What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — is the holiest pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. Hindus believe that completing this sacred circuit washes away all sins and leads to moksha (liberation). The four shrines are nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at altitudes between 3,100m and 3,583m, each dedicated to a different deity.
Best Time to Visit
The temples open in late April or early May (exact dates announced annually based on the Hindu calendar) and close in November after Diwali. The best months are May–June for pleasant weather and September–October for clear post-monsoon skies and thinner crowds.
Avoid the monsoon months of July–August due to heavy rainfall, landslide risk on mountain roads, and swollen rivers that make the Kedarnath trek dangerous.
The Complete 12-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Delhi to Yamunotri. Drive from Delhi to Barkot (320 km, 9 hrs). Next morning, drive to Janki Chatti and trek 6 km to Yamunotri temple. Visit the sacred Surya Kund hot spring and Divya Shila rock.
Days 3–4: Yamunotri to Gangotri. Drive to Uttarkashi (110 km, 4 hrs), then continue to Gangotri (100 km, 3 hrs). Visit the Gangotri temple where the Bhagirathi River (Ganges) originates from the Gaumukh glacier.
Days 5–7: Gangotri to Kedarnath. Long drive to Guptkashi via Rudraprayag (300 km, 10 hrs). From Gaurikund, trek 16 km to Kedarnath or take a helicopter from Phata (7 minutes). Morning darshan at the 8th-century Kedarnath temple.
Days 8–10: Kedarnath to Badrinath. Trek/fly back to Gaurikund, then drive to Badrinath (230 km, 8 hrs). Visit Badrinath temple, Tapt Kund hot springs, Mana Village (India's last village before Tibet), and Vasudhara Falls.
Days 11–12: Badrinath to Delhi. Return drive via Joshimath, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Registration & Permits
Biometric registration is mandatory for all Char Dham pilgrims. You can register at official counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh, or online at the Uttarakhand Devasthanam Board portal. Our packages include complete registration handling for all guests.
Kedarnath Helicopter Booking
Helicopter slots from Phata and Sirsi helipads fill up 3–4 months in advance during peak season (May–June). We handle all helicopter bookings for our clients — contact us early for guaranteed availability.
Packing Essentials
- Warm layers (even in summer — temperatures drop to 5°C at night)
- Waterproof jacket and trekking shoes
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV sunglasses
- Basic medicines (Diamox for altitude, painkillers, digestive tablets)
- Sufficient cash (ATMs unreliable beyond Joshimath and Guptkashi)
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar or passport for registration)
Budget & Pricing
Our all-inclusive Char Dham Yatra package starts at ₹18,500 per person for 12 days/11 nights — including AC transport, verified 3-star hotels, all meals, experienced guide, puja arrangements at each temple, and 24/7 trip support. View the full package.