The Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is the most convenient way to reach Chardham temples. Especially, if you are looking for a short Chardham trip for 5 to 6 days, Chardham yatra By Helicopter is the best way to explore for those who has health issues & tight schedules.

Chardham: An overview

Looking for Chardham Tour packages?

These 4 Temples are Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, in fact high in the Garhwali Himalayas are some of Hinduism’s most significant sites, it is also known as Chota Chardham – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

The temples here represent the four sacred rivers of the religion’s spiritual believes. The Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda, and Mandakini rivers collectively constitute one of the nation’s most well-known pilgrimage routes. Thousands of devotees arrive between April and November each year, braving inclement weather and challanging mountain roads and paths to reach them.

All of these pilgrimages were combined by the renowned Hindu master Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century to create a sort of spiritual circuit that has been followed by future generations, continuing the yearly custom of visiting these pilgrimages.

Opening and Closing dates of Chardham Yatra

When planning a Chardham trip, you would normally engaged between April end and early November. Every year, Kedar-Badri samiti announces the dates for the opening and closing of the Chardham circuit, kicking off the process of booking a Chardham package with various.

At each of these shrines, the deity is relocated to their winter dwellings during the colder months. Kedarnath is represented by Ukhimath, Badrinath by Narsingh temple in Joshimath, Gangotri by Mukhba, and Yamunotri by Kharsali. These winter homes are open all year round, so feel free to darshan by whenever it’s convenient for you.

When finalising one of the Chardham tour packages, make sure it includes a visit to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Places to visit in Chardham

Kedarnath

Backdropped by the icy Himalayan peaks, Kedarnath is situated near the Chorabari Glacier, the Mandakini River’s source. At an altitude of 11,755 feet, Gaurikund is the closest roadhead to Kedarnath, situated approximately 18 kilometres away. The temple’s revered stone hump has a mythological origin that dates back to the epic Mahabharata, where the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after defeating the Kauravas, who were pursuing all of their own family members.

However, Lord Shiva’s refusal to pardon them made the Pandavas even more determined to ask for forgiveness. Shiva changed into a bull and came to earth to avoid them. In his hurry, he left his hump at Kedarnath, not far from the Chorabari Glacier, where an Adi Shankaracharya temple from the eighth century marks the location.

The other four “Panch Kedar” shrines honour the remaining portions of the bull’s body. The bull’s face at Rudranath, its arms at Tunganath, its navel at Madhmaheshwar, and its hair at Kalpeshwar. Make sure the Chardham holiday package you choose includes a visit to the Kedarnath temple before making your reservation.

Importance of Kedarnath
The proximity of the Kedarnath Temple to the Chorabari Glacier, the source of the Mandakini River, gives it one of the most dramatic settings among Hindu temples. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath attracts Hindu pilgrims all summer long with its deep gorges, apple orchards, snow-capped peaks, and terraced hill slopes.

The closest roadhead, Gaurikund, is about 18 km away and is the starting point for Kedarnath. After ascending from Jangal Chatti, which is about 4 km away, the trek passes through the Rambara, Chhoti Linchauli and Badi Linchauli, crosses the Mandakini River, and heads towards the southern face of Kedarnath peak.

Badrinath

Nonetheless, the temple has undergone numerous renovations over time. The hot springs at the base of the temple have waters as hot as forty degrees Celsius, which the locals use for bathing and laundry. The Badrinayaran idol was discovered in the Alakananda River by Adi Shankaracharya, the man who constructed the first Badrinath Temple..

The King of Garhwal constructed the temple in the sixteenth century, and it has all the features of a Buddhist vihara, including intricate carvings, stone embedding, and columns. According to legend, Lord Shiva spent many years in meditation here, and the location got its name when Goddess Lakshmi provided him with shade in the shape of a Badri tree.

Since the Kedar-Badri valley is still thought to be the home of Lord Shiva, many plan their yearly Chardham tour around Mahashivaratri, when the celebrations breathe new life and colour into the shrines.

Importance of Badrinath
Badrinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams, or incarnations of Vishnu, and is a sacred shrine for Vaishnavites. In addition, Yog Dhyan Badri, Adi Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Vriddha Badri, and Badrinath temple are the Panch Badri temples. Nestled in the serene Garhwal valley, on the banks of the powerful Alaknanda, Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 11,204 feet.

