The Char Dham Yatra refers to the four pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri Dham, Gangotri Dham, Kedarnath Dham, and Badrinath Dham. These sacred sites are located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand and receive a footfall of millions in a course of a year. Although very spiritually rewarding, the pilgrimage is rife with high-altitude and remote terrain challenges. Proper planning is needed for a safe and fulfilling journey. In this article, we’ll help you with how to prepare for the Char Dham Yatra, so that you can experience the divine trip in its full capacity!
The Char Dham, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is blessed to be known as the ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or the divine abode. The four temples mark the spiritual sources of the four divine rivers: Yamuna (at Yamunotri), the Ganga (at Gangotri), the Mandakini (at Kedarnath), and the Alaknanda (at Badrinath). The Badrinath temple worships Lord Vishnu, Kedarnath is the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Gangotri is dedicated to Mother Ganga, and Yamunotri is for the holy river goddess Yamuna.
As per Hindu mythology, it’s believed that a visit to these temples removes sins and frees one from the eternal cycle of life and death. If your soul hungers for Nirvana or Moksha, the Sanskrit words denoting eternal freedom from life and death, a visit to the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand bestows the same.
The abodes of the Gods are so divine that the spirituality here touches every soul that steps on this holy land. The air, the mountains, the snow, and the pilgrims with their chants of Om Namah Shivaya and Har Har Gange touch the deepest corners of the human heart. The sacred regions here knows no religious boundaries; it is pure submission to the higher self.
The Char Dham Yatra opens for devotees in April or early May and continues to stay open up to November. May to June are the peak times, as the weather is pleasant and makes for an excellent time for outdoor activities & pilgrimage. September to October is another great time for temple visits as the preceding monsoon leaves behind lush greenery and crisp air.
The Yatra during the monsoon is considered tricky, as the trekking paths become slippery due to rain. A risk of landslides is also there. From November to April, the Dhams are shut down owing to heavy snowfall, and therefore, the Yatra becomes impossible during this period.
There are some things you should take care of even before you start preparation for the actual Yatra:
Make sure you bring the following on the trip:
Tip: Try to only carry your essential items. Do not overpack, as it can become a burden while travelling to such high altitudes.
As per the state government of Uttarakhand, registration for the Char Dham Yatra is mandatory. This is done in order to better track the movement of the pilgrims across the hilly terrains and provide them with help should they need it. You can register yourself with the following simple procedure:
You can also register for the holy trip offline. There are various centres deployed at the following locations:
There are plenty of options for staying in and around the Char Dhams. Depending on the location, you can get a deluxe resort (Badrinath has a lot of them) or a camp with basic facilities (read Kedarnath)! Here’s a quick guide on what to expect in terms of your lodging options while you’re on your Yatra:
| Dham | Nearest Town | Accommodation Types |
| Yamunotri | Barkot and Janki Chatti | GMVN Tourist Bungalows, Dharamshalas, budget hotels, and homestays |
| Gangotri | Harsil and Gangotri town | GMVN rest houses, mid-range hotels, and forest rest houses |
| Kedarnath | Sonprayag and Gaurikund | Budget lodges, GMVN rooms, and basic private hotels |
| Kedarnath Base (Near Temple) | GMVN Tents, huts, and guest houses | |
| Badrinath | Badrinath Town | GMVN Badrinath, budget to deluxe hotels, and Dharamshalas |
Tip: Book your lodgings in advance as they quickly fill up, especially during the peak season.
A Char Dham Yatra usually lasts for 10-12 days. However, if you opt for a helicopter service, then it can be reduced to just 5-6 days. Here’s how a typical itinerary looks, involving trekking:
Day 1: Arrival at Haridwar. Local sightseeing and Ganga Aarti
Day 2: Haridwar → Barkot
Day 3: Barkot → Janki Chatti → Trek to Yamunotri (6 km) → Return to Barkot
Day 4: Barkot → Uttarkashi → Harsil
Day 5: Harsil → Gangotri Darshan → Return
Day 6: Uttarkashi → Guptkashi / Sitapur
Day 7: Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Trek to Kedarnath (16–18 km)
Day 8: Kedarnath Darshan → Return to Guptkashi
Day 9: Guptkashi → Badrinath via Joshimath
Day 10: Badrinath Darshan → Return to Haridwar
A charter service is another great option to complete your sacred trip. It’s convenient, it’s swift, and most importantly, it has a luxurious touch to it! Now, you can take the helicopter in two ways: either for all the Char Dhams (which costs over a lakh) or just for the Kedarnath trip (prices around INR five thousand), one of the most difficult Dhams to reach.
You can reach the Char Dhams via the following ways:
Here’s the Route Map:
Here are some tips that you might find useful for your trip to the holy sites:
Only Sattvic (free of onion and garlic), pure vegetarian food is available at Char Dhams. Consuming non-vegetarian meals or alcohol is strictly prohibited. You also get Langar service and GMVN food outlets at various key stops.
The hilly terrains have a very weak connectivity. However, Jio and BSNL work best in these terrains. Internet connectivity is spotty, at best. It’s ideal if you keep your loved ones informed about your location, especially in no-signal zones.
Many travellers, including family or group travellers, prefer to visit the Himalayas through packages. Although planning the tour and its intricacies yourself can be exciting, tour packages simplify the process. They offer ready-made arrangements so you can enjoy your spiritual trip without worrying about basic things like food, lodging, and transfers. There are two options for Char Dham Yatra Packages, as mentioned below:
We have been in the business of pilgrimage tours for several years now. And curating Char Dham trips, we have left a string of happy customers behind. Our itineraries are handled by travel experts who ensure proper rest and acclimatization so that the devotees can enjoy their spiritual journey in a comfortable way. With our tour plans, you get timely, reliable and quality service – supported by a number of customer testimonies.
Here is an average price idea for the Char Dham Tour Package:
You can also request tailor-made tour packages. We are adept at providing the best travel experience for travelers who visit this picturesque land in pursuit of the divine.
So, despite being in the digital age, the divine call of the Char Dhams still resonates with souls alike.
Written By
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