The source of two rivers, Gangotri and Yamunotri are devoted to the female deities - Ganga and Yamuna. They both along with the Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Chardham of the Uttarakhand (Dev Bhumi - land of the Gods), the four most hallowed shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas. For centuries, saints and pilgrims have walked these mystical valleys known in ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarnath. It is here that the glaciers melt to form the sacred ... Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Today, a network of motorable roads has made the shrines highly ac accessible. Yet for those seeking that exalting experience hardy trails remain in the ancient sanctuaries of faith. Traditionally, the yatra is done from left to right first Yamunotri, and then Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in that order. This year the yatra will commenced from 8th May.

YAMUNOTRI
The shrine of Yamunotri, situated at an elevation of about 3235 mtr. is a point of paramount religious im¬portance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. Situ¬ated in the direction oppo¬site to Gangotri, the road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, some where between Rishikesh and Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.From Rishikesh to Yamunotri is 213 km and 13 km trek. The shrine of Yamunotri, source of the River Yamuna, is the westernmost Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch peak 3615 mts & situated opposite to Gangotri. The actual source, a frozen take of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalindi Mountain at the height of 4421 mts.

Getting there: (Best Season: May-June, Sept.-Oct.)
By Road : 215 km. from Rishikesh +13 km trek
By Air : 196 km from Jolly Grant
By Rail : 214 km from Rishikesh,

GANGOTRI
This sacred shrine, situated at an altitude of 3200 mtrs. is the source of the river Bhagirathi. The moun¬tain peaks of Shivling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi Sisters surround it. It is one of the most pious Hindu pilgrimages. At the legend goes, King Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone, near which this 18th century temple is located. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. It is also believed that the Pandavas, came here to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharat. Every year thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred shrine between May-August. The water from Gangotri is carried to offer to Lord Shiva. It is believed that this water has Amrit (nectar) in it and will soothe the throat of Shiva who gulp the poison.

Getting there: (Best Season: April-Nov, Sept.-Oct.)
By Road : 263 km. from Rishikesh +13 km trek
By Air : 226 km from Jolly Grant
By Rail : 262 km from Rishikesh,

KEDARNATH
The Kedarnath shrine, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is a scenic spot situ¬ated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. At an alti¬tude of 3581 mtrs. at head of river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the Hindus. it is 14 kms. trek from Gourikund. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodi¬ment of all passions Love, Hatred, Fear, Death and mysticism that is expressed through his various forms. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself; the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeat¬edly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshiped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (Hairs) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned-shrines are treated as Punch Kedar.

Getting there:
By Road : 223 km. from Rishikesh +14 km trek
By Air : 251 km from Jolly Grant
By Rail : 234 km from Rishikesh

BADRINATH
Badrinath is one of the four Dhams of the country and is situ¬ated at an elevation of 3133 mtrs. above sea level, guarded on either side by the two mountains ranges known as Nar and Narayan Parvat with the towering Neelkanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries, which gave it the name Badri Van meaning forest of berries. Facing the temple at the bank of Alaknanda river there is a hot water spring known as Taptkund. A bath in this spring is very refreshing to all travellers. The principal idol in the temple is of black stone and represents Vishnu seated in a meditative pose, and flanked by Nar-Narayan. It is said that "there are many sacred spots of pilgrimage in the heav¬ens, earth and the nether world, but there has been none equal to Badri, nor shall there be".

Getting there: (Badrinath Darshan from May to October - Opening date published in News papers)
By Road : 298 km. from Rishikesh +10 km trek
By Air : 315 km from Jolly Grant
By Rail : 235 km from Rishikesh