The holy river winds through the verdant valley and flows down it, while dense forests and expansive vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks adorn the immaculate and picturesque town of Badrinath. A few of the major festivals observed in Badrinath are Mata Mruti ka Mela, Janmashtami, and Kedar-Badri Utsav. Near Badrinath, you can visit the Badri Narayan Temple, Panch Prayag Temple, Tapt Kund, which is known for its hot springs, Mana village, Bheem Pul, and Vasudhara Falls, among other places.

Gangotri

Being the source of the Ganges, the most revered river in Hinduism, makes the Gangotri Temple one of the holiest shrines in the nation. Legend has it that when the river gushed out of Shiva’s matted locks in heaven, the rock at this location acted as a cushion to protect the earth from the potential damage.

That rock is thought to have been strategically placed by Lord Shiva to withstand the onslaught of the gushing waters. The Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa constructed the Gangotri Temple in the eighteenth century. Despite being the primary source of the Ganges, Gaumukh is a glacier located approximately 19 kilometres away from the Gangotri Temple.

Situated at 10,170 feet above sea level, Gangotri is situated along the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The Ganga is known as Bhagirathi until it reaches Devprayag, where it merges with the Alakananda to form the Ganges. The Gangotri Temple is usually closed on Bhai Duj, which falls in late October or early November, and opens on Akshay Tritiya, which falls in May.

Recalling the therapeutic and spiritual qualities of the Ganga, pilgrims return from this place with bottles filled with holy water. The Gangotri region is home to many endemic species of both flora and fauna, contributing to its rich biodiversity. Near the main shrine are a number of smaller temples that trace the mythological origins of the Ganga and reiterate its evolution

Importance of Gangotri
According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagirath received a gift from Lord Shiva in exchange for his unceasing penance, and this is how Ganga came to be. But Lord Shiva caught the Ganges in his locks, forcing it to flow through it, knowing the true power of the river and the disaster it would cause if allowed to flow down unchecked. Ganga is named Bhagirathi after her father, King Bhagirath, because of the sacred stone that bore the brunt of the gushing river that is located near the Gangotri shrine, signifying the spot where the river first touched down on Earth.

The Gaumukh glacier, one of the sources of the Ganga’s origin, was present at this exact location when Amar Singh Thapa built the temple in the 18th century. However, the glacier retreated to its current location over time as a result of soil erosion and other environmental factors.

Yamunotri

The Yamunotri Temple, one of the Chardham pilgrimages, was constructed in the 1800s not far from the sacred Yamuna River’s source. The remote village of Janki Chatti is approximately 7 km away from the temple via foot. The temple is surrounded by a number of hot springs that are suitable for swimming in. In addition, pilgrims prepare rice and potatoes there for prasad.

At the temple, you can pay the local priests to arrange your puja. Yamunotri, the Yamuna River’s source, is surrounded by a stunning, expansive valley and peaks covered in forests. There is a mythological connection to the country’s second-holiest river, the Ganges. It is said that taking a dip in the Yamuna, who is thought to be Yama’s sister and Surya’s daughter, will wash away your sins.

Yamunotri’s hot springs, where rice is cooked and turned into prasad and given to worshippers at the temple, continue to be its high point, though. You can gaze up at the numerous shrines, temples, and ashrams that surround the Yamunotri Temple to feel the sacred aura of one of Chardham’s most picturesque locations.

Significance of Yamunotri
Situated approximately 40 kilometres from Barkot in Uttarkashi, Yamunotri is situated at an elevation of 10,803 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamuna’s true source is the Yamunotri Glacier, which is located near the Bandarpunch Peaks at an elevation of 20,954 feet. You can visit Divya Shila, Hanuman Chatti, Surya Kund, and Saptarishi Kund Lake during your Yamunotri trip.

The black marble idol in the Yamunotri Temple is a representation of the goddess Yamuna. Although Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal constructed the original Yamunotri shrine on the left bank of the river, the current building dates from the 19th century and was commissioned by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.

Best time to visit Chardham

Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are all part of the Chota Chardham circuit, which was established in the eighth century by Adi Shankaracharya. The best months to visit Chardham are April through the first part of June because of the moderate temperatures, which allow you to explore the area without worrying about getting cold feet or chattering teeth.

Pilgrims should  avoid Chardham in the rainy season between July to August when landslides are likely to occur in the area.

Winter in Chardham (October through March)

The Garhwal Himalayas record below-freezing temperatures between November and February, during which time heavy snowfall hinders temple visits. This is the height of the winter season. With the severe weather and the temples getting close to closing, it might be challenging to visit Chardham at this time of year.

