The Char Dham Yatra, organized by Apna Yatra, is a spiritual journey that takes pilgrims to the four sacred abodes located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. These sacred sites are considered to be the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, as they are believed to be the home of the gods and the gateway to salvation.

Apna Yatra is a travel company that specializes in organizing spiritual journeys for individuals and groups to various destinations in India. Our goal is to provide a seamless and meaningful travel experience to our customers, ensuring that they have the opportunity to connect with their spirituality in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Char Dham Yatra organized by Apna Yatra is a journey that takes pilgrims on a path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. It is a journey that has been taken by millions of people over the years and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimages in the world.

Throughout this journey, pilgrims will visit the four sacred abodes: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Each of these sites has its own unique mythology and legends associated with it, and offers pilgrims the opportunity to connect with their spirituality in a profound way.

Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply looking for a unique travel experience, the Char Dham Yatra organized by Apna Yatra is an opportunity to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

The Four Sacred Abodes:

The Char Dham Yatra takes pilgrims to the four sacred abodes located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. These sites are considered to be the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, as they are believed to be the home of the gods and the gateway to salvation.

1. Badrinath

The first of the four sacred abodes are Badrinath, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Pilgrims visit the Badrinath temple to seek blessings from the deity and to bathe in the hot springs of Tapt Kund.

Ways to reach Badrinath from Delhi:

There are several ways to reach Badrinath from Delhi. Here are some of the most popular modes of transportation:

By Road:

The most common way to reach Badrinath from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Badrinath is around 530 kilometres, and the journey takes around 14-15 hours. Buses, taxis, and private cars are available from Delhi to Badrinath. The roads are well-maintained, but the journey can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Badrinath is Haridwar, which is around 320 kilometres away from Badrinath. Trains from Delhi to Haridwar are available on a regular basis. After reaching Haridwar, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Badrinath.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Badrinath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 314 kilometres away from Badrinath. Flights from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a daily basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Badrinath.

Helicopter:

Helicopter services are available from Dehradun and Phata to Badrinath. The journey takes around 1-2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Helicopter services are ideal for those who want to avoid the long and tiring road journey.

These are some of the most popular ways to reach Badrinath from Delhi. It is important to plan your journey in advance and make bookings for transportation and accommodation, especially during peak season. The journey to Badrinath is an experience in itself and offers a chance to explore the scenic beauty and rich culture of Uttarakhand.

Here are some interesting unknown facts about Badrinath:

Badrinath temple is the highest among the Char Dham Yatra:

The Badrinath temple is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level, making it the highest among the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is surrounded by the majestic snow-capped Himalayas and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

The idol of Lord Badrinath is believed to be self-manifested:

The idol of Lord Badrinath is believed to be self-manifested, which means it was not made by human hands. According to legend, the idol was found by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher and theologian, in the Alaknanda River. The idol is made of black stone and is around 3.3 feet tall.

The temple is closed for six months every year:

The Badrinath temple is open for only 6 months every year, from April to November. During the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. The idol of Lord Badrinath is taken to Joshimath and worshipped there during the winter months.

The hot springs near Badrinath are believed to have healing properties:

The hot springs near Badrinath, known as Tapt Kund, are believed to have healing properties. The water in the hot springs is rich in minerals and is said to cure a variety of ailments. Pilgrims take a dip in the hot springs before visiting the temple, as it is believed to purify the body and mind.

The Narada Kund is believed to have divine origins:

The Narada Kund, located near the Badrinath temple, is believed to have divine origins. According to legend, the sage Narada meditated at this spot and asked Lord Vishnu to appear before him. Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of the Badrinath idol, and the kund was formed from his tears of joy.

These are some of the interesting unknown facts about Badrinath that make it a unique and fascinating pilgrimage destination.

2. Kedarnath

The second sacred abode is Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The Kedarnath temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, who trek through the rugged terrain to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Ways to reach Kedarnath from Delhi

Kedarnath is a holy town located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in India. Here are some of the popular ways to reach Kedarnath from Delhi:

By Road:

The most common way to reach Kedarnath from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Kedarnath is around 458 kilometres, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours. Buses, taxis, and private cars are available from Delhi to Kedarnath. The roads are well-maintained, but the journey can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is in Rishikesh, which is around 216 kilometres away from Kedarnath. Trains from Delhi to Rishikesh are available on a regular basis. After reaching Rishikesh, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 239 kilometres away from Kedarnath. Flights from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a daily basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.

Helicopter:

Helicopter services are available from Phata and Guptkashi to Kedarnath. The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Helicopter services are ideal for those who want to avoid the long and tiring road journey.

These are some of the most popular ways to reach Kedarnath from Delhi. It is important to plan your journey in advance and make bookings for transportation and accommodation, especially during peak season. The journey to Kedarnath is an experience in itself and offers a chance to explore the scenic beauty and rich culture of Uttarakhand.

