"The Four Sacred Abodes"
Char Dham Yatra Tourism
Char Dham, which translates to "four abodes," holds significant spiritual prominence in India. Located in the majestic state of Uttarakhand, this pilgrimage circuit encompasses four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these destinations is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology and offers solace to millions of devotees who embark on the journey every year.
It's essential to differentiate between the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, often referred to as 'Chota Char Dham', and the larger, all-India Char Dham pilgrimage. The all-India Char Dham includes Badrinath in the North, Puri in the East, Rameswaram in the South, and Dwarka in the West. While both circuits are of great religious significance, the Chota Char Dham primarily focuses on sites within Uttarakhand and is the most popular among pilgrims.
Yamunotri, the first stop in the circuit, is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. It marks the origin of the sacred Yamuna River. Devotees pay homage at the temple and also take a dip in the thermal springs nearby, believed to purify the soul. Following Yamunotri is Gangotri, a shrine dedicated to the goddess Ganga. This site marks the origin of the holy Ganges River, and like Yamunotri, it holds great significance in the purification rites of the Hindu religion.
Kedarnath, the third destination, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is accessible through a trek, making the journey both spiritual and adventurous. The last of the quartet, Badrinath, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. With the Neelkanth peak forming a captivating backdrop, the temple's vibrant architecture and its legendary tales of Lord Vishnu's penance make it a fitting conclusion to the Char Dham Yatra.
The pilgrimage is not just a test of devotion but also of endurance, as the terrains can be challenging. However, with the recent developments and facilities, the journey has become more accessible to a wider range of devotees. During the winter season, from late November to April, the temples remain shut because of significant snowfall. They typically reopen in May, based on the prevailing weather conditions. Hence, the ideal time to embark on the Char Dham Yatra is between May to October, avoiding the monsoon and extreme winter months.
Must Know Before You Travel to Char Dham Yatra
- Visit the official website dedicated to Char Dham Yatra registration. https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
- Fill in the required details, including personal information, ID proof, and the proposed date of visit.
- After filling in the details, you will be required to upload a scanned copy of an ID proof like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport.
- After successful registration, you will receive a Registration Number. Keep this number handy as it will be required for future references.
- Print the Yatra e-pass, which will be generated after successful registration.
- Biometric registration counters are available at prominent locations, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and a few more starting points of the Yatra.
- You will need to fill a form and provide a photo identity card at these counters.
- Once your details are verified, you will be issued a Yatra pass.
- The registration is free of cost.
- Make sure to carry the original ID proof (the same one used for registration) during the Yatra.
- Registration is essential for everyone, irrespective of age.
- It's recommended to register well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and to get a preferred date for the Yatra.
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Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar
- Begin your spiritual sojourn in the holy city of Haridwar.
- Participate in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
- Drive to Barkot, with a brief halt at Mussoorie's famous Kempty Falls.
- Evening arrival at Barkot.
- Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri and back
- Early morning drive to Jankichatti, followed by a trek to Yamunotri.
Note: Buses/taxis can be taken to Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti. From Janki Chatti, it's a 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple. Earlier, the trek used to start from Hanuman Chatti, which made it a 13 km trek, but with the construction of the road up to Janki Chatti, the trek has been shortened. Pilgrims can undertake this trek on foot or hire ponies or palanquins.
- Offer prayers at the Yamunotri Temple.
- Return trek to Jankichatti and drive back to Barkot.
- Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Drive to Uttarkashi.
- Visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
- Early morning drive to Gangotri.
Note: Direct buses/taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other major towns. However, if pilgrims wish to visit the actual source of the Ganges, Gaumukh, there's a 19 km trek from Gangotri.
- Attend rituals and prayers at the Gangotri Temple.
- Return drive to Uttarkashi.
- Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Enjoy the scenic drive to Guptkashi.
- Visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Morning drive to Gaurikund, followed by a trek to Kedarnath. Alternatively opt for a Helicopter services.
Read more on Kedarnath by Helicopter
- Participate in the evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple.
- Overnight stay near the temple.
Day 8: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
- Return trek to Gaurikund.
- Drive back to Guptkashi.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 9: Guptkashi to Badrinath
- Drive to Badrinath via Joshimath.
