What are the four Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand?

The four Dhams are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

How many days are needed for Char Dham Yatra?

A comfortable journey generally requires around 10–12 days, although shorter and longer itineraries are possible.

Which Dham is visited first?

The traditional route generally begins with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Which Char Dham requires the longest trek?

Kedarnath involves the longest major trek among the four, while Yamunotri also requires a significant uphill walk.

Is Char Dham Yatra difficult?

The journey can be physically demanding because of long road journeys, high altitude, trekking and unpredictable Himalayan weather.

Can senior citizens undertake Char Dham Yatra?

Yes, but they should assess their fitness beforehand, especially because Yamunotri and Kedarnath involve trekking.

Char Dham Yatra – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage journeys. The traditional Char Dham circuit takes pilgrims to four sacred Himalayan temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Each temple has its own spiritual significance and is located in a different Himalayan valley. Yamunotri is associated with Goddess Yamuna, Gangotri with Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath with Lord Shiva and Badrinath with Lord Vishnu.

The journey is much more than visiting four temples. It takes travellers deep into the Garhwal Himalayas, through mountain roads, river valleys, forests and remote villages. For devotees, the journey represents faith and spiritual purification. For travellers, it offers an opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes and cultural traditions of Uttarakhand.

Yamunotri – The Source of Devotion

Yamunotri is the first major destination of the traditional Char Dham route.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is located in the beautiful Bandarpoonch region of the Himalayas.

The final approach to the temple requires a trek from the roadhead at Janki Chatti.
The route passes through mountain scenery and follows the Yamuna Valley.
The temple and surrounding natural hot springs add a unique character to the pilgrimage.

Gangotri – The Sacred Origin of the Ganga

Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
The temple sits beside the Bhagirathi River and is surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Gangotri is deeply connected with the story of the descent of the River Ganga to Earth. Pilgrims visit the temple and the river to offer prayers and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Kedarnath – The Sacred Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath is the third major destination of the Char Dham circuit. Located at around 3,583 metres, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is one of the most physically demanding sections of the Char Dham Yatra. The combination of devotion and Himalayan scenery makes this part of the pilgrimage particularly memorable.

Badrinath – The Final Dham

Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is traditionally regarded as the final destination of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple lies beside the Alaknanda River. Pilgrims can also explore nearby attractions such as Mana Village, Vyas Cave and Ganesh Cave depending on the available time and current accessibility.

Best Time for Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham temples are located at high elevations and generally operate during a limited pilgrimage season. The main season usually falls between late April/May and October/November, with exact opening and closing dates determined annually.

May and June are popular months, while September and October can offer clearer mountain views after the monsoon. The monsoon season can cause heavy rainfall, landslides and road disruptions, so travellers should check the latest conditions before starting the journey.

Char Dham Yatra Difficulty

The complete Char Dham Yatra is a moderate to challenging pilgrimage.

Yamunotri and Kedarnath require trekking, while Gangotri and Badrinath are accessible by road. The combination of long road journeys, altitude, weather changes and trekking makes physical preparation important. Travellers should avoid rushing and allow enough time for rest and acclimatisation.

How to Reach Char Dham

Most Char Dham journeys begin from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.

Haridwar and Rishikesh are well connected by rail and road, while Dehradun has an airport.

From these cities, travellers continue through the Garhwal Himalayas by road.

The traditional route generally progresses through Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Final Thoughts

The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey to four temples. It is a spiritual experience that brings together faith, peace, and self-discovery in the heart of the Himalayas. From Yamunotri to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, every part of the journey offers a new story and a unique spiritual experience.

The silence of the mountains, the sound of flowing rivers, and the devotional atmosphere of the temples make every moment of the Char Dham Yatra unforgettable. Although the journey can be physically demanding, it also brings a sense of inner peace that is difficult to describe in words.

If you want to experience Uttarakhand not only as a tourist destination but also through its spiritual and cultural essence, the Char Dham Yatra is a journey you will remember for a lifetime.

Jai Maa Yamuna. Jai Maa Ganga. Har Har Mahadev. Jai Badri Vishal.

Highlights

Visit all four sacred Himalayan Dhams
Seek blessings at Yamunotri Temple
Visit the origin region associated with the sacred River Yamuna
Experience Gangotri Temple and the Bhagirathi Valley
Visit the revered Kedarnath Temple
Experience the high-altitude Kedarnath trek
Seek blessings at Badrinath Temple
Explore Mana Village
Witness the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas
Complete one of India's most significant pilgrimage circuits

Day 01 :

HARIDWAR – BARKOT

On your arrivalat Haridwar, ExploreRaahein Travels representative will pick you from the station or bus stop. Our agent will come to receive you and guide you about the tour details. Then you will start your touring from Haridwar to Barkot via Dehradun and Mussoorie. Enroute you Kempty falls and other sight attractions. Later you will reach Barkot. Once you reached there, check into the pre-booked hotel. Take rest overnight in the hotel.

