Char Dham Yatra Route Map
Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is a sacred pilgrimage that takes devotees to four holy temples- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year many devotees travel here for blessings and to connect with spiritual energy of the Himalayas. This popular journey starts in April or May and goes on until October or November
Here is a simple guide on the route, travel distances and important locations on the way. It helps you know how long the journey will take and what the roads will be like so you can travel without any issues. Good planning makes your trip more enjoyable.
Starting Point of Chardham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra usually starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh. These cities have good train, bus, and flight connections. Travelers can go by road or take a helicopter for a faster trip.
Char Dham Destinations
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
Easy Travel Plan for Chardham by Road
- Delhi to Haridwar: 210 km │ 6 hours
- Haridwar to Barkot: 180 km │ 5 hours
- Barkot to Yamunotri: 36 km (drive) + 7 km (trek) │ 1.5 hours (drive) + 4–5 hours (trek)
- Barkot to Uttarkashi: 82 km │ 3 hours
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: 100 km │ 4 hours
- Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag: 177 km │ 5–6 hours
- Rudraprayag to Kedarnath: 76 km (road) + 16 km (trek) │ Nearly a full day
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath: 155 km │ 5 hours
- Badrinath to Rishikesh: 297 km │ 10–11 hours
- Rishikesh to Delhi: 230 km │ 6 hours
Yamunotri Route Map
Yamunotri is the holy place where the Yamuna River starts. The temple, built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The 6 km journey from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri can be done by trekking, pony, or palanquin. Read more..
Road Conditions
The roads from Delhi to Haridwar are smooth, while the route to Barkot is good but has some sharp turns. The road from Barkot to Janki Chatti is small and tricky, and the trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is challenging but easy to follow.
Route
- Delhi to Haridwar: 210 km
- Haridwar to Barkot: 180 km
- Barkot to Janki Chatti: 36 km (drive) + 7 km (trek)
Gangotri Route Map
At an altitude of 3,100 meters, Gangotri is known as the place where the Ganges first reached earth. The temple, built in the 19th century by General Amar Singh Thapa, is a holy place visited by many pilgrims. Read more..
Road Conditions
The route from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is mostly good, but some parts are narrow with sharp turns. The views are beautiful, but landslides can occur in heavy rain, so drive carefully.
Route
- Yamunotri to Uttarkashi: 125 km
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: 100 km
Kedarnath Route Map
Kedarnath, a sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, is located 3,583 meters above sea level. The journey here is the toughest because of the long and difficult paths. For a simpler trip, pilgrims can take a helicopter from Phata or Guptkashi. Read more..
Road Conditions
The journey to Kedarnath is tough due to hilly roads and landslides, especially during monsoon.The Gaurikund trek is steep and rocky, but options like ponies, palanquins, and helicopters make it easier.
Route
- Gangotri to Rudraprayag: 274 km
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund: 72 km (drive) + 16 km (trek)
Badrinath Route Map
Badrinath, a temple of Lord Vishnu, is the final destination of the Chardham Yatra. It stands at 3,100 meters above sea level, surrounded by the beautiful Himalayas. Badrinath is not just a temple; it is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated here. Many devotees visit here for spiritual blessings and peace. Read more..
Road Conditions
The way from Gaurikund to Rudraprayag is not very wide. The road from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is generally good, but some parts are narrow and may have landslides during the monsoon season.
Route
- Gaurikund to Rudraprayag: 72 km (drive) + 20 km (trek)
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath: 155 km
Travel Tips for Chardham Yatra by Road
- Start Early to Avoid Delays – Start your trip before sunrise to skip traffic, landslides, and long temple lines. It makes your journey safer and lets you enjoy the visit peacefully.
- Follow Hill Road Timings – Mountain roads are closed for driving between 8 pm and 4 am. Plan in advance to avoid delays and have a hassle-free journey.
- Use Low Gears – When going downhill, use low gears instead of using brakes too much. This helps prevent brake failure and keeps the vehicle under control.
- Step Small & Travel Far – Trek with small steps that will help you keep balance and save energy. Don’t walk too fast; you will feel exhausted quickly. Take your time and enjoy the surroundings.
Char Dham Road Route Diagram
- Haridwar ──235 Km / 10-11 Hr──▶ Jankichatti 🥾──6 Km / 3 Hrs (uphill trek)──▶ Yamunotri Temple
- Yamunotri Temple ──230 Kms / 10-11 hrs──▶ Gangotri Temple
- Gangotri Temple ──340 Kms / 14-16 hrs──▶ Gaurikund 🥾──16 Km / 4 to 8 Hrs (uphill trek)──▶ Kedarnath Temple
- Kedarnath Temple ──230 Kms / 10-12 hrs──▶ Badrinath
- Badrinath Temple ──310 Kms / 13-14 hrs──▶ Haridwar
Chardham Temples Distance from Each Other
- Haridwar – Yamunotri Temple: 245 Kms / 10-14 hrs
- Yamunotri Temple – Gangotri Temple: 230 Kms / 9-11 hrs
- Gangotri Temple – Kedarnath Temple: 340 Kms / 14-16 hrs
- Kedarnath Temple – Badrinath: 230 Kms / 10-12 hrs
- Badrinath Temple – Haridwar: 310 Kms / 11-14 hrs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: What are the main routes to reach Char Dham?
Ans: There are different routes to reach the Char Dham temples. To visit Yamunotri and Gangotri, you can travel from Delhi through Rishikesh – Chamba or take the Dehradun route. For Kedarnath and Badrinath, you will need to follow the Rishikesh–Rudraprayag route and continue through Joshimath.
Q-2: What is the best route for Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar?
Ans: The best way to travel for the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar is:The best way to travel for the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar is: Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath.
Q-3: Can visitors travel to Char Dham Yatra from Nepal?
Ans: Yes, travelers can enter India through Gorakhpur or Banbasa and then go to Haridwar.
Q-4: Are there any other places I can visit along the route?
Ans: Yes, you can visit places like Triyuginarayan Temple, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers.
Conclusion
Char Dham Yatra is a holy journey that takes people to four important pilgrimage places — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This guide shows the best routes, road conditions, and travel time to make your journey easier.
People usually start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh, and they can choose to go by road or take a helicopter. Every route has some difficulties, such as steep paths and narrow roads. But with proper planning, the trip becomes smoother. The roads are usually in good condition, though landslides may happen during monsoon.
Your journey will be safer if you start early, follow the rules of mountain roads, and walk carefully while trekking. Travelers can enjoy visiting beautiful places like Hemkund Sahib, Mana Village, and the Valley of Flowers along the way. If you plan properly, Char Dham Yatra is not just a religious journey but also a calm and fulfilling experience in the Himalayas.
