A full Char Dham Yatra - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath - covers around 1,600 km of mountain driving and takes 10-12 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The traditional order is Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, then Badrinath. Cost depends mainly on vehicle choice and trip length; a family in a car spends less per head than a small group, while a Tempo Traveller is most economical for 8-14 pilgrims. Explore our Char Dham Yatra package for a fully planned itinerary.
Char Dham Route & Distances
| Leg | Approx Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar - Yamunotri (Janki Chatti) | ~210 km + 6 km trek | First dham |
| Yamunotri - Gangotri | ~230 km | Drive to temple |
| Gangotri - Kedarnath (Gaurikund) | ~250 km + 16 km trek | Trek or pony/helicopter |
| Kedarnath - Badrinath | ~230 km | Drive to temple |
| Badrinath - Haridwar | ~320 km | Return leg |
Vehicle Cost Comparison
Transport is billed at our canonical per-km rates with a minimum of 250-300 km per day for the mountain itinerary. Tempo Travellers are charged the same whether one-way or round-trip.
| Vehicle | Rate / km | Ideal Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ertiga | Rs 15/km | 4-5 pilgrims |
| Innova Crysta | Rs 18/km | 5-6 pilgrims |
| Tempo Traveller (12) | Rs 20/km | 8-11 pilgrims |
| Tempo Traveller (17) | Rs 24/km | 13-15 pilgrims |
| Tempo Traveller (26) | Rs 28/km | Large family/group |
Over a ~1,600 km circuit, a Tempo Traveller (12-seater) works out to the lowest per-person transport cost for a group. Innova is ideal for one family who want comfort on narrow ghats. Budget separately for stays, food, pony/palki at Kedarnath and Yamunotri, and optional helicopter tickets.
Other Costs to Budget
- Kedarnath trek: Pony or palki if you cannot walk the 16 km; helicopter from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi.
- Yamunotri trek: 6 km each way; pony and palki available.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses and dharamshalas along the route.
- Registration: Uttarakhand mandatory Char Dham registration (free online) before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does Char Dham Yatra take by road?
Plan 10-12 days from Haridwar for all four dhams at a comfortable pace. A Do Dham (Kedarnath-Badrinath) trip takes 5-6 days.
Which is cheaper - car or Tempo Traveller?
Per person, a Tempo Traveller is cheaper for groups of 8 or more; a car is better value for a single family of 4-6.
When do the Char Dham temples open in 2026?
The portals typically open around Akshaya Tritiya (late April/early May) and close around Diwali (late October/November). Confirm exact dates before booking.
