Chardham, also known as the four abodes, is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. Situated in the heavenly and very beautiful state of Uttarakhand, India, Chardham includes four shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These are not only religious places but the beauty of these Dhams will leave you speechless. You don’t have to worry about staying when traveling there because there are many hotels in Chardham.
Famous Activities Offered By Chardham:
These sites are believed to be the dwelling places of the gods, and visiting them is considered to be a path to salvation. Here are the things that you must do when visiting Chardham.
1. Visit Yamunotri: Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and is the first stop on the Chardham Yatra. To reach the temple, you need to trek for six kilometers from Janki Chatti. The trek is scenic and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,235 meters and is open from May to November.
2. Visit Gangotri: Gangotri is the source of the Ganges River and is the second stop on the Chardham Yatra. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters and is open from April to November. The trek to Gangotri is also picturesque, and it takes you through dense forests and stunning mountainous landscapes.
3. Visit Kedarnath: Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is the third stop on the Chardham Yatra. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is accessible by trekking for 16 kilometers from Gaurikund. The trek to Kedarnath is challenging, but the views along the way make it worth the effort.
4. Visit Badrinath: Badrinath is one of the four Dhams and is the final stop on the Chardham Yatra. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and it is situated at a height of 3,133 meters. The temple is open from April to November, and the best time to visit is between May and June and September and November.
5. Attend the Ganga Aarti: The Ganga Aarti is a sacred ritual that takes place every evening at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. The ritual involves lighting lamps and offering prayers to the river Ganges. The aarti is a beautiful and serene experience, and attending it is a must-do when in Chardham.
6. Take a dip to Cleanse the Soul: The rivers and hot springs in Chardham are considered to be sacred, and taking a dip in them is believed to cleanse the soul of all sins. The Yamuna and Ganges Rivers are the most popular spots for taking a dip, but there are also hot springs in Yamunotri and Gaurikund that are believed to have medicinal properties.
Conclusion
Chardham is a beautiful and serene pilgrimage site that offers breathtaking views of the mountains and is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with their spiritual side. Visiting the four magical places and attending the Ganga Aarti are just a few of the many things you can do in Chardham. So traveling to such places is like knowing yourself in and out. Hope you have a great spiritual and mental peace being at Chardham and you enjoy the most.
