Char Dham Yatra – Complete Guide

Region

Uttarakhand

Trek Grade

Easy to Moderate

Trek Distance

52 Km

Highest Altitude

11,657 Ft.

Overview

The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, comprising four sacred shrines nestled in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each dham holds immense religious significance and together they represent a complete spiritual circuit:

  • Yamunotri – Seat of Goddess Yamuna
  • Gangotri – Origin of River Ganga
  • Kedarnath – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
  • Badrinath – Abode of Lord Vishnu

Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is believed to cleanse sins and lead towards salvation (moksha). The journey is a blend of devotion, culture, and adventure, offering pilgrims not only blessings but also breathtaking Himalayan experiences.

Short Itinerary (9N/10D)

Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh – Barkot

Day 2: Barkot – Jankichatti – Trek to Yamunotri – Return to Barkot

Day 3: Barkot – Uttarkashi

Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Return to Uttarkashi

Day 5: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi

Day 6: Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Trek to Kedarnath

Day 7: Kedarnath Darshan – Trek back to Gaurikund – Drive to Guptkashi

Day 8: Guptkashi – Badrinath

Day 9: Badrinath Darshan & Sightseeing – Drive to Rudraprayag

Day 10: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh/Haridwar – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh – Barkot (220 km / 8–9 hrs)

  • Morning pick-up from Haridwar/Rishikesh.
  • Drive via Mussoorie/Dehradun, enjoy views of Kempty Falls.
  • Reach Barkot, the base for Yamunotri.
  • Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot (36 km drive + 6 km trek one way)

  • Drive to Janki Chatti/Phool Chatti.
  • Begin 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple (options: pony, doli).
  • Darshan at Yamunotri Temple, take a dip in Surya Kund and offer prayers at Divya Shila.
  • Trek back to Janki Chatti and drive to Barkot.
  • Overnight stay at Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot – Uttarkashi (100 km / 4–5 hrs)

  • Scenic drive along the Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers.
  • Visit Vishwanath Temple at Uttarkashi.
  • Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (100 km one way)

  • Early morning drive to Gangotri Temple (3,100 m) via Harsil Valley.
  • Take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi river at Gangotri ghat.
  • Offer prayers at Gangotri Temple.
  • Return to Uttarkashi by evening.
  • Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (220 km / 9–10 hrs)

  • Long scenic drive along Tehri Dam, Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers.
  • En route visit Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ardhnareshwar Temple.
  • Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 6: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (30 km drive + 16 km trek)

  • Drive to Gaurikund (base camp for Kedarnath trek).
  • Start the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple (options: pony, palki, helicopter).
  • Evening darshan at Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • Overnight stay near Kedarnath temple (camp/lodge).
Day 7: Kedarnath – Guptkashi (16 km trek + drive)

  • Early morning temple darshan if missed earlier.
  • Trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi.
  • Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
Day 8: Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath (220 km / 9–10 hrs)

  • Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
  • En route visit Narsingh Temple at Joshimath.
  • Evening aarti at Badrinath Temple.
  • Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath Sightseeing – Rudraprayag (160 km / 7–8 hrs)

  • Morning temple darshan at Badrinath Temple.
  • Visit nearby attractions: Mana Village (last Indian village), Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Mata Murti Temple, Charan Paduka, Tapt Kund.
  • Drive to Rudraprayag.
  • Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Day 10: Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (160 km / 7 hrs)
  • Drive back via Devprayag (confluence of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda forming the Ganga).
  • Evening arrival at Rishikesh.
  • Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
  • Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
  • End of Char Dham Yatra with divine blessings.

Inclusions – Everything We Take Care Of

  • Transfers by private/shared vehicle
  • Accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis
  • Breakfast & Dinner during the trip
  • All sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Experienced guide
  • First aid assistance

Exclusions – What’s Not Included?

  • Air/train fare to Haridwar/Rishikesh
  • Lunch during road journeys
  • Any VIP darshan charges at temple
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, bottled water, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

FAQs – We’ve Got All Your Questions Covered!

What is the best time to do the Char Dham Yatra?

May–June and September–October. Avoid monsoon months (July–August).

How difficult is the Char Dham Yatra?

It is a mix of road travel and trekking. Yamunotri (5 km) and Kedarnath (16 km) require treks. Gangotri and Badrinath are accessible by road.

Can senior citizens undertake the Char Dham Yatra?

Yes, with proper planning. Ponies/palkis and helicopter services are available for Yamunotri & Kedarnath. Road access is available for Gangotri & Badrinath.

What should I pack?

Warm clothes, comfortable trekking shoes, raincoat, torch, personal medicines, ID proof, and a small backpack.

Available Dates

2 sep to 30 sep

Tour Details

  • Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Start/End Point: Haridwar / Rishikesh
  • Best Time: May – June & September – October
  • Accommodation: Hotels/Guesthouses/Dharamshalas en route
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Veg)
  • Transport: Private/Shared Vehicle
  • Services Included: Trek leader/escort, permits, first aid
  • Optional Add-ons: Helicopter services (for Kedarnath), pony/palki/doli services

Tour Highlights

  • Darshan at all four shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath
  • Spiritual dips at holy rivers Yamuna, Ganga, Mandakini, and Alaknanda
  • Scenic Himalayan drives through Panch Prayag confluences
  • Trek to Kedarnath & Yamunotri for a soulful blend of devotion & adventure
  • Evening aartis at Kedarnath and Badrinath Temples
  • Sightseeing at Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Bhagirath Shila, Tapt Kund
  • Comfortable stays in Himalayan towns like Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Joshimath

Logistics

  • Yamunotri Trek Distance: 5 km one way (from Jankichatti)
  • Gangotri Trek Distance: None (motorable)
  • Kedarnath Trek Distance: 16 km one way (from Gaurikund)
  • Badrinath Trek Distance: None (motorable)
  • Highest Altitude: Kedarnath – 3,583 m
  • Region: Uttarakhand Himalayas
  • Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate (Yamunotri & Kedarnath require trekking)
Price: ₹5,999 / per person