The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Every year, thousands of devotees embark on this spiritual journey to seek blessings from the four holy shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
For pilgrims starting from Delhi, Haridwar, or Rishikesh, the journey requires careful planning as the shrines are located in remote Himalayan regions. This guide explains the Char Dham Yatra route from Delhi and each city, along with transport options, travel distances, and key stopovers.
Overview of the Char Dham Shrines
Before we dive into the route details, let’s quickly understand the order of visiting the Char Dham temples:
- Yamunotri – Source of River Yamuna (first shrine)
- Gangotri – Source of River Ganga
- Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas
- Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, part of Chota Char Dham
This sequence is followed in a clockwise direction, which is considered auspicious.
Char Dham Yatra Route from Delhi
Starting from Delhi gives pilgrims flexibility as it’s well-connected by road, rail, and air.
By Road (Most Common)
- Delhi → Haridwar (220 km / 5-6 hrs)
- Haridwar → Barkot (Yamunotri) (210 km)
- Barkot → Yamunotri (36 km drive + 6 km trek)
- Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri (235 km / 9 hrs)
- Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath (270 km drive + 19 km trek from Gaurikund)
- Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath (220 km)
- Badrinath → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Delhi (540 km)
Total Distance: ~1,600 km (round trip)
By Train
- Nearest railway stations: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun
- From Delhi, you can take a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh, then continue by road.
By Air
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km from Delhi)
- From Dehradun, taxis and buses take you towards Yamunotri (via Barkot).
- Helicopter services are also available for Kedarnath and Badrinath from Dehradun.
Char Dham Yatra Route from Haridwar
Many pilgrims prefer to start their journey from Haridwar since it is considered a sacred gateway to the Himalayas.
Route Plan (Standard Itinerary)
- Haridwar → Barkot (210 km)
- Barkot → Yamunotri (36 km drive + 6 km trek)
- Barkot → Uttarkashi (100 km)
- Uttarkashi → Gangotri (100 km)
- Gangotri → Guptkashi (230 km)
- Guptkashi → Kedarnath (19 km trek from Gaurikund)
- Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath (220 km)
- Badrinath → Haridwar (310 km)
Total Distance: ~1,100 km
Benefits of Starting from Haridwar
- Haridwar is well connected with Delhi by train, bus, and taxi services.
- Starting from here shortens the journey compared to Delhi.
- Pilgrims can also take a holy dip in the River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri before beginning the Yatra.
Char Dham Yatra Route from Rishikesh
Rishikesh is another popular starting point for Char Dham Yatra, especially for international travelers who wish to experience yoga, spirituality, and adventure before the pilgrimage.
Route Plan
- Rishikesh → Barkot (190 km)
- Barkot → Yamunotri (36 km drive + 6 km trek)
- Barkot → Uttarkashi (100 km)
- Uttarkashi → Gangotri (100 km)
- Gangotri → Guptkashi (230 km)
- Guptkashi → Kedarnath (19 km trek from Gaurikund)
- Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath (220 km)
- Badrinath → Rishikesh (295 km)
Total Distance: ~1,050 km
Why Rishikesh is Ideal
- Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh adds a spiritual dimension before the Yatra.
- Well-connected to Dehradun Airport for travelers who prefer flying.
- Slightly closer to Yamunotri compared to Haridwar.
Transport Options for Char Dham Yatra
- By Road – Taxis, buses, and self-driven cars are the most common modes. Roads are steep and winding, so experienced drivers are recommended.
- By Train – Limited reach; only useful to reach Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Beyond that, only road travel works.
- By Air (Helicopter Services) –
- Kedarnath: Helicopters operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sitapur.
- Badrinath: Daily helicopter services from Dehradun and Phata during Yatra season.
- Yamunotri & Gangotri: Also connected by heli services (seasonal).
Distance Summary Table
| Starting Point | Total Distance (Approx) | Time Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1,600 km | 11–14 days | Full-fledged road journey |
| Haridwar | 1,100 km | 9–11 days | Traditional pilgrimage start |
| Rishikesh | 1,050 km | 9–11 days | International & domestic travelers |
Important Travel Tips
- Best Season: May to June and September to October (avoid monsoons).
- Registration: Mandatory biometric registration for Char Dham Yatra (online/offline).
- Fitness: Trekking required for Yamunotri (6 km) and Kedarnath (19 km). Ponies and palanquins are available.
- Clothing: Carry woollens, rain gear, and trekking shoes.
- Health: High altitude may cause breathing issues; keep medicines handy.
What is the best starting point for Char Dham Yatra
If you want a full road journey, start from Delhi. For a traditional beginning, Haridwar is best, and for shorter distance and international connectivity, Rishikesh is ideal.
How many kilometers is the Char Dham Yatra from Delhi?
The complete Char Dham Yatra route from Delhi is approximately 1,600 km by road, covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
How far is Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar?
The Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar covers around 1,100 km by road, taking about 9 to 11 days depending on the itinerary.
What is the Char Dham Yatra distance from Rishikesh?
The Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh is about 1,050 km in total and usually takes 9 to 10 days to complete.
Can I do Char Dham Yatra in 7 days?
Yes, if you opt for helicopter services from Dehradun or Phata, Char Dham Yatra can be completed in 5–7 days. By road, it usually takes 10–14 days.
Which is the first dham in Char Dham Yatra route?
The first shrine in the Char Dham Yatra is Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.
Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, biometric registration is mandatory for all pilgrims. You can register online or at registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other major stops.
Can senior citizens and children do the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, but it is physically demanding. For senior citizens and children, helicopter services, palkis, and ponies are available, especially for Kedarnath and Yamunotri treks.
What are the travel options for Char Dham Yatra from Delhi?
From Delhi, you can travel by road (most common), by train up to Haridwar/Rishikesh, or by flight to Dehradun and continue by road/heli.
When is the best time to start the Char Dham Yatra?
The best time is from May to June and September to October. Avoid monsoon season (July–August) due to heavy rains and landslides.
