The Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra (Winter Char Dham Yatra) is a divine opportunity for devotees to experience the sacred essence of the Himalayan shrines during the winter season. While the original Char Dham temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri remain closed due to heavy snowfall, their divine presiding deities are shifted to their winter abodes where worship continues with the same devotion and rituals.
In this comprehensive guide, we bring you everything you need to know about the Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra, including temple locations, timings, rituals, travel tips, and how to plan a comfortable pilgrimage.
About Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra?
During the winter months, typically from November to April, the four Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand become inaccessible due to snow. However, the spirit of the Yatra continues as the deities are worshipped in their winter seats in nearby towns and villages.
This unique journey allows devotees to seek blessings even in winter and witness the serene beauty of Uttarakhand without the rush of the summer season.
Significance of the Sheetkalin Char Dham Yatra
The Sheetkalin Yatra holds immense spiritual importance. According to Hindu belief, the darshan of the deities in their winter abodes is considered equally powerful and sacred as visiting the original temples.
Undertaking this pilgrimage strengthens one’s faith and devotion and offers peace, purification, and liberation from worldly attachments. Moreover, winter brings a different kind of divine energy — calm, pure, and deeply spiritual — making it an unforgettable experience.
Winter Seats of the Char Dham Deities
Let’s explore where each of the four deities of the Char Dham resides during winter:
1. Kedarnath – Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
During winter, the idol of Lord Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) is moved to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, located about 41 km from Kedarnath.
The temple becomes the winter abode of Baba Kedar, and all the rituals, aartis, and poojas are conducted here. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Ukhimath offers a peace environment for meditation and devotion.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Special Ritual: Daily morning and evening aarti of Lord Shiva
2. Badrinath – Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
When the Badrinath temple closes for winter, the idol of Lord Badri Vishal is moved to the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. The temple also houses the idol of Lord Narsingh, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Joshimath remains a center of devotion throughout the winter, with thousands of pilgrims coming to seek blessings of Lord Vishnu in his peaceful form.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Special Event: “Badri-Kedar Utsav” is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
3. Gangotri – Mukhba Village (Winter Home of Goddess Ganga)
The sacred idol of Goddess Ganga is brought down from the Gangotri Temple to Mukhba Village, about 20 km away. Mukhba is a beautiful hamlet located near Harsil and remains accessible throughout the winter.
Pilgrims can participate in daily worship rituals and experience the divine serenity of the snow-covered Bhagirathi valley.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Special Ritual: “Ganga Aarti” at the Mukhba Temple in the evening is a mesmerizing experience.
4. Yamunotri – Kharsali Village (Winter Home of Goddess Yamuna)
During the cold months, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is brought to Kharsali Village, the winter seat of Yamunotri Dham. The temple here is beautifully decorated, and local priests continue the rituals with devotion.
Kharsali, surrounded by apple orchards and snow-clad peaks, offers an ideal setting for divine connection and peace.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Special Ritual: The winter festival of Yamuna Jayanti is celebrated with devotion.
How to Reach the Sheetkalin Char Dham Destinations
By Air:
The nearest airport for all destinations is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From there, one can hire taxis or travel by road to Ukhimath, Joshimath, Mukhba, and Kharsali.
By Train:
Nearest major railway stations:
Haridwar Railway Station
Rishikesh Railway Station
From here, regular buses and taxis are available to reach the winter shrines.
By Road:
Uttarakhand is well connected by a network of roads. You can easily book a taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar for a smooth and comfortable yatra experience.
For comfortable taxi booking and Char Dham Yatra packages, you can contact A.D.B. Tours, one of the most trusted travel operators in Rishikesh.
A.D.B Tours – Your Trusted Taxi Partner in Rishikesh
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Best Time to Start the Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra
The Sheetkalin Yatra usually begins after Diwali, once the main Char Dham temples close for the season. The pilgrimage continues till April or early May, before the temples reopen in summer.
The ideal months for this sacred journey are November to February, when the winter abodes are fully active with daily rituals and poojas.
Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra Route Itinerary
Overview of the Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Starting Point: Haridwar / Rishikesh
Ending Point: Haridwar/Rishikesh
Main Winter Abodes Covered:
1. Kharsali Village (Yamunotri)
2. Mukhba Village (Gangotri)
3. Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath (Kedarnath)
4. Narsingh Temple, Joshimath (Badrinath)
Detailed Itinerary for Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra (Kharsali → Mukhba → Ukhimath → Joshimath)
Day 1: Haridwar / Rishikesh – Kharsali (Winter Seat of Yamunotri Dham)
Distance: 220 km (Approx. 8–9 hours by road)
Route: Haridwar – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Barkot – Kharsali
Begin your Sheetkalin Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Drive through the scenic mountain roads via Dehradun and Mussoorie towards Kharsali Village, the winter home of Goddess Yamuna.