- Attend the evening aarti at Badrinath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
- Explore Mana Village and Tapt Kund.
- Drive to Rudraprayag.
- Overnight stay in Rudraprayag.
Day 11: Rudraprayag to Haridwar
- Return drive to Haridwar.
- Evening at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 12: Departure from Haridwar
- Morning sightseeing or relaxation.
- Departure to onward destination in the afternoon. Train from Haridwar Railway Station or flight from Jolly Grant Airport.
Chota Char Dham & All India Char Dham
Chota Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand Circuit)
The Chota Char Dham route covers the span of Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath. Suppose you wish to undertake a road trip to the holy sites. In that case, a route map from Delhi will follow the course of Delhi-Haridwar-Barkot-Yamunotri-Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Guptakashi-Kedarnath-Badrinath-Rishikesh-Delhi.
The total distance covered will be 1,607 km. Please remember that driving in the hills is not allowed between 8:00 PM and 04:00 AM. So, you need to plan and look for stay options accordingly. The entire route is well-equipped, with plenty of comfortable lodging options for every budget. A suggested detailed route map will look like the one below.
Delhi-Yamunotri-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath-Delhi Route Map
| Stretch |
Distance | Driving Duration |
| Delhi to Haridwar | 210 km | 6 hours |
| Haridwar to Barkot | 220 km | 7 hours |
| Barkot to Yamunotri | 36 km (drive) + 7 Kms by trek | Varies as per the trek |
| Barkot to Uttarkashi | 100 km | 4 hours |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri | 100 km | 4 hours |
| Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag | 180 km | 7-8 hours |
| Rudraprayag to Kedarnath | 74 kms (drive) + 20 kms trek (New Route) | Varies as per the trek |
| Rudraprayag to Badrinath | 160 km | 6-7 hours |
| Badrinath to Rishikesh | 297 kms | 10-11 hours |
| Rishikesh to Delhi | 230 km | 6 hours |
Chardham by Helicopter
Undertaking the Char Dham yatra via helicopter offers a swift and convenient way to complete the pilgrimage, especially for those pressed for time. Perfect for devotees eager to witness the sacred sites and the breathtaking Himalayan beauty efficiently, the helicopter ride, despite being pricier than conventional methods, provides value in terms of time and energy conservation.
Char Dham Yatra Average Trip Duration (with a helicopter): 2 Days/ 1 Night, 5 Days/ 5 Nights
Starting Point: Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun
Starting Time: Helicopters start at 7:00 AM (It is recommended to reach the helipad an hour before your scheduled time)
Char Dham Tour Packages By Helicopters Starting Price: INR 1.3 Lakh to 1.6 Lakh Per Person (for both 2 days and 6-day packages)
Chardham Yatra (Badrinath-Puri-Rameshwaram-Dwarka)
In the 8th century, the great philosopher and reformer Shankaracharya laid down the foundation for Char Dham yatra which connects the four pilgrim corners worshipping and revering Lord Vishnu, the preserver god and Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. With one temple in each direction, the yatra circuit forms a perfect square with Badrinath and Rameshwaram on the same longitude and Dwaraka and Puri falling on the same latitude. This circuit is also known as the Real/Original Char Dham yatra and consists of 3 pilgrimages belonging to the Vaishnavite (Lord Vishnu's) belief and 1 pilgrimage in Rameshwaram belonging to the Shaivite (Lord Shiva's) belief. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country.
It is believed that undertaking this journey will absolve you of all sins that you have committed in your life.
Legend
Each of the four pilgrim sites holds unique legends. Badrinath is believed to be where Lord Vishnu performed penance, and Goddess Lakshmi sheltered him as a Badari tree, giving the temple its name, Badri Narayan.
The Jagannath temple in Puri is named after Jagat Nath, meaning Lord of the Universe. It houses wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, renewed every twelve years and showcased in the annual Rath Yatra.
Ramanathswamy temple in Rameshwaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Named after the incident where Lord Ram prayed to Shiva to cleanse his sin of killing Brahmin Ravan, it houses two Lingams, with one believed to be fetched by Lord Hanuman from Kailash.
