The Char Dham — four sacred shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas — is one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimages. The circuit opens each May and closes by November with winter snowfall.
Source of the River Yamuna. Accessible only by 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. Natural hot springs at Janki Chatti are excellent after the trek. Opens: Akshaya Tritiya (April/May). Closes: Yama Dwitiya (October/November).
Dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The only Char Dham accessible by road. Gaumukh glacier (actual source) is 18 km further by trek and requires Forest Department permission.
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The most challenging dham — 16 km trek from Gaurikund, steep 1,400m ascent. Helicopter services available (book 2-3 months ahead). Register on Devasthanam portal for darshan slots — walk-ins not permitted in peak season.
Dedicated to Vishnu — most accessible dham (motorable road to temple). Alaknanda river in front, Neelkanth peak behind. Mana village (last Indian village before Tibet) is 3 km away — worth visiting.
Duration: 10-12 days at a comfortable pace. Route: Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar.
Register at devasthanam.uk.gov.in. Limits daily visitors and helps plan darshan timing. Also register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in for Kedarnath helicopter.
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