The sources of two rivers, Gangotri and Yamunotri are devoted to the female dities - Ganga and Yamuna. They both, along with Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Char Dham of the Garhwal, the four most hallowed shrines in the Himalayas .

The Ganga , especially, is the river of India , beloved of her people, has been the symbol of India 's age long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing. Ancient India gave countless names to the Ganga .

First descended to Earth from Heaven at Gangotri where Lord Shiva received her into his matted locks to counter the immense impact of her fall from there, the one which commenced from Yamunotri was termed Yamuna, from Gangotri - Bhagirathi from Kedarnath - Mandakini and the one which commenced from Badrinath was termed Alaknanda.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devotee Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River . Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector & the destroyer.

Climate
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.

Clothing
Summer: Light Woollens
Winter: Heavy Woollens

Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English

Best Season

May - October

Badrinath

Badrinath dhaam is considered as one of the most sacred centers of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Tehri-Garhwal hill tracks (Uttaranchal) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badrinath is one of the most arduous one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.

Climate
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero

Clothing
Summer: Light Woolens
Winter: Heavy Woolens

Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English

Best Season: May to October every year the temple usually remains open from first week of May to 2nd week of November.

Gangotri

This sacred shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,200 mt is of the river Bhagirathi. The mountain peaks of Shivaling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters surround it. One of the most pious Hindu Pilgrimages.

Climate
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero  

Clothing
Summer: Light Woolens
Winter: Very Heavy Woolens

Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English

Yamunotri

Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri, the road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, somewhere between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine of Yamunotri, situated at an elevation of about 3,235 mt is a point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage.

Climate
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero

Clothing
Summer: Light Woolens
Winter: Very Heavy Woolens

Language: Hindi, Garhwali & English