Char Dhams of Garhwal

Garhwal Himalayas is famous for its ancient temples and stories behind those temples. Today the places where these temples are situated has become amongst the most renowned sacred and holy places of India as well as the world. Every year people from throughout the world come here to visit these sacred temples. The complete journey of four world famous temples is popularly known as 'Char Dham Yatra'.

The four major holy shrines of garhwal are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath. Gangotri and Yamunotri are situated in Uttarkashi district. On the other hand Badrinath and Kedarnath are situated in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts respectively. These four altogether completes the 'Char Dham Yatra Of garhwal'. It is believed that the journey starts with Yamunotri - Gangotri followed by Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra. Apart from Char Dhams in garhwal, there are many and many places to go and explore in Garhwal Himalayas. The scenic beauty of Garhwal is not untouched by foreigners who are always in search of natural peace, glory, relaxation of mind and soul.

Dehradun - The Capital of Uttarakhand

Dehradun is the Capital city of Uttarakhand state and is often termed as Drona Nagri. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya trained his disciples Kauravas and Pandavas here hence, named as Drona Nagri. Dehradun is a beautiful city with so many beautiful picnic spots like Lacchhiwala, Sahastra Dhara, Mussoorie, Kempty falls etc. Dehradun is well known for its renowned schools and that is why also called as School Capital of India. There are so many other educational institutions and colleges here.
dehradun is also well renowned for Forest Research Institute (FRI), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS).

How To reach?

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant (approximately 25 Kms from Dehradun)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehrarun Station
Road Transport: NH 87

Har Ki Doon - The Hanging Valley of Gods

                                  Har-Ki-Doon, the hanging valley of Gods is a treat for trekkers. The moderate-difficult trek takes you to one of the least explored regions of Garhwal. The best time to go for this trek is either June-July or October. The rest of the year is either very cold and wet or the valley is mostly shrouded by clouds. the Beautiful scenery and the glistening snow clad Swargarohini peak are the main attractions. As Har-Ki-Doon falls within the Govind Pashu Vihar, chances of seeing wildlife are very bright. September-October is the best time to see wild flowers as well.

                                      Osla, one of the most beautiful villages in the Fateh Parvat region, should not be missed. Here you have a beautifully carved temple dedicated to Duryodhana, the kaurava Prince. And if you are interested in glaciers than Jaundhar Glacier is just about 8 Kilometers from Har-Ki-Doon. It is a steep climb and requires some mountaineering skills. The glacier is situated at an altitude of 4300m.

Gangotri - Origin of river Ganga

Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi district. It is approximately 270 kms from Rishikesh and at a distance of 99 Kms from Uttarkashi. Gangotri means 'Udgam of ganga' (starting of river ganga). Actually Bhagirathi river, which is the main tributary of river ganga starts from Gaumukh. It is 18 kms upwards from gangotri. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 meters, amidst captivating surroundings.
Gangotri temple was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The temple is situated on the left of river Bhagirathi.
A number of Ashrams are located on the other side of the river Bhagirathi. Some of these Ashrams also provide accomodation facilities to the visitors.

Yamunotri - Origin of yamuna River

Yamunotri is situated in uttarkashi district of Garhwal. yamunotri is the place of origin of river Yamuna. There is a long story behind the Yamuna river. Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Sun and Sangya. Yamraj is brother of Yamuna. Shani Dev is said to be the step brother of Yamuna who is son of Chhaya.

Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of 3323 m and is neary 215 kms from Rishikesh. It includes 6 kms of trek.

Badrinath - place of vishnu

Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Badrinath is one among the four major shrines of Garhwal popularly known as 'Chaar Dhaams of Garhwal'. This temple is one of the renowned temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Badrinath is an ancient temple founded around in 9th century by Shri Shanakracharya.


image: Badrinath Temple


Badrinath, situated at a height of 10,250 ft is approximately 300 Kms from Rishikesh, the nearest railway station. To reach this sacred place you have to go by road transport from Rishikesh onwards. From Rishikesh you have to leave to Srinagar which is approximately 160 Kms from Rishikesh. After Srinagar is Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag only the ways to Badrinath and Kedarnath are separated. Nearest Airport is JollyGrant Airport of Dehradun.

Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath is one among the four major shrines of Garhwal Himalayas and hence Kedarnath Yatra is one of the four journeys of four shrines of Garhwal i;e. "Char Dham Yatra". Kedarnath Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is nearly 320 Kms from Dehradun and 290 Kms from Rishikesh. Kedarnath temple is located at a height of approximately 3580 metres. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and it is regarded as one of the twelve well known Jyotirlingas.

The best time to go to Kedarnath Yatra is in May-June. The temple is open from mid April to October and during winters the whole area is covered with the snow.
It is said that Lord Shiva wished to elude the Pandavas here. Pandavas remain here as during at the time they had to leave for Vanvaas.

Maps of Various Places in Garhwal

Uttarkashi


View Uttarkashi - The Northern Divine in a larger map

View haridwar - Gateway to God in a larger map

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