Chardham yatra is a holy yatra for people visiting here to pray and experience the beauty of nature. But chardham is not just about travelling to different temples in all the dhams but it is also about going to different places along the way and seeing its culture and beauty.
Top Places to Explore in Yamunotri
Yamunotri is one of the four dhams of the chardham yatra and many people visit this place to pray and enjoy the view of nature. Many people walk there but people also travel by chardham yatra by helicopter as it is easier and faster.
When you book a Char Dham Yatra package, Yamunotri is the first stop. It has peaceful temples, hot water springs, and beautiful nature all around. Whether you’re doing the full 4 Dham Yatra or just visiting Yamunotri, there are many lovely places to see and enjoy.
Here are some of the must visit places in Yamunotri:
Yamunotri Temple
It is believed by the people that Goddess Yamuna protects people from pain and problems so the temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is also the starting point of the Yamuna river.
Many people come here during the Char Dham Yatra to pray. The temple opens in May and closes in November, as it gets too cold in winter.Visiting Yamunotri Temple feels peaceful and very special.
Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a natural hot water spring near the Yamunotri Temple and the water here is so hot that the steam always comes out of it. People come here and cook rice in cloth in the hot water and offer it to the goddess.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a sacred rock pillar near the Yamunotri Temple. People pray to divya shila before going inside the temple as it is believed to be very powerful.
Devotees touch the rock and offer flowers as it is a sign of respect and faith. Many believe that praying here brings good luck and happiness.
Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is a small and beautiful place near Yamunotri Temple. It is the last stop on the road before people start walking to the temple as from here it is just a trek of 6 kilometers to the yamunotri temple left.
People doing the Char Dham Yatra or coming by Chardham Yatra by helicopter often rest here before going to the temple.
Kharsali
Kharsali is a quiet and pretty village near Yamunotri as The village is surrounded by green mountains, waterfalls, and peaceful nature and it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. People visiting on the Char Dham Yatra or by Chardham Yatra by helicopter often stop here too.
Shani Dev Temple
Shani Dev Temple is a very old temple in Kharsali village. It is dedicated to Lord Shani, the god of justice and This temple is believed to be over 2,000 years old and is made of wood and stones with beautiful carvings.
Pilgrims who come for the Char Dham Yatra or the Chardham Yatra by helicopter visit this temple to take blessings. The peaceful vibe and old charm make it a must-visit spot in Kharsali.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is a small town on the way to Yamunotri which is located where the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna River meet and it has a peaceful temple here where people come and stop to pray which is Surrounded by mountains and rivers therefore makes it a great stop during the Char Dham Yatra or the Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
Top Places to Explore in Gangotri
Gangotri is one of the four dhams of the chardham yatra and many people visit this place to pray and enjoy the view of nature and because it is where ganga begins.
The 4 Dham Yatra best time to visit Gangotri is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is nice and perfect for sightseeing.
Must visit places in Gangotri that you can go:
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is one of the most important places in the Char Dham Yatra as it is the place where ganga begins. The temple is made of white stone and looks very peaceful surrounded by tall mountains.The temple opens in May and closes around October or November, when it starts snowing.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a beautiful and peaceful temple on the way to Gangotri. This temple is a must visit if you’re doing the Char Dham Yatra or taking the Chardham Yatra by helicopter. It’s a great place to feel peace and take blessings from Lord Shiva before continuing your journey.
Mukhba
Mukhba is a small and peaceful village near Gangotri and It becomes very special in the winter because when the Gangotri Temple closes due to heavy snowfall then the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought here for worship.
The village is covered in snowy mountains and If you’re on the Char Dham Yatra or taking the Chardham Yatra by helicopter then visiting Mukhba adds a meaningful stop to your journey.
Shaki Temple
Shakti Temple is a very special and peaceful temple located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple as the temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, who is known as the goddess of power and strength.The main attraction of this temple is a very tall and heavy trishul made of iron and copper.
Bharon Ghati
Bhairon Ghati is a calm and spiritual place near Gangotri and it is often visited during the Char Dham Yatra and Surrounded by forests. It has the sacred Bhairav Baba Temple, where people offer prayers after visiting Gangotri Temple.
It’s a peaceful spot, perfect to include in your Chardham Yatra by helicopter or Char Dham Yatra package. The fresh air and river views make it a refreshing break on your 4 Dham Yatra.
