Between the dhams

Sacred Stops Beyond the Four Dhams

The Char Dham is four shrines, but our journey was made of many more. These are the temples and places we stopped at along the way, in the order we reached them.

First-hand journey: April 2026

Page last updated 24 September 2026

Each card links to the day it appears on in our itinerary. Traditions are described as traditions; opening hours and access can change, so check locally.

Day 1 · Dehradun

Prakasheshwar Mahadev

We did this: Our first temple stop on the morning we set out from Dehradun.

A white temple on a hilltop surrounded by pine forest, with hazy ridges behind.

Day 1 · Dehradun area

Sanutra Devi

We did this: A stop at Sanutra Devi on the first morning.

A black stone Shiva linga on a square stone plinth, with a hill and trees behind.

Local gem

Day 1 · On the way to Barkot

Lakhamandal

We did this: A temple site full of architectural and religious detail. Much of it is easy to miss unless someone shows you.
Our tip: We strongly recommend taking a knowledgeable local guide here.

The entrance to a rock cave shrine under a painted Hindi signboard, with a saffron flag above.

Day 1 · On the way to Barkot

Pandav Gufa

We did this: One of our first-day stops on the way to Barkot.
Tradition: As its name suggests, the cave is traditionally associated with the Pandavas.

Local gem

Day 3 · Between Barkot and Uttarkashi

Prakateshwar Mahadev cave temple

We did this: One of the strongest unexpected discoveries of our whole journey.
Our tip: If your route passes nearby, ask your driver to stop.

Local gem

Day 3 · Near Uttarkashi

Jagannath Temple near Uttarkashi

We did this: A lesser-known temple we visited near Uttarkashi.

Day 3 · Uttarkashi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi

We did this: We visited alongside the nearby Shakti Temple, whose very large trishul was what stayed with us most, and a small Hanuman shrine.

A pink and red temple gateway with a Hindi signboard naming the Guru Chauranginath temple, and a brass bell hanging in the entrance.

Day 5 · Chaurangi Khal (as named on the temple gate)

Guru Chauranginath Temple

We did this: A stop on our long Day 5 mountain drive toward the Sitapur area, before Guptkashi.

A yellow-and-blue temple front below a stone spire, with trees and buildings around it.

Day 5 · Guptkashi

Guptkashi

We did this: We visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ardhanarishwar Temple and Manikarnika Kund on our way to the Sitapur area.

Day 7 · Visited from our Sitapur-area base

Triyuginarayan

We did this: Relatively easy to reach. We saw couples marrying here, the sacred kunds and smaller shrines, in a very photogenic setting. One to two hours was enough for our visit.
Tradition: Tradition holds that Shiva and Parvati were married here, and the fire kept burning in the temple is associated with that wedding.

Rows of dark metal bells hanging along a railing, with a rushing river and green hillside below.

Local gem

Day 8 · Kalimath

Siddhpeeth Kalimath

We did this: We arrived early enough to experience the first puja of the day. We remember the many bells along the approach, the associated shrines, the Rakt Shila and the Mahabhairav shrine.
Tradition: The Rakt Shila is part of the local tradition associated with the goddess at Kalimath.

Day 8 · Ukhimath

Ukhimath / Omkareshwar Temple

We did this: We arrived after the morning puja and watched the bhog being taken away. A priest gave each of our daughters a Rudraksha. We also visited the Panch Kedar shrines there and offered water.
Tradition: According to the temple committee (BKTC), Lord Kedarnath’s Utsav Doli is brought here in winter, and winter puja of Lord Kedarnath is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple.

A grassy meadow, forested ridges and a long snow-capped range under a clear sky.

Local gem

Day 8 · Between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar

Chopta

We did this: A scenic stop for brunch.
Our tip: We strongly recommend stopping for the mountain scenery.

A tall black metal trishul against a blue sky beside stone temple buildings.

Day 8 · Gopeshwar

Gopinath Temple, Gopeshwar

We did this: An important Shiva temple stop. We remember multiple Shiva representations and another large trishul.

Local gem

Day 10 · On the way down to Rishikesh

Devprayag

We did this: We watched the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda meet and become the Ganga.
Our tip: One of our strongest recommendations on the whole route.

See where these fit in our 10 days