Yamunotri & Badrinath

According to the Hindu scriptures, the holy centres of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath - collectively called the Char Dham (meaning the four sacred spots) - are the most sacred of all the pilgrimages. Undertaking a journey to these places will not just wash away one's sins but ensure release from the cycle of birth and death. The honour conferred on these places is not surprising.

Yamunotri - The source of the Yamuna
Located at a height of 3235 m in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is not only popular as a Char Dham destination but is also a scenic spot. Perhaps, that is the reason why it attracts both pilgrims and those looking for beauty and tranquility in the hills. Yamunotri is the source of river Yamuna and the western most amongst the Chardham in the Himalayas and thus have to be visited first among the Char Dhams. The shrine of Goddess Yamunotri is perched on the western flank of mighty Banderpunch peaks (6135 m), which are snow covered throughout the year. The temple itself stands on the foothill of Kalinda Parvata close to thermal springs.

Yamunotri is a 14 km trek from Hanumanchatti, which is the last road-head to the shrine. The thermal springs refresh pilgrims before they offer prayers in the shrine. However, the actual source of Yamunotri is a lake, 12 kilometres away named Saptrishi Kund. A difficult guided trek will bring you here. Most pilgrims offer prayers at the shrine itself, since the trek is difficult. Read more on Yamunotri

Gangotri -
The source of the Ganga Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams in the Garhwal Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga first touched earth for the first time. Just a dip in the Ganga and you are absolved of all sins, such is the importance of the Ganga in the Hindu mythology. There are many other legends associated with the river that make Gangotri, the source of the holy river, a popular pilgrimage in India.

The holy river itself begins at Gangotri, where a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located. The temple is situated amidst captivating surroundings in the lap of splendid beauty. The shrine of Gangotri opens either in the last week of April or 1st week of May with the special puja of Ganga, both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes in October-November, every year. During the winters the statue of the deity is taken to Mukhimath village for six months, where it is worshipped. Read more on Gangotri