Char Dham Yatra packages
Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar
Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar
Char Dham Yatra from Delhi
Delhi → Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar → Delhi
Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter
Dehradun → Kharsali (Yamunotri) → Harsil (Gangotri) → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Dehradun
Private Charter Char Dham Yatra
Dehradun → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Dehradun
Char Dham for Senior Citizens
Gentle pace · Rest days · Palki and helicopter options
Do Dham Yatra
Kedarnath · Badrinath
What is the Char Dham Yatra?
In Uttarakhand, Char Dham means the four shrines of the Garhwal Himalaya: Yamunotri (Goddess Yamuna), Gangotri (Goddess Ganga), Kedarnath (Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu as Badri Narayan). It is often called the Chota Char Dham to tell it apart from the all-India Char Dham of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram established by Adi Shankaracharya.
Tradition takes pilgrims from west to east: Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, ending at Badrinath. This order also makes sense on the map, so every package we run follows it.
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?
| Way of travel | Typical duration | Starts from | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| By road | 10 nights / 11 days | Haridwar or Rishikesh | Most families and groups |
| By road from Delhi | 11 nights / 12 days | Delhi | Pilgrims flying or training into Delhi |
| Shared helicopter | 5 nights / 6 days | Dehradun (Sahastradhara) | Short on time, limited walking |
| Private charter | 2–5 days | Dehradun | Families wanting privacy and flexible timing |
We don't recommend squeezing the road yatra below 9 nights. Hill drives are slow, Kedarnath needs a full day each way, and a rest day protects you from altitude sickness. See the day-by-day Haridwar itinerary.
Best time for the Char Dham Yatra
| Month | Conditions | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| Late April – May | Shrines open; cool days, cold nights; peak crowds | Good, book early |
| June | Warmer, very busy until school holidays end | Good with a firm plan |
| July – August | Monsoon; landslide risk on hill roads | Only with flexible dates |
| September | Rains ease, clear views, fewer pilgrims | Excellent |
| October – early November | Crisp and clear; cold nights; shrines close after Diwali | Excellent until closing |
Opening dates are announced each year. Badrinath's date is fixed on Basant Panchami, Kedarnath's on Maha Shivratri, and Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya. Read our opening and closing dates guide.
Char Dham registration is mandatory
Every pilgrim, of every age, must register with the Uttarakhand government before the yatra. Registration is free and is checked at points along the route. We complete it for our guests using the details and ID you share with us. If you're travelling on your own, follow our step-by-step registration guide.
How much does the Char Dham Yatra cost?
The cost depends mostly on the vehicle, hotel category, group size and whether you add a helicopter or pony at Kedarnath. A family of four sharing one vehicle pays far less per person than a couple travelling alone. We quote a clear per-person price with every hotel named, so you can compare quotes properly.
- Road packages: priced by tier (Standard, Deluxe, Premium) and group size
- On-route extras: pony, palki or pithu at Yamunotri and Kedarnath are paid at government-fixed rates at the counters
- Helicopter packages: priced per seat and confirmed only once the operator releases the schedule
See the full Char Dham Yatra cost breakdown.
Fitness, altitude and health
Kedarnath is at 3,583 m and the walk from Gaurikund is about 16 km uphill. Yamunotri needs a walk of about 6 km. Gangotri and Badrinath can be reached by road. Start walking daily a month before you travel, carry your regular medicines and a prescription, and tell us about any heart, lung or blood pressure condition so we can plan rest days.
- Ponies, palkis and pithus are available for those who cannot walk
- Drink water often, avoid alcohol and climb slowly
- Headache, breathlessness at rest or confusion means descend and see a doctor; health posts are run along the Kedarnath route
Planning for parents? Read the Char Dham Yatra for senior citizens page.
What to pack for Char Dham
- Warm layers: thermal inners, fleece, a down or padded jacket, woollen cap and gloves, even in May
- A light rain jacket and a poncho
- Broken-in walking shoes with grip, plus slippers for temple queues
- Government photo ID (the same one used for registration)
- Personal medicines, a small first-aid kit, sunscreen and lip balm
- Some cash: ATMs are unreliable above Guptkashi and Uttarkashi
See the full Char Dham packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the correct order of Char Dham Yatra?
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath, travelling west to east. This follows tradition and is also the most efficient route by road.
How many days are needed for Char Dham Yatra?
Plan 10 nights / 11 days from Haridwar by road, or 11 nights / 12 days from Delhi. By shared helicopter it takes 5 nights / 6 days from Dehradun.
Is registration compulsory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register with the Uttarakhand government. Registration is free and is checked on the route. We handle it for our guests.
Can senior citizens do the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Gangotri and Badrinath can be reached by road. For Kedarnath and Yamunotri, ponies, palkis or a Kedarnath helicopter shuttle reduce the walking. We add rest days and keep drives shorter for older pilgrims.
When does Char Dham Yatra start in 2027?
Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya, usually late April or early May. Kedarnath's and Badrinath's dates are announced on Maha Shivratri and Basant Panchami. We update this page as soon as the dates are declared.
Is it safe to do Char Dham Yatra in monsoon?
July and August bring landslides and road closures. Travel is possible, but keep two or three buffer days and follow official advisories. We recommend September and October instead.
Do you provide Char Dham packages from other cities?
Yes. Most pilgrims start from Haridwar or Delhi, but we arrange pickups from Dehradun airport, Rishikesh and railway stations. Tell us your city on WhatsApp and we will plan the connection.
Keep planning
Last updated 6 October 2026