How to Complete Chardham Yatra
If you are thinking about how to do Char Dham Yatra here’s what you need to know. This journey takes you to four holy temples— Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The trip includes trekking, high mountains and stunning views so it’s important to be well prepared.
Those visiting for the first time may face challenges during this tour. This guide provides all the important details like itineraries, route maps, and travel tips to make your Char Dham Yatra smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re on a solo trip or going with family and friends, this information will help you complete the holy journey smoothly.
Traditional Order (Clockwise):
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Significance:
- Yamunotri: Source of Yamuna River.
- Gangotri: Source of Ganges River.
- Kedarnath: Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath: Abode of Lord Vishnu.
How to Reach
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. After landing pilgrims can take a taxi to reach these destinations
By Train
Haridwar and Rishikesh are well connected by train.
Pilgrims can take taxis or buses from these stations to reach the pilgrimage sites.
By Road
Pilgrims can reach Uttarakhand by road from cities like Delhi, Dehradun and Haridwar. They can take a bus or hire a taxi to visit the Chardham places.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening and Closing Schedule
Opening and closing dates of Char Dham Yatra change every year, according to the Hindu religious calendar. The yatra usually starts in April or May and continues until October or November. The exact dates for each temple are decided every year by the temple authorities.
The expected opening dates for Char Dham in 2026 are –
- Yamunotri: 19 April 2026
- Gangotri: 19 April 2026
- Kedarnath: 22 April 2026
- Badrinath: 24 April 2026
Temples close at different times but usually shut around Diwali, festival of lights, in October or November.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Char Dham is largely determined by the weather conditions and accessibility.
- The perfect time to visit is October to November since the weather is pleasant and the routes are clear.
- During these months, your trip can be enjoyable and much easier, with beautiful views to see.
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary ensures a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience. Below is a common itinerary followed by most devotees:
Day- 1 Haridwar to Barkot
Start your Chardham Yatra from Haridwar, a holy city. From there, travel 180 km to Barkot, where you can relax in comfortable hotels for the night.
Day- 2 Barkot to Yamunotri
In the morning travel from Barkot to Janki Chatti, and start the 6 km trek to Yamunotri. Pray, take a dip in the river Yamuna, visit nearby spots, and return to Barkot.
Day- 3 Barkot to Uttarkashi
Next, move to Uttarkashi from Barkot (82 km). Visit Prakateshwar Caves on the way, and explore Vishwanath Temple on arrival. Stay overnight at a cozy budget hotel.
Day- 4 Uttarkashi to Gangotri
Proceed to Gangotri Dham in the morning. Visit the temple, take a dip in the Ganges, and come back to Uttarkashi the same day.
Day- 5 Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Go to Guptkashi and stay overnight. Explore the beautiful town and visit the famous Ardh Narishwar temple in the evening.
Day- 6 Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Go to Sonprayag and take a local vehicle to Gaurikund. Start your trek to Kedarnath, the toughest of the Char Dham route, with stunning views on the way. Stay overnight at a nearby hotel.
Day -7 Depart for Rudraprayag
The next morning, visit the sacred Kedarnath temple. After the puja, trek back to Gaurikund and continue to Rudraprayag (72 km). You’ll have free time to explore Rudraprayag in the evening and stay overnight.
Day- 8 Badrinath
Go to Badrinath Dham in the morning. Take a dip in Tapt Kund, visit the temple, and see nearby spots. Join the evening aarti and stay overnight.
Day- 9 Back to Rudraprayag
The next morning, go back to Rudraprayag and rest at the hotel. You can spend the day exploring the town. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day- 10 Yatra ends Successfully
Go back to Haridwar or Rishikesh and continue your journey home with wonderful memories from the trip.
Chardham Yatra Route Map
The traditional route for the Char Dham Yatra follows this sequence:
Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath → Rudraprayag → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar.
Staying Options and Facilities
There are a lot of places to stay on the Chardham Yatra route, whether you are looking for budget lodges or luxury hotels. Many accommodations during the yatra offer food, medical facilities, and transportation.
- Accommodations Option in Yamunotri: Yamunotri Cottages, Kalindi Resort, Hotel Shivshakti.
- Accommodations Option in Gangotri: Harsil Retreat, Bhagirathi Palace, Shivalik.
- Accommodations Option in Kedarnath: Kedar Paradise, Aggarawal House, Gayatri Niwas, Bhola Surprise.
- Accommodations Option in Badrinath: Sarovar Portico, Narayan Palace, Amrit Tara, Hotel Yoga.
Travel Tips for Chardham Yatra
- Advance booking- Plan your trip in advance to book transport and hotels early.
- Start early morning- Begin your trip early in the morning so you don’t get stuck in crowds or face delays.
- Health check before travel- Check your health before traveling because Char Dham journey takes you to high mountains.
- Trek carefully- Walk slowly during the Kedarnath and Yamunotri treks and hire a pony or palanquin if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: What is the new token system at Badrinath? Where are tokens given? Do they cost anything?
Ans- There are three free token counters near the taxi stand in Badrinath. Tokens mention darshan time, and pilgrims must arrive 10-15 minutes early. Introduced in 2012 and this system reduces long waiting hours.
Q-2: From which locations can the trip start ?
Ans- Most people start their journey from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Q-3: How many days are enough to complete the Chardham Yatra?
Ans- The Char Dham Yatra takes around 10 to 12 days by road, depending on the weather and travel plans. If traveling by helicopter, it takes about 4 to 6 days. For a more relaxed journey, 12 to 14 days are best.
Q-4: Are there any hospitals or clinics on the way?
Ans- Medical help is available at different points on the Chardham Yatra route, but it's best to carry your own medicines and check with a doctor before starting the trip.
Conclusion
To complete the Chardham Yatra, proper preparation is necessary. Pilgrims can reach by flight, train, or road from places like Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun. Pilgrims can begin their journey in April or May, and it usually ends around Diwali in October or November. It takes about 10 to 12 days to complete by road while by helicopter it takes 4 to 6 days. Plan in advance by booking transport and hotels, start your journey in the morning and stay healthy for a smooth trip. Trekking is required for Yamunotri and Kedarnath. Be careful while walking or take a pony or palanquin if required. Medical help is available on the route but it is best to carry your own medicines. With proper planning and the right path pilgrims can easily complete this holy journey and enjoy the divine beauty of Char Dham Temples.
