Char Dham Yatra is a famous pilgrimage in India. This is widely believed among the Hindu devotees that one should do this sacred pilgrimage at least once in their life. This is famous around the globe as it is said that this yatra would bring you close to attaining salvation. This Yatra consists of four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This journey would help you in enlightening yourself and you would experience a different kind of peace and serenity at the end of this sacred pilgrimage. You can opt from the many Chardham Yatra tours available on our website.
Best time for Char Dham Yatra:
One can only do the holy Char Dham Yatra for 6 months of a year. The Char Dham Shrines are closed for half of the year due to the challenging weather these locations face. May to June is considered the Best Time for Char Dham Yatra. This is the best time due to the pleasant weather and moderate temperatures. This season is perfect for traveling here. July to August is the Monsoon Season here, so it is advised to avoid traveling around this time. September to November also provides a good season to visit Char Dham. You will witness the beautiful lush green valleys in this season as the monsoon will bless the scenic views.
Opening and closing dates for Char Dham Shrines:
The opening and closing dates of the Char Dham shrines are decided by the Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti. These dates are released on the day of Maha Shivaratri, decided according to the “Panchang”, which is the popular holy Hindu Calendar. The Char Dham Yatra can be done for six months of the year, the rest of the six months it is closed due to extreme and challenging weather conditions.
Char Dham Yatra Opening & closing dates:
| Char Dham Shrine | Opening Date | Closing Date |
| Yamunotri | 3rd May 2022 | 24th October 2022 |
| Gangotri | 3rd May 2022 | 25th October 2022 |
| Kedarnath | 6th May 2022 | 26th October 2022 |
| Badrinath | 8th May 2022 | 26th October 2022 |
Get updated char dham yatra opening and closing dates here!
There are 4 Char Dham Shrines:
Yamunotri Temple: The Yamunotri Temple is the first Dham of the Char Dhams. You will be visiting it first on your yatra. Dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, this beautiful temple is believed to have been made by the king of Tehri in 1839. This sacred place is located amidst the snow-capped Himalayas. The mesmerizing scenic views here would fill your heart with tranquility and peace.
Gangotri Temple: The Gangotri Temple is a famous shrine to be dedicated to the goddess Ganga. It is believed that this temple is the highest ever to be made, dedicated to the goddess Ganga. This place holds special religious significance in Hindu Mythology. This is the spot where River Ganga entered the Earth from Heaven. The Gangotri Temple is also famous among Hindu devotees as it is said that Pandavas used to conduct the boundless Deva Yagna here.
Kedarnath Temple: The Kedarnath Temple is a famous shrine of Char Dham Yatra. This holy temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. The beautiful location of this shrine amidst the mighty Himalayas makes it a must-visit place. It is believed that the Pandava Brothers made this temple to seek forgiveness for killing their blood relations. The Kedarnath Temple is considered the prime destination for attaining salvation.
Badrinath Temple: The Badrinath Shrine is a major destination of the Char Dham Yatra. Being one of the Panch Badri Temples, this Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Devotees come from around the globe to seek blessings here. The weather here adds to the memorable experience one can have.
The Best way to reach:
Usually the Char Dham Yatra starts from Haridwar, from where onwards you begin your auspicious journey towards attaining salvation. The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest to Haridwar if you are going to fly. Or you can also opt for any railway service to reach Haridwar.
You can do your Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter, by road, or by simply trekking and enjoying the mesmerizing views of the valley. All the Char Dham Shrines are well connected to roads.
Below here is a basic Char Dham Yatra itinerary you can follow:
Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar – Tour Itinerary :
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot- Arrival Day
Your Char Dham Yatra starts from Haridwar. This would be the arrival point of the trip. Next, leave for Barkot from Haridwar. This would be an 8-9 hour drive (215km). Reach Barkot by the end of the day, check into your hotel, and rest overnight.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri – Yamunotri to Barkot – Overnight Stay
Day 2 would be exploring the beautiful location of Yamunotri and taking the blessing of Yamunaji. You will be dropped off at Jankichatti / Phoolchatti, from where you can start the trek to Yamunotri (6kms). Take a bath in Surya Kund, seek blessings and leave for Barkot. Relax in an overnight stay at Barkot for another day.
Day 3: Transfer to Uttarkashi – Overnight stay
The next day you would be traveling to Uttarkashi from Barkot. Have breakfast, and start your drive to Uttarkashi (100km). You can pay a visit to shivgufa on your way. On arrival in Uttarkashi, explore the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and check into your hotel afterward. Enjoy an overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi – Overnight stay
Start your day early in Uttarkashi and leave for Gangotri. Drive to Gangotri via the serene Harsil Valley and visit the Gangnani Hot Spring. Take a holy dip in the Ganga River on your arrival in Gangotri. Enjoy darshan, perform pooja, and spend the rest of the time appreciating the nature around you. Then, drive back to Uttarkashi and enjoy an overnight stay here.
Day 5: Travelling to Guptkashi – stay in Guptkashi
Day 5 will start your journey towards Guptkashi. This would be a 220 km drive. Witness the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara on your way. Once you reach Guptkashi, visit the Ardh Nareshwar Temple and check into your hotel. Have your dinner, and rest in an overnight stay.
Day 6: Taking blessing at Kedarnath – overnight stay at Kedarnath
Continue your Char Dham yatra and travel towards Kedarnath on day 6. First, complete a 32 km drive to Gaurikund from Guptkashi. Then, begin the extreme and adventurous 14 km trek from here. You can also opt for a helicopter ride (at your own expense). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy beautiful evening darshans. You should not miss visiting the Shankracharya Samadhi, just behind the temple.
Day 7: Back to Guptkashi
Start your day by taking blessings at the Kedarnath Temple. Start trekking back to Gaurikund from Kedarnath, reach Sonprayag from Gaurikund. After reaching Sonprayag, meet your cab driver there and start your drive to Guptkashi. Check into your hotel here, and rest in an overnight stay.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (220 km) – stay in Badrinath
Day 8 would be a drive to Badrinath from Guptkashi. Start your drive to Badrinath via Joshimath early in the morning. Check in at your hotel by evening. Have a bath in the Taptkund, enjoy the beautiful darshans of Badrivishal and participate in the evening aarti. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
Wake up, enjoy your breakfast and get ready to leave for Rudraprayag. This drive would be via Joshimath, and you can visit VishnuPrayag, Narsingh Temple, KarnPrayag, and NandPrayag on your way. On your arrival in Rudraprayag, check into your hotel and rest in an overnight stay.
Day 10: Departure Day- Rudraprayag to Haridwar (165km)
Drive to Haridwar from Rudraprayag via Rishikesh. You will be dropped off at the railway station or airport at Haridwar. You can also explore Rishikesh if time permits. End this journey on a happy note.
Travel Tips:
- Always carry sufficient woolen clothes such as sweaters, jackets, thermals, etc. Also, pack your raincoats and windcheaters in your luggage.
- Pack your own dry food items to consume on your trek.
- Wear body-hugging clothes to enjoy a comfortable trekking experience.
- Carry your own tents, blankets, torches with extra batteries, and sticks.
- Check the opening and closing dates of Char Dham Shrines Carefully.
- Be careful not to litter around while trekking.
- If the Yatra is for your parents or older people, we suggest you book Char Dham Yatra Package with India Thrills.
- Carry your medicines with you.