Here are some interesting unknown facts about Kedarnath:

Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas:

Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the most sacred Shiva temples in India. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata era and is one of the holiest places for Hindus.

The temple is constructed using only stone:

The Kedarnath temple is constructed using only stone, without any cement or metal. The stones used to build the temple are held together by a unique interlocking system, which has withstood earthquakes and natural disasters over the centuries.

The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters:

The Kedarnath temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range.

The temple is closed during the winter months:

The Kedarnath temple is open for only 6 months every year, from April to November. During the winter months, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions. The idol of Lord Shiva is taken to Ukhimath and worshipped there during the winter months.

The rock on which the temple is built is believed to be the hump of Lord Shiva:

According to legend, the rock on which the Kedarnath temple is built is believed to be the hump of Lord Shiva. The temple is thus considered to be one of the five sacred places in the Himalayas, known as Panch Kedar.

These are some of the interesting unknown facts about Kedarnath that make it a unique and fascinating pilgrimage destination. A visit to Kedarnath offers a chance to explore the rich history and culture of India and experience the beauty and power of nature.

3. Gangotri

The third sacred abode is Gangotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the origin of the river Ganges and is considered to be one of the holiest sites for Hindus. Pilgrims visit the Gangotri temple to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy river.

Gangotri is a small town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in India. Here are some of the popular ways to reach Gangotri from Delhi:

How to Reach Gangotri from Delhi

By Road:

The most common way to reach Gangotri from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Gangotri is around 478 kilometres, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours. Buses, taxis, and private cars are available from Delhi to Gangotri. The roads are well-maintained, but the journey can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Gangotri is in Dehradun, which is around 250 kilometres away from Gangotri. Trains from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a regular basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Gangotri.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Gangotri is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 250 kilometres away from Gangotri. Flights from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a daily basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Gangotri.

By Helicopter:

Helicopter services are available from Dehradun to Harsil, which is the nearest town to Gangotri. The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. From Harsil, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Gangotri.

These are some of the most popular ways to reach Gangotri from Delhi. It is important to plan your journey in advance and make bookings for transportation and accommodation, especially during peak season. The journey to Gangotri is an experience in itself and offers a chance to explore the scenic beauty and rich culture of Uttarakhand.

Here are some interesting unknown facts about Gangotri:

Gangotri is a small town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in India. Here are some interesting unknown facts about Gangotri:

1. The Gangotri glacier, located at an altitude of 7,100 meters above sea level, is the source of the river Ganga (Ganges).
2. The Gangotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga, who is believed to have descended from heaven to earth to cleanse the sins of mankind.
3. The temple is said to have been built by the Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century.
4. The Gangotri temple is situated at an altitude of 3,042 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest temples in India.
5. The trek to Gangotri from the town of Uttarkashi is a popular pilgrimage route and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
6. The surrounding area of Gangotri is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.
7. The Gangotri glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas, with kilometres of around 30 kilometres.
8. The Gangotri temple is open to visitors from May to November every year and is closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall.
9. The town of Gangotri is surrounded by several peaks including Thalay Sagar, Shivling, and Meru.
10. The water from the river Ganga is considered to be sacred and is used for various religious ceremonies and rituals.

These are some interesting unknown facts about Gangotri, which make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Uttarakhand.

4. Yamunotri

The fourth and final sacred abode is Yamunotri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is believed to be the origin of the river Yamuna and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Pilgrims visit the Yamunotri temple to seek blessings and take a dip in the holy river.

The four sacred abodes of the Char Dham Yatra each have their own unique mythology and legends associated with them and offer pilgrims the opportunity to connect with their spirituality in a profound way. Visiting these sacred sites is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, and is an experience that pilgrims cherish for a lifetime.

How to reach Yamunotri from Delhi:

Yamunotri is a sacred town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in India. Here are some of the popular ways to reach Yamunotri from Delhi:

By Road:

The most common way to reach Yamunotri from Delhi is by road. The distance between Delhi and Yamunotri is around 427 kilometres, and the journey takes around 12-14 hours. Buses, taxis, and private cars are available from Delhi to Yamunotri. The roads are well-maintained, but the journey can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is in Dehradun, which is around 210 kilometres away from Yamunotri. Trains from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a regular basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Yamunotri.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Yamunotri is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 210 kilometres away from Yamunotri. Flights from Delhi to Dehradun are available on a daily basis. After reaching Dehradun, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Yamunotri.

By Helicopter:

Helicopter services are available from Dehradun to Kharsali, which is the nearest town to Yamunotri. The journey takes around 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. From Kharsali, one can take a pony or trek to reach Yamunotri.

