Char Dham Yatra Complete Guide 2026 - Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Tour

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, taking devotees through four holy shrines nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This spiritual journey to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath promises divine blessings and breathtaking natural beauty. Every Hindu aspires to complete this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, as it is believed to wash away all sins and lead the soul towards Moksha (salvation).

Planning to embark on this divine journey in 2026? Explore our complete Char Dham Yatra packages with experienced drivers and comfortable vehicles designed for the challenging mountain terrain.

The Four Sacred Shrines of Char Dham

The Char Dham circuit comprises four ancient temples, each dedicated to different deities and holding immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology. Let's explore each sacred destination in detail:

1. Yamunotri - Source of River Yamuna

Altitude: 3,293 meters | Trek: 6 km from Janki Chatti | Deity: Goddess Yamuna

Yamunotri marks the first stop of the Char Dham circuit and is the source of the sacred River Yamuna. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Sun God (Surya) and sister of Yama (God of Death). According to Hindu mythology, bathing in the Yamuna cleanses one of all sins.

The trek to Yamunotri is considered moderate difficulty. Pilgrims must trek 6 km from Janki Chatti through beautiful alpine meadows and dense forests. The natural hot water springs at Surya Kund (where devotees cook rice and potatoes as prasad) and Gauri Kund are major attractions.

Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Summer), 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Winter)

2. Gangotri - Origin of River Ganga

Altitude: 3,100 meters | Accessible: By road | Deity: Goddess Ganga

Gangotri is the second Dham and marks the spot where the holy River Ganga is believed to have descended to earth. The 18th-century temple, built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa, stands majestically overlooking the roaring Bhagirathi River.

The spiritual atmosphere here is unparalleled. The sound of temple bells, the chanting of mantras, and the sight of the glacier-fed Bhagirathi create an ethereal experience. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the freezing waters, believed to purify the soul.

For the adventurous, a 19 km trek leads to Gaumukh - the actual source of the Ganges at the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. This trek requires special permits.

Darshan Timings: 6:15 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM

3. Kedarnath - Abode of Lord Shiva

Altitude: 3,583 meters | Trek: 18-20 km from Gaurikund | Deity: Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)

Kedarnath is the most challenging and spiritually significant of all four Dhams. Home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the ancient stone temple has survived earthquakes, floods, and avalanches for over 1,200 years.

The trek from Gaurikund is demanding - 18-20 km uphill through rugged terrain. However, pilgrims can opt for ponies (₹3,000-4,000), palkis (₹8,000-12,000), or helicopter services (₹7,000-8,000 one way from Phata).

The temple architecture is remarkable - built with massive grey stone slabs without any cement or mortar. Behind the temple stands the majestic Kedarnath peak (6,940m), adding to the divine ambiance.

Darshan Timings: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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4. Badrinath - Temple of Lord Vishnu

Altitude: 3,300 meters | Accessible: By road | Deity: Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan)

Badrinath is the final and most important Dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badri Narayan. Set between the majestic Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, the colorful temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Lord Vishnu).

The temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The hot water spring Tapt Kund (where devotees bathe before darshan) has natural sulphur content with medicinal properties.

Don't miss visiting Mana Village - the last Indian village before the Tibet border. Here you can see the Vyas Gufa (cave where Ved Vyas composed Mahabharata), Bhim Pul (a natural stone bridge), and the source of Saraswati River.

Darshan Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening & Closing Dates

The Char Dham temples open on auspicious dates determined by the Hindu calendar and close before winter sets in. Here are the expected dates for 2026:

Opening Dates (Tentative):

• Yamunotri: April 28, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya)
• Gangotri: April 29, 2026
• Kedarnath: May 2, 2026 (determined by priests)
• Badrinath: May 3, 2026

Closing Dates: November 2026 (around Diwali week, exact dates announced later)

*Dates may vary based on weather conditions and religious calendar. Always verify from official sources before planning.

Best Time for Char Dham Yatra

Choosing the right time for your Char Dham pilgrimage is crucial for a safe and comfortable journey:

May to June (Peak Season):

• Most popular time - pleasant weather with clear skies
• All routes fully operational after winter
• Temperature: 15°C to 25°C during day
• Expect crowds - book accommodation and tempo traveller in advance

September to October (Post-Monsoon):

• Less crowded, better for peaceful darshan
• Crystal clear mountain views after monsoon
• Lush green valleys and waterfalls
• Temperature: 10°C to 20°C

Avoid July-August: Heavy monsoon rains cause landslides and road blockages. Many routes become dangerous during this period.

