Char Dham Yatra: Complete Guide

Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath

The Char Dham yatra of Uttarakhand covers four Himalayan shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. This guide covers the sequence, the registration step, how to reach each shrine, and what to check before you go.

Yamunotri

Source shrine of the River Yamuna, first stop of the traditional Char Dham yatra

about 3,293 mUttarkashi

Gangotri

Temple of Goddess Ganga and gateway to the Gaumukh glacier

about 3,100 mUttarkashi

Kedarnath

Shiva shrine in the Mandakini valley, reached by a long uphill walk or by helicopter

about 3,583 mRudraprayag

Badrinath

Vishnu shrine on the Alaknanda, reachable by road

about 3,100 mChamoli

Significance

In Uttarakhand the Char Dham refers to four shrines in the Garhwal Himalaya, each dedicated to a deity linked with a major river or form of the divine: Yamunotri (Goddess Yamuna), Gangotri (Goddess Ganga), Kedarnath (Lord Shiva) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu). They are often called the Chota (small) Char Dham to distinguish them from the pan-Indian Char Dham of Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram.

Sequence and duration

The traditional order is west to east: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Many pilgrims follow it by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh; others change the order to match transport and weather.

Plan on roughly 10-12 days by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh, including buffer days for weather and landslides. A shorter trip is possible using helicopter legs for Kedarnath, but flights depend on weather.

Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are the usual starting points. Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport for all four dhams.

See the 11-day Char Dham itinerary.

Opening and closing dates (2026 season)

Opening dates for Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath are confirmed by news reports of the actual openings (All India Radio and IANS); Badrinath was scheduled for 23 April. Closing dates are not on the official temple-committee or registration pages as of 2026-10-25; the dates below come from a news report (The Statesman) and sources differ, so confirm with the temple committee (helpline 0135-2741600 per its site). We had not seen 2027 dates.

DhamOpenedClosing
Yamunotri19 April 2026reported 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Gangotri19 April 2026reported 10 November 2026
Kedarnath22 April 2026reported 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Badrinath23 April 2026reported 13 November 2026; other sources differ. Announced around Vijayadashami

Registration

  • Registration is mandatory and free, per the official registration portal. Keep the registration certificate ready at the verification points and carry a valid personal ID.
  • The official portal is registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in; the portal also lists Android and iOS apps. Create a tour with dates, number of tourists and dhams, enter pilgrim details, then download the Yatra Registration Letter.
  • News reports for 2025 described Aadhaar-based eKYC for the app; the official portal page we checked does not mention Aadhaar or biometrics, so confirm the current requirement when you register.
  • Helicopter services can be booked only through IRCTC (heliyatra.irctc.co.in), per the official registration portal.

Getting around

  • Road: the main way to travel between dhams. Mountain roads are slow; plan on 6-9 hours of driving per day at most.
  • Helicopter: operates to Kedarnath from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi (per secondary sources). The official portal says helicopter services can be booked only through IRCTC. Flights depend on weather.
  • On foot or by animal: Yamunotri (about 5-6 km) and Kedarnath (about 16 km) need a walk from the road head. Ponies, palkis and porters are available on both routes.

Health and altitude

  • The shrines lie between roughly 3,100 m and 3,600 m. Altitude sickness is possible even for fit travellers.
  • Ascend gradually, drink water, and rest. If headache, nausea or breathlessness worsens, go down.
  • Pilgrims with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions, pregnant women and elderly travellers should consult a doctor before booking.
  • Carry your regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit.

Packing checklist

Budget

No verified current price list is published on this page. The main cost drivers are vehicle hire for 10-12 days, accommodation, helicopter fares if used, and pony or palki charges. Get written quotes from licensed operators and check fares on the official portals.

Frequently asked questions

Is registration really required?

Yes. The Uttarakhand government requires registration for the Char Dham yatra. Check the official portal for the current process.

In what order should I visit the dhams?

The traditional order is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Many pilgrims adjust it to fit the road and weather.

Which dham is easiest?

Badrinath and Gangotri are reached by road. Yamunotri and Kedarnath require a walk from the road head.

Which months are best?

The temples are open from about April/May to October/November. May-June is busiest; September-October is often quieter after the monsoon. July-August has the highest landslide risk.

Sources and verification

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.