Summer in Chardham (April through June)

In the summer, the Himalayan foothills are breathtaking, with flowers in full bloom and breathtaking vistas. Even in the summer, you would still need to bring your woollens because the daytime highs range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius, but the nighttime lows are lower.

Monsoon in Chardham (June through September)

In Chardham, the monsoon season is characterised by heavy downpours, landslides, and some rivers that even overflow. It is most definitely not advisable to embark on this pilgrimage during these months; instead, schedule your visit for the beginning of October.

The valleys are ablaze with flowers, the waterfalls are gushing, and the surrounding vistas are breathtaking during the post-monsoon months. Ten to twenty degrees Celsius are the typical temperatures right before a hard winter arrives.

How to reach Chardham

Delhi to Haridwar: Depart from Delhi and travel the 210 kilometres by bus or car in roughly 6 hours. This route is frequently travelled by both state and private buses. You can make an overnight stop in Haridwar to witness the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, and then set out for Barkot early the next morning.

Haridwar to Barkot: Start early in the morning for your first Chardham shrine, Yamunotri, by making the 200-kilometer trip, which takes almost ten hours. Yamunotri is approximately 40 kilometres away.

Barkot is a small hamlet located 4002 feet above sea level. The scenery surrounding Barkot is immaculate and breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the year-round snow-covered Bandarpunch Peak, which is home to the Yamunotri river’s source. You could spend the night in Barkot and depart for Yamunotri the next morning.

From Barkot to Yamunotri and back: After breakfast, head out early in the morning and continue your journey to Yamunotri, which will take you approximately five hours to reach after a 36-kilometer drive and a 7-kilometer hike. You can even ride a horse to cover the same distance as you would by hiking. Go back to Barkot to spend the night.

Barkot to Gangotri: Depart Barkot early in the morning and travel 210 kilometres (about 9 hours) to reach Gangotri. You can make a stop at Gangnani’s hot springs en route. From the Gangotri Temple, you must hike an additional 19 km to Gaumukh, the location of the Gangotri Glacier, in order to see the actual source of the Ganga River.

Gangotri to Uttarkashi: Waking up in Gangotri is an amazing experience. Before starting your journey to Uttarkashi, explore the area and take in the breathtaking views. It will take you approximately 4 hours to travel the 95 kilometres to Uttarkashi. At an elevation of 5209 feet, between the Ashi and Varuna Rivers, you can spend the night in Uttarkashi.

These rivers combine at either end of the small town to form the Bhagirathi. Like Varanasi or Kashi, after which it is named, Uttarkashi has river ghats. One of the most important things to do in Chardham is to visit the Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi. This small location offers you the opportunity to visit Bhairav and Annapurna Temples among other temples.

Uttarkashi to Sitapur: After breakfast, make the approximately 212-kilometer trip, which takes roughly 10 hours, to Sitapur. At 5971 feet above sea level, Sitapur is only 7 kilometres from Gaurikund and roughly 26 kilometres from Guptkashi. Otherwise, Son Prayag, which is located at the meeting point of the Mandakini and Basuki Rivers, is just 2 kilometres away from Sitapur.

During your visit to Sitapur, you should also go to Triyuginarayan, the location of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage. On foot, it is an additional 5 kilometres or roughly 14 kilometres away. A hot spring and the Gauri Devi temple, where Goddess Parvati once prayed for a husband similar to Lord Shiva, are both nearby.

Sitapur to Gaurikund to Kedarnath: After breakfast, make the two-hour drive from Sitapur to Gaurikund. You should bring enough water for the remainder of the trip and pack a lunch. You will start your trek to Kedarnath, which is approximately 14 kilometres away, after arriving at Gaurikund.

You will stop in Kedarnath for the night. It will take approximately nine hours to complete the trip from Sitapur to Kedarnath. One of the most isolated Chardhams, it is tucked away in an amazing natural setting. This land of Lord Shiva’s temple shrine welcomes you with towering snow-capped peaks, rivers, and crystal streams.

If the trek is too much for you, you can hire a horse from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath temple.

Kedarnath to Guptkashi: Retrace your steps to Gaurikund, a 14-kilometer point where you can pause for breakfast. Head the 45 kilometres to Guptkashi from Gaurikund. You can have evening tea, snacks at phata en route before continuing on to Guptkashi. Pilgrims can visit Vishwanath temple in guptkashi if time allows.

