History & Significance of Char Dham

What is the Chota Char Dham?

The Chota Char Dham (“Four Sacred Abodes”) in Uttarakhand includes:

Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath

These four holy shrines represent the sources and divine origins of India’s most sacred rivers — Yamuna and Ganga — and the abodes of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Note: Traditionally, the pilgrimage opens around April/May and closes in October/November due to snow and harsh Himalayan conditions.

What is Winter Char Dham?

When heavy snowfall starts, the original shrines are closed for the season. During this period, the deities are ceremoniously moved to their winter seats (Winter Char Dham), so devotees can continue to offer prayers all year round.

Summer Shrine	Winter Seat	Location
Yamunotri	Kharsali	Near Janki Chatti
Gangotri	Mukhba Village	Near Harsil
Kedarnath	Omkareshwar Temple	Ukhimath
Badrinath	Pandukeshwar (Yog Dhyan Badri)	Near Joshimath

This initiative by the Uttarakhand Government allows safe pilgrimage in winter while maintaining religious continuity.

Best Time & Preparation

Best Time: November to February (depending on road conditions)

Weather: Cold to extremely cold (0°C to -10°C in higher regions)

Preparation Tips:

Carry thermal & woollen clothes, gloves, and caps
Keep a medical kit and altitude medicine (if needed)
Check road and weather updates daily
Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion in high altitude

Suggested 10-Day Winter Char Dham Itinerary

Starting Point: Delhi / Haridwar / Rishikesh

Day	Route	Description
Day 1	Delhi → Haridwar / Rishikesh	Arrive and attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay.
Day 2	Haridwar → Kharsali (Yamunotri Winter Seat)	Scenic drive via Barkot to Kharsali village. Stay overnight.
Day 3	Kharsali Sightseeing	Visit Yamuna Mata Temple (winter seat of Yamunotri). Explore the peaceful village and surroundings.
Day 4	Kharsali → Mukhba (Gangotri Winter Seat)	Travel to Harsil valley and Mukhba — the winter home of Goddess Ganga. Overnight stay.
Day 5	Mukhba & Harsil Valley	Offer prayers to Ganga Mata, explore apple orchards, Bhagirathi river views, and Harsil village.
Day 6	Mukhba → Ukhimath (Kedarnath Winter Seat)	Drive to Ukhimath, the Omkareshwar Temple, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped in winter.
Day 7	Ukhimath Local Visit	Visit Omkareshwar Temple, Guptkashi, and Chopta (Mini Switzerland) nearby.
Day 8	Ukhimath → Pandukeshwar (Badrinath Winter Seat)	Travel via Joshimath to Pandukeshwar — home to Lord Badrinarayan’s winter idol.
Day 9	Pandukeshwar & Joshimath	Visit Yog Dhyan Badri Temple, Narsingh Temple, and local markets. Overnight stay.
Day 10	Joshimath → Haridwar / Rishikesh → Delhi	Return journey with beautiful Himalayan memories. End of pilgrimage.

Temple Highlights

🕉️ Yamunotri / Kharsali

Origin of River Yamuna
During winter, Goddess Yamuna is worshipped in Kharsali village
Peaceful setting with snow-covered surroundings
Ideal for devotees seeking a serene, less-crowded experience

🌊 Gangotri / Mukhba

Origin of River Ganga
Idol of Goddess Ganga is brought to Mukhba village in winter
Close to Harsil valley, famous for apple orchards and the Bhagirathi River
Offers authentic Himalayan village life and sacred energy

🔱 Kedarnath / Ukhimath

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Idol of Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
The atmosphere is divine, surrounded by snow peaks
Nearby places: Guptkashi, Chopta, Tungnath

🕉️ Badrinath / Pandukeshwar

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan)
In winter, the idol is moved to Yog Dhyan Badri Temple, Pandukeshwar
Scenic drive through Joshimath, known for its spiritual and historical importance