Overview
The Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, these four temples represent the spiritual journey of a lifetime.
Every year, millions of devotees undertake this journey seeking blessings, inner peace, and moksha (liberation). The yatra typically takes 10-12 days by road, covering approximately 1,600 km through some of the most stunning Himalayan landscapes — from the confluence of rivers to snow-capped peaks, from ancient temples to sacred hot springs.
Whether you're a first-time pilgrim or planning for your parents, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the right time to visit, to helicopter options for Kedarnath, to what to pack for the high-altitude journey.
Quick Facts About Char Dham
Before you plan your yatra, here's everything you need to know at a glance.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A well-paced 10-12 day itinerary covering all four dhams with proper acclimatisation and rest. The traditional route goes Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.
Days 1–2
Haridwar to Barkot — Gateway to the Himalayas
Begin your journey from Haridwar, the spiritual gateway of the Himalayas. Drive through the scenic towns of Mussoorie and Dehradun, arriving in Barkot — your base for the Yamunotri trek. Take time to acclimatise, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for the trek ahead.
- Haridwar Ganga Aarti
- Mussoorie Stopover
- Barkot Acclimatisation
- Mountain Views
Day 3
Yamunotri — The Source of the Yamuna
Trek 6 km from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri, the westernmost and first dham of the yatra. Visit the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, take a holy dip in the hot water springs (Surya Kund), and offer prayers at the Divya Shila before the descent.
- Yamunotri Temple
- Surya Kund Hot Springs
- Divya Shila
- 6 km Trek
Days 4–5
Gangotri — Origin of the Holy Ganges
Drive to Gangotri via Uttarkashi, the town of temples. Visit the Gangotri Temple situated at 3,048m on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Take a holy dip in the icy waters, attend the evening aarti, and explore the surrounding pine forests. Gangotri is where the Ganges begins its journey from the Gangotri Glacier.
- Gangotri Temple
- Bhagirathi River
- Evening Aarti
- Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple
Days 6–7
Kedarnath — The Abode of Lord Shiva
Drive to Sonprayag and begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath (or take a helicopter from Phata/Sersi to cut the journey dramatically). Kedarnath Temple, at 3,583m, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the most physically demanding dham. The temple sits against the backdrop of the snow-capped Kedarnath range, creating a scene of profound spiritual power.
- Kedarnath Temple
- 16 km Trek
- Helicopter Option
- Jyotirlinga
Days 8–9
Badrinath — The Final Dham
The final dham takes you to Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges with the Neelkanth Peak in the background. Visit the Badrinath Temple, take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs, explore Mana Village (the last Indian village before Tibet), and see Vyas Gufa where the Mahabharata was written.
- Badrinath Temple
- Tapt Kund
- Mana Village
- Vyas Gufa
Days 10–11
Return to Haridwar — Journey Complete
Begin the descent back to the plains, stopping at Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers) and Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi — where the Ganges officially begins). Arrive in Haridwar with a sense of completion, attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, and reflect on the journey.
- Rudraprayag Confluence
- Devprayag Sangam
- Har Ki Pauri Aarti
- Journey Complete
Preparation Tips
The Char Dham Yatra is a high-altitude journey that demands physical and mental preparation. Here are the essentials our pilgrims always ask about.
Medical Check-Up
Get your medical check done early. The temples sit at 3,000-3,500m altitude. Carry a complete list of your medications and a basic first-aid kit with altitude sickness pills.
Timing is Everything
The right window is May-June or September-October. The monsoon (July-August) brings landslides; by mid-October the temples begin to close for winter.
Kedarnath Helicopter
The Kedarnath trek is 16 km one way at high altitude. Helicopter from Phata or Sersi cuts it dramatically. Book well in advance through IRCTC or authorised operators.
Physical Preparation
Start walking 4-5 km daily at least 2 months before the yatra. Include stairs and inclines. The terrain is demanding even for regular trekkers.
What to Pack
The Himalayas are unpredictable. Here's our curated packing list for a comfortable Char Dham Yatra.
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (2-3 sets)
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking pants
- Warm woollen cap
- Waterproof trekking shoes
- Raincoat / Poncho
Essentials
- Government ID (original + copies)
- Medical kit with Diamox
- Torch / Headlamp
- Power bank
- Water bottle
- Dry fruits & snacks
Spiritual Kit
- Puja thali
- Incense sticks
- Camphor
- Coconut for offering
- Ganga jal container
- Prasad for distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything pilgrims ask us before booking their Char Dham Yatra.
Uttarakhand packages
Let us handle permits, stays and the route order — including helicopter options for the four dhams.
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