Char Dham Yatra is a journey that connects one’s soul to the almighty and by visiting all those sacred places, one finds themselves getting lost in spirituality and tranquility. Be it finding salvation from this journey or just a mere spiritual refuge, many pilgrims as well as the wanderers embarks on this journey every year. On your way to the four spiritual abodes of Char Dham Yatra, there will be many other religious places that you would cross your path so you can also plan a different itinerary of all the places which you want to see apart from the Char Dham Yatra abodes.
Below, is the list of all the religious places that you can see on your Char Dham Yatra and be further amazed of the devotion that runs through people’s soul at those places.
1. Haridwar
Haridwar or the local people used to call ‘Hari Ka Dwar’ are one of the sacred cities of India where thousands of pilgrims wander here and there every day. Many come to this town who hopes to bath with the holy water of River Ganges and wash their sins away. Haridwar is often regarded as the most pious place in India and there are many religious texts defining the spiritual worth of this place. The best memorable moment that you can capture in this town is witnessing the ‘Ganga Aarti’ in the evening at Har Ki Pauri where a very religious event is followed every day and the place shimmers with glittering earthen lamps.
Places to See: Har Ki Paudi, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandi, etc.
2. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a beautiful yet religious city located on the foothills of Himalayas and perfectly, stretched on the banks of River Ganges. The city is not only exclusively famous among the pilgrims but to the travelers from around the world who comes to witness the free spirit culture that runs deeply in this city. The city has always been famous because of exhibiting hippy culture and religiousness together that the famous English band ‘The Beatles’ also visited the city during the 60s. So, exploring this city and above all, visiting the famous suspension bridge ‘Ram Jhula’ in this city should be the must-see things on your itinerary.
Places to See: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, etc.
3. Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi, which is also popularly known as Kashi of North is a beautiful city located 170 km away from Rishikesh. The town is almost surrounded by towering mountains of the Himalayas and through it, River Bhagirath flows. The town is filled with many religious temples and ashrams which you can explore. The pilgrims walking towards Char Dham Yatra may halts at this place sometimes, in order to dwell in the peace and tranquility of this place. And, seek blessings from the idols of the famous temples of this city.
Places to See: Vishwanath Temple, Shakti Temple, etc.
4. Ukhimath
Ukhimath is a temple town where Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheshwar are being worshipped when the doors of actual Kedarnath temple closes during extreme winters. Perched atop the Himalayas, this small little town is a very beautiful place for those who are looking for an escape. Here, you can worship Lord Shiva in peace and can indulge in yoga activities to detox your soul from every kind of negativity. And only 46 km, is yet another religious where Tungnath temple is located so from here you can head towards that town to explore spirituality in the Himalayas.
Places to See: Omkareshwar Temple, Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Kali Math Temple, Chopta, Tungnath Temple, etc.
5. Guptkashi
Guptkashi is quaint little town stretched on the banks of River Mandakini and beautifully embracing the Chaukhamba Peak in the background. Many legends say that it was an escape place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. And it is also the very place where Lord Shiva proposed Goddess Parvati for marriage. On your way to Char Dham Yatra, you can take a momentarily break at this place by exploring many temples, ashrams, eateries (like Chaurangi Khal, Kriti Magar, etc.). The onward journey from here will take to the beautiful Tehri Dam which is another beautiful site.
Places to See: Vishwanath Temple, Ardhanarishwar Temple, ManikarnikaKund, etc.
6. Gauri Kund
Gauri Kund is the base camp of Kedarnath trek and which is why may pilgrims take a break from their Char Dham Yatra. At this place, you can enjoy your peaceful walk and can also add Gauri Kund temple on your itinerary because it is also a very highly spiritual place. Many Legends say that it was this place where Goddess Parvati worshipped for many years to get Lord Shiva as a husband. And it also the very place where Lord Ganesh was resurrected from death after getting an elephant head.
Places to See: Gauri Kund Temple.
7. Auli
Auli is a well-known hill station in India and a popular winter destination due to its snowy slopes. Auli has everything a perfect tourist could want, such as Himalayan views, Meadows, adventure activities, romantic vistas, cable cars, and much more. Auli is a picturesque European village with snow-capped peaks and wooden huts. It is situated at an incredible elevation of 2,505 meters and provides a stunning view of the crescent Himalayas.
Places to See: Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway, Joshimath, Gorson Bugyal, Nanda Devi Peak, Chattrakund, Chenab Lake, Auli Ski Resort, Trishul Peak Vishnuprayag, Kwani Bugyal, Saildhar Tapovan, Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi National Park etc.
8. Barkot
The sleepy town of Barkot is located in the heart of Uttarakhand, where even silence is respected. This hidden hill town is 1,220 metres above sea level, and you'll almost certainly be greeted by red-cheeked kids with welcoming smiles. From Barkot, the magnificent Bandarpoonch Peak and other massive Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. Because of the numerous trekking excursions available, Barkot is an ideal vacation and adventure destination.
Places to See: Mori, Pantwari Village, Nainbagh, Nag Tibba, Lakhamandal, Hanuman Chatti, Purola etc.
