सनातन धाम Learning Centres Gyan Jyotish Panchang Yatra Vivah Pooja SSEB
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Chota Char Dham

Uttarakhand 🕑 10 to 12 days · 4 stops Order matters
Why

The four sources of the sacred rivers and the seats of Shiva and Vishnu in the Himalaya, taken as one journey from the waters to the Lord.

When

Akshaya Tritiya to Diwali. The shrines close for winter and the deities are moved to their winter seats.

The order

Order matters. West to east, always: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Shiva before Vishnu, and the rivers before both.

The stops, in order

1 Yamunotri Source of the Yamuna. Rice is cooked in the Surya Kund and taken as prasad.
2 Gangotri Where Ganga descended. Water is taken from here and carried on.
3 Kedarnath The Jyotirlinga; a steep walk or a long climb from Gaurikund.
4 Badrinath Vishnu in penance. Bathe in Tapt Kund before darshan.
Prepare
  • Register with the state before travelling — it is required, not optional.
  • A health check. The altitude at Kedarnath is over 3,500 m and it is unkind to the unfit.
  • Warm clothing whatever the month, and no reliance on a phone signal.
What marks it complete

Pick the day — panchang Samagri for the poojas All yatras

Practice is described as traditional practice; where traditions differ, the page says so. We do not sell travel or take commission.