The Char Dham Yatra is not a journey in the mountains but it is the ultimate time travel within. For millions of seekers, devotees of this Yatra are bucket listed for years.
Many marked their calendars with the hope to dive in deeper spiritual journeys. This path of winding roads, many sharp turns and curves, signifies life. As the cold Himalayan air touches the face, the pilgrims are taken back to their homeland, indeed that means connection with the divine being. Since the time immemorial, thousands upon thousands pilgrims have travelled from far across the many lands that are from cities, states and even countries. The most common point of them to be drawn to this place is because they receive the Calling. The calling from the ultimate one, the higher being.
Interestingly, all the Dhams are located in the calm and quite transcending Gharwal Himalayan ranges. And this Char Dham holy Circuit includes four major pilgrimage spots. Namely, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. And visiting these holy shrines is a lifetime opportunity. Honestly, it’s not only about visiting these shrines but each individual destination carries a deep spiritual profound meaning. It leads the people from all aspects of society to lead their life of faith balancing their hearts and minds. Lakhs of people flock to these divine places every year with the yearning heart to connect and communicate with the higher being. These few days will help you elevate your spiritual journey and indeed there is a reason why it’s called the transformation journey of inner being.
This Char Dham Yatra Package includes Chopta and starts from Haridwar. Our experts at Kaushalya Trip India have very carefully and thoroughly crafted this package for you.
This package will help you experience a deep spiritual truth of life and the most profound meaningful trip. This trip, goes beyond external experiences, as you travel through the roads of Himalayas, you could truly feel the cleansing of your heart and mind. This entire package is planned with so much care by our team that you don’t have to worry about anything. Rather, our beloved devotees can only and solely focus on deep devotion. You can immerse yourself in the calm green lush surroundings, with towering snowy peaks. Every cell in your brain will crave for the warmth of a divine being, even though the weather is cold. Every single moment of this yatra is planned in a way so that the pilgrims travel with deep reverence and spiritual focus.
Well, this pious trip of Char Dham Yatra doesn’t start on these mountain roads. This trip starts from within. From the sacred cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. These two holy cities are quite ancient as well. It is located on the bank of River Ganges. When the first rays of the morning sun kiss the flowing river, and temple bells ring out across the air, something changes within every soul that enters these sacred spaces. It’s as if the soul slows down, listens, and prepares itself for something more.
There is a certain stillness here, yet it is alive with devotion. There is something about the chants of Ganga Aarti, something about diyas floating gently on the river, something about the silent prayers that take place with folded hands, all of this creates a space that is hard to put into words. There’s something about this place, something about these spaces, that says there is love in the air. It’s obvious that the love we are talking about is completely spiritual. Indeed, a love that gently embraces you, asking you to let go of all that you carry.
Interestingly, Each dham holds deep spiritual significance:
Meaning, Each of the Dhams holds a spiritual essence, guiding devotees step by step towards inner purification and divine connection. Its deep and close conversation with the divine being.
1. Yamunotri: High in the Gharwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,293 meters, lies a place which is sacred and pure. It is the actual birth place of River Yamuna. Also, is the most beloved daughter of Sun god and the twin sister of Yama, the god of death. There is something which is very special and profound about this Dham. The sacred shrine symbolises liberation from untimely death. The goddess, sister of death, is worshipped as the liberator from untimely death. It is not merely the prayers of the pilgrims that are offered here, it is their peace with their own death, their surrender of their own fear at the feet of a river that has seen the passage of countless lives. The journey to Yamunotri is a meditation in itself. You should also experience the Surya Kund right before you enter the temple, where pilgrims prepare the prasad.
There is also a fun fact about Yamunotri, which you might not know. That is, the Champasar Glacier about 1km from the temple at the altitude of 4,421 meters. The temple near the surya kund is known as the sacred seat of worship. The river travels over 1376 kms before merging with Ganga at Prayagraj.
2. Gangotri: Have you ever imagined a moment where you close your eyes and you can visualise divine being? Located at the altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level in the wilderness guarded by the raw beauty of the Himalayas. That is the beautiful source of the River Ganga. Which is also called the “Mother Ganga”. It is the lifeline of a civilization, as the river Ganga first touches the sacred earth at a place called Gaumukh, the glacier resembles a lot as a cow's mouth, located 19 km away. Well, Gangotri is a lot more than a geographical location. It is the location of compassion in the form of a river. It is believed by Hindus that a dip in the Ganga at this location, at her source, in her purest and strongest form, cleanses not only the soul but also the burden of a lifetime. Visitors carry with them the burden of their souls, their sorrows, their guilt, and return. At Gangotri, you can really feel the love for humanity.
There are also other fun facts related to it, which you might or might not know. It is scientific. The research has shown that the Gangajal has some natural antibacterial properties. Means, viruses that can be killed only in this water. Even without refrigeration, ganga water can be stored in copper vessels and still remain fresh.
3. Kedarnath: it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is the most spiritually intense place everyone desires to go. Located at the altitude of 3,583 meters, it is surrounded by kedarnath peak and kedar Dome. The ancient temple is believed to transform spiritually, and the ancient stone temple radiates a holy energy. This ancient stone temple is believed to be constructed by the Pandavas and rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. And interestingly, it has stood here for over 1,200 years. The seekers travel a long way till here seeking inner strength, forgiveness and liberation from past karmas. The Pious and holy atmosphere, rhythmic chanting and raw beauty of nature deliver a life-changing experience. You can also opt for trek to Kedarnath, either by foot over the stunning 16 kilometers of mountain terrain from Gaurikund. Alternatively, you can also opt for travel by helicopter. With each step up into the mountains, something heavy inside you begins to fall away.
Another fun fact about this Dham is, before the closing of Kedarnath temple in winters, as “Akhnd Jyoti” is lit inside the temple and it continues to burn until the temple opens in the month of May, for almost 6 months. The believers believe that Shiva, keeps the flame burning by himself.
4. Badrinath: Badrinath is the final Dham of the sacred Circuit and is the holy abode of Lord Vishnu. He is also known to be the preserver of the universe. Situated at the altitude of 3,133 meters, alongside the of the Alaknanda River, Badrinath represents spiritual fulfilment and divine wisdom. She is also called Gharwal Queen. The shrines are guarded by the towering peaks of Neelkanth. And we highly recommend, you take a dip in holy Tapt Kund, which is believed to purify both body and soul. The tapt kund is believed to be blessed by Lord Agni himself. The darshan of Lord Badri Narayan fills the heart with gratitude, serenity and a profound sense of completion.