Char Dham Yatra is one of the most cherished pilgrimages for Hindus, drawing thousands of devotees every year to the majestic Himalayas. If you are planning your Chardham Yatra , this complete guide covers everything you need from the best routes and essential tips to the perfect time to embark on this spiritual journey.
What is Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham refers to four holy pilgrimage sites nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India:
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Yamunotri (the source of River Yamuna)
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Gangotri (the origin of River Ganga)
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Kedarnath (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva)
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Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu)
Traditionally, the Char Dham Yatra follows a specific order starting from west to east:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Common Travel Routes:
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Starting Point: Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
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Yamunotri (Janki Chatti is the last motorable point; 6 km trek to the temple)
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Gangotri (direct road connectivity to the temple)
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Kedarnath (Gaurikund is the base; 16-18 km trek or helicopter service available)
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Badrinath (direct road access)
Popular Mode: Private vehicles, shared taxis, and buses
Helicopter tours: are available for faster travel and ease for senior citizens.
Distance from Haridwar:
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Haridwar to Yamunotri – 220 km
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Yamunotri to Gangotri – 232 km
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Gangotri to Kedarnath – 267 km
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Kedarnath to Badrinath – 218 km
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Badrinath to Haridwar – 316 km
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra in 2025
The temples open every year around Akshaya Tritiya (late April or early May) and close around Bhai Dooj (October/November).
Ideal Months:
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May to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and fully accessible routes.
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September to mid-October: After the monsoon, roads are clearer, and the crowd is thinner.
Avoid:
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July and August (heavy monsoon, risk of landslides, roadblocks).
Important Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2025:
✅ Health Check-Up: Get a fitness check before traveling, especially for Kedarnath trekking.
✅ Pre-Registration: Mandatory for all pilgrims (easily done online or at designated counters).
✅ Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially if planning the trek to Kedarnath.
✅ Pack Wisely: Carry warm clothes, raincoats, first-aid kit, trekking shoes, and necessary medicines.
✅ Book Early: Book hotels, helicopter rides, and transport in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
✅ Stay Hydrated and Acclimatize: As you move to higher altitudes, give your body time to adjust.
✅ Eco-Friendly Travel: Respect the sanctity of the Himalayas. Avoid littering and use biodegradable items.
Chardham Yatra Related General Questions:
Q: How long does the Char Dham Yatra take?
A: Generally, 10–14 days depending on your pace and mode of travel.
Q: Is Char Dham Yatra difficult?
A: Moderate difficulty. Kedarnath involves trekking, but helicopter services are available. Good physical fitness is advisable.
Q: Is there mobile network coverage?
A: Limited coverage; BSNL, Jio, and Airtel work in most places, but expect weak signals in remote areas.