These are some of the most popular ways to reach Yamunotri from Delhi. It is important to plan your journey in advance and make bookings for transportation and accommodation, especially during peak season. The journey to Yamunotri is an experience in itself and offers a chance to explore the scenic beauty and rich culture of Uttarakhand.

Here are some interesting unknown facts about Yamunotri:

Yamunotri is a sacred town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in India. Here are some interesting unknown facts about Yamunotri:

1. The Yamuna river is believed to have originated from the Yamunotri glacier, which is located at an altitude of 6,387 meters above sea level.
2. The Yamunotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, who is considered the daughter of the sun god and the sister of Yama, the god of death.
3. The temple is said to have been built by the sage Asit Muni, who used to take baths in the hot springs near the temple.
4. The hot springs near the Yamunotri temple are believed to have medicinal properties and are used to cure various ailments.
5. The Yamunotri temple is closed during the winter season and is opened for pilgrims in the month of May every year.
6. The trek to Yamunotri from the town of Hanuman Chatti is a popular pilgrimage route and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
7. The surrounding area of Yamunotri is rich in flora and fauna and is home to a variety of species including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer.
8. The Yamunotri temple is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest temples in India.
9. The town of Yamunotri is surrounded by several peaks including Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Yamunotri itself.
10. The Yamunotri temple is famous for its natural thermal springs, which are used for cooking rice and potatoes during the winter season.

These are some interesting unknown facts about Yamunotri, which make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Uttarakhand.

Planning Your Journey:

Planning a journey to a new destination can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the place. Here are some tips to help you plan your journey:

Research your destination: Before you travel, do some research on the place you are visiting. Find out about the culture, language, climate, local customs, and other important information that can help you prepare for your journey.

Plan your itinerary: Make a list of the places you want to visit and plan you are itinerary accordingly. This can help you make the most of your trip and ensure that you don’t miss out on anything.

Book your accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. You can choose from a range of options, including hotels, resorts, homestays, and guesthouses, depending on your budget and preferences.

Book your transport: Whether you are travelling by air, train, or road, make sure you book your transport in advance. This can help you save time and money, and ensure a hassle-free journey.

Pack smart: Pack light and carry only the essentials. Make a checklist of things you need to carry, including travel documents, clothes, medicines, and other essentials.

Stay safe: Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the journey. This includes avoiding areas that are known to be unsafe, carrying a first-aid kit, and keeping your valuables safe.

Be flexible: Be open to changes and unexpected situations. Don’t get too attached to your plans and be prepared to change them if necessary.

By following these tips, you can plan your journey effectively and ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience. Remember to keep an open mind and enjoy the journey, as much as the destination.

Experiencing the Journey:

Travelling to a new destination is not just about reaching your destination, it’s also about experiencing the journey. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey:

1. Embrace the culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture and customs. Try local food, learn about the traditions, and interact with the locals. This can help you get a deeper understanding of the place you are visiting.
2. Take the road less travelled: Explore offbeat destinations and take the road less travelled. This can help you discover hidden gems and get away from the crowds.
3. Enjoy the scenery: Whether you are travelling by train, car, or bus, make sure you enjoy the scenery. Take in the beauty of the landscapes, mountains, and rivers along the way.
4. Meet new people: Traveling is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Strike up a conversation with locals or fellow travellers and exchange stories and experiences.
5. Take breaks: Don’t rush through your journey. Take breaks along the way to relax and rejuvenate. Stop at roadside cafes, take a walk in the park, or simply sit and enjoy the view.
6. Try new things: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Take part in local activities, go on a trek, or try adventure sports. This can help you create new memories and experiences.
7. Keep a travel journal: Keep a journal to document your journey. Write about your experiences, capture your thoughts, and record your memories. This can be a great way to relive your journey in the future.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your journey and create unforgettable experiences. Remember, travelling is not just about reaching your destination, it’s about enjoying the journey.

Conclusion:

Travelling to new destinations can be a wonderful experience that can broaden our horizons, expose us to new cultures and ways of life, and create lifelong memories. Whether you are planning your journey or experiencing it, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

At Apna Yatra, we believe in helping our customers plan and experience their journeys in the best possible way. Researching your destination, planning your itinerary, booking your accommodation and transport, and packing smart can help you prepare for your journey effectively. Once you start your journey, remember to embrace the local culture, take the road less travelled, enjoy the scenery, meet new people, try new things, and keep a travel journal to document your experiences.

In the end, travelling is not just about reaching your destination, it’s about experiencing the journey. So, be open-minded, and flexible, and enjoy the moments, big and small, that make travelling such a unique and rewarding experience.

We hope that our tips and recommendations will help you plan and experience your journey with Apna Yatra in the best possible way. Happy travelling!