The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred journeys for Hindus and also a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. Covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, the yatra takes you across the breathtaking Himalayas, testing your endurance while rewarding you with spiritual bliss.
Planning the right itinerary is very important because the journey involves high-altitude travel, unpredictable weather, and long road distances. A well-thought-out plan ensures not only smooth darshan at the temples but also time to absorb the beauty of the mountains.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day Char Dham Yatra itinerary, along with travel tips, alternate routes, and suggestions for making your pilgrimage more comfortable.
Why Planning the Itinerary Matters
- Distances are long – The four dhams are spread across rugged Himalayan terrain.
- Weather changes quickly – Sudden rains, landslides, or cold waves can delay travel.
- Altitude adjustment – Pilgrims need time to adapt to higher elevations.
- Temple timings – Darshan hours are fixed and may change during peak rush.
A balanced itinerary allows you to avoid rushing, stay safe, and enjoy the divine journey.
Standard Route of Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally starts from the west and moves towards the east. This order is:
- Yamunotri – Source of River Yamuna
- Gangotri – Source of River Ganga
- Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
This sequence is considered spiritually significant and also practical in terms of travel.
Detailed 12-Day Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
Below is a 12-day itinerary that most pilgrims follow. This can be adjusted depending on whether you’re traveling by road, helicopter, or a mix of both.
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar / Rishikesh
- Arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh, the gateway to Char Dham.
- Take part in Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh).
- Overnight stay in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Tip: Start your journey fresh the next morning with full energy.
Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot (Approx. 210 km / 7-8 hrs)
- Travel through scenic hill roads via Mussoorie and Kempty Falls.
- Reach Barkot, the base camp for Yamunotri.
- Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot (Approx. 36 km drive + 6 km trek)
- Drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point of Yamunotri trek.
- Trek 6 km uphill (by foot, pony, or palki).
- Visit Yamunotri Temple, take a dip in Surya Kund hot spring, and offer prayers.
- Return to Barkot for overnight stay.
Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi (Approx. 100 km / 4-5 hrs)
- Travel to Uttarkashi, known for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Explore local markets and enjoy views of the Bhagirathi River.
- Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (Approx. 100 km each way)
- Early morning drive along the Bhagirathi River Valley.
- Reach Gangotri Temple (3,100 m). Take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River.
- Perform puja and enjoy the stunning Himalayan surroundings.
- Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (Approx. 220 km / 9-10 hrs)
- Long drive through scenic routes with views of rivers and valleys.
- Reach Guptkashi, base town for Kedarnath.
- Visit the famous Ardhnareshwar Temple if time permits.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (Drive 30 km to Gaurikund + 16 km trek)
- Drive to Gaurikund, the starting point of Kedarnath trek.
- Trek 16 km uphill (by foot, pony, or helicopter option).
- Visit Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Overnight stay at Kedarnath (limited accommodation available).
Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi (Return trek + drive)
- Attend early morning Abhishek puja at Kedarnath Temple (if possible).
- Trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 9: Guptkashi – Badrinath (Approx. 220 km / 9-10 hrs)
- Travel to Badrinath, passing through Joshimath.
- On the way, visit Narsingh Temple in Joshimath.
- Evening darshan at Badrinath Temple.
- Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath Sightseeing
- Early morning holy dip in Tapt Kund hot spring.
- Darshan at Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Visit nearby attractions:
- Mana Village (last Indian village near Tibet border).
- Vasudhara Falls.
- Charan Paduka.
- Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Day 11: Badrinath – Rudraprayag (Approx. 160 km / 6-7 hrs)
- Travel back from Badrinath.
- Visit Vishnuprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandprayag en route.
- Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Day 12: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (Approx. 160 km / 6 hrs)
- Drive back to Haridwar via Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi).
- Conclude your Char Dham Yatra with blessings and memories.
Alternate Itineraries
Helicopter Package Itinerary (5–6 Days)
For those short on time or unable to trek, helicopter services from Dehradun offer darshan at all four shrines within 5–6 days.
- Day 1: Dehradun – Yamunotri
- Day 2: Yamunotri – Gangotri
- Day 3: Gangotri – Kedarnath
- Day 4: Kedarnath – Badrinath
- Day 5: Return to Dehradun
While more expensive, this saves time and is ideal for senior citizens.
Stay Options at Every Destination in Char Dham Yatra
Below is a detailed guide to stay options at every major stop of Char Dham Yatra, covering budget, standard, and convenient choices.
1. Haridwar and Rishikesh – The Gateway Cities
Most yatras begin from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Being popular pilgrim towns, both places offer plenty of stay choices.
- Budget Options: Dharamshalas, ashrams, and guesthouses near Har Ki Pauri or Rishikesh ghats. Rooms are basic, clean, and often run by trusts. Prices start from ₹500–₹1000.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Hotels near the Ganga with comfortable rooms, in-house dining, and parking. Price range: ₹2000–₹4000 per night.
- Comfortable Stays: Riverside resorts in Rishikesh or boutique hotels in Haridwar with spiritual ambience, yoga classes, and good amenities. Price range: ₹5000–₹10,000 per night.
Tip: Staying near Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar) or Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh) allows you to attend evening Ganga Aarti.
2. Barkot – Base for Yamunotri
Barkot is a small hill town and the most common base camp for Yamunotri. Facilities here are simpler compared to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Budget Stays: Guesthouses and dharamshalas near the bus stand or Janki Chatti road. Rooms are basic but suitable for short stays. Price range: ₹800–₹1500.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Hotels with valley-facing rooms, hot water, and in-house dining. Price range: ₹2000–₹3500.
