Char Dham
Uttarakhand, also called Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is a spiritual destination known for its many ancient temples and holy places. One of the most famous religious journeys in this region is the Char Dham Yatra. This sacred pilgrimage covers four important temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, all located in the beautiful Himalayan mountains. In Hindi, ‘Char’ means four and ‘Dham’ means sacred places.
These holy sites are open only for about six months every year. The temples open in April or May during the summer and close in October or November as winter begins. Pilgrims are advised to visit the shrines in a specific order — starting from Yamunotri, then moving to Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and ending the journey at Badrinath. This route follows the traditional clockwise direction of the yatra.
Travelers can choose to complete the yatra by road or through helicopter services for a quicker option. Many devotees also opt for the Do Dham Yatra, where they visit only Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Each of the four dhams has its spiritual importance:
Yamunotri Temple, located in Uttarkashi, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It sits close to the source of the Yamuna River, which is considered highly sacred.
Gangotri, also in Uttarkashi, honors Goddess Ganga, the holiest river in India.
Kedarnath, in the Rudraprayag district, is a shrine for Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Badrinath, located in Chamoli district, is one of the most visited temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a religious trip — it’s a spiritual experience that brings peace to the heart and mind. The breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and deep devotion make it a lifetime journey.
Explore More
- One of the four sacred sites in the Himalayan Char Dham circuit
- Believed to be the origin point of the holy Yamuna River
- Surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and natural hot water springs
- A favorite spot for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts
- Home to the ancient Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna
What to Know About Yamunotri
Yamunotri is a part of Char Dham (along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), the four most revered Hindu pilgrimages in the Himalayas. The small mountain hamlet, with the Yamunotri Temple at its centre, attracts thousands of devotees every year and is the commencing point of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage (May to October), which proceeds from Yamunotri to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Lodged in a narrow gorge, close to the source of the Yamuna, the Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Yamuna, the second-most sacred river after the Ganges. A dip in River Yamuna is said to protect one from untimely death. Devotees either walk or ride a palanquin or a pony to reach the temple (around 3,233 m above sea level) from Janki Chatti, a steep trek of about 3 km that takes about 3 hours.
Kapat is open now for darshan.
🌸 Ideal Time to Travel: April–June & September–November 🍁
Attractions
Yamunotri Temple – A Sacred Shrine in the Himalayas
Yamunotri Temple is a holy site devoted to Goddess Yamuna, believed to be the daughter of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and sister of Lord Yama (the God of Death). Inside the temple, you’ll find a beautiful black idol of the goddess, carved with fine detail. The temple stands beside the flowing Yamuna River, with its bright yellow and orange-red colors making it easy to spot from far away, especially as it sits against a steep, rocky mountain backdrop.
Nearby, you’ll find Surya Kund and Gouri Kund, two natural hot water springs. Pilgrims often dip rice and vegetables in the boiling water as part of a sacred offering. Close to Surya Kund is Divya Shilla, a reddish stone that devotees worship before entering the temple. The original structure was built around 1839 AD, and it was later rebuilt in the 19th century after damage. The spiritual energy and peaceful setting make Yamunotri a truly divine experience for every visitor.
Kharsali – A Peaceful Village Near Yamunotri
Tucked away in the Himalayas, Kharsali is a small and charming village located around 8 km from Yamunotri.
Known for its calm surroundings and natural beauty, this village gives you a real feel of traditional life in Uttarakhand.
With friendly locals, old-style wooden and stone houses, and a quiet atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature. Take a peaceful walk through the village lanes and soak in its simple yet beautiful charm.
The people here are warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their culture. Kharsali offers a refreshing escape from the busy world, with quiet trails and scenic beauty all around. It’s the perfect place to relax, take slow walks, and enjoy the charm of village life in the lap of the Himalayas.
Saptarshi Kund
It is a hidden gem located about 10 kilometers from the Yamunotri temple in Uttarakhand. Sitting at a height of around 4,421 meters, this beautiful glacial lake is fed by the Champasar Glacier and is believed to be the true source of the Yamuna River.
While most visitors offer prayers at the Yamunotri shrine, adventure seekers and experienced trekkers often take on the challenging trek up to Saptarshi Kund.