In winter, the idol from Yamunotri Temple is brought down to Shani Dev Temple at Kharsali. The temple is beautifully decorated, and rituals continue throughout the season.
Highlights:
Visit Shani Dev Temple and seek blessings from Goddess Yamuna.
Enjoy mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks and apple orchards.
Overnight Stay: Kharsali
Day 2: Kharsali – Harsil – Mukhba (Winter Seat of Gangotri Dham)
Distance: 180 km (Approx. 7–8 hours by road)
Route: Kharsali – Barkot – Uttarkashi – Harsil – Mukhba
After early breakfast, depart for Harsil Valley, one of the most picturesque regions in Uttarakhand. From there, continue to Mukhba Village, the winter seat of Goddess Ganga.
During the winter, the idol of Mata Ganga is brought from Gangotri to the temple in Mukhba. Witness the peaceful Ganga Aarti in the evening, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and pine forests.
Highlights:
Visit Goddess Ganga Temple in Mukhba.
Explore the scenic Harsil Valley and Bhagirathi River banks.
Overnight Stay: Harsil / Uttarkashi
Day 3: Mukhba – Guptkashi – Ukhimath (Winter Seat of Kedarnath Dham)
Distance: 265 km (Approx. 9–10 hours by road)
Route: Harsil – Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Ukhimath
After breakfast, travel from Mukhba to Ukhimath, the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath. The journey passes through several holy confluences such as Devprayag (where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet to form the Ganga) and Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers).
At Ukhimath, the Omkareshwar Temple houses the idol of Lord Kedarnath during the winter months. All rituals and aartis are performed here with the same devotion as in Kedarnath Dham.
Highlights:
Visit Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seat of Lord Shiva.
Explore nearby attractions like Guptkashi and Chopta.
Overnight Stay: Ukhimath
Day 4: Ukhimath – Joshimath (Winter Seat of Badrinath Dham)
Distance: 160 km (Approx. 6–7 hours by road)
Route: Ukhimath – Chopta – Gopeshwar – Chamoli – Joshimath
After morning prayers at Omkareshwar Temple, drive to Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath. Here, the Narsingh Temple becomes the divine residence of Lord Vishnu (Badri Vishal) during the winter season.
The temple also enshrines an idol of Lord Narsingh, the half-lion, half-human incarnation of Vishnu. Witness the evening aarti and seek blessings.
Highlights:
Visit Narsingh Temple, the winter home of Lord Badrinath.
Explore Adi Shankaracharya Math and Tapovan Hot Springs nearby.
Overnight stay: Joshimath
Day 5: Joshimath – Return to Rishikesh / Haridwar
Distance: 260 km (Approx. 9–10 hours)
Route: Joshimath – Rudraprayag – Devprayag – Rishikesh / Haridwar
After breakfast, you may choose to visit Auli, a famous ski destination near Joshimath. Enjoy panoramic views of Nanda Devi Peak and snow adventures. Later, drive back to Rishikesh or Haridwar, concluding your Sheetkalin Char Dham Yatra with divine blessings.
Quick Summary of the Yatra Sequence
Why Choose Sheetkalin Char Dham Yatra
Less Crowded: Peaceful darshan without long queues.
Affordable: Lower accommodation and travel costs.
Spiritual Tranquility: Serene environment enhances meditation and devotion.
Unique Experience: Witness local winter rituals and traditional festivals.
The winter version of the Char Dham Yatra is an ideal choice for those seeking a calm, spiritual, and intimate connection with the divine.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
1. Carry warm woolen clothes, gloves, and jackets.
2. Always check weather conditions before travel.
3. Hire local guides or trusted tour operators for smooth travel.
4. Keep basic medicines and travel insurance handy.
5. Respect local customs and temple traditions.
Conclusion
The Sheetkalin Chardham Yatra offers a rare chance to experience devotion amidst the snow-covered Himalayas. Each temple and deity carries a sacred aura that purifies the soul and fills your heart with divine peace.
If you wish to experience the spiritual calmness of Uttarakhand’s winter and the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Ganga, and Yamuna, this Yatra is truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
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