Explore on a spiritual journey through Char Dham, visiting sacred sites surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Each destination holds deep cultural and religious significance, offering a divine experience amidst nature’s beauty.
For every Indian, the Char Dham Yatra is an experience that mixes faith, adventure, and some serious leg workouts! If you’re a devoted pilgrim or a traveler looking for spiritual vibes, Char Dham holds a special place in every Indian heart. Located in the Himalayas, these four holy shrines—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—are believed to be the gateway to salvation. Every year, thousands of devotees come on this journey, braving unpredictable weather, steep climbs, and, of course, their own endurance levels.
Our Char Dham Yatra Packages available today make the journey a little easier, but the sense of fulfillment remains the same. This pilgrimage is about reconnecting with nature, rediscovering inner peace, and, being honest, testing your patience while waiting in long queues!
For those who love exploring beyond the temples, there are several places to visit in Char Dham apart from the primary temples. River confluences, and amazing Himalayan landscapes, this yatra is packed with spiritual and scenic wonders. So, pack your woolen, put on your most comfortable trekking shoes, and get ready for a spiritual adventure!
Kedarnath Temple is not just the major temple of Char Dham Circuit, but also significant among all temples in India. Situated at 3,583 meters, reaching here requires a 16 km trek—but the divine aura is worth every step. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the holiest in India and a core part of the Char Dham circuit.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, near the Mandakini River in the Himalayas.
Timing & Entry Fee: Opens from May to November; no entry fee.
Highlight: The snow-clad peaks surrounding the temple make Kedarnath feel unreal. The evening aarti (prayer) here is something else—Goosebumps are guaranteed.
Badrinath Temple is another jewel of the Places to Visit in Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is known for its stunning location between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. It’s said that Lord Vishnu meditated here, making it a must-visit for peace-seekers and selfie-takers too.
Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
Timing & Entry Fee: May to October; no entry fee.
Highlight: Apart from the temple, the hot springs of Tapt Kund steal the show. You can dip your feet in naturally warm water with chilly winds blowing around you—pure peace! Plus, the colorful temple structure against the Himalayan background is the best place to click photos. A photographer’s dream spot!
Yamunotri Temple, the origin of the holy Yamuna River, is among the top places to visit in Char Dham, and it’s all about breathtaking views and spiritual energy. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, stands at 3,293 meters, and getting here involves a scenic trek through lush meadows, hot springs, and rolling hills. It’s a mix of devotion and adventure!
Location: Yamunotri, Uttarakhand, near the western Garhwal Himalayas.
Timing & Entry Fee: April to November; no fee, just respect for nature.
Highlight: The Surya Kund hot spring is the surprise element here! Pilgrims boil rice and potatoes in the thermal waters as a religious offering— prasad (holy food)! The trek to Yamunotri is equally rewarding, with waterfalls and dense forests along the way.
Gangotri Temple marks the birthplace of the sacred Ganga River. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, sits at a stunning 3,100 meters and is surrounded by the mighty Garhwal Himalayas. It’s the perfect blend of spirituality and nature, making it one of the top Tourist Places to Visit in Char Dham.
Location: Gangotri, Uttarakhand, along the Bhagirathi River in the Himalayas.
Timing & Entry Fee: April to October; no fee.
Highlight: The temple’s history is fascinating—it’s believed that King Bhagirath meditated here to bring the Ganga to earth. But the real magic is the sight of the Bhagirathi River flowing with icy-blue waters against snow-clad peaks. It’s the kind of place that makes you believe in something greater.
Devprayag is the spot that comes on the way to Char Dham where two legendary rivers, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, merge to form the mighty Ganges. It’s a holy town filled with spiritual energy, ghats, and a deep sense of peace. Watching the two differently colored rivers merge is truly mesmerizing—like nature performing a sacred ritual of its own.
Location: Devprayag, Uttarakhand, at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River.
Timing & Entry Fee: Open year-round; no fee.
Highlight: Apart from the confluence, Raghunath Temple here is also one of the hidden places to visit in Char Dham. The peaceful vibes here can make even the most restless traveler pause and reflect. Devprayag isn’t just a stop on the way—it’s an experience that reminds you why the Himalayas have been a spiritual hub for centuries.