Complete Char Dham Yatra Itinerary (10-12 Days)

Here's a detailed day-by-day itinerary for your Char Dham pilgrimage. For groups, we recommend our Delhi to Chardham Tempo Traveller package which covers 1,200+ km comfortably:

Day 1: Delhi/Haridwar to Barkot (210 km | 7-8 hours)

Start early from Delhi (or Haridwar if staying overnight). Drive through Rishikesh and ascend to Mussoorie. Stop at Kempty Falls for refreshments. Continue through scenic mountain roads to Barkot. Evening at leisure, overnight stay.

Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot (Trek Day)

Early morning drive to Janki Chatti (45 km). Begin 6 km trek to Yamunotri (ponies/palkis available). Visit Surya Kund, take holy bath in Yamuna, darshan at Yamunotri Temple. Return trek and drive back to Barkot.

Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km | 4 hours)

Scenic drive to Uttarkashi along the Bhagirathi River. Visit the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple. Evening at leisure to explore the town. Overnight stay.

Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Uttarkashi (200 km round trip)

Early morning drive to Gangotri through breathtaking landscapes. Visit Gangotri Temple, take holy dip in Bhagirathi. Optional visit to nearby attractions like Gauri Kund and Kedar Ganga Sangam. Return to Uttarkashi.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km | 8-9 hours)

Long but scenic drive through Tehri Dam, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag. Visit Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi. Rest well for the challenging Kedarnath trek next day.

Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Trek/Helicopter)

Drive to Sonprayag (30 km), then to Gaurikund (5 km shared jeep). Begin 18-20 km trek (or take helicopter from Phata/Guptkashi). Reach Kedarnath by evening. Attend the mesmerizing evening Aarti. Overnight at Kedarnath.

Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi

Early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple. Visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple. Begin return trek to Gaurikund. Drive back to Guptkashi for overnight stay.

Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (200 km | 7-8 hours)

Drive via Joshimath (visit Narsingh Temple) to Badrinath. Take holy bath at Tapt Kund hot springs. Evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple. Overnight stay.

Day 9: Badrinath Sightseeing and Return to Rudraprayag (160 km)

Early morning darshan. Visit Mana Village - Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul, Saraswati River origin, and Ganesh Gufa. Drive back to Rudraprayag via scenic route.

Day 10: Rudraprayag to Haridwar/Rishikesh (165 km | 5-6 hours)

Return journey via Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forming the Ganga). Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by afternoon. Optional Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.

Day 11-12: Haridwar to Delhi (220 km | 5-6 hours)

Morning drive to Delhi. Drop at airport, railway station, or home. Your divine Char Dham Yatra concludes with blessings from all four Dhams.

Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026

Online registration is mandatory for all pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. The Uttarakhand government has implemented a biometric registration system for safety and crowd management.

Registration Process:

• Website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
• Required Documents: Aadhaar card (mandatory), passport-size photo
• Medical Certificate: Required for pilgrims above 50 years for Kedarnath trek
• Registration Timing: Complete at least 3 days before your journey
• Carry: Printed registration slip (QR code) during the entire yatra

Our team assists with the registration process when you book our Char Dham Yatra packages.

Transportation Options for Char Dham Yatra

Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a comfortable Char Dham pilgrimage, as the journey covers 1,000+ km through challenging mountain terrain.

By Tempo Traveller (Best for Groups)

For families and groups of 9-26 people, tempo traveller is the most comfortable and economical option:

• 12 Seater Tempo: ₹84,000 - ₹95,000 (Standard AC)
• 17 Seater Tempo: ₹1,02,000 - ₹1,10,000 (Deluxe)
• 26 Seater Maharaja: ₹1,32,000+ (Luxury with pushback seats)

Benefits: Pushback recliner seats, ample luggage space, roof carrier, GPS tracking, experienced hill drivers.

