The Winter Char Dham Yatra refers to a pilgrimage to the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath during the winter months. Since the Char Dham shrines are generally closed from November to April due to harsh weather conditions, the Winter Char Dham Tour Package typically focuses on the accessible shrines and pilgrimage routes that remain open in the winter months, as well as the alternative winter locations where idols are moved during the off-season.
During the winter months, when the Char Dham temples are closed due to harsh weather conditions, the idols of the deities are shifted to alternate locations where devotees can continue their worship. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is moved to Kharsali, near Yamunotri, while the idol of Goddess Ganga is taken to Mukhba village, near Gangotri. The idol of Lord Kedarnath is relocated to Ukhimath, where it is enshrined for the winter, and the idol of Lord Badrinath is moved to Pandukeshwar (near Joshimath). These alternate locations ensure that dieties worship even during winter months at their respective winter abodes. Also pilgrims can continue their spiritual practices during the off-season or winter months.
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Day 2: Barkot - Kharsali - Barkot
Day 3: Barkot - Uttarkashi
Day 4: Uttarkashi - Mukhba - Uttarkashi
Day 5: Uttarkashi - Rudraprayag
Day 6: Rudraprayag - Ukhimath - Rudraprayag
Day 7: Rudraprayag - Joshimath
Day 8: Joshimath - Rudraprayag - Haridwar
Your journey begins with a warm welcome from our representative at your hotel, airport, or railway station in Haridwar. From here, you will begin on a scenic drive to Barkot, a beautiful hill station located in the vicinity of Yamunotri. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers along the way. Upon arrival in Barkot, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay and rest for the journey ahead.
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning your journey to Kharsali, located approximately 40 km from Barkot. Kharsali is the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna, where you will have the opportunity to perform the sacred darshan of the goddess. After your spiritual visit, return to Barkot via the same scenic route. Check in to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, and relax for the journey ahead.
Wakeup early in the morning, and after a hearty breakfast, begin on a scenic 3-hour drive towards Uttarkashi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, visit the renowned Vishwanath Temple and explore the local attractions. After a day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Start your day early with a drive from Uttarkashi to Mukhba (approximately 3 hours), the winter seat of Gangotri Temple. Upon arrival, perform the sacred Puja at the relocated Gangotri idol. After your spiritual experience, return to Uttarkashi in the late afternoon. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest for the night at your hotel in Uttarkashi.
After breakfast, begin your drive towards Rudraprayag from Uttarkashi, a scenic journey that takes approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival in Rudraprayag, check in to your hotel and unwind. Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the night, preparing for the next day's adventure.
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Ukhimath, the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath. Upon arrival, visit the Ukhimath Temple to seek blessings and perform the sacred rituals. After the religious experience, return to Rudraprayag in the afternoon. Enjoy a restful evening with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Joshimath (3-4 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. After refreshment, visit Pandukeshwar is the winter seat of Badrinath Temple, where the idol is placed at the Yogadhyan Badri Temple during the off-season. You can also explore local attractions, as Joshimath is a popular gateway to Auli and the Valley of Flowers. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Wake up in the morning and begin your journey back from Joshimath to Haridwar via Rudraprayag, a scenic drive that takes approximately 7 hours. Upon arrival in Haridwar, our package concludes. However, if you wish to explore further, you can enjoy local sightseeing at your own pace, such as witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, and other iconic attractions. Alternatively, you can proceed to your destination.
Seeded in 2003, eUttaranchal is a travel company specializing in Char Dham Helicopter Tours and Trekking across Uttarakhand. We are registered as an Adventure Tour Operator with Uttarakhand Tourism. We are also one of the most followed pages of Uttarakhand on social media.
The Winter Char Dham Yatra Packages FAQ section provides answers to common queries regarding the pilgrimage to the sacred winter abodes of Char Dham Destinations. These FAQs cover important details about the itinerary, accommodation, transportation, and other essential aspects of the tour, ensuring a smooth and informed journey for all devotees.
The Winter Char Dham Yatra refers to a pilgrimage that takes devotees to the alternate winter abodes of the Char Dham shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—since the main temples are closed during the harsh winter months. The idols of the deities are relocated to accessible locations during this time.
During the Winter Char Dham Yatra, pilgrims visit the winter seats of the Char Dham idols, which are relocated to alternate locations due to the harsh weather. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is moved to Kharsali, Goddess Ganga to Mukhba, Lord Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and Lord Badrinath to Pandukeshwar. These alternate sites allow devotees to continue their worship during the winter months when the main temples are closed.
Yes, the Winter Char Dham Yatra can be suitable for senior citizens as long as they are in good health and able to handle moderate travel conditions, such as long drives on hilly roads and cold temperatures. It is advisable to consult a doctor before traveling if there are any health concerns.
The Winter Char Dham Yatra typically begins from Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are the nearest major hubs. However, for a more personalized experience, pilgrims can customize their package with prior notice to start from other locations as per their convenience.
You can book the Winter Char Dham Yatra package by visiting our official eUttaranchal website and clicking on the Winter Char Dham Tour Package section. Then, fill out the inquiry form with your travel details (such as date of travel, departure city, and contact information) and submit it. Our agents will get in touch with you with the relevant details and offers.
During the Winter Char Dham Yatra, comfortable and well-maintained vehicles, such as SUVs or vans, are provided for transfers and sightseeing. These vehicles are chosen to ensure a smooth, safe, and scenic journey through the mountainous terrain, offering both comfort and reliability throughout the pilgrimage.