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🌄 Complete Guide: Places to Visit during Chardham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is not just about visiting the four shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The entire journey passes through the Garhwal Himalayas, which are full of sacred temples, rivers, confluences, valleys, waterfalls, and villages with rich mythology.
During the Char Dham Yatra, pilgrims not only visit the four sacred shrines but also explore many famous places enroute, nearby, and slightly off-route. From the holy Prayags, Dhari Devi, and Joshimath to nearby gems like Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, and Harsil Valley, and off-route wonders such as Auli, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Chopta, and Tungnath Temple – each destination adds spiritual and natural charm to the journey.
Here is the most detailed list of places to visit during and around Char Dham Yatra.
🛣️ Important Places Enroute Char Dham Yatra
1. Haridwar – Gateway to Char Dham
- Distance: Base point (0 km)
- Highlights: Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple.
👉 Most yatras start with a holy dip in the Ganga at Haridwar.
2. Rishikesh – Yoga Capital of the World
- Distance: 25 km from Haridwar
- Highlights: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Aarti.
3. Devprayag – First Prayag (Alaknanda + Bhagirathi = Ganga)
- Distance: 75 km from Rishikesh
- Travel Time: 3 hrs drive
👉 The holy confluence where River Ganga is born. Also visit Raghunathji Temple.
4. Srinagar (Garhwal)
- Distance: 35 km from Devprayag
- Highlights: Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple, Dhari Devi Temple nearby.
5. Dhari Devi Temple
- Distance: 15 km from Srinagar, 19 km before Rudraprayag
- Travel Time: 30 min drive
👉 Dedicated to Goddess Kali’s manifestation, protector of the Char Dham. Idol’s upper part is in Dhari Devi, while the lower part is in Kalimath Temple.
💡 Pilgrims believe Dhari Devi changes form – child (morning), young woman (afternoon), old lady (evening).
6. Rudraprayag – Second Prayag (Alaknanda + Mandakini)
- Distance: 34 km from Srinagar
- Highlights: Rudranath Temple, Koteshwar Mahadev Cave Temple.
7. Karnaprayag – Third Prayag (Alaknanda + Pindar)
- Distance: 33 km from Rudraprayag
- Highlights: Uma Devi Temple, Karna Temple (linked to Mahabharata warrior Karna).
8. Nandaprayag – Fourth Prayag (Alaknanda + Nandakini)
- Distance: 21 km from Karnaprayag
- Highlights: Gopalji Temple.
9. Joshimath – Gateway to Badrinath & Auli
- Distance: 70 km from Nandaprayag
- Highlights:
- Narsingh Temple – winter seat of Lord Badrinath.
- Shankaracharya Math – one of the four maths established by Adi Shankaracharya.
- Ropeway to Auli – famous ski destination.
10. Vishnuprayag – Fifth Prayag (Alaknanda + Dhauliganga)
- Distance: 12 km from Joshimath
- Highlights: Vishnu Temple at the confluence.
11. Pandukeshwar
- Distance: 22 km from Joshimath, enroute Badrinath
- Highlights:
- Yogadhyan Badri Temple – one of the Sapta Badri temples.
- Believed to be founded by Pandu (father of Pandavas).
12. Govindghat
- Distance: 22 km from Joshimath
- Highlights: Starting point for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
📍 Enroute Attractions (Directly on Char Dham Yatra Route)
These are the main enroute attractions during Char Dham Yatra. From Haridwar and Rishikesh to the sacred Prayags and famous temples like Dhari Devi, Joshimath, and Gaurikund, each stop adds spiritual and natural charm to the journey. Distances, travel times, and highlights are given below for quick reference.
| Place | Distance (from nearest point) | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar | Starting base | – | Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti, Mansa Devi Temple |
| Rishikesh | 25 km from Haridwar | 1 hr | Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat |
| Devprayag | 75 km from Rishikesh | 3 hrs | Confluence of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda – origin of Ganga |
| Dhari Devi Temple | 15 km from Srinagar | 30 min | Guardian Goddess of Char Dham |
| Rudraprayag | 34 km from Srinagar | 1.5 hrs | Confluence of Mandakini & Alaknanda |
| Karnaprayag | 33 km from Rudraprayag | 1.5 hrs | Confluence of Pindar & Alaknanda, Karna Temple |
| Nandaprayag | 21 km from Karnaprayag | 1 hr | Confluence of Nandakini & Alaknanda |
| Joshimath | 70 km from Nandaprayag | 3 hrs | Narsingh Temple, Shankaracharya Math |
| Vishnuprayag | 12 km from Joshimath | 30 min | Confluence of Dhauliganga & Alaknanda |
| Pandukeshwar | 22 km from Joshimath | 1 hr | Yogadhyan Badri Temple (Sapta Badri) |
| Govindghat | 22 km from Joshimath | 1 hr | Base for Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib |
| Sonprayag | 20 km before Kedarnath | 1 hr | Confluence of Basuki & Mandakini |
| Gaurikund | 15 km before Kedarnath | – | Hot springs, Temple of Goddess Parvati |
📌 Nearby Attractions (Close to Main Temples)
These are the most popular nearby places to visit during Char Dham Yatra, including Mana Village, Tapt Kund, Charanpaduka, Vasudhara Falls, Satopanth Lake, Harsil Valley, Gangnani Hot Springs, and more – all located close to the main shrines.