Day 02 :

BARKOT – YAMUNOTRI – BARKOT

On the nextdaymorning post breakfast, start moving towards Yamunotri. When you started from Barkot first you will reach Jankichatti/ Phoolchatti from where you will start 6km trekking to reach Yamunotri. You can also choose horse ride or ponis for your own preference to reach Yamunotri without walking too much. Yamunotri is the shrine of goddess Yamuna. Here you can enjoy the darshan of goddess and get blessing of maa. Here you will explore Yamunotri temple, Divya Shila, Surya Kund and many other places in and around the temple. Take the cooked rice Prasad and return back to Jankichatti before evening. Then you will drive back to Barkot. Take rest overnight in the hotel.

Day 03 :

BARKOT – UTTARKASHI

On the 3rdday morning post breakfast, start moving towards Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is situated 80 km away from Barkot which will take 2-3 hr by road to reach. Once you reached Uttarkashi, check into the pre-booked hotel. After freshen up in the hotel, visit the famous Vishwanath temple for getting the blessing of god. Later, return to hotel for night stay.

Day 04 :

UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI – UTTARKASHI

On the next day morningpost breakfast, start moving towards Gangotri from Uttarkashi. Gangotri is situated 100 km away from Uttarkashi which will take 2-3 hr by road to reach. En-route you will witness the majestic Himalayan mountain range, Harsil village and the beautiful Bhagirathi River. Later you will reach the Gangotri Temple. Gangotri temple is the abode of goddess Ganga. Here you will witness Gangotri temple, surya kund, Bhagirath Shila etc. Return to Uttarkashi during evening. Take rest in the hotel overnight.

Day 05 :

UTTARKASHI - GUPTKASHI

On the 5th dayof your tripafter enjoyingdelicious breakfast in the hotel, start touring to Guptkashi. Guptkashi is situated 197km away from Uttarkashi which will take 7-8hr by road to reach. While driving towards Guptkashi you will see the captivating Mandakini River at Tilwara. After reaching Guptkashi, check into the prebooked hotel. Overnight Stay in Hotel

Day 06 :

GUPTKASHI – KEDARNATH

On the6th day of your trip after enjoying delicious breakfast in the hotel, start touring to Kedarnath. You need to travel 30km to Sonprayag and then you need to cover 20km trek route to reach the destination of Kedarnath. First you will travel to Sonprayag from Guptkashi. Basically the trek route starts from there. Don’t forget to carry all your personal belongings like medicines, warm clothes, toiletries and first aid etc.while trekking to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is the dwelling of Lord Shiva. Here you will witness 12 famous jyotirlings of Lord Shiva. Here you will explore Kedarnath temple, Chorabari Tal, Ghorabari Glacier and many more. Enjoy overnight stay in Kedarnath Dham

Day 07 :

KEDARNATH - GUPTKASHI

Startyour day Early. In Morning go for Darshan at Kedarnath Shrine. Take a moment to breathe in the spiritual aura of this place and witness the scenic beauty of Garhwal Himalayan Range. Surrounding the temple which will give a feeling that it is indeed Shiva's abode. After Darshan,Take Breakfast & trek down to Gaurikund. Reach Sonprayag, Have Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08 :

BADRINATH

On the next day Get upearlymorning after having breakfast Proceed towards badrinath dham Badrinath temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu/Badri. It is wellknown one of the most notorious dham amongst chardham. Visit Pandukeshwar Have Dinner, Enjoy overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 09 :

BADRINATH - SHRINAGAR - RUDRAPRAYAG

Getup early in the morning Have breakfastDrivetowards Shrinagar which is located 182km away which takes 5-6hr by road. After reaching Shrinagar you can take short break then drive to Rudraprayag which is just 32km away from Shrinagar and takes 55min to reach there by road. Rest in night

Day 10 :

RUDRAPRAG- SHRINAGAR- HARIDWAR

Getup early in the morning HavebreakfastDrive8AM towards Shrinagar which is located 55km away which takes 32min by road. After reaching Shrinagar you can take short break then drive to Haridwar which is just 128km away from Srinagar and takes 1Hour 30min to reach there by road. Reach the Haridwar final destination.