- Comfortable Options: Resorts or cottages offering better amenities, gardens, and a scenic setting. Price range: ₹4000–₹6000.
Tip: Book in advance during May–June peak season as options are limited.
3. Uttarkashi – Base for Gangotri
Uttarkashi is a bigger town compared to Barkot and offers better facilities. It is also a good rest stop for pilgrims heading to Gangotri.
- Budget Options: Simple lodges and dharamshalas near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Price range: ₹700–₹1500.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Hotels with clean rooms, hot water, and basic food facilities. Price range: ₹2000–₹3500.
- Comfortable Stays: Cottages and riverside hotels with mountain views and additional amenities like room service and parking. Price range: ₹4000–₹6000.
Tip: Staying closer to the main market or Kashi Vishwanath Temple makes it easier for early morning travel to Gangotri.
4. Gangotri – Temple Town Stay
Gangotri itself has limited accommodation, but pilgrims can stay overnight.
- Budget Options: Dharamshalas run by temple trusts or local families. Price range: ₹500–₹1000.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Small hotels with clean bedding, hot water, and meals. Price range: ₹1500–₹3000.
- Comfortable Stays: Very limited, but some guesthouses provide decent facilities for ₹4000+.
Tip: Due to high altitude and remoteness, luxury stays are rare here. Carry warm bedding if possible.
5. Guptkashi – Base for Kedarnath
Guptkashi is a popular halt before Kedarnath and offers more stay options compared to Gaurikund.
- Budget Options: Lodges and dharamshalas near the bus stand. Price range: ₹700–₹1500.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Standard hotels with decent facilities, power backup, and food. Price range: ₹2000–₹4000.
- Comfortable Stays: Resorts and hotels offering mountain views, parking, and neat rooms. Price range: ₹5000–₹7000.
Tip: If trekking to Kedarnath the next day, staying at Guptkashi ensures better rest compared to Gaurikund, which is more crowded.
6. Kedarnath – Temple Stay
Staying overnight at Kedarnath is a divine experience, but options are very limited due to altitude and location.
- Budget Options: Dharamshalas run by temple trusts and local NGOs. Price range: ₹500–₹1000.
- Mid-Range Guesthouses: Rooms with basic bedding and shared facilities. Price range: ₹2000–₹4000.
- Comfortable Tents & Cottages: Camps with insulated tents or prefabricated cottages for warmth and safety. Price range: ₹5000–₹8000.
Tip: Nights at Kedarnath are extremely cold even in summer, so carry heavy woolens and book accommodation early.
7. Badrinath – Temple Town Stay
Badrinath has a wide variety of accommodation options compared to other dhams.
- Budget Options: Dharamshalas and ashrams near the temple, often run by trusts. Price range: ₹500–₹1200.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Decent hotels with hot water, clean rooms, and food. Price range: ₹2000–₹4000.
- Comfortable Stays: Resorts and better hotels with mountain views, parking, and better services. Price range: ₹5000–₹8000.
Tip: Stay at least one night in Badrinath to explore Mana Village and other attractions nearby.
8. Rudraprayag – Midway Halt
Rudraprayag is often a rest stop for pilgrims returning from Badrinath or Kedarnath.
- Budget Options: Guesthouses near the highway. Price range: ₹700–₹1500.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Hotels with standard facilities and meals. Price range: ₹2000–₹3500.
- Comfortable Options: Scenic resorts by the river with parking and gardens. Price range: ₹4000–₹6000.
Tip: Staying at Rudraprayag is refreshing after long drives. Many hotels offer views of the river confluence.
Travel Tips for Char Dham Itinerary
- Health First – Carry medicines, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust to altitude.
- Pack Smart – Woolens, raincoat, trekking shoes, and torchlight are must-haves.
- Stay Flexible – Weather can cause delays, so keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
- Book Early – Hotels and transport fill up fast during peak season (May–June and Sept–Oct).
- Respect Local Customs – Modest clothing, no alcohol, and eco-friendly practices.
Conclusion
A well-planned Char Dham Yatra itinerary ensures that you don’t just rush from one temple to another, but also immerse yourself in the Himalayan experience. Whether you follow the standard 12-day plan, choose a helicopter package, or extend your journey for more sightseeing, the key is to balance spiritual fulfillment with safe and comfortable travel.
Ultimately, the Char Dham Yatra is not just about reaching the four shrines—it is about the journey, the people you meet, and the peace you find in the lap of the Himalayas.
FAQs (with answers)
Q1: How many days are needed for Char Dham Yatra?
Generally, 10–12 days by road or 4–6 days by helicopter.
Q2: What is the best starting point for Char Dham Yatra?
Most pilgrims start from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
Q3: Can Char Dham Yatra be done in 7 days?
Yes, but it requires tight scheduling or helicopter services.
Q4: Which dham is visited first in Char Dham Yatra?
The Yatra starts at Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Q5: Is trekking compulsory in Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, for Yamunotri (6 km trek) and Kedarnath (16 km trek), unless you use pony, palki, or helicopter.
Q6: What is the cost of a 10-day Char Dham Yatra itinerary?
On average, ₹25,000–₹40,000 per person depending on the package.
Q7: Can senior citizens follow this itinerary?
Yes, but they may prefer helicopter packages for Kedarnath and Yamunotri.
Q8: What is included in a typical Char Dham itinerary?
Accommodation, meals, transport, guide, and assistance for darshan.
Q9: When is the best time to follow this itinerary?
May–June and September–October are the safest months.
Q10: Can I customize my Char Dham Yatra itinerary?
Yes, many tour operators allow customization (shorter trips, luxury stays, helicopter transfers).