| Place | Distance (from main shrine) | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mana Village | 3 km from Badrinath | 10 min | Last Indian village, Bhim Pul, Saraswati River |
| Tapt Kund & Narad Kund | 500 m from Badrinath | 5 min walk | Sacred hot water springs |
| Charanpaduka | 3 km trek from Badrinath | 1.5 hrs | Rock with Lord Vishnu’s footprints |
| Vasudhara Falls | 9 km trek from Badrinath (via Mana) | 3 hrs | 400 ft waterfall, Pandava link |
| Satopanth Lake | 25 km trek from Badrinath | 2–3 days trek | Sacred lake, Pandava story |
| Harsil Valley | 25 km before Gangotri | 1 hr | Apple orchards, “Mini Switzerland” |
| Gangnani Hot Springs | 52 km from Gangotri | 2 hrs | Holy bathing kund |
| Janki Chatti | 6 km before Yamunotri | 30 min trek | Base for Yamunotri trek |
| Hanuman Chatti | 13 km from Yamunotri | 45 min | Trekking hub, Hanuman Ganga confluence |
| Bhairavnath Temple | 500 m from Kedarnath | 15 min trek | Protector deity of Kedarnath |
| Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) | 3 km trek from Kedarnath | 1–2 hrs | Sacred lake, Gandhi’s ashes immersed |
| Vasuki Tal | 8 km trek from Kedarnath | 4–5 hrs | High-altitude glacial lake |
🌄 Off-Route Attractions (Detours Worth Visiting)
Apart from the main shrines, pilgrims can explore famous off-route attractions during Char Dham Yatra like Auli, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Triyuginarayan Temple, Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan, Chopta, and Tungnath Temple. These spots offer spiritual vibes along with nature’s beauty.
| Place | Distance (from base point) | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auli | 16 km from Joshimath | 45 min | Ski destination, Ropeway, Himalayan views |
| Valley of Flowers | 16 km trek from Govindghat | 1 day trek | UNESCO Heritage site, rare flora |
| Hemkund Sahib | 6 km trek from Ghangaria | 1 day trek | High-altitude Sikh shrine |
| Triyuginarayan Temple | 25 km from Gaurikund | 1 hr | Venue of Lord Shiva & Parvati’s marriage |
| Gaumukh Glacier | 18 km trek from Gangotri | 6–7 hrs | Source of Ganga |
| Tapovan & Nandanvan | 23–25 km trek from Gangotri | 2-day trek | Meadows with Shivling peak views |
| Chopta | 60 km from Ukhimath | 2 hrs | Mini Switzerland, base for Tungnath |
| Tungnath Temple | 4 km trek from Chopta | 3 hrs | World’s highest Shiva temple |
🌸 Places to visit during Chardham Yatra and near Yamunotri
- Janki Chatti – 6 km from Yamunotri Temple (30 min trek/pony ride).
👉 Base point for the final trek to Yamunotri; famous for hot water springs. - Hanuman Chatti – 13 km before Yamunotri (30 min drive from Janki Chatti).
👉 Scenic village at the confluence of Hanuman Ganga & Yamuna. Trekking routes to Dodital and Darwa Top start here. - Saptrishi Kund – 10 km trek from Yamunotri (6–7 hrs).
👉 Glacial lake at 4,421 m, considered the original source of River Yamuna. - Kharsali Village (Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna) – 1 km from Janki Chatti (10 min walk).
👉 Known for Shani Dev Temple & traditional Garhwali houses.
🌊 Places to visit during Chardham Yatra and near Gangotri
- Gaumukh Glacier – 18 km trek from Gangotri (6–7 hrs).
👉 Origin of River Ganga, one of the holiest trekking routes in India. - Bhojbasa – 14 km trek from Gangotri (5 hrs).
👉 Last accommodation stop on Gaumukh trek, surrounded by Bhojpatra trees. - Tapovan – 23 km trek from Gangotri via Gaumukh (2 days).
👉 High-altitude meadow at 4,463 m, known for golden grasslands and views of Shivling peak. - Nandanvan – 26 km trek from Gangotri via Gaumukh (2–3 days).
👉 Meadow across Gangotri Glacier, with views of Kedardome & Bhagirathi peaks. - Gangnani Hot Springs – 46 km before Gangotri, about 2 hrs drive from Uttarkashi.
👉 Sacred kund for a holy dip before reaching Gangotri. - Harsil Valley – 25 km before Gangotri (45 min drive).
👉 Scenic valley on the banks of Bhagirathi River, famous for apple orchards.
🕉️ Places to visit during Chardham Yatra and near Kedarnath
- Bhairavnath Temple – 500 m uphill trek from Kedarnath (15–20 min).
