Uttarakhand, the “land of gods,” is home to some of the biggest pilgrimage sites of the Sanatana Dharma. During the whole year, Hindu pilgrims visit Uttarakhand for different yatras, and one of those auspicious yatras is the Char Dham Yatra or Choti Char Dham Yatra.
Most people do not know this, but in reality, there are two Char Dham Yatras: one is called Badi Char Dham Yatra, and the other is called Choti Char Dham Yatra. The four abodes of the Badi Char Dham Yatra are Badrinath (Uttarakhand), Dwarka (Gujarat), Jagannath Puri (Orissa), and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu).
The Char Dham Yatra that is held in Uttarakhand is called the Choti Char Dham Yatra. It is said that whoever completes this yatra in one lifetime can attain Moksha. So, the Char Dham that are situated in Uttarakhand are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Char Dham Yatra 2023 0verview
Gangotri Dham Opening Date | April 22, 2023 |
Yamunotri Dham Opening Date | April 22, 2023 |
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date | April 25, 2023 |
Badrinath Temple Opening Date | April 27, 2023 |
Char Dham Yatra Pattern | Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath |
Char Dham Yatra End Date | 21st November 2023 (Tentative) |
So we have curated all the information that you want to know about the Char Dham Yatra 2023. In this article, we have shared the complete information that you’ll need to successfully plan your Char Dham Yatra.
Uttarakhand Issues Health Advisory
The Uttarakhand government has issued a health warning to all pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra. A health warning is being issued because of the growing impacts of Corona and the weather in the high Himalayan region.
The Uttarakhand government issued various guidelines in response to an increase in Corona cases. The Uttarakhand government has particularly said in the instructions that those who have any symptoms of headache, dizziness, drowsiness, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, coughing, quick breathing, or an elevated heart rate should seek medical attention.
Pilgrims can read the full health advisory on the Uttarakhand government’s official website.
Char Dham Yatra 2023 Starting Date
Finally, the most auspicious time of the year is here. The Char Dham Yatra started on April 22, 2023, as according to tradition, the Kapat of Yamunotri and Gangotri opens on the day of Akshay Tritiya.
This year, the holy Kedarnath Temple opened on April 25, 2023, and the Badrinath Temple opened on April 27, 2023.
Road Map of Char Dham Yatra 2023
The auspicious Char Dham Yatra begins with the holy trek to Yamunotri Dham. The Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and it is also the origin point of the Yamuna River, which is considered the second-holiest river in India.
Following Yamunotri Dham, pilgrims begin their trek to Gangotri Dham, which is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The Gangotri Dham is situated at a height of 3,100 meters in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district.
The river Ganga is also known as the Bhagirathi, and it gets the moniker Ganga after merging with the Alaknanda near Devaprayag. The river Bhagirathi flows from Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, which is nearly 19 kilometers from Gangotri.
After Gangotri Dham, Char Dham Yatris travel to Kedarnath Dham, which is situated at an elevation of 3,580 meters near the Chorabari glacier. (the origin point of River Mandakini). Kedarnath is very important to people who practice Sanatana Dharma because it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath is also one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, which can be found throughout India. Kedarnath, nestled in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas, is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage locations.
Badrinath Dham is the most famous stop on the pilgrimage tour of the Garhwal Himalayas, and it is the final and final destination for Char Dham Yatra. It is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River at a height of 3,300 meters above sea level. The main temple is called after the Badrinath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver.
How to Prepare for Char Dham Yatra 2023?
Before leaving for the holy Yatra, the pilgrims need to take a few things into consideration. First and foremost, you need to decide when you want to do your Char Dham Yatra. This year the Char Dham Yatra started on April 22, 2023.
1. Number of days required for Char Dham Yatra
- If you want to do Yatra to all four Dhams, you will need at least 10-12 days.
- If you only want to do yatra to two Dhams, you’ll need at least 5-7 days.
- Even if you want to tour only one Dham, it will take you 3-5 days.
2. Select the Perfect Time for Char Dham Yatra
May and June are two of the busiest months for the Char Dham Yatra, as most pilgrims want to visit the holy shrines as quickly as possible. So, if you are not in a rush and want to avoid the crowds, September is a good time to visit.
