Char Dham Yatra Guide: Route, Registration & Itinerary

Quick answer

The Char Dham Yatra visits four Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — usually open from late April/May to October/November. The full circuit takes about 10–12 days by road (or 1–2 days by helicopter). Registration is mandatory. The best months are May–June and September–October.

The Char Dham Yatra is one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimages, through spectacular Himalayan scenery. It also involves real logistics — treks, altitude, permits and weather. Here's how to plan a comfortable, well-organised Char Dham Yatra.

What is the Char Dham?

Uttarakhand's “Chota Char Dham” comprises four sacred sites in the Garhwal Himalayas. Pilgrims traditionally visit them in a set order — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, then Badrinath — completing a spiritually significant circuit.

The four dhams

Yamunotri — source of the Yamuna; a ~6 km trek from Janki Chatti.
Gangotri — source of the Ganga; road-accessible.
Kedarnath — the Shiva shrine at ~3,580 m; a ~16–18 km trek from Gaurikund, or by helicopter.
Badrinath — the Vishnu shrine; road-accessible.

Route & itinerary

Days	Plan
10–12	Full Char Dham by road from Haridwar/Dehradun
5–6	Do Dham (Kedarnath + Badrinath)
1–2	Char Dham by helicopter from Dehradun

See our Do Dham guide and helicopter yatra guide for faster options.

Registration & permits

Char Dham registration is mandatory for all pilgrims (via the Uttarakhand tourism system). We complete registrations, biometric/health requirements where applicable, and all bookings for you.

Getting there

The yatra usually begins from Haridwar or Dehradun (nearest airport: Dehradun/Jolly Grant). Kedarnath requires a trek, pony, palki or helicopter from Gaurikund/Phata — see how to reach Kedarnath.

Best time

May–June and September–October, avoiding the July–August monsoon. See best time for Char Dham.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Char Dham Yatra?

It is the pilgrimage to four sacred Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — traditionally visited in that order.

How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?

About 10–12 days by road from Haridwar or Dehradun; the Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) takes 5–6 days, and a helicopter yatra can be done in 1–2 days.

Is registration mandatory for Char Dham?

Yes — Char Dham registration through the Uttarakhand tourism system is mandatory for all pilgrims; we complete it for you.

In what order should the Char Dham be visited?

Traditionally Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.

Do I have to trek for the Char Dham?

Yamunotri (~6 km) and Kedarnath (~16–18 km) involve treks; ponies, palki and (for Kedarnath) helicopters are available. Gangotri and Badrinath are road-accessible.

When does the Char Dham open and close?

The shrines usually open around late April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and close around October/November (Diwali/Bhai Dooj); exact dates are announced each year.

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The Complete Char Dham Yatra Guide