water ponds.
- A popular pilgrimage site with peaceful surroundings.
If you are searching for holy places in Kedarnath except for the Kedarnath temple, then Triyuginarayan Temple is a must-visit place for you. This sacred place is worshipped by thousands of devotees because, according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati got married here. The rich and history makes this place very popular all over the country.
The place consists of four holy water ponds in the temple with freshwater and some peaceful environment.
Tungnath and Chandrashila
- Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at 3,680 meters.
- Trek to Chandrashila offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Ideal for beginners in trekking.
Tungnath is a charming village of Uttarakhand famous for its high snowy-mountains trek and adventure sports. This place acts as a starting point for the prominent Chopta Chandrashila trek. The place gives some astonishing views of the snowy mountains and dreamy landscapes.
Compared to other places, the trekking is easy in this Himalaya region and recommended for those people who are trekking for the first time. It covers a whole lot of regions of the Garhwal region, starting from Haridwar to Chandrashila. This place gives the mesmerizing views of Nilkanth, Kedarnath, and Panchchuli from a single spot.
Kalimath Temple
- Dedicated to Goddess Kali, located at 6,000 feet.
- No idol is worshipped; instead, a Sri Yantra is venerated.
- Famous for its unique worship practices.
This temple is the oldest and the most renowned temple of Kedarnath. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and thousands of people came, especially in the Navratras, to get the blessings of Goddess Kali. This temple is situated at the height of 6000ft and gives us some fantastic views of the Himalayan valleys of Uttarakhand.
The most quirky fact about this place is that no idol of Goddess Kali is worshipped here. But instead of that, a Sri Yantra is worshipped. And only one day in a year, the idol is taken out for praying at midnight and only by the chief priest.
Ganesh Gufa
- A natural cave near Badrinath, linked to the Mahabharata.
- Believed to be where Lord Ganesha wrote the epic under Ved Vyasa’s dictation.
- Known for its unique architecture and peaceful setting.
Another place in Uttarakhand which consists of some fantastic and unique architecture is the Ganesh Gufa in Badrinath Dham. A natural cave formation in the mountains, this place is associated with the famous legend of Mahabharat.
The cave consists of the story of Mahabharat, which it is believed that Lord Ganesha wrote when Lord Maharishi Vyas dictated the story to Ganesha. The detailed art and beautiful meadows attract nature lovers the most.
Satopanth Lake
- Sacred lake at 4,500 meters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Said to be the place where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva bathed.
- Popular among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
A beautiful lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains from the four sides, Satapanth lake, is mostly loved by trek and adventure lovers. Located at an altitude of 15,000 m above sea level, the place has a religious significance amongst the locals too.
According to Hindu Mythology, it is said that thousands of years back, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu bathe in this holy water. This place is also a famous attraction for adventure sports like trekking and hiking.
Mana Pass
- One of the highest motorable passes in the world at 5,632 meters.
- Marks the starting point of Mana Village, near the India-China border.
- Can be visited by helicopter during the Chardham Yatra.
Mana Pass is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Positioned at the height of 5632 meters above sea level, this place is the starting point to Mana Village, which is said to be the last-village of Uttarakhand. Because Mana Village is situated at the India-China border which you can visit during your Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
These destinations offer a blend of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and adventure, making the Chardham Yatra an unforgettable journey.
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