The Sacred Journey of a Lifetime
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most auspicious religious Yatra in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, the auspicious Char Dham Yatra should start from west to east, in a clockwise direction — a sacred sequence that mirrors the divine order of the universe. The journey begins at Yamunotri after snan and Puja, moves to Gangotri snan and takes Jal for Kedarnath Abhishek, then ascends to Kedarnath and does the Jal Abhishek to Kedarnath ji, and finally concludes at Badrinath darsan— the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Char Dham Yatra is one of India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages, with millions of devotees every year between April and May and October and November. located in the mighty Himalayas, these four shrines are not just temples — they are gateways to divinity, each of which holds age-old faith, mythology, and natural splendour.
New- from this year, 2026 Winter Char Dham Yatra — A New Beginning with the blessing of Shri Sankarachaya Swami Abhimukteshwaranand ji, Uttarakhand Tourism is now proudly promoting the Winter Char Dham Yatra, where the deities move to their winter abodes. Devotees can take blessings at Kharsali (Yamunotri), Mukhba (Gangotri), Ukhimath (Kedarnath), and Joshimath (Badrinath) — making this a year-round spiritual experience.
| Temple | Distance | Key Landmark |
|---|---|---|
| 🟡 Yamunotri Temple | 226 km from Rishikesh | Source of the River Yamuna |
| 🔵 Gangotri Temple | 97 km from Uttarkashi | Origin of the River Ganga |
| 🔴 Kedarnath Temple | 223 km from Rishikesh | Highest Jyotirlinga |
| 🟢 Badrinath Temple | 286 km from Rishikesh / 48 km from Joshimath | Abode of Lord Vishnu |
Delhi → Haridwar 📍 210 km | ⏱ ~5 hours Your gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. Take a Ganga snan and attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri before proceeding.
Haridwar → Barkot 📍 192 km | ⏱ ~6-7 hours Barkot is the base camp for Yamunotri. Overnight stay recommended.
Barkot → Yamunotri (1st Dham) 📍 38 km drive + 7 km trek. The trek to Yamunotri is a soul-stirring journey through forests and mountain streams. Heli service, Palkis and ponies are available for those who need assistance.
Barkot → Uttarkashi 📍 82km | ⏱ ~3 hours Uttarkashi is a key overnight stop en route to Gangotri.
Uttarkashi → Gangotri (2nd Dham) 📍 97 km | ⏱ ~3:30 hours The drive along the Bhagirathi River is peaceful. Gangotri is the origin of the holy Ganga.
Uttarkashi → Rudraprayag 📍 208 km | ⏱ ~7 hours Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers — a spiritually powerful stop.
Rudraprayag → Kedarnath (3rd Dham) 📍 74 km drive + 28 km trek (new route) One of the most dramatic treks in India, ending at the ancient stone temple of Lord Shiva at 3,583m altitude. Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi.
Rudraprayag → Badrinath (4th Dham) 📍 222 km | ⏱ ~7 hours The final and most revered Dham. Lord Badri’s blessings and the Holi char dham yatra get completed.
Badrinath → Rishikesh 📍 286 km | ⏱ ~9-10 hours The return journey. Many pilgrims stop at Devprayag to witness the Sangam of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
Rishikesh → Delhi 📍 230 km | ⏱ ~5 hours
Dhari Devi- Dhari Devi is the protector of char Dhams, so one must offer prayer in the temple of Ma Dhari Devi.
From Delhi to Delhi, the Char Dham yatra takes 12 days (if you have a helicopter booking for Kedarnath, it takes 11 days). Days can be adjusted based on your pace, health, and devotion.
Day 1 — Delhi to Haridwar 📍 223 km | ~4.5 hours drive Depart early from Delhi and arrive in Haridwar by afternoon. Check in and freshen up. In the evening, attend the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Day 2 — Haridwar to Barkot 📍 192 km | ~6-7 hours drive An early start is essential. The road winds through the hills, offering your first real taste of Uttarakhand’s landscapes. Barkot is your overnight stay — a quiet mountain town that serves as the base for Yamunotri Dham.
Day 3 — Barkot to Yamunotri & Back to Barkot (1st Dham) 📍 38 km drive to Janki Chatti + 7 km trek Drive to Janki Chatti and start the trek to Yamunotri Temple — the source of the sacred Yamuna River. Attend the aarti at the temple, dip rice and potatoes in the hot kund (natural hot spring), and seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. Return to Barkot for an overnight stay.
