Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Destinations to Visit on Your Chardham Yatra.
India’s Chardham Yatra is one of the country’s most popular and sought-after pilgrimage tours. It comprises four holy shrines, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which are considered sacred by Hindus. This blog post will take you off the beaten path and introduce you to some lesser-known destinations you can visit on your Chardham Yatra.
Hemkund Sahib:
Hemkund Sahib is a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level. It is considered one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism and is believed to be where Guru Gobind Singh meditated in his previous birth. Seven snow-capped peaks surround the lake, and the trek to Hemkund Sahib is considered one of the most scenic treks in the Himalayas.
Auli:
Auli is a picturesque ski resort 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. Auli also offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and sightseeing.
Valley of Flowers:
The Valley of Flowers is a national park in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to several rare and endangered species. The park is only accessible by foot, and the trek to the Valley of Flowers is considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
Guptkashi:
Guptkashi is a small town on the Mandakini River’s banks. It is known for its ancient temples and is believed to be where Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati. Guptkashi is also the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.
Chopta:
Chopta is a small hamlet situated at 2,680 meters above sea level. It is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and birdwatching. Chopta is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’ due to its beautiful landscapes and serene environment.
Gaumukh:
Gaumukh is the source of the Ganges and is at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. It is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest sites and a popular destination for trekking and sightseeing. The trek to Gaumukh is challenging but rewarded with breathtaking Himalayas views.
Rudraprayag:
Rudraprayag is a small town on the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini. It is known for its ancient temples and is believed to be where Lord Shiva appeared before Narada Muni. Rudraprayag is also the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.
In conclusion, while the four shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the main highlights of the Chardham Yatra, several lesser-known destinations are equally enchanting and worth exploring. From the high-altitude lake of Hemkund Sahib to the picturesque ski resort of Auli, there is something for every traveler on this pilgrimage tour.