👉 Dedicated to Bhairav Baba, protector deity of Kedarnath. - Vasuki Tal – 8 km trek from Kedarnath (4–5 hrs).
👉 A pristine glacial lake at 4,135 m, surrounded by Himalayan peaks. - Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) – 3 km trek from Kedarnath (1.5 hrs).
👉 A small lake where ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed. - Triyuginarayan Temple – 25 km from Sonprayag (1.5–2 hrs drive).
👉 Mythological marriage place of Shiva & Parvati, with eternal flame burning. - Guptkashi – 45 km from Gaurikund (2 hrs drive, on Kedarnath route).
👉 Famous for Vishwanath Temple & Ardhnarishwar Temple. - Sonprayag – 20 km before Gaurikund (1 hr drive).
👉 Sacred confluence of Basuki & Mandakini rivers, important halting point. - Gaurikund – 16 km trek base for Kedarnath (30 min drive from Sonprayag).
👉 Starting point of Kedarnath trek, with natural hot spring & Gauri temple.
🕉️ Places to visit during Chardham Yatra and near Badrinath
- Mana Village – 3 km from Badrinath (10 min drive / 30 min walk).
👉 Last Indian village, with attractions like Bhim Pul, Vyas Gufa & Saraswati River. - Tapt Kund & Narad Kund – Just outside Badrinath Temple.
👉 Sacred hot springs where pilgrims take a ritual dip before darshan. - Charanpaduka – 3 km trek from Badrinath (1.5–2 hrs).
👉 Rock with imprints of Lord Vishnu’s footprints. - Vasudhara Falls – 9 km trek from Mana (3–4 hrs).
👉 400 ft high waterfall, believed to bless only the pure-hearted. - Satopanth Lake – 25 km trek from Badrinath via Mana (3 days).
👉 Triangular lake at 4,600 m, linked to Pandavas’ journey to heaven. - Auli – 16 km from Joshimath + 4 km ropeway ride (45 min).
👉 Ski resort & hill station with panoramic views of Nanda Devi peak. - Valley of Flowers – 16 km trek from Govindghat (6–7 hrs).
👉 UNESCO World Heritage Site, best visited July–September. - Hemkund Sahib – 6 km steep trek from Ghangaria (4–5 hrs).
👉 Sikh shrine at 4,329 m, dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with a glacial lake.
✨ Travel Tip:
- Trekking spots (Gaumukh, Vasudhara, Satopanth, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib) need at least 2–3 days extra.
- Roadside places (Prayags, Guptkashi, Mana, Harsil) can be covered enroute during your Char Dham Yatra journey.
📌 Summary: Must-Visit Places During Char Dham Yatra
✅ On Route (Prayags & Temples): Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, Vishnuprayag, Dhari Devi, Narsingh Temple, Pandukeshwar.
✅ Yamunotri Nearby: Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Saptrishi Kund.
✅ Gangotri Nearby: Gaumukh, Tapovan, Bhojbasa, Harsil Valley.
✅ Kedarnath Nearby: Bhairavnath, Vasuki Tal, Gandhi Sarovar, Triyuginarayan, Guptkashi.
✅ Badrinath Nearby: Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls, Satopanth Lake, Auli, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib.
Places to visit during Chardham Yatra – FAQs
A1. While traveling, you will pass through sacred confluences like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag, along with holy sites such as Dhari Devi Temple and Joshimath. These stops are spiritually significant and offer scenic beauty.
A2. Popular nearby attractions include Mana Village (last Indian village), Tapt Kund hot springs, Charanpaduka trek, Vasudhara Falls, and the adventurous Satopanth Lake trek.
A3. Yes. Pilgrims often visit Bhairavnath Temple (protector of Kedarnath), Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar), and Vasuki Tal. These are short treks with spiritual and natural importance.
A4. Devotees who have extra days can explore Auli (ski resort), Valley of Flowers (UNESCO site), Hemkund Sahib, Triyuginarayan Temple, Chopta, and Tungnath Temple, which add adventure and spirituality.
A5. Absolutely! Auli, near Joshimath, is famous for its snow-capped Himalayan peaks, ropeway rides, and skiing experience, making it a must-visit off-route destination.
A6. Yes, both are accessible from Govindghat near Badrinath. A trek of 16 km takes you to Valley of Flowers, and another 6 km trek leads to Hemkund Sahib. Best visited between July–September.
A7. Scenic photography locations include Harsil Valley (near Gangotri), Chopta (mini Switzerland), Vasudhara Falls, Satopanth Lake, and Gaumukh Glacier. These spots offer breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
A8. Enroute places are covered during travel. For nearby places, keep an extra half to one day. Off-route spots like Valley of Flowers or Auli may need 2–3 additional days.
A9. Monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rains and landslides in Uttarakhand. While the temples remain open, visiting trekking routes like Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, or Vasuki Tal requires caution. It’s safer in May–June or September–October.
A10. Spiritual seekers often visit Dhari Devi Temple, Narsingh Temple (Joshimath), Bhairavnath Temple (Kedarnath), and Triyuginarayan Temple, known as the divine marriage site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