Neylong Valley
Nelong Valley, near Gangotri, is a quiet and stunning spot that feels untouched and peaceful. With rocky hills and cool winds, it offers a different side of nature during the Char Dham Yatra.
It is not very crowded, so it feels calm and fresh. If you are going on the Chardham Yatra, you can visit Nelong Valley to enjoy nature and see something different.
Submerged Shivling
The Submerged Shivling is a natural rock in the shape of Lord Shiva’s Shivling, found in the river near Gangotri Temple. It stays underwater most of the time and is only seen when the water level goes down.
People believe this is the place where Lord Shiva stood to receive the River Ganga in his hair. It is a peaceful and holy place, often visited during the Char Dham Yatra.
Pandav Gufa
Pandav Gufa is an old cave near Gangotri and It is a very quiet place surrounded by trees and many visitors visit it during the Char Dham Yatra to feel peace and connect with history.
The story of pandav gufa goes as it was the spot where pandavs stayed during their exile and journey to kailash. The cave is only a 1.5 km trek from Gangotri.
Top Places to Explore in Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the four dhams of the chardham yatra and many people visit this place to pray and enjoy the view of mountains. Many people walk there but people also travel by chardham yatra by helicopter as it is easier and faster.
When you book a Char Dham Yatra package, Kedarnath is the third stop. It has peaceful temples and beautiful nature all around. Whether you’re doing the Chardham Yatra or just visiting Kedarnath, there are many lovely places to see and enjoy.
Here are some of the must visit places in Kedarnath:
Kedarnath temple
Kedarnath Temple is a very old and sacred temple of Lord Shiva. It is high up in the mountains and is a big part of the Char Dham Yatra. Many people walk to the temple to pray, and some also take the Chardham Yatra by helicopter. The place feels calm, powerful, and full of faith, with snow-covered peaks all around.
Gandhi Sarovar
Gandhi Sarovar is a small and peaceful lake close to Kedarnath Temple. The lake is surrounded by mountains and feels very calm. Many visitors visit it during the Char Dham Yatra for its beauty and peace.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag is a very peaceful village near Kedarnath and this is the place where two rivers meet and the rivers are very beautiful to look at. So this is a famous destination for visitors to come and rest during their chardham yatra.
Vasuki Tal Lake
Vasuki Tal is a peaceful lake about 8 km away near Kedarnath. It sits high in the mountains and gives amazing views and the trek is tough but full of beauty. If you love nature and calm places, this lake is worth the walk.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek and there’s a small hot water spring here which makes the place feel calm and spiritual and it is also surrounded by hills and nature. The story of Gaurikund goes as Goddess Parvati (Gauri) meditated here to marry Lord Shiva.
Bhairav Temple
The temple is situated on a little hill and offers an excellent view of the mountains and pilgrims visit it after darshan at Kedarnath in large numbers. Bhairav Temple is situated on a little hill to the rear of the Kedarnath Temple. It is the temple of Lord Bhairav, the guardian angel of the Kedarnath valley
Triyugi Narayan Temple
Triyugi Narayan Temple is a serene location close to Sonprayag. A sacred fire has been ablaze here for centuries and the temple appears to be old and picturesque, surrounded by hills and serene nature.
Triyuginarayan Temple is a secret gem situated some 25 km from Kedarnath, close to Sonprayag. This is where the legend has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were wedded, and it’s where the never-ending fire (named Akhand Dhuni) which bore witness to the marriage is still lit.
Rudra Cave Kedarnath
Rudra Cave is a quiet meditation spot near Kedarnath Temple. It’s known because Prime Minister Modi stayed here during his visit. The cave is peaceful, perfect for meditation and silence. Rudra Cave is a meditation cave located about 1 km from Kedarnath Temple, facing the majestic Himalayas.
Top Places to Explore in Badrinath
Badrinath is among the four dhams of the chardham yatra and a lot of individuals come here to pray and take pleasure in the scenery of mountains.
The ideal 4 Dham Yatra best time to visit Badrinath is May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Here are some of the must visit places in Gangotri :
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath temple is also one of the significant locations of the Char Dham Yatra and it is encircled with snow-capped peaks so the temple appears mystical. People believe coming here brings peace and washes away sins. It opens only in summer, as winters here are full of snow. The peaceful vibes and mountain views make it feel truly special.
