Entrenched among the serene peaks of the mighty Himalayas, there are the four famous pilgrim sites that draft vast numbers of devotees to this beautiful spiritual voyage collectively known as the Chardham or Chota Chardham-consisting of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. As per Hindu beliefs, it is rendered mandatory for every Hindu to visit these four pilgrim destinations once in his lifetime. Every year millions of devotees and tourists take the Chardham Yatra Package available at cost-effective prices to enjoy this religious and peaceful journey of attaining a deep sense of internal happiness and satisfaction. Chota Chardham involves deities from all three major Hindu Traditions - Goddess Shakti sites i.e. Yamunotri and Gangotri and one Shiva site i.e. Kedarnath and finally one Vaishnava site i.e. Badrinath. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, these enthralling scenic destinations provide you with lots of fun activities such as trekking and mountain climbing also along the way. Every year Akha-Teej (month of May according to the Julian and Gregorian Calendars) marks the inauguration of the sacred Chardham Yatra and thousands of people flood in to join this tour of a lifetime.
Badrinath, which translates to ‘the Lord of berry forest’, is the reference to Nar-Narayan, the avatar of Vishnu. The site became prominent after Lord Nar-Narayan did Tapasya under a berry tree there in the Satya-Yuga. Kedarnath originates from the word ‘Kedar’ which, according to Hindu mythological texts, was the place where Lord Shiva used to release holy water from his matted hair. Moving ahead, we have Yamunotri temple in the western area of Garhwal Himalayas, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and then finally the gorgeous Gangotri which celebrates the Goddess Ganga being descended from Lord Shiva’s locks of hair at the place. With such fascinating legends associated with these sacred sites, these are given much prominence and value by all the sects of Hindu traditions. Talking about the travel routes, you can access a few of them by road; otherwise, you can board the train from the nearest railway station (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, etc). Apart from this, the other options include palanquins and also helicopter service to relish the opportunity of this enchanting expedition.
Chardham In Summer Season (March to June)
After the Chardham opens up in May for Darshan; there is a massive influx of visitors from all over the country and the globe for Darshan and to enjoy the warm and pleasant weather. The months from May to July are considered as the best time to entail the spiritual trip to these four pilgrimage sites as the harsh winter subsides and there is a soothing blend of sunny warmth and the mild cold-all adds to make this voyage much more luxurious and delightful. Although it is advised to carry your woolens along as the temperature dwindles down extensively during the evenings and the nighttime. You can also go sightseeing and trekking on the hilly trails of the vicinity.
Chardham In Monsoon Season (July to September)
Usually, people avoid traveling to Chardham in the monsoon season due to the frequent and heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides due to the same. There is a major drop in the temperature up to 15 degrees Celsius and the roads are usually blocked down due to slippery conditions and mudslides. There is an impact on visibility due to the smoggy atmosphere and high humidity levels, which makes it perilous and dicey to drive down such roads. As the sites are in proximity to rivers, there are high chances of flash floods (Kedarnath Floods 2013) and therefore it is strictly instructed not to travel in such dangerous circumstances.
Chardham In Winter Season (October to February)
The winter season starts in November and stays on till March with subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall. All the routes and markets are closed down about unfavorable weather. The travel to Chardham becomes almost impossible and reflecting on that, temples’ authorities lock down all of the four shrines, and the deities are shifted to their winter homes-Badrinath to Joshimath, Kedarnath to Ukhimath, Yamunotri to Kharsali and Gangotri to Mukhba-for Darshan and the winter processions. They will be restored to their respective homes when the shrines reopen in summer with a grand festival. But don’t lose hope because there is still a slim window opened to swing by as before the onset of peak winter season there is a grand procession held at the temples during Diwali where large numbers of spectators arrive to behold these marvelous structures in all their grandeur and magnificence.
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