Introduction of Garhwal Himalayas

Garhwal Darshan - A trip to Garhwal Himalayas - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath Yatra

Himalayas is known as crown of India. Uttarkhand is basically divided into two regions namely Garhwal and Kumaon. Garhwal is a beautiful portion of Uttarakhand and is rich in Ayurvedic (medicinal) plants. Garhwal is not only beautiful but also is mythologically renowned place.  There are 5 districts in Kumaon- Champawat, Pitthoragarh, UddhamSinghNagar, Nainital & Almora and 6 in garhwal - Pauri, Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli & Rudraprayag.There are several places to go in these cities and towns which are truly beautiful yet unexplored.

Dehradun is present capital of Uttarakhand which is popularly known as 'School Capital of India'. It is also known as 'Drona Nagri'. Mussoorie, popularly known as 'Paharon Ki Rani' is a very famous Hill Station in Dehradun. Rishikesh is a well known holy place situated on the bank of river Ganga.

Haridwar is again a very well known holy place and a centre of attraction for Indian pilgrims and foreigners as well. It is also well known for its 'Kumbh Mela'.

Garhwal is well known for Char-Dham yatra. The four major shrines of garhwal are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath Yatra. The whole journey will complete our garhwal ki yatra.

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.

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.