9. Augustmuni
Augustmuni is a small town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The village takes its name (Augustmuni) from the famous Rishi Augustya Temple, which is located here. When Saint Augusta visited this location, he was terrified by two monsters known as Aatapi-Vatapi, according to one legend. These monsters used to dress up and invite people to lunch at their house. Phata is about 50 kilometres from Augustmuni and 18 kilometres from Gaurikund on the way to Kedarnath. Legend has it that two monster brothers used to invite people to lunch and then murder them. Augustmuni killed both brothers and rid the village of them.
Places to See: Tungnath Temple, Kartik Swami Temple, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Deoria Tal Trek, Simhastha Waterfalls etc.
10. Chamoli
Chamoli is a beautiful town in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalayas. It is perched at an elevation of 1300 metres above sea level on the holy banks of the Alaknanda River. Chamoli city provides a promising view of nature, including woods, rumbling creeks, and alpine hills. It is the birthplace of the Chipko Movement and draws both nature lovers and religious people. According to legend, Chamoli was formed in 1960 from the former Garhwal district. When visiting Chamoli, it is essential to sample the local and traditional cuisine. The dishes, which are primarily grain and cereal-based, are simple and nutritious, incorporating fresh local produce.
Places to See: Pipalkoti, Chamolanath Temple and Orchid center
11. Chopta
Chopta is a picturesque hamlet which is still unexplored by travellers, is also famous as "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand". In Chopta, you can wake up to a cool, refreshing breeze and bird chirping, a far cry from the blaring horns of cities and other hill stations. When the crimson rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas in the morning, the view from Chopta is energising. Chopta is rich in flora and fauna because it is surrounded by the region's dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons, and other conifers.
Places to See: Chandrashila Trek, Deoriatal, Sari Village, Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev, Ukhimath etc.
12. Byasi
Byasi is a small village in Uttarakhand located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. Located about 30 kilometres from Rishikesh, is well-known for the adventurous water sports of river rafting and camping. Byasi has a favourable demography and a consistent flow of the Ganga, which aids in smooth and easy river rafting. Byasi has several restaurants and hotels where visitors can eat and stay. A beautiful place to spend quality time in nature and a great weekend destination.
Places to See: Kaudiyala, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Shivpuri, Mohanchatti etc.
13. Chinyalisaur
Pilgrims travelling to Gangotri Dham pass through Chinyalisaur, which has a picturesque setting of mountains and the Bhagirathi River. In addition to public and private schools, Chinyalisaur has an intermediate and a degree college. Chinyalisaur is a small town on the outskirts of Tehri Lake and the gateway to Uttarkashi. It is 120 kilometres from Dehradun and 35 kilometres from the town of Uttarkashi.
Places to See: Tehri Lake, Koti Colony, Chamba, Dhanaulti, Kanatal etc.
14. Gauchar
Gauchar is a small town surrounded by mountains at an elevation of 800 metres above sea level. Gauchar is well known for its historic trade fair and has one of the largest pieces of flat land in the Uttarakhand mountainous region, making it a viable candidate for future airport hosting. Gauchar is also a rest stop for yatris on their way to Badrinath Temple. Gauchar Airport was critical in rescuing pilgrims during the 2013 Kedarnath floods.
Places to See: Gauchar Airport, Bhatnagar Village, Rano Village, Sari Village and Angrezo Ka Bangla.
15. Gopeshwar
Gopeshwar, the district headquarters of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is located 1300 metres above sea level. It is well-known for its temples and natural beauty, which is enhanced by the wonderful weather. Some people associate the name Gopeshwar with Lord Krishna. It is one of the most important towns in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region. Legend says that Lord Krishna identified Lord Shiva and welcomed him by calling him 'Maharaj Gopeshwar'. The main attraction here is the ancient Gopinath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of pilgrims all year.
Places to See: Sri Gopinath temple, Rudranath temple, Tungnath, Valley Of flowers National park, Brahma Tal trek, Kalpeshwar etc.
16. Govindghat - Gateway to Hemkund and Valley of Flowers
Govindghat is a pristine hamlet frequented by pilgrims and adventurers alike in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers on the way to Badrinath. Govindghat is also where the trek to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers begins. This celestial location is located at an elevation of 1800 metres above sea level. Because Govindghat is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, a large portion of it was damaged during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods and was later restored.
Places to See: Valley of Flowers, Bedni Bugyal, Hemkund Sahib, Joshimath etc.
17. Harsil
Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden jewel of Uttarakhand state that offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking peace and serenity in the lap of the Himalayas. It is located at an elevation of 2620 metres above sea level on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This charming hamlet has recently gained popularity among travellers and nature lovers. In the vicinity of Harsil, there are several adventurous trekking routes. A vacation at Harsil is a rejuvenating experience that includes meditation and yoga.
Places to See: Dharali, Mukhwas Village, Sattal, Gangnani, Wilson cottage etc.
18. Nandaprayag
Nandprayag is a small town at the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers. The Alaknanda River originates near Badrinath Dham, and the Nandakini River emerges from the foot of the Nanda Devi Peak. It is believed that a holy dip in the Nandprayag confluence can wash away all sins. Nandaprayag is a spiritual and religious centre in Uttarakhand's mighty Himalayas, where hundreds of rivers and rivulets flow. It is surrounded by magnificent mountains and breathtaking scenery. The town was also the capital of the former Yadu Kingdom, whose king built the famous Nanda Temple. Nandaprayag is a place of seamless natural beauty, despite its religious significance.
Places to See: Karnaprayag, Chopta, Nanda Temple etc.