Lastly, the Dwarakadhish temple in Gujarat, also known as Jagat temple, venerates Lord Krishna. Traditionally said to be built by Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, it stands at Hari-Graha, Lord Krishna's residence.
Badrinath, Uttarakhand
A holy town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Badrinath is the northern leg of the Char Dham Yatra. It is at an elevation of 11204 ft and is alongside the banks of the Alaknanda river. Badrinath rose to prominence after an incarnation of Vishnu did tapasya there. Badri means 'berry' and nath means 'lord of' and the places got its name as at the time it was replete with berry trees. The Badrinath Temple is the main attraction of the town and attracts thousands upon thousands of devotees. Earlier, people would make the journey on foot but now, it's connected with various forms of transport.
Connectivity: If you want to fly down, Dehradun is the nearest location to Badrinath. A helicopter can also be taken here. For taking a train journey, Haridwar serves to be the best connected and closest stop, from anywhere in India. Buses and personal cars and taxis can again be taken to Badrinath, especially if you are coming from a state closer to Uttarakhand.
The best time to visit is from May to October, except during the monsoon season.
Puri, Odisha
A small town in Odisha, located 60 kms from the capital Bhubaneshwar, Puri is the eastern stop of the Char Dham yatra. Home to Lord Vishnu, the site commemorating him is the Jagannath Temple ? which dates back to the 12th century. The name is derived from the words 'Jagan' and 'nath' which literally translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. The reverence and importance of the temple are substantiated by the fact that it's responsible for 80% of the economy of the town. It was invaded by Hindu and Muslim rulers throughout history and was even subjected to the Raj till India gained independence. The 'Rath Yatra' is also held every year.
To know more about it, you may read our article on Puri Rath Yatra
Connectivity: The closest airport is in Bhubaneshwar. Trains and buses connect this town to all parts of the country.
The best time to visit is from October to April and you could also spend the new year here to start the year in a pious way!
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
In your pursuit of piety, the small temple town of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the southernmost point of the Char Dham yatra. What's unique about this site is that it is a small island separated from the mainland by the Pamban Channel. According to Hindu mythology, this is the site from where Lord Rama built a bridge to go rescue his wife Sita from Ravana. To atone for the sin of killing Ravana "a Brahmin", Rama and Sita built a lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) to be worshipped here.
Connectivity: Madurai and Tuticorin airports are the closest to Rameshwaram and trains and buses ply regularly here, connecting it to different parts of the country.
The best time to visit is from October to April.
Dwarka, Gujarat
The western stop of the Char Dham yatra located in Gujarat is Dwarka. It is situated at the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula and is one of the seven most religious cities in the country. The kingdom of Lord Krishna, it is believed to have been the first capital of Gujarat. The Dwarkadhish Temple, in the heart of the city, was built around 2500 years ago in honour of Krishna. It was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 16th century. It is also said that those who visit the temple attain "moksha" or liberation and hence it is referred to as Mokshapuri.
Connectivity: The closest airport is Jamnagar from where you can drive to Dwarka. Dwarka is well connected by buses and trains with the rest of the country with train and bus stations there. One can also take their own private vehicles here.
The best time to visit is any time during the year as the weather is always welcoming.
Getting Around Chardham (Palki and Pony with Price)
The revered Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand are nestled at high altitudes: Yamunotri (3,291m), Gangotri (3,415m), Kedarnath (3,553m), and Badrinath (3,300m), forming the Chhota Char Dham route. These altitudes provide majestic views of mountains and cascading waterfalls. While trekking suits the fit, it's challenging for children, elderly, or those with health issues. Hence, Palki and Pony services are popular for ease of travel in this rugged terrain.
Gangotri and Badrinath are reachable by road and therefore driving up to these pilgrim spots is not a difficult feat. Reaching up to Kedarnath and Yamunotri becomes tougher because of non-accessibility by road. A Palki ride will take place in a palanquin with four people carrying the passenger. Ponies also carry one passenger each.
The charges can also depend on negotiation and the physical condition of the pilgrim, especially for palanquins. Charges for both Palkis and Ponies depend upon the distance, nature of the trip (one way/round), uphill/downhill journey, same/next day return, and weight of the passenger. Always ensure to discuss the full route, waiting times, and return trip with the service provider to avoid any confusion or disputes.
