Chardham Yatra

The opening and closing times of Kedarnath Temple are as follows:

Morning aarti: 4:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Morning general darshan: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Midday closure: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Evening general darshan: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Evening aarti: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

No, it is not possible to complete the entire Chardham pilgrimage in a single day, especially via the traditional road and trekking routes. While it's possible to visit two of the four shrines (Badrinath and Kedarnath) in one day by helicopter, the full Chardham circuit takes at least 7 to 12 days by road, or 4 to 5 days if you use a helicopter for a faster route.

No, there is no ropeway currently operating in Yamunotri Dham. However, a project has been approved, and once completed, a ropeway will connect Kharsali to the temple, reducing the trek time from several hours to about 10-15 minutes.

Gangotri is a town and the primary gateway to the Gangotri Glacier, while Gaumukh is the exact source of the Bhagirathi River, located at the mouth of the glacier. The major difference is that Gangotri houses the famous temple and is a bustling town, while Gaumukh is a remote, high-altitude site which is accessible only via an 18-20 km trek from Gangotri.

Yes, many people take solo trips to Kedarnath. The yatra, which involves a demanding trek, is a popular choice for those seeking adventure in the Himalayas, spiritual awakening, or rejuvenation. Both men and women travel solo to Kedarnath, finding it to be a liberating and empowering experience.
 

The Chardham Yatra presents certain inherent risks due to its location in the high-altitude Himalayas. Still, these can be managed, and the journey is generally considered safe with proper preparation and precautions. The primary dangers are related to the natural environment and the physical demands of the journey. 

If your are seeking a challenging pilgrimage experience, choose Kedarnath, as it's a 14-km-long and difficult trek. However, if you prefer a short, easy, and intermediate-level trekking experience, Tungnath can make it to your bucket list, with its 3.5 km trekking trail, and a view of the world's highest Shiva Temple.

You can opt for a trekking trip to Char Dham destinations, a Char Dham Yatra by helicopter, or same day Do Dham Yatra by helicopter.

Check out more packages for Char Dham Yatra: https://www.triptotemples.com/package/char-dham.

Yes, there are luxury packages for the Chardham Yatra that include premium amenities like stays in high-end hotels, luxury vehicle transport, gourmet meals, and VIP darshan access. Some packages offer helicopter access to the shrines for increased convenience and speed. These luxury tours are designed for a comfortable and opulent pilgrimage experience, combining spirituality with high-end services.

There are no direct Badrinath to Haridwar buses; however, you can use local transport, as buses are available from Sonprayag, which is just 49 km away from Badrinath.

The bus fare from Yamunotri to Gangotri is approximately INR 1200-3500, which can be a bit expensive as this route is not always served by direct buses. The journey covers a distance of around 222 km and takes about 10 hours to complete. 

The Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalayas, near the Mandakini River. It sits at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

It takes 10-12 days for the trekking route, whereas, helicopter route of (Chota) Char Dham Yatra may only take 5-6 days.

A 3-day trip to Kedarnath is possible, but a more recommended duration is 4 to 5 days to allow for travel, acclimatization, and exploration. A 3-day trip would be a quick, essential visit, while a 4-5 day itinerary provides more time for a spiritual experience and to visit nearby sights without feeling rushed.

Badrinath and Kedarnath are located in the Garhwal region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, within the Himalayas. Specifically, Badrinath is in the Chamoli district, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while Kedarnath is in the Rudraprayag district, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Badrinath, located at an elevation of 10,000 ft above sea level, is a popular temple that witnesses thousands of pilgrims during the Chardham Yatra Season. The Alaknanda River flows very close to Badrinath Temple; originating from the Satopanth Tal Glacier, it moves towards Mana Village and reaches Badrinath Valley.

Badrinath Temple stands as a revered pilgrimage destination dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an essential part of the sacred Hindu Char Dham circuit. Nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, it captivates devotees with its awe-inspiring beauty. The temple's name, inspired by the Badri (berry) tree, adds to its rich cultural heritage. Many believe that a bath in the temple's hot springs can purify the soul and absolve sins, making it a powerful site for spiritual renewal.