And, as the kapat closes at the end of these months, October and November are the last months for visiting the holy shrines.
3. Arrange a Fitness Certificate
Every pilgrim must obtain a fitness permit before registering to tour the Char Dham. Everyone who visits the holy shrines must be physically fit, as the Char Dham Yatra is a very long trip, and due to not being medically fit, sometimes people weren’t able to complete the yatra.
To make the procedure even easier, the Uttarakhand government has set up thermal screening stations in various locations. To avoid any uncertainty, the government is also ensuring that a few health check-up points are accessible during the journey.
4. How to register for Char Dham Yatra 2023
Char Dham Yatra 2023 registration is available both online and locally. Registration for Char Dham has already started, both online and offline, as of February 20, 2023. Pilgrims can now register using any of the choices listed below, based on their preferences.
- PHYSICAL REGISTRATION
If you are planning your Char Dham Yatra for 2023 at this time, you can go to the actual registration sites set up by the Uttarakhand government in various areas. These physical registration sites are Rahi Hotel (Haridwar), ISBT Rishikesh, RTO Rishikesh, and Gurudwara (Rishikesh).
- ONLINE REGISTRATION
There are four ways to register online and all the four ways are elaborately discussed further in the article. Online registrations have several benefits like you don’t have to waste a lot of your time standing in long queues. You can register for the holy Char Dham Yatra 2023 from the comfort of your house.
So listing down the four ways to register online for Char Dham Yatra 2023:
- Visit the website of the Uttarakhand Government at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Click on the option Register/Login
- Fill in all the required details, such as your name, mobile number, and all the other details.
- Click on the Sign-Up option.
- You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number
- Fill in the OTP
- Now you’ll be able to log in to your account by entering details such as your registered mobile number, password, and captcha.
- Then a webpage will open from where you can plan your trip.
- There will be two options, click on create/manage tour info
- Click on New Tour
- Then, fill out the form with the required details like tour type, tour name, and tour destination.
- Click on the save option.
- Now click on Add Pilgrim option
- A tourist registration form will appear on the screen.
- Fill in the form with the required details.
- Click on the save option to save the data.
- Now download the Yatra registration letter.
- The Pilgrims can also register through WhatsApp; you simply have to reach out to the number 8394-833-833. You need to send YATRA,” and all the registration-related details will be in front of you.
- The third way to register for Char Dham Yatra 2023 is by downloading the mobile app Touristcare Uttarakhand.
- The last way to register is to call the toll-free number, 01351364. You can gather all the information you need through this toll-free number and even register for your Cham Dham Yatra in 2023.
Transportation Facility Char Dham Yatra 2023
The Pilgrims have two means of transportation available to them: road and air.
BY AIR
If you’re short on time, you should certainly use airplane mode. If you want to travel by air, you must purchase your tickets through www.heliservices.uk.gov.in.
If you want to fly, you should allow at least 5 days and 4 nights after reserving. Pilgrims must go to Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad. Those traveling by air will begin and finish their Char Dham Yatra at the Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun.
BY ROAD
Traveling by road will require at least 10 days and 10 nights, with expenses ranging from Rs. 18000 to Rs. 25000 per individual. Although it is heavily dependent on your trip package. The people who are traveling by road need to reach Haridwar one day prior to the beginning of their journey.
Those traveling by road must arrive in Haridwar one day before the start of their trip. Pilgrims traveling to Char Dham by road will begin their journey in Haridwar, then continue to Yamunotri Dham, then to Gangotri Dham, then to Kedarnath Dham, and lastly to Badrinath Dham, where the Yatra will conclude.
Tour Packages for Char Dham Yatra 2023
The best and safest way to learn more about the Char Dham Yatra 2023 travel packages is to visit the official website of the Uttarakhand government, which is www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in. Pilgrims can choose whatever trip package they want on this official website based on their preferences.
IRCTC is another option for pilgrims to explore. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a package for the Char Dham Yatra 2023, which will begin and finish in Mumbai.
If you want more information about this package, you can go to the IRCTC’s main website at www.irctctourism.com.
Pilgrims can also use Make My Trip and Yatra.com to schedule their tour packages, but they must double-check all of the details before paying the fees to these private operators.
