Char Dham Yatra — The Ultimate Himalayan Pilgrimage

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred and demanding pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism, encompassing four holy shrines nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Together, these sites represent the origins of two of India's most sacred rivers — the Yamuna and the Ganga — and the abodes of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, making the yatra a complete spiritual journey across traditions. Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and marks the traditional starting point of the circuit, followed by Gangotri, origin of the Ganga and seat of Goddess Ganga. The yatra then leads to Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and concludes at Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and revered as one of the four principal Dhams of India alongside Puri, Dwarka, and Rameswaram. Traditionally undertaken on foot through remote mountain terrain, the Char Dham Yatra has, over the centuries, evolved into a well-organized pilgrimage supported by roads, helicopter services, and registered accommodation, while still retaining its essential character as a test of devotion and physical endurance. Open only during a limited season between April/May and October/November due to heavy Himalayan snowfall, the yatra draws lakhs of devotees annually. This category brings together everything needed to plan the complete circuit — from registrations and darshan bookings to trek logistics and stay arrangements.