According to the story of the Pandavas, they sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness, who took the form of a bull. When Bhim attempted to catch the bull by its tail, Shiva disappeared and then reappeared in five parts at five different locations. The part that reappeared in Kedarnath was the bull's hump, which is why the Shivling there is shaped like a bull's hump. Consequently, the Kedarnath Shivling is distinct from other Shivlings.

You should visit the Chardham sites in the traditional west-to-east order: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Starting with Yamunotri is considered the correct sequence and can be beneficial as the Kedarnath trek requires a significant uphill journey, so it is better to do it when your energy levels are highest.

Within the Badrinath Temple, visitors can find the central sanctum, which houses a one-foot-tall black stone deity of Lord Badrinarayan beneath a gold canopy. The temple features a spacious pillared hall, known as a mandapam, adorned with intricate carvings. Additionally, the walls are decorated with detailed artwork that depicts various religious stories.

The Char Dham pilgrimage circuit was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya, with the profound intention of uniting Hindu beliefs across India. The original four sacred sites- Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram- serve as pivotal destinations for spiritual seekers. In addition, the remarkable Chota Char Dham circuit, nestled in the pristine landscapes of Uttarakhand, encompasses the revered sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which offer an unparalleled pilgrimage experience.

The Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Badrinarayan. The main idol is a black stone statue of Vishnu in a meditative pose, believed to be a self-manifested deity.

Apart from Kedarnath Dham, other places that you may visit in and around Kedarnath include the very famous Gaurikund, where you can take a dip before starting a trek to the temple. Another important place is the Triyuginarayan Temple, where Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married. Other places that you can explore are Phata, a small village where there's a helipad for choppers that fly to Kedarnath Temple, Gaurikund Temple, Vasukital Lake, Adishankara Samadhi, etc.

Gangotri or Gangotri Temple, being an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism, is located at an elevation of approximately 11204 ft above sea level in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Gangotri is the origin point of the holy river Ganga, which is believed to be the point from where River Ganga descended from heaven when Lord Shiva released the river from his matted hair. Pilgrims take a bath in the Ganga to get all their sins forgiven. The temple is white as it is made of white granite, and the aura around the temple makes it more beautiful.

Gangotri is located approximately 97 km from Gaumukh, and you can trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh in about 6 to 7 days. The trail spans 18 km and has a moderate difficulty level. A permit is required to undertake this trek near Gangotri, and it will be checked at several forest checkpoints along the way. The trek begins in Gangotri and continues to Chirbasa, which is 9 km away. From Chirbasa, it is another 9 km to Gaumukh.

When visiting Yamunotri, you can also explore nearby attractions such as Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti, and Divya Shila. Additionally, consider visiting Kharsali, a charming village, where you can seek blessings at the Shani Devi Temple and take a dip in Surya Kund. These are some of the notable places you can explore near Yamunotri.

Yes, you must register for the Char Dham Yatra, and a "pass" or Yatra e-Pass will be generated after registration. This pass is mandatory for all pilgrims. The registration process is managed by the Uttarakhand government to ensure safety and regulate the number of visitors. It also helps provide real-time tracking and assistance during unforeseen circumstances.

You can register online through the official Uttarakhand Tourism website or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app. Alternatively, you can register offline at designated centers in Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Yamunotri, being a popular pilgrimage spot, is located at a picturesque place, and Suryakund and Saptrishi Kund are the two lakes near Yamunotri.

Badrinath Temple in Badrinath is in itself an attraction, but there are other places as well that you can explore, such as the Niti Valley in Joshimath, Timmersain Mahadev, which is a cave of Lord Shiva, Vasudhara Falls, and Govindghat.

Situated on the banks of the River Alkananda in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Badrinath's elevation is approximately 10,750 ft above sea level, with the scenic landscapes that you won’t be able to forget.