Day 4 — Barkot to Uttarkashi 📍 82 km | ~4 hours drive Drive to Uttarkashi — a prominent town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Visit the Vishwanath Temple (Kashi or north)in Uttarkashi if time permits. Rest well, as tomorrow’s drive takes you to Gangotri.
Day 5 — Uttarkashi to Gangotri & Back to Uttarkashi (2nd Dham) 📍 97 km | ~4 hours drive Drive along the stunning Bhagirathi valley to reach Gangotri — the origin of the holy River Ganga. Attend the morning aarti, take a holy dip at Surya Kund, and offer prayers at the Gangotri Temple. Return to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay.
Day 6 — Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag 📍 208 km | ~7–8 hours drive A longer driving day through the mountains. Rudraprayag is a sacred confluence town and one of the Panch Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. Take the rest — tomorrow is the most physically demanding day of the Yatra.
Day 7 — Rudraprayag to Kedarnath (3rd Dham) 📍 70 km drive to Gaurikund + 18 km trek (new route) Start before dawn. Drive to Gaurikund and begin the 20 km trek to Kedarnath — the highest Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. offer prayers and Jal abhishek, and if possible, attend the evening Rudra Abhishek. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Day 8 — Kedarnath to Rudraprayag 📍 20 km trek down + 70 km drive, attend the morning aarti at Kedarnath temple before coming back. Drive back to Rudraprayag for an overnight stay.
Day 9 — Rudraprayag to Badrinath (4th Dham) 📍 154 km | ~5–6 hours drive The road to Badrinath passes through Joshimath —take a pause and dont forgot the Darasand of Jyotirmath and do darshan and get blessing from Jagatguru Sankaracharya. Arrive at Badrinath, the most revered of the four Dhams. Attend the evening Aarti at the Badrinath Temple. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 10 — Badrinath Darshan & Drive to Rudraprayag / Srinagar (Garhwal) Attend the early morning Abhishek and Aarti at Badrinath — the most auspicious time for darshan. Begin your return journey and drive towards Rudraprayag or Srinagar (Garhwal) for an overnight stay.
Day 11 — Srinagar (Garhwal) to Rishikesh / Haridwar 📍 ~106–130 km | ~4–5 hours Drive down to Rishikesh or Haridwar. Stop at Devprayag to witness the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers — where the Ganga truly begins. Attend the evening aarti in Rishikesh or Haridwar. Your Char Dham Yatra is now complete. 🙏
Day 12 — Haridwar / Rishikesh to Delhi 📍 215–239 km | ~6 hours Return to Delhi with a heart full of blessings and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Char Dham temples open in April–May and close in October–November each year, following the Hindu calendar. Here is the best time for each Dham:
| Dham | Temple Opens | Temple Closes | Best Month to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟡 Yamunotri | Akshaya Tritiya (Apr–May) | Diwali (Oct–Nov) | May & September |
| 🔵 Gangotri | Akshaya Tritiya (Apr–May) | Diwali (Oct–Nov) | May & September–October |
| 🔴 Kedarnath | Shivratri / May | Kartik Purnima (Nov) | May & September |
| 🟢 Badrinath | Akshaya Tritiya (Apr–May) | Kartik Purnima (Nov) | May & September–October |
April – June (Peak Season) The most popular time for Yatra. The weather is pleasant, temples are freshly opened, and the mountains are alive with snow-capped peaks and blooming rhododendrons. Book everything in advance, this season is for the highest footfall.
July – August (Monsoon Season), this is the peak season of rainfall. While the landscapes are lush and green, there is a risk of landslides and road blockages. Travel with caution and keep buffer days in your itinerary.
September – October (Ideal Season) is the best time for the Char Dham Yatra. The monsoon is over, skies are crystal clear, crowds thin out, and the Himalayan views are at their most spectacular. Highly recommended for first-time pilgrims.
November onwards (Winter / Closing) Temples close for winter. The Winter Char Dham Yatra begins — deities are moved to their winter abodes at Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath, and Joshimath.
Packing right can make the difference between a comfortable pilgrimage and an avoidable struggle. Here is everything you need:
Night Driving Restriction: Driving is not permitted between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Plan accordingly and book stays in advance during peak season.
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