In Garhwal, it is roughly 34 kilometres away from Srinagar. Because Narad Muni worshipped Lord Shiva there and where he manifested as Rudra, an avatar of Shiva, and bestowed a blessing upon him, the location is significant to mythology. Beautiful to look at and replete with fascinating stories from the Puranic era, Rudraprayag

Guptkashi to Pipalkoti: Drive the 120 kilometres to your pipalkoti. Badrinath, which takes approximately 2.5 hours from pipalkoti. To ensure that you arrive at the Badrinath Temple in time for the evening puja and darshan, make sure to depart early, next day.

Pipalkoti to Badrinath to Pipalkoti: After spending the night in pipalkoti and absorbing the place’s divine aura for the majority of the morning, depart for Badrinath 6am. The 75 kilometres that separate Badrinath from pipalkoti, on arrival visit Badrinath temple for darshan, after darshan and local market visit back to pipalkoti.

Pipalkoti to Rishikesh: After breakfast, travel the 160 km to Rishikesh, which should take about 7 hours. Spend the evening in Rishikesh exploring the Ram and Lakshman Jhula, taking in the hippie atmosphere and contagious energy of this historic town, or by the Triveni Ghat, at the foot of the Himalayas.

Generally, Rishikesh is an alcohol-free and vegetarian city.

Delhi to Rishikesh: After spending the night in Rishikesh, you have two options: take a bus to Delhi or go to Haridwar and take an AC train back to Delhi from the Haridwar Railway Station.

Important points to be kept in mind before visiting Chardham

Keep a record of the dates that the Uttarakhand government announces as the opening and closing of the Chardham Yatra each year.

– Most places require you to remove your shoes and cover your head. You should be respectful because these are sites that Hindus consider to be sacred.

– When travelling, make sure to preserve the sanctity of isolated areas by not littering and by keeping them in top condition.

– Bring enough woolly clothes if you are visiting between October and November, as the cold will be harsh, especially after sundown. At any rate, you ought to wear layered clothes every time.

– Bring water bottles, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion because the sun can be very strong as you ascend the hills.

Additionally, you should always have your own medical kit on you, filled with pain relievers, antiseptic creams, fever and cold medications, antibiotics, and other regular medications.

– Always have granola bars and other high-energy snacks on hand.

– Some locations might not permit photography. Thus, respect the feelings of the locals by not taking photos when asked not to.

– Start doing some warm-up exercises a month before you embark on your Chardham yatra to ensure that you are prepared for any hikes and steep climbs you may encounter.

– Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged, and always have power banks with you since regular electricity may not be available in some isolated areas.

– Avoid visiting the Chardham during the monsoon season as the roads and slopes can be extremely dangerous and landslides are frequent during this time of year.

– Due to the high volume of travellers during the tourist season, which drives up the cost of lodging, you should reserve your hotel or guesthouse stays well in advance.

– It is forbidden to consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food during a Chardham yatra.

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter

To visit the four main Dhams (Gangotari, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), reserve a helicopter tour for the Chardham Yatra.

Inclusions :

– A complimentary one-night stay in a luxurious Dehradun hotel, complete with breakfast and dinner.

The ability to be picked up and dropped off at the Dehradun Railway Station, Dehradun Bus Stand, and Dehradun Airport.

– A lavish stay with mouthwatering meals.

– Exclusive darshans at each Dham.

– Sightseeing locally (if time permits)

– Palki at Yamunotri (Sedan Chair/Pony).

– Kedarnath Helicopter Shuttle Tickets.

– Badrinath’s Vishnu Sahasranamam Path (Special Puja)

At Kedarnath, Jal Abhishek.

Exclusions :
– Any air travel. – Individual costs like phone calls, mineral water, soft and hard drinks, porterage, tips, and gratuities.

– Any information not covered by the inclusions.

– Extra sightseeing or vehicle use beyond what is specified in the schedule.

– Guide and admission fees.

Any expense incurred as a result of natural disasters such as landslides, blocked roads, political unrest (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, who is payable immediately).

– Charger for still or video cameras.

– All government taxes plus 5% GST.

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter for 5 Nights/6 Days @1,89,999.

Itinerary –
Dehradun – 1 Night Hotel (Prima by Lemon Tree/similar)
Yamunotri – 1 Night Hotel (Yamunakriti/similar)
Gangotri – 1 Night Hotel (Himalayan Nature Resport/similar)
Guptakshi – 1 Night Hotel (Sersi Heights/similar)
Badrinath – 1 Night Hotel (Amritara/similar).