Yatra guides

Char Dham Yatra Registration: Step-by-Step Guide

Registration is mandatory and free for every pilgrim visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath or Badrinath. Register on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal or its mobile app with a photo ID for each person, choose your dhams and dates, and carry the registration letter with its QR code. It is checked on the route.

5 min read

Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates

The four shrines open between late April and mid-May and close around Diwali and in mid-November. For 2026, Kedarnath and Yamunotri close on Bhai Dooj (11 November) and Badrinath is expected to close around 13 November. The 2027 opening dates will be announced on Basant Panchami (Badrinath), Maha Shivratri (Kedarnath) and Akshaya Tritiya (Yamunotri and Gangotri).

4 min read

Char Dham Yatra Cost Breakdown

The cost of a Char Dham Yatra depends mainly on four things: the vehicle (and how many people share it), the hotel category, the number of nights, and on-route extras such as ponies, palkis and helicopters. Ask for a per-person quote that names every hotel and lists exactly what is excluded.

5 min read

Char Dham Yatra Packing List

Pack for cold mornings, rain and long walks, even in May and June: layered warm clothing, a rain poncho, broken-in walking shoes, your medicines, the photo ID used for registration, and some cash. Keep a small daypack for the Kedarnath and Yamunotri walks.

3 min read

Kedarnath Trek Guide: Gaurikund to the Temple

The Kedarnath trek is about 16 km each way on a paved, well-supported trail from Gaurikund (around 1,980 m) to the temple (3,583 m). Most people take 6 to 9 hours to walk up and 4 to 6 hours to come down. Start early, carry warm layers and rain gear, and stay the night at Kedarnath if you can.

7 min read

Vaishno Devi Yatra Guide

The walk to Mata Vaishno Devi's holy cave is about 12 km from Katra on a paved, lit path open around the clock. Get your free RFID yatra card online or at Katra, start the yatra within the time allowed, and finish with darshan at the Bhairon temple. Helicopter and ropeway tickets are sold only through the Shrine Board.

6 min read

Temple Etiquette in India for First-Time Visitors

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove your footwear before entering, don't take photographs inside the sanctum, accept prasad with your right hand, and follow the queue and the priests' instructions. A few temples admit only Hindus to the inner sanctum.

4 min read