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By Car (For Small Families)

• Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios): ₹45,000 - ₹55,000
• SUV (Innova, Ertiga): ₹65,000 - ₹80,000
• Premium SUV (Innova Crysta, Fortuner): ₹90,000+

*All prices include vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, parking, state permits. Excludes accommodation, food, helicopter.

Kedarnath Helicopter Services

For those who cannot undertake the 18-20 km trek, helicopter services are a blessing:

• Phata to Kedarnath: ₹5,500 - ₹7,500 per person (one way)
• Guptkashi to Kedarnath: ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 per person (return)
• Operators: Pawan Hans, UTair, Himalayan Heli Services
• Booking: Book online 1-2 months in advance during peak season

Accommodation During Char Dham Yatra

Accommodation options range from budget dharamshalas to comfortable hotels:

• Dharamshalas: ₹200-500 per night (basic, shared facilities)
• Budget Hotels: ₹800-1,500 per night
• Mid-Range Hotels: ₹2,000-3,500 per night
• Premium Hotels: ₹5,000+ per night (available in Badrinath, Guptkashi)

At Kedarnath, only basic accommodations (dharamshalas and tents) are available. Book in advance during peak season.

Essential Packing List for Char Dham Yatra

Documents (Mandatory):

• Original Aadhaar card + 2 photocopies
• Char Dham registration slip (printed)
• Medical fitness certificate (if above 50 years)
• Helicopter booking confirmation (if applicable)

Clothing:

• Heavy woolen jackets/thermals (temperatures drop to 5°C at night)
• Rain jacket/poncho (essential during monsoon edges)
• Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
• Multiple pairs of warm socks
• Woolen cap, gloves, and muffler

Medicines & Health:

• Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox - consult doctor)
• Pain relievers, fever medicine
• First aid kit with bandages
• Personal medications
• Hand sanitizer, masks

Essentials:

• 2-3 water bottles (refill at stops)
• Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates
• Torch/headlamp with extra batteries
• Power bank (20,000 mAh recommended)
• Trekking pole (helpful for Kedarnath trek)

Health & Safety Tips for Char Dham Yatra

• Acclimatize gradually: Spend time at lower altitudes before Kedarnath trek
• Stay hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to prevent altitude sickness
• Avoid alcohol and smoking: These worsen altitude sickness symptoms
• Walk slowly: Don't rush during treks, take frequent breaks
• Listen to your body: If experiencing severe headache, nausea, or breathlessness, descend immediately
• Senior citizens: Must carry medical fitness certificate and consider helicopter for Kedarnath
• Emergency contacts: Save local emergency numbers and our 24/7 support line

Why Choose Triveni Cabs for Char Dham Yatra?

• 10+ Years Experience: We've been serving pilgrims on Char Dham routes since 2014
• Expert Hill Drivers: Our drivers know every hairpin turn, shortcut, and safe halt point
• Comfortable Vehicles: Well-maintained AC tempo travellers with pushback seats for long mountain journeys
• Complete Assistance: Help with registration, helicopter booking, and accommodation
• 24/7 Support: Dedicated helpline throughout your yatra
• Transparent Pricing: No hidden charges - all tolls, parking, permits included
• Safety First: GPS-tracked vehicles, daily sanitization, first aid kits, oxygen cylinders

Related Pilgrimage Tours

If you're interested in spiritual journeys, explore our other pilgrimage tour packages:

• Haridwar Rishikesh Ganga Darshan - 2 days spiritual getaway
• Varanasi Kashi Vishwanath Tour - Ancient city of Lord Shiva
• Ayodhya Ram Mandir Tour - Visit the grand Ram Mandir

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra?

A complete Char Dham Yatra requires 10-12 days from Delhi or 9-10 days from Haridwar. This allows comfortable travel with adequate rest.

2. What is the total cost of Char Dham Yatra?

Budget estimate: ₹25,000-35,000 per person (including transport share, budget accommodation, food). Premium estimate: ₹50,000-70,000 per person with good hotels.

3. Is Char Dham Yatra safe for senior citizens?

Yes, with proper precautions. Seniors should get medical clearance, opt for helicopter for Kedarnath, and travel in comfortable vehicles like our tempo travellers.

4. Can I do Char Dham Yatra by public transport?

While possible, it's not recommended due to multiple connections and waiting times. Private vehicles or our tempo traveller packages offer convenience and comfort.