Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand – Complete Travel Guide
Introduction: A Journey to the Land of Gods
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, attracting millions of devotees and travelers every year. This holy journey covers four revered shrines nestled in the majestic Himalayas—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Known as the “Gateway to Moksha,” the Char Dham Yatra is not just a religious trip but also a spiritual awakening that connects you with the divine energy of the Himalayas. Every temple on this route has its own mythological importance, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage, making the journey a life-changing experience. The Char Dham Yatra is expected to welcome pilgrims from across India and the world, offering well-organized routes, affordable tour packages, and helicopter services for senior citizens and those with limited time. Whether you are seeking blessings, adventure, or peace, the Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand promises a blend of faith, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes that leave every traveler with unforgettable memories.
Historical and Spiritual Significance of Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey—it is a deep spiritual experience. The tradition of visiting these shrines was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to revive Hinduism and establish centers of devotion in the Himalayas.
Yamunotri Dham is the seat of Goddess Yamuna, symbolizing purity and life.
Gangotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the holiest river of India.
Kedarnath Dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Badrinath Dham is the abode of Lord Vishnu, known as the protector of the universe.
Together, these shrines complete the circle of divinity and represent the unity of India’s spiritual traditions.
The Four Sacred Dhams of Uttarakhand
1.Yamunotri Dham – The Source of Yamuna River Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters, Yamunotri is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra. The main attraction here is the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Devotees also visit the Surya Kund, a hot water spring where rice is cooked and offered to the goddess.
Best Entry Point: Janki Chatti
Must Visit: Divya Shila, Surya Kund, Hanuman Chatti
2. Gangotri Dham – Origin of River Ganga Situated at 3,100 meters, Gangotri is where River Ganga descended from heaven through the prayers of King Bhagirath. The Gangotri Temple is built in white granite and is one of the most visited shrines in Uttarakhand.
Best Entry Point: Uttarkashi
Must Visit: Bhagirath Shila, Tapovan, Bhojbasa, Gaumukh Glacier
3. Kedarnath Dham – Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva Situated at 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is the most sacred shrine of Lord Shiva and also the toughest to reach. Pilgrims trek around 16 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple, or they can use pony, palanquin, or helicopter services. The temple is surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.
Best Entry Point: Gaurikund
Must Visit: Shankaracharya Samadhi, Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal
4. Badrinath Dham – Sacred Abode of Lord Vishnu Situated at 3,133 meters, Badrinath is the final destination of the Char Dham circuit. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Badri Vishal. The colorful temple façade, the hot water spring Tapt Kund, and the surrounding snow peaks make it a divine experience.
Best Entry Point: Joshimath
Must Visit: Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Neelkanth Peak
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham temples remain open only for six months in a year due to heavy snowfall in winters.
Opening Season: April/May (Akshaya Tritiya)
Closing Season: October/November (Diwali)
Ideal Time: May to June (Summer) & September to October (Post-monsoon)
Avoid: July & August (Monsoon season due to landslides and heavy rains)
 Char Dham Yatra Duration and Travel Routes
A complete Char Dham Yatra by road usually takes 10–12 days starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Pilgrims generally follow the route:
Haridwar → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar
For those with limited time, helicopter packages are available which complete the yatra in 4–6 days.
Char Dham Yatra Registration and Permits
The Government of Uttarakhand has made registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra. You can register:
Online through the official Uttarakhand tourism website
Via WhatsApp / Mobile app services
At registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other entry points
Essential Travel Tips for Char Dham Yatra
Health Check-up: Carry a valid medical certificate and basic medicines.
Clothing: Warm woolens, raincoat, trekking shoes, and gloves are essential.
Fitness: Practice walking and breathing exercises to prepare for high altitudes.
Food & Stay: Dharamshalas, hotels, and GMVN guesthouses are available en route.
Safety: Avoid monsoon season due to landslides. Carry ID proofs at all times.
Other Attractions During Char Dham Yatra
Along with the four sacred shrines, devotees can explore:
Haridwar & Rishikesh – Famous for Ganga Aarti and Yoga.
Panch Prayag – Five holy river confluences: Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag, Vishnuprayag.
Hemkund Sahib – A Sikh pilgrimage site near Badrinath.
Valley of Flowers – UNESCO World Heritage site with rare Himalayan flora.
Char Dham Yatra Packages 2025
Travel agencies and Uttarakhand Tourism offer a variety of Char Dham Yatra packages:
Economy Packages (by road, shared vehicles)
Deluxe Packages (with hotels and private cars)
Luxury Helicopter Packages (fastest and most comfortable)
The cost of Char Dham Yatra package in 2025 varies from â‚ą20,000 to â‚ą1,50,000 per person, depending on the services.
Conclusion
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is more than just a journey—it is a life-changing spiritual experience. With the divine blessings of Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, the yatra offers peace to the soul and a glimpse of heaven on earth.
Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a devotee, or a traveler who loves the Himalayas, the Char Dham Yatra 2025 is an unforgettable experience that connects you with both divinity and nature.