The Government fixes charges every year. Here are the tentative prices.
Gaurikund-Kedarnath/Kedarnath-Gaurikund Charges
| Type of Ride | One Way |
| Dandi (Palanquin) | INR 8,000 - 10,000 |
| Pony | INR 2,500 - 3,500 |
Yamunotri
For Yamunotri, the trek starts from Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti. For those unable to trek, Dandi, Kandi, and Pony services are easily available. Porter services are also available for carrying the luggage of, the charges for which will come around to INR 950 for weight up to 40 kg, including an overnight halt.
| Type of Ride | One Way |
| Dandi (Palanquin) | INR 4000 - 6000 |
| Pony | INR 1000 - 1500 |
For overnight stays, night halt is charged at an extra rate and the price ranges from INR 230 to 920 depending on the type of ride.
Kedarnath by Helicopter
Kedarnath, one of the renowned sites within the Char Dham circuit, sits majestically at an altitude of 3,553 meters amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. While the traditional approach to this sacred temple involves rigorous trekking, there's an alternative for those seeking convenience or those who may not be physically able to undertake the trek: a helicopter ride.
There is no road access available to the temple and it can only be reached through a tough, uphill 18 km long trek which starts from Gaurikund. Helicopter services to Kedarnath typically commence from various locations, including Dehradun, Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. The aerial journey to Kedarnath not only provides a swift and hassle-free travel option but also offers pilgrims the unique experience of beholding panoramic views of the dramatic mountainous landscapes, verdant valleys, and winding rivers below. For safety reasons, there's a strict luggage limit, often set around 2-5 kgs per person.
| Location | Operators | Round Trip Fare |
| Guptkashi - Shri Kedarnath | Aryan Aviation Trans Bharat Aviations |
₹7740 |
| Phata - Shri Kedarnath | Pawan hans Thumby Aviation Global Vectra Helicorp |
₹5500 |
| Sersi - Shri Kedarnath | Himalyan Heli Services Kestrel Aviation Arrow Aircrafts |
₹5498 |
Note: Convenience Fee & PG Charges are payable extra.
Visit https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/ to register and book a helicopter to Kedarnath.
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How to Reach Char Dham Yatra
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How to reach Char Dham Yatra by flight
- For Yamunotri and Gangotri: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest, approximately 210 km and 250 km away respectively.
- For Kedarnath: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about 238 km away.
- For Badrinath: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest, located roughly 310 km away.
- From Jolly Grant Airport, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach the base towns or directly to the pilgrimage sites.
How to reach Char Dham Yatra by train
- For Yamunotri: Dehradun and Haridwar are the closest railway stations, situated about 175 km and 220 km away respectively.
- For Gangotri: Rishikesh and Haridwar are the proximate railheads, approximately 250 km and 270 km distant respectively.
- For Kedarnath: Rishikesh and Haridwar serve as the nearest stations, about 210 km and 241 km away respectively.
- For Badrinath: Rishikesh and Haridwar are the nearest, located roughly 295 km and 320 km away respectively.
- From these railway stations, one can find buses or taxis that ply towards the Char Dham locations.
How to reach Char Dham Yatra by bus
To Yamunotri: Buses/taxis can be taken to Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti. From Janki Chatti, it's a 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple. Earlier, the trek used to start from Hanuman Chatti, which made it a 13 km trek, but with the construction of the road up to Janki Chatti, the trek has been shortened. Pilgrims can undertake this trek on foot or hire ponies or palanquins.
To Gangotri: Direct buses/taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other major towns. However, if pilgrims wish to visit the actual source of the Ganges, Gaumukh, there's a 19 km trek from Gangotri.
To Kedarnath: Buses/taxis ply up to Gaurikund, the last road point. The base for the trek to Kedarnath Temple is Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, it's a 16 km trek to Kedarnath. This trek can be undertaken on foot, or pilgrims can hire ponies, palanquins, or even opt for helicopter services. This trek is quite challenging due to its length and the altitude involved.
To Badrinath: Buses and taxis operate directly to Badrinath from major towns in Uttarakhand. However, the Mana Village, which is just 3 km from Badrinath and is the last village before the India-Tibet border, can be explored on foot.
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