The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is a sacred pilgrimage covering four holy sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each destination holds deep spiritual significance: Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, Gangotri marks the origin of the Ganga, Kedarnath is one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, and Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims believe that completing this yatra cleanses the soul and leads to Moksha (liberation). The best time to visit is from May to June and September to October, with easy access via Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun by road, rail, or air.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 225 km from Char Dham starting point).
From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Haridwar/Rishikesh, which serve as the main base points.
Helicopter services are also available from Dehradun, Phata, Guptkashi, and Sahastradhara for Char Dham.
By Train
Nearest major railway stations:
Haridwar (approx. 215 km)
Rishikesh (approx. 230 km)
Dehradun (approx. 240 km)
From these stations, you can hire cabs, shared jeeps, or take state transport buses.
By Road
Well-connected via National Highways from major cities like Delhi (approx. 450 km), Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
Regular bus services by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation and private operators are available.
Self-drive cars, taxis, and tour packages are common options.
Typical Route
Most pilgrims start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh, following this route:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
1. Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra.
Surya Kund – A hot water spring where devotees cook rice as prasad.
Divya Shila – A sacred rock worshipped before entering the temple.
Janki Chatti – Base point for the Yamunotri trek, known for its thermal springs.
2. Gangotri Dham
Gangotri Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, located by the Bhagirathi River.
Gaumukh Glacier – The origin of the River Ganga (requires trekking).
Bhojbasa – A popular camping site near Gaumukh.
Pandava Gufa – Believed to be the resting place of Pandavas during their exile.
3. Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Temple – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Gandhi Sarovar – A glacial lake located at a short trek from Kedarnath.
Bhairavnath Temple – Located near the Kedarnath Temple, offering scenic views.
Vasuki Tal – A high-altitude lake surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
4. Badrinath Dham
Badrinath Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the last stop of the Char Dham Yatra.
Tapt Kund – Natural hot water spring for holy baths before temple darshan.
Mana Village – India’s last village near the Indo-Tibet border.
Vyas Gufa & Ganesh Gufa – Mythological caves where sage Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata.
Charan Paduka – A rock bearing the footprint of Lord Vishnu.
Arrival at Haridwar or Rishikesh (by train, air, or road).
Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Overnight stay in Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Scenic drive via Mussoorie or Dehradun.
En route visit Kempty Falls (optional).
Check-in at Barkot (base for Yamunotri).
Overnight stay in Barkot.
Early morning drive to Janki Chatti.
Trek or hire pony/palanquin to Yamunotri Temple.
Take a holy dip in Surya Kund and offer prayers.
Return to Barkot for overnight stay.
Drive along the Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Early morning drive to Gangotri Temple.
Take a dip in the holy Bhagirathi River.
Offer prayers at the temple and explore nearby sites.
Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay.
Long drive through picturesque valleys.
En route, enjoy the view of the Mandakini River.
Overnight stay at Guptkashi or Sitapur.
Drive to Sonprayag / Gaurikund.
Start trek (or hire pony/palanquin/helicopter) to Kedarnath Temple.
Attend evening Aarti at Kedarnath.
Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple.
Trek back to Gaurikund and return to Guptkashi/Sitapur.
Overnight stay.
Drive via Joshimath.
Visit Narsingh Temple en route.
Evening darshan at Badrinath Temple.
Overnight stay at Badrinath.
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in Uttarakhand covering four holy shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—each representing spiritual significance in Hinduism.
The yatra usually starts in May (Akshaya Tritiya) and ends in October/November (around Diwali). The temples remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
The traditional road journey takes around 10–12 days, while helicopter packages can complete it in 2–5 days.
May to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for all.
September to October: Clear skies and fewer crowds.
Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslides.
By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
By Train: Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are the closest stations.
By Road: Well-connected via NH 58 from Delhi, Haridwar & Rishikesh.
