Char Dham Yatra

Chardham is the term that represents four most sacred shrines of Hinduism. These holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath collectively known as Chardham are dedicated to different Hindu deities and are located amidst the world's most majestic and loftiest mountains, Himalayas. As per the Hindu scriptures a pilgrimage to Chardham is enough to wash away one's sins and ensure release from the cycle of birth and death i.e. attain salvation. The Chardham yatra is undertaken from west to east- beginning from Yamunotri, going to Gangotri, then proceeding to Kedarnath and culminating at Badrinath.

Amongst these four Dhams, Gangotri and Yamunotri are the sources of holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna and hence dedicated to goddesses Ganga and Yamuna respectively. The shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level was built some 250 years ago by a Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa. The temple of Yamuna located on the Kalind Mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Kedarnath Dham is the most remote of the four sites and is the seat of Lord Shiva. Badrinath Dham is the most important and oldest of Hindu places of worship. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu.

The magnificent and scenic surrounding of mountainous region and an aura of spiritual serenity attracts thousand of devotees and tourists to these beautiful holy sites every year.