Chardham Yatra 2024 - Opening Dates and Package Bookings

The mystical Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, offers devout souls an expedition of spiritual transcendence. This divine sojourn goes beyond mere travel. Experience this heavenly odyssey where pilgrims seek solace and divine blessings at the sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and two river goddesses. The four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each surrounded by pristine natural splendour, are auspicious waypoints on this inner awakening exploration. Like every year, the Chardham Yatra 2024 is expected to be a grand pilgrimage occasion for devotees seeking a spiritual journey to fulfil their wishes.

 Here, faith meets the grandeur of nature in a harmonious dance of devotion. The Char Dham Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it is an extraordinary quest for inner enlightenment and a union with the divine—a spiritual voyage promising not only salvation but also a connection with the realm of Gods. In the past year, over 3 lakh tourists registered for this yatra and successfully completed their sacred journey.

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Dates

Opening Dates - The Chardham temples usually open in the month of April or May, and the final dates are announced on Basant Panchami and Mahashivratri. The tentative dates for opening are typically on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya, which is expected to fall on 10th May 2024. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Samiti announces the opening dates every year based on the Hindu Calendar, and these are considered the final dates.

Closing Dates - The closing date of the Yamunotri Temple Shrine coincides with the auspicious day of Deepawali. During this grand event, the Palanquin of Goddess Yamuna is carried away in a spectacular procession to Kharsali. Similarly, the Gangotri Temple gates are closed on Bhai Dooj, which is 2 days after the lighting of diyas on Diwali. Following the closure, the palanquin of Maa Ganga is carried to Mukhba Village for the rest of the winter season. Special prayers are held on Janmashtami, Vijayadashami, and Diwali. The Kedarnath Temple closes on Bhai Dooj, while the Badrinath Temple shuts down after 1 week of Diwali.

 

Char Dham Temples	Opening Date (Tentative)	Closing Date (Tentative)
Yamunotri	10 May 2024	31 October 2024
Gangotri	10 May 2024	2 November 2024
Kedarnath	14 May 2024	2 November 2024
Badrinath	16 May 2024	9 November 2024

 

Char Dham Yatra 2024 Bookings

For easy availability and preferred dates for the Chardham Yatra, it is recommended to book Chardham Yatra packages in advance. These packages cater to various preferences and are customizable, with different variations and departure cities. You can book Chardham Yatra from Haridwar, including options with buses, cars, or tempo travellers.

 For those seeking luxury and convenience, there is the option to book Chardham Yatra by Helicopter from Dehradun. This service is provided by reputable tour operators, offering attractive deals and facilities. Chardham packages from major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kerala, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Chandigarh are also available. For affordable Chardham packages, feel free to contact Travel to India. They ensure devotees receive local expertise and comprehensive Chardham travel services. 

Best Time For Char Dham Yatra

The Chardham Yatra duration spans from April to October, but most pilgrims prefer to book the Chardham Yatra package starting from April to June to avoid the rainy season. This period becomes the busiest season for the trip due to favourable weather conditions and better accessibility.

 Seek Blessings at Char Dham Temples in Uttarakhand

The Char Dham Temples are the primary abodes of gods in this spiritual odyssey. These temples are well managed by the respective authorities in the state. Pilgrims have the opportunity to visit these sacred temples and worship in a well-organized manner. Each temple offers various types of Pujas, which are conducted by the priests. Pilgrims can participate in these Pujas to seek blessings and engage in spiritual practices during their visit. To reduce your hassle and make your journey more enjoyable, consider hiring a Tempo Traveller in Haridwar.

 1. Yamunotri Temple

Situated against the scenic backdrop of the Bandarpunch Peak, the Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of the Sun and sister of Yam. Originally constructed by Tehri Garhwal King Naresh Sudarshan Shah in 1839, the temple underwent reconstruction by Maharani Gularia Devi of Jaipur in the 19th century. Built with granite stones, the temple features a conical-shaped yellow roof. The primary idol of Goddess Yamuna is represented by an irregular black marble stone within the sanctum. The temple also includes a sabha mandap and two hot springs, namely Surya Kund and Gauri Kund.

2. Gangotri Temple

Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, the Gangotri Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to the worship of Goddess Ganga. Initially constructed by Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century, the temple underwent later reconstruction by the Maharaja of Jaipur. The architecture of the Gangotri Temple follows the Nagara style and is crafted with white marble stone. Within the temple, a beautiful marble idol of Goddess Ganga is venerated. The temple also houses the Bhagirathi Shila, a sacred rock that is worshipped, associated with penance and prayers of King Bhagirath, seeking the descent of Goddess Ganga in the form of a river.

3. Kedarnath Temple

One of the renowned temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple has a rich history. Originally constructed by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, it was later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th-9th century. The primary idol of Lord Shiva, known as the lingam, has an irregular triangular shape and measures 12 feet in circumference and 12 feet in height. Within the main hall of the Kedarnath Temple, there are statues of Draupadi and other deities. The initial hall also features idols of the five Pandavas, Lord Krishna, Nandi, and Virbhadra.

4. Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple, established by Adi Shankaracharya between 8th-9th centuries, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main idol, known as Shaligram, represents Badrinarayan and is a self-manifested black granite idol measuring 1 foot. The main sanctum also houses idols of Lord Kuber, Sage Narad, Uddhav, Nar, and Narayan. The temple complex includes a Sabha mandap and a Darshan mandap. The main sanctum of the Badrinath Temple stands at a height of 15 meters with a conical-shaped roof and a small dome at the top. The exterior features a gold-gilt roof, stone facade, and arched windows.

 Conclusion

 Devbhumi Uttarakhand is revered as the abode of some of the holiest cities and revered shrines in India. Each year, a significant number of devout Hindus opt for pilgrimages to Uttarakhand. According to Hinduism, participating in a pilgrimage is considered one of the fundamental duties of a righteous Hindu, believed to lead to liberation or moksha. The dhams, or sacred pilgrimage sites, have been frequented by sages, saints, and seers since ancient times, and continue to draw devoted Hindus driven by unwavering faith and devotion. Among these sacred sites, the revered Char Dham holds the utmost religious significance. The spiritual aura of these holy places is believed to purify the hearts, souls, and minds of those who visit