A visit to Guptkashi’s Vishwanath Temple is like stepping into a divine energy field. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is a spiritual powerhouse and a significant stop before Kedarnath. The aura here is pure magic—calm, serene, and wrapped in folklore that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Location: Guptkashi, Uttarakhand
Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 8 pm, Free Entry
Highlight: The temple houses a self-manifested Shiva Lingam, believed to be as powerful as the one in Kashi. And let’s not forget the mesmerizing view of Chaukhamba peaks from here! If you’re doing the places to visit in Char Dham circuit, this stop is a must—it’s like the warm-up before the actual work.
Hidden deep within the Garhwal Himalayas, Rudranath Temple is not your average pilgrimage spot. It’s where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his face (Mukha) form—yes, you read that right. The trek here is nothing short of an adventure, passing through rhododendron forests and breathtaking meadows.
Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 7 pm, Free Entry
Highlight: The temple isn’t just about spirituality—it’s an endurance test too. A 20 km trek through rugged terrain makes this place a challenge, but the divine vibes and scenic beauty make every step worth it. Plus, the natural stone carvings of Shiva’s face give it an eerie yet sacred feel.
Narsingh Temple in Joshimath isn’t just a temple—it’s a prophecy. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha (the half-lion, half-human avatar of Vishnu), it is believed that when the idol’s left hand completely shrinks, the path to Badrinath will be closed forever.
Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 8 pm, Free Entry
Highlight: Besides the prophecy, the temple is the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. If you’re on the Places to Visit in Char Dham Yatra, don’t miss this mystical spot. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to visit a place with an ancient legend about the end of the world.
If trekking to the highest Shiva temple in the world isn’t on your bucket list, you might want to reconsider. Chopta Tungnath Temple, standing tall at 12,073 feet, is an ancient beauty surrounded by the Himalayas. It is one of the Panch Kedar(5 Shiva Temples), so it is obviously a must-visit.
Location: Chopta, Uttarakhand
Timing & Entry Fee: 6 am – 7 pm, Free Entry
Highlight: The 3.5 km trek to the temple is a blend of adventure and spirituality. And if you still have energy left, continue to Chandrashila Peak for a 360-degree view that’ll make you feel on top of the world—literally. The cool mountain air, the sound of temple bells, and the surreal environment are absolute perfection.
Welcome to Saptrishi Kund, a high-altitude glacial lake that’s as mystical as it is breathtaking. According to legend, seven great sages (Saptrishis) meditated here, giving the lake its name. Getting here isn’t easy, but hey, the best places never are!
Location: Near Yamunotri, Uttarakhand
Timing & Entry Fee: Always open, Free Entry
Highlight: This place isn’t just a lake—it’s a pilgrimage for trekkers and nature lovers alike. The trek is an adrenaline rush with river crossings, rocky trails, and spectacular Himalayan views. If you’re looking for the Best Places to Visit in Chardham Yatra, this hidden gem is it. But fair warning: only the brave (and super fit) make it to the top!
A. A budget trip of Char Dham via road costs around ₹30,000–₹40,000 per person, while a mid-range package with decent hotels may go up to ₹60,000. If you opt for a luxury helicopter tour, it starts from ₹1.5 lakh per person.
Also Checkout the best hotels in chardham
A. No, Chardham requires at least 5 days to cover four sacred sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—spread across the rugged Himalayan terrain. Even with a helicopter tour, it takes at least 5 days from Dehradun to visit all four. A road trip typically takes 8–12 days.
A. For visiting all the places to visit in Char Dham, it is best to visit from May to June and September to October. The summer months are best because it’s dry with clear skies, post-monsoon months are also great with fewer crowds. Avoid July and August due to heavy rains and landslides, which can make travel risky.
A. Yes, pilgrims need to register online for the Chardham Yatra. The Uttarakhand government provides a char dham yatra e pass, which you can get from the official website or government-approved centers. If you’re visiting Kedarnath, additional biometric registration is required.
A. Absolutely! If you want to skip the long, tiring road journey, helicopter services are available. The Chardham Yatra by helicopter takes about 5 days, covering all four temples It’s a bit expensive, starting from around ₹2 lakh per person.
A. Besides the main four temples, there are many spiritual gems to explore:
A. The Chardham Yatra can be done via road, helicopter, or a mix of both. Most travelers start from Haridwar or Rishikesh, and from there, government or private buses are available for the Char Dham circuit. Helicopter tours are available from Dehradun for a faster experience.
Also Read: Things to do in Char Dham Yatra