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
09 Nights 10 Days
There are four shrines together, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as the Char Dham, amid the tranquil heights of the Great Himalayas. These pilgrimages attract the maximum number of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the most important centres of religious pilgrimage throughout Northern India. Traditionally, the Chardham Yatra travels from west to east, thus, the journey starts from Yamunotri, then continues to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Visiting Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand is a unique experience as each Dham in this Hindu pilgrimage site is dedicated to a different deity and has a great significance of its own. It is believed that every Hindu should visit the Char Dham in his lifetime. A pilgrimage to see God is a life- changing, bliss-flourishing, karma-alleviation contact with God. Another small circuit in Uttarakhand of four pilgrimage sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath is called Chota Char Dham.
Major Sightseeing:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Devparyag (sangam/confluence)
- Rudraparyag (sangam/confluence)
- Karanparyag (sangam/confluence)
- Vishnuprayag (sangam/confluence)
- Nandprayag (sangam/confluence)
- Vishwanath Temple
CHARDHAM YATRA TOUR ITINERARY
 Day 01: Haridwar – Barkot/Kharsali (200kms/7 hrs)
Pick up from Haridwar proceed to Barkot, via Dehradun & Mussoorie. En-route visit Kempty Fall and enjoy the beauty of Himalayas, later drive straight to Kharsali, check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 02: Kharsali – Jankichatti – Yamunotri – Kharsali (6kms Trek/2hrs on foot)
After breakfast proceed to Yamunotri here can cook rice in Garam Panikund. Tourist take this cooked rice to home as “Prasad”. “Pooja” can be offered to DivyaShila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund’s (HOT WATER) and having “Darshan” of pious “Yamunaji” return to Hotel for overnight stay.
 Day 03: Kharsali – Uttarakashi (140 Kms / 07 hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel, then drive to Uttarkashi. Arrived at Uttarkashi, check in to the hotel, rest and relax free for leisure & local attractions. Overnight stay at Hotel.
 Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri -Uttarkashi (100 kms One Side /3hrs)Â
Morning proceed to Gangotri (3048 mts), en-route enjoy the drive parallel to Bhagirathi River and the most magnificent view of the Himalayas. On arrival Gangotri have a holy dip in river Bhagirathi (icy cold water). Perform Pooja and Hindu rites at the bank of river. Then proceed to darshan, of Mata Ganga, Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Vinayka and BhagirathMaharaj, have blessings and return back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Hotel.
 Day 05: Uttarkashi – Sersi/Phata/Sonprayag (280kms/ 11 hrs)
After morning breakfast check out from the hotel, and then drive to Sersi/Phata, on arrival check into hotel, rest and relax. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 06: Sersi/Phata/Sonprayag – Kedarnath (21Km Trekking)
After breakfast check out from hotel, then drop to Sonprayag (for trek route) trek starts from here to Kedarnath Ji. Start to ascend on trek route either by walk or pony/doli (at own cost). Helicopter service is also available for Kedarnath, so one can take helicopter to Kedarnath (at own cost). Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes. After performing Pooja & Darshan of Shri Kedarnath Ji. Overnight stay at GMVN Dormitory at Kedarnath.
 Day 07: Kedarnath 21Km trek down – Sonparyag – Sersi/Phata
Morning Kedarnath Ji Darshan then move by walk trek 16Km down reach Sonparyag, then our Vehicle pick up you at Sonparyag, and then drive to Sersi/Phata, check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
 Day 08: Sersi/Phata – Badrinath (210Km/8Hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel, then drive to the hotel to Badrinath, reach st Badrinath and check in to the hotel rest and relaxes at Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 09: Badrianth – Rudraprayag (160 Km/ 6 Hrs)
Early morning visit Badrinath Ji darshan attend pooja then back to hotel, breakfast then check out from hotel, drive to Rudraprayag, arrival at Rudraparyag, check in to the Hotel, rest n relax. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 10: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (160 Km/6Hrs)
After morning breakfast check out from hotel, en route you can see Rishikesh and then drive to Haridwar, arrival at Haridwar, drop at Haridwar.
FAQs
1. What is Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand?
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand covers four sacred Hindu shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—located in the Garhwal Himalayas.
2. When does Char Dham Yatra 2025 start?
The Char Dham Yatra usually begins in April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and ends in October/November (Diwali). Exact opening and closing dates are announced by the Uttarakhand government.
3. How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra?
A full Char Dham Yatra by road takes around 10–12 days, while helicopter tours can complete the circuit in 4–6 days.
4. Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims. You can register online through the official Uttarakhand tourism website, mobile app, or at designated counters.
5. What is the best time to visit Char Dham Yatra?
The best time to visit is May–June (summer) and September–October (post-monsoon). Avoid July–August due to heavy rains and landslides.
6. How much does Char Dham Yatra package cost?
The cost of Char Dham Yatra packages in 2025 ranges from â‚ą20,000 (budget road trip) to â‚ą1,50,000 (luxury helicopter package), depending on services and facilities.