Yogadhyan Badri Temple
Yogadhyan Badri is one of the five Panch Badri temples and is situated in the serene village of Pandukeshwar, near 24 km from Badrinath on Joshimath road. The temple is not big but is very sacred. It is said that King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, performed meditation here to atone for his sins. Hence, the village is named Pandukeshwar.
Tapta Kund Badri
Tapta Kund is a natural hot water spring near Badrinath Temple and visitors take a bath here before going for darshan. The water feels warm even in the cold, and many believe it has healing powers.
The story of Tapta Kund goes as it was the spot where this water comes from the blessings of Lord Agni. The temperature of the water usually remains between 40°C to 45°C, even during snowy months and the Kund has separate bathing areas for men and women.
Mana Village
Mana is the last village before the India-Tibet border and it’s known as the “last village of India.” Surrounded by mountains, it’s full of peace and beauty.
In summer, the village is full of greenery and the story of Mana village goes as it was the place where the Pandavas passed through on their way to heaven.
Neelkantha Peak
Neelkantha Peak stands tall behind Badrinath Temple. Covered in snow, it looks golden during sunrise. Many call it the ‘Garhwal Queen’ because of its beauty. It adds magic to the whole view.
The name “Neelkantha” comes from Lord Shiva which refers to his blue throat. At sunrise after the first golden light hits the mountain it creates a magical glow. It’s a popular spot for trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers visiting Badrinath.
Narad Kund
Narad Kund is a small pool near Badrinath Temple. The water is calm and sacred and the People believe sage Narad once meditated here. Thus this kund is named after Narad Muni and the waters are believed to have divine powers. While bathing is rare here due to strong currents, people offer prayers at the site.
Bheem Pul
Bheem Pul is a big stone bridge near Mana Village. It is believed that Bheem, one of the Pandavas, placed this rock to help his family cross the Saraswati River.
The river rushes wildly beneath it, and the place feels both adventurous and spiritual. It’s a short walk from Mana Village and it is very pretty to look at.
Vyas Cave
This ancient cave near Mana is where Maharishi Vyas is believed to have told the story of Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha. Inside, you’ll find a small idol of Vyas Ji and a peaceful spot for meditation. Right next to it is Ganesh Gufa, where Lord Ganesha sat while writing. Visitors often sit here quietly as the caves are simple and naturally formed but hold great historical and mythological value.
Sesh Netra
Sesh Netra is a large rock with an imprint of a serpent’s eye and the story goes as it was from Sheshnag, the divine serpent of Lord Vishnu. It is located about 1.5 km from Badrinath Temple and this spot represents the protective gaze of Sheshnag, who guards the temple and Lord Vishnu. It’s not very crowded and offers a calm atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy peaceful spiritual sites.
Brahma Kapal
Brahma Kapal is a sacred ghat on the Alaknanda River, located just 100 meters from Badrinath Temple. The story of Brahma kapal goes as Lord Brahma himself resides here and performing rituals here gives moksha to the souls of ancestors. Many families come here every year to offer prayers and do rituals for their loved ones who have passed away. It’s a calm, holy spot often filled with priests and rituals.
Things to carry for your chardham yatra
- Comfortable and extra set of clothes
- Umbrella and raincoat
- Medications and first aid kit
- Water
- Dry food
- Travel documents
- Identity proofs
- Sun protection items
- Cash
Final Thoughts for best places to visit during the Chardham Yatra
Chardham Yatra is not just about exploring different temples of dhams during the yatra but it’s also about exploring different places along the way as Chardham offers a peaceful and enjoyable journey with hot springs to different lakes and with its rich backstory in every place you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) What is the best time to visit Chardham Yatra?
The best time for Chardham Yatra from May to June, and September to October.
Q2). Which Dham is to Visit First?
Yamunotri Dham is the first place to visit Chardham Yatra.
Q3). How far is Badrinath from Kedarnath Dham?
The distance from Badrinath to Kedarnath dham is 218 Km.
Q4). How many people can sit in 1 Helicopter?
6 people can sit in 1 helicopter
Q5). What are the 4 famous Dhams in India?
Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri, and Rameshwaram are the four dhams of India.
