The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, covering four revered shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees from across the country begin their journey from Delhi, the capital city, as it serves as a central hub with excellent road, rail, and air connectivity.
This complete guide will help you understand the route from Delhi to Char Dham, the sequence of temples, travel modes, road conditions, and essential tips for planning a smooth and fulfilling yatra.
Why Start from Delhi?
Many pilgrims choose Delhi as the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra because:
- It is well-connected to Uttarakhand via NH-44 and NH-7 highways.
- Regular trains and buses operate from Delhi to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, the primary gateways to the Char Dham circuit.
- Plenty of facilities such as hotels, travel agencies, and transport options are available for pilgrims.
For first-time travelers, Delhi provides the most organized way to begin the holy journey.
Route Overview – Char Dham Yatra from Delhi
The Char Dham Yatra is traditionally completed in a clockwise direction, beginning with Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.
The general route from Delhi looks like this:
Delhi → Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Delhi
This circular journey ensures smooth travel without backtracking and is considered auspicious as per Hindu tradition.
Detailed Route Breakdown
1. Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Distance: 220–240 km
- Time: 5–6 hours by road
- Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar
- Options:
- Train from New Delhi Railway Station (around 5–6 hours).
- Volvo and government buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.
Tip: Most pilgrims halt at Haridwar for the night and attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri before starting the yatra.
2. Haridwar to Barkot (Gateway to Yamunotri)
- Distance: 215 km
- Time: 7–8 hours
- Route: Haridwar → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Barkot
- Barkot serves as the base camp for Yamunotri.
Stay Options: Plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas available.
3. Barkot to Yamunotri
- Drive Distance: 35–40 km (to Janki Chatti)
- Trek Distance: 5–6 km (from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple)
- Modes: Trekking, ponies, palanquins, or even helicopter (seasonal from Dehradun).
Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is the first Dham. Pilgrims take a holy dip in Surya Kund before darshan.
4. Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Distance: 100 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Route: Barkot → Radi → Uttarkashi
- Uttarkashi is the base town for Gangotri.
At Uttarkashi, visit the famous Vishwanath Temple before heading further.
5. Uttarkashi to Gangotri
- Distance: 100 km
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is the second Dham. The temple stands at 3,100 meters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine forests.
Pilgrims often take a dip in the Bhagirathi River before darshan.
6. Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
- Distance: 220 km
- Time: 8–9 hours
- Route goes through Tehri Dam and Rudraprayag.
Guptkashi is the halt point for Kedarnath pilgrims, offering hotels, camps, and dharamshalas.
7. Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- Drive Distance: 30–35 km to Gaurikund
- Trek Distance: 16–18 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple
- Options: Trekking, ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is the third Dham. Its location amidst the Garhwal Himalayas makes it one of the toughest yet most rewarding journeys.
8. Kedarnath to Badrinath
- Distance: 230–240 km
- Time: 8–9 hours (via Rudraprayag and Joshimath)
- Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the final Dham. Located along the Alaknanda River, the temple is surrounded by the Neelkanth peak.
Pilgrims take a dip in Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring, before darshan.
9. Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar → Delhi
- Distance: Badrinath → Haridwar: 320 km (10–11 hours)
- From Haridwar, return to Delhi by train, bus, or car.
This completes the Char Dham circuit.
Road Conditions and Accessibility
- Delhi to Haridwar: Excellent highways (NH-334). Smooth and quick.
- Haridwar to Yamunotri/Gangotri route: Hilly roads, winding paths, and moderate traffic. Roads are well-maintained but slow due to mountain terrain.
- Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Gaurikund): Narrow mountain roads, requires cautious driving. Trek path is steep and challenging.
- Badrinath route: Roads are generally good but can be blocked during monsoon due to landslides.
Overall, the roads are motorable up to base camps. From there, treks or helicopter services are the only way to reach Yamunotri and Kedarnath temples.
Best Time to Start the Yatra from Delhi
The Char Dham Yatra usually opens in April/May on Akshaya Tritiya and closes in October/November on Diwali/Bhai Dooj.
- May to June (Summer): Pleasant weather, clear roads, and best for families and senior citizens.
- July to September (Monsoon): Risk of landslides and roadblocks, but also lush green beauty. Travelers must check weather updates.
- September to October (Autumn): Ideal time with fewer crowds, clearer skies, and comfortable conditions.
Tip: Starting the journey from Delhi in early morning ensures you reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by afternoon, giving you time for Ganga Aarti.
Spiritual Experience of the Route
The journey from Delhi to Char Dham is not just about distance—it’s about devotion and transformation.
- At Yamunotri, devotees feel the calmness of the sacred Yamuna.
- At Gangotri, one experiences purity in the flowing Bhagirathi.
- At Kedarnath, the spiritual strength of Lord Shiva amidst the Himalayas inspires awe.
- At Badrinath, the darshan of Lord Vishnu brings completion to the journey.
Many pilgrims say the road itself teaches patience, faith, and endurance.
FAQs on Char Dham Yatra from Delhi
1. What is the total distance of Char Dham Yatra from Delhi?
Approximately 1,600–1,700 km (round trip).
2. Can I do Char Dham Yatra by car from Delhi?
Yes, the roads are motorable up to the base points of all dhams. Only Yamunotri and Kedarnath require trekking or helicopter services.
3. How many days are required for the yatra from Delhi?
Minimum 9 days (helicopter option), 12–15 days by road.
4. Is registration compulsory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, both online and offline registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.
5. Is Char Dham Yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, but helicopter services for Kedarnath and Yamunotri are recommended. Proper health check-up is advised before travel.
6. Which is the best month to start from Delhi?
May, June, September, and October are ideal. Avoid peak monsoon months (July–August).
7. Can I combine Char Dham Yatra with sightseeing in Uttarakhand?
Yes, you can add Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri, Valley of Flowers, and Mana Village to your itinerary.
