Chardham Yatra is an iconic pilgrimage that takes place every year on the hills of the Garhwal Himalayas in Devbhumi Uttarakhand. The prime motive of this journey is to visit and offer your prayers to the holy 4 shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. According to the holy scriptures and historical accounts, taking up the Char Dham journey is the only way of achieving the ultimate moksha or liberation.
Every year Char Dham’s journey has been made more accessible to a larger group of people from all over the world. It has invited millions of devotees from across the globe to witness the glory of the gods and goddesses through their own eyes. However, you may not know that these temples are located in some of the best locations in the world. There are many things to do during your Char Dham trip if you get bored of just going to the temples and offering your prayers.
From Going on peaceful refreshing walks to exploring the wilderness and going on breathtaking treks or checking out the holy sightseeing destinations with your family. The list goes on and on. In case you are wondering what other activities, you can indulge in during this soulful trip then, here are some things you can do with your family on a Chardham Yatra by Helicopter.
Things To Do During Chardham Yatra By Helicopter Trip:
Visit The UNESCO World Heritage Site Of Valley Of Flowers (Badrinath)
Valley of Flowers is one of the most awe-inspiringly gorgeous national parks in India. Not just that the flora and fauna found here cannot be found anywhere else in the world hence it is highly protected. The road leading up to Badrinath bifurcates at Govindghat which is the common point for both places. After you are done with your Badrinath VIP darshan you can set aside a day or two, to go and explore this remarkable place, especially during the monsoon season. Anyone with a will to explore beyond the defined lines is advised to visit VOF at least once in a lifetime.
Visit Triyuginarayan Temple: The place where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati (Kedarnath)
The ancient temple of Triyuginarayan is located at a distance of 27 km from Kedarnath Dham. If you have one or two days to explore then this place should be a must-visit. This is the temple where lord shiva had entered into a marriage alliance with lord shiva making it an iconic mark of our rich heritage and culture. Offering your prayer in this humble temple is said to bestow lifelong happiness and prosperity in the life of married couples. Surrounded by the gorgeously green Himalayas and blessed with a pure environment, this temple is an iconic heritage of India which was also once visited by the greatest philosophers, gods, saints, and sages of Satyug.
Check Out The Winter Shrine Of Gangotri Mata In Mukhba Village (Gangotri)
Located gracefully on the banks of the quaint hill town of Harsil, Mukhba is a tiny quintessential village of the Himalayan region. Covered with trees of deodar, pine, and oak this village is the epitome of untouched natural beauty, scenic wonderment, and remarkable unparalleled spirituality. Not many know that this place is a significant part of Indian history since it is home to the unique wooden temple structure of the winter shrine of Gangotri Mata. This temple is a must-visit especially if you wish to have a wholesome holiday experience in the lap of the Himalayas.
Get In Touch With Nature Are The Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (Yamunotri)
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is a lesser-explored national park Located in the Uttarkashi district. It is situated at a distance of around 20 kms from the temple of Yamunotri and is definitely an experience worth having. Decorated with pristine valleys, thick forests, and a plethora of flora and fauna collections, this national park is a blessing for every nature lover, wildlife photographer, and person who wishes to spend some time among nature. Trekkers from all over India set out on the gorgeous Har Ki Doon Valley trek throughout the year. It is a combination of adventure, peace, and spirituality.
Mana Village (Badrinath)
Famous as the last village of India in between the Indo Tibetan Border, Mana village is a must-visit if you happen to go to Badrinath Dham. Located at a distance of just 3 kms from the main temple of Badri Vishal, this place can be visited even if you are there for the 1-day Badrinath Dham Package or the Do Dham Yatra Package. Mana is famous for being the place where the Pandavas are said to have rested for a couple of days before heading on to Swargarohini. Exploring this village will definitely leave a lasting mark on your heart.
Other Things To Do During Chardham Yatra:
Gaumukh Glacier Trek
If you are into trekking and exploring outdoors then going on this soul-stirringly beautiful trek up to the source of Ganga Mata is highly recommended. It will require you to devote a lot of your effort and time but the experience and the feeling of being so close to the goddess is absolutely worth it. This trek begins from the Gangotri temple and crosses several forests and fields giving way to the rock-strewn way to the mouth of the glacier. You can go here with your family.
Visit Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib is a highly revered Sikh pilgrimage destination on the hills of Garhwali and is located at a distance of around 42 kms from Badrinath Dham. The journey up to this meditation spot of the Sikh guru is uphill and quite challenging but the sheer excitement of the fellow pilgrims will make you feel like this journey is nothing. Surrounded by gorgeous snowcapped hills from all sides this place is truly a combination of spirituality and adventure in one. You can go there, check out the amazing surrounding beauty, take a dip in the Hemkund Lake, and meditate in peace.
Visit The Oldest Shani Dev Temple In India In Kharsali
Shani Dev is known for being the god of justice and worshipping the lord has proven to show some incredibly fruitful outcomes. Located in the quiet hamlet of Kharsali near Yamunotri, is the oldest temple dedicated to Shani Dev. This sleepy, quaint hamlet is a highly religious-spiritual destination that is worth a visit. The village offers some much-needed peace and quiet which feels extremely refreshing for the mind, body, and soul. Although the temple has been through some challenging calamities, it has been standing tall ever since an eternity.
Kedarnath Cave
Kedarnath Cave is a relatively new tourist attraction in Kedarnath. Located at a distance of 1 km uphill from the main temple complex of Kedarnath the cave shot to popularity after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spent a night here. Consisting of a single room and with a stunning view of Kedarnath Dham temple below, you will be feeling the power of ultimate bliss. One can spend a maximum of 2-3 days and not more. The single room consists of the bare necessities like one single bed, a telephone connection straight to the authorities, and bedding to keep you warm. It is actually one of the most soul-purifying experiences you can have.
The list doesn’t stop here, if you are a curious wanderer with a heart that keeps getting pulled in different directions then Char Dham Yatra will be a playground for you to let loose and wake up your inner traveler.