Char Dham Yatra 2023: Additional Information
If you are traveling to Char Dham with your personal vehicle, then you need to read the guidelines released by the Uttarakhand government. The same thing is for commercial vehicles; the government of Uttarakhand has made it mandatory for commercial vehicles to carry a first-aid box, a wooden log, and a rope for emergency situations.
For more information regarding this, you can visit the official website of the Uttarakhand Government at transport.uk.gov.in.
Checklist for Char Dham Yatra 2023
So, after all of their planning, pilgrims should create a checklist to ensure they don’t forget anything essential before departing for Char Dham Yatra 2023. So, for your convenience, we’ve created a checklist so you don’t forget anything essential.
- Photo Identity Proof
- Char Dham Yatra 2023 registration certificate/ Registration QR code on Mobile Phones
- Warm Clothes
- Snacks and Dry Fruits
- Extra water
- First Aid Kit and important medicines
- Power Bank
- Trekking Shoes
- Toiletry Kit
- Raincoat, umbrella, and a waterproof backpack
Char Dham Yatra 2023 Faqs
Ans- Char Dham Yatra 2023 has begun on April 22, 2023.
Ans- Visit the official website of the Uttarakhand Government at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in to register for Char Dham Yatra 2023.
Ans- There are two options either by air or by road.
Ans. Char Dham Yatra 2023 will end on 21st November 2023 (Tentative).
Ans. The Char Dham 2023 will begin at Yamunotri, then come Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally, Badrinath.
Ans. Yes, the Helicopter facility is available for Char Dham Yatra 2023.
Ans. The best and safest way to learn more about the Char Dham Yatra 2023 travel packages is to visit the official website of the Uttarakhand government, which is www.uttarakhandtourism.gov.in.
Ans. The holy Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver.
Ans The holy Kedarnath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How to Plan Char Dham Yatra from Mumbai 2023: The sacred places of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are all accessible with our Char Dham Yatra from Mumbai. Located in the Garhwal region of the Uttarakhand state in northern India, these places of enlightenment.
Your 13-day, 12-night spiritual adventure is made possible by the Char Dham Yatra Packages from Mumbai by Motherland India Holidays Pvt. Limited. One of the ways Hindus are said to attain moksha or salvation is through pilgrimage to this holy circuit. Although visiting Char Dham requires traveling to every corner of the nation, it is unquestionably an experience in and of itself.
You can alter this tour package to meet your needs, and you can create your own customized itinerary. Get in touch with us to learn more and to schedule a tour with us.
What is the last date of Kedarnath Yatra 2023
Kedarnath remains a popular destination for its spiritual significance and natural beauty that leaves visitors amazed by this magnificent marvel.
The opening and closing date of Kedarnath temple is significant, as it marks the start and end of the annual Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage season. The Kedarnath Temple opens its doors to visitors on Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls between April and May every year. The exact date is determined by Hindu astrology and announced by the temple authorities weeks in advance. The temple remains open for six months during which thousands of pilgrims offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
On the other hand, the temple closes down for winter on Bhai Dooj, which usually falls in October or November. Heavy snowfall makes it impossible to maintain the infrastructure during these months, and hence visitor safety concerns prevail.
Any Hindu devotee looking for spiritual fulfilment and self-discovery will find a spiritual visit to Chardham to be a blessing. Your perspectives can expand and new glasses will be provided for you to perceive the world during the Chardham Yatra in 2023. Every Hindu aspires to travel to Chardham once in their lifetime, one of the most cherished pilgrimages in all of Hinduism. This holy yatra, which begins in April or May each year, lasts just six months.
Millions of Hindu devotees travel to the sacred locations each year on this holy yatra, also known as the “Teerth Yatra,” in search of comfort and calm. Char Dham is the collective name for the four holy shrines. Goddess Yamuna is worshipped at the Yamunotri, Goddess Ganga is worshipped at the Gangotri, Lord Vishnu is worshipped at Badrinath, and Lord Shiva is worshipped at Kedarnath.
The voyage to Chardham, which is a great confluence of what your mind, body, and spirit need to connect, is more than just a tour. (Read More)