The path is tough and steep, but the reward is worth it. The lake’s crystal-clear blue water, surrounded by snowy glaciers and peaceful silence, offers an unforgettable experience. The area is also believed to be home to the rare and sacred flower, the Brahma Kamal, which adds to the spiritual feel of the place.
For those seeking serenity, adventure, and spiritual connection, Saptarshi Kund is a destination like no other in the Himalayas.
Hanuman Chatti: A Peaceful Stop on the Way to Yamunotri
Tucked away in the lap of the Himalayas, Hanuman Chatti is a small and peaceful village located at the meeting point of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Situated about 13 km before Yamunotri Dham, this scenic spot rests at an altitude of 2,400 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and mountain views. The place holds spiritual value as many pilgrims stop here to offer prayers at the Hanuman Temple, seeking blessings before continuing their yatra. Hanuman Chatti is not only a religious stop but also a popular base for trekking routes leading to Dodi Tal, Darwa Pass, and other high-altitude trails. With its cool weather, natural beauty, and spiritual vibe, Hanuman Chatti offers a perfect mix of peace and adventure.
Whether you’re a devotee or a nature lover, this serene village is worth a visit on your way to Yamunotri.
Janki Chatti
It is a charming small village that becomes lively during the Char Dham Yatra season, which runs from May to October. Located about 6 kilometers from the sacred Yamunotri Temple, Janki Chatti is surrounded by tall mountains and offers breathtaking views of nature. Known for its thermal hot springs and scenic beauty, it is a peaceful stop for pilgrims heading towards Yamunotri. In the past, the Yamunotri trek started from Hanuman Chatti, which is nearly 13 kilometers away. However, with road improvements, travelers can now reach Janki Chatti by vehicle, making the journey shorter and easier. From here, devotees begin their final trek to the temple. The village also offers basic accommodation options like the GMVN Tourist Rest House, providing a comfortable stay for travelers. With its fresh mountain air and serene atmosphere, Janki Chatti is a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual charm.
What To Do....
Yamunotri is surrounded by scenic trekking trails that attract both pilgrims and adventure lovers. One of the most well-known routes is the 14-km trek from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri, which takes around 5 hours to complete. This moderately difficult trail offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys along the way. Another popular trek in the region is the Dodital trek, known for its serene landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Both routes provide a perfect mix of natural beauty and spiritual experience.
Nearby Destinations
Barkot is a peaceful hill town nestled at an altitude of 1,220 meters in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. Surrounded by lush greenery and nourished by the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna, Barkot offers a refreshing escape into nature. Its quiet charm and offbeat location make it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind away from the crowd. The town is especially popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, thanks to its trekking trails, mountain views, and scenic beauty. One of the highlights of Barkot is its apple orchards, which add a special touch to the landscape, especially during harvest season. Whether you’re stopping by on your way to Yamunotri or planning a peaceful getaway, Barkot is a hidden gem that promises a mix of serenity and adventure.
Harsil Tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas, Harsil is a peaceful village near Gangotri Dham, known for its untouched natural beauty. Often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Harsil is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, tall pine forests, and lush apple orchards. The calm atmosphere, traditional wooden homes, and ancient temples give it an old-world charm that feels timeless.
Nature lovers will find paradise here, while adventure seekers can enjoy trekking and hiking through the scenic trails. The village lies along the Bhagirathi River, adding to its serene vibe. Harsil is also famous for its apples, believed to have been introduced by British settler Fredric E. Wilson, who made the village his home.
Gangotri, located in Uttarkashi, is one of the four holy sites of the Char Dham Yatra in northern India. This peaceful town is home to the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and holds great spiritual significance. Situated at an altitude of around 3,415 meters, Gangotri is surrounded by the towering Garhwal Himalayas, thick forests, and glacial landscapes.
The journey to Gangotri from Rishikesh takes approximately 12 hours by road, offering scenic views along the way. According to Hindu mythology, the sacred river Ganga descended to earth at Gangotri when Lord Shiva released the river from his hair. The actual source of the river lies at Gaumukh, a glacier located 19 km from Gangotri, which can be reached by trekking.
