About Chardham Yatra
Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year round. Among the countless religious sites and circuits that devotees visit in Uttarakhand, one of the most prominent is the Char Dham Yatra. This Yatra or pilgrimage is a tour of four holy sites - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath – nestled high up in the Himalayas. In Hindi, 'char' means four and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.
The high-altitude shrines remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Hence, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, proceeds towards Gangotri, onto Kedarnath, and finally ends at Badrinath.
Yamunotri
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, source of River Yamuna
Gangotri
Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, source of River Ganga
Kedarnath
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
Badrinath
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, part of both Chota and Bada Char Dham
Trip Highlights
- Divine darshan at all four sacred shrines
- Visit to Yamunotri Temple and Surya Kund
- Gangotri Temple and Bhagirath Shila
- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga and surrounding sacred sites
- Badrinath Temple and Tapt Kund
- Scenic journey through Himalayan landscapes
Detailed Itinerary
- Evening: Depart from Delhi/Haridwar to Barkot
- Enroute visit Kempty Falls and other attractions
- Night: Check into hotel at Barkot for overnight stay
- Morning: After breakfast, proceed to Yamunotri
- Reach Jankichatti/Phoolchatti and start 6km trek to Yamunotri (option for horse/pony ride)
- Visit Yamunotri Temple, Divya Shila, Surya Kund
- Take cooked rice Prasad and return to Jankichatti
- Evening: Drive back to Barkot for overnight stay
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi (80km, 2-3 hours)
- Check into hotel and freshen up
- Visit Vishwanath Temple for blessings
- Night: Overnight stay in Uttarkashi
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Gangotri (100km, 2-3 hours)
- Enroute witness Himalayan ranges, Harsil village and Bhagirathi River
- Visit Gangotri Temple, Surya Kund, Bhagirath Shila
- Evening: Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Guptkashi (197km, 7-8 hours)
- See captivating Mandakini River at Tilwara enroute
- Night: Check into hotel at Guptkashi for overnight stay
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Sonprayag (30km)
- Trek 20km to Kedarnath (option for pony/palki)
- Visit Kedarnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Ghorabari Glacier
- Night: Overnight stay in Kedarnath (Dharamshala/Dormitory/Camp)
- Early Morning: Darshan at Kedarnath Temple
- After breakfast, trek down to Gaurikund
- Drive back to Sonprayag
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Guptkashi
- Morning: Early departure after breakfast to Badrinath
- Visit Badrinath Temple (abode of Lord Vishnu)
- Visit Pandukeshwar
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Badrinath
- Morning: Early breakfast and departure
- Drive to Rishikesh (218km, 6-7 hours)
- Short break at Rishikesh
- Proceed to Haridwar (19km, 30 minutes)
- Attend Ganga Aarti in evening
- Night: Depart for Delhi/Haridwar
- Arrival in Delhi/Haridwar with divine blessings and unforgettable memories
Inclusions
- Transport Services (Delhi to Delhi or Haridwar to Haridwar)
- All Transfers and Travels in AC Tempo Traveller (AC off in mountains)
- Hotel Stay (8 Nights) - Subject to availability
- Meals (8 Breakfast & 8 Dinner)
- Complete Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Trek with guide to Kedarnath
- All Taxes & GST
Exclusions
- Travel or medical insurance
- Additional costs due to road blockage, snowfall, political unrest or landslide
- Cost of any form of insurance, rescue, evacuation, hospitalization
- Entry tickets to monuments/temples
- Personal expenses (drinks, tips, etc.)
- Any lunch and meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Pony/Palki charges during treks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to undertake Chardham Yatra?
The best time for Chardham Yatra is from May to October when all four shrines are open. The peak season is May-June and September-October when weather is pleasant. Monsoon season (July-August) may have roadblocks due to landslides.
How difficult is the trek to Kedarnath?
The Kedarnath trek is moderately difficult, covering 20km from Sonprayag. It takes 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level. Ponies and palkis (palanquins) are available for those who cannot trek. Proper acclimatization is recommended.
What should I pack for Chardham Yatra?
Pack warm clothes (temperatures can drop to 5°C), rain gear, comfortable trekking shoes, personal medicines, toiletries, torch, water bottle, dry snacks, ID proofs, and copies of important documents. Avoid heavy luggage as you'll be moving frequently.
Are there any age restrictions for Chardham Yatra?
There are no strict age restrictions, but the high altitude and trekking may be challenging for elderly people or those with health conditions. Children above 7 years can undertake the yatra with proper care. Consult your doctor before planning if you have any medical concerns.
Can we customize the Chardham Yatra itinerary?
Yes, we can customize your Chardham Yatra as per your preferences - extend your stay at specific dhams, add helicopter services for Kedarnath, include visits to nearby places like Hemkund Sahib or Valley of Flowers, or adjust the pace of the journey. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Package Options
Payment Details
Bank Transfer
Bank: YES BANK
Account No: 070198700000820
IFSC: YESB0000701
UPI ID: trekkermonkey0@ybl
UPI No: +919058282111
Note: Kindly deposit ₹3,000/- per person as advance amount to confirm the seat. Rest amount to be paid before boarding.
Travel Tips
Best Experiences
Attend morning aarti at all four dhams for the most divine experience.
Must-Try Foods
Try local Garhwali cuisine like Kafuli, Chainsoo, and Bhatt ki Churdkani.
Health Tips
Stay hydrated, carry basic medicines, and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Ready for Your Divine Chardham Yatra?
Book your spiritual journey to the four sacred shrines in the Himalayas today!