When people in north India say Char Dham Yatra, they usually mean the circuit of four shrines in Uttarakhand's Garhwal Himalaya: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is also called the Chota Char Dham, to distinguish it from the four dhams at the corners of India (Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram).
The shrines open in late April or May and close for winter around Diwali. Pilgrims traditionally travel west to east, from Yamunotri to Badrinath, on a road trip of about 10 to 12 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Quick answer
The Char Dham Yatra covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, usually in that order, over 10 to 12 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh. In 2026 the shrines opened between 19 and 23 April and close around Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Registration on the Uttarakhand government portal is mandatory and free. May to June and September to October are the best windows; avoid July and August.
Key takeaways
- The four shrines are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, visited west to east.
- Registration is mandatory and free on the Uttarakhand government portal.
- Yamunotri and Kedarnath need treks (about 6 km and 16 km); ponies, palkis and, for Kedarnath, helicopters are available.
- Allow 10 to 12 days by road, including buffer days for weather.
- The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is different from the four dhams of India.
The four shrines
| Shrine | Deity | Altitude (about) | Access | 2026 opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | 3,290 m | Trek of about 6 km from Janki Chatti | 19 April |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | 3,100 m | By road | 19 April |
| Kedarnath | Shiva (Jyotirlinga) | 3,580 m | Trek of about 16 km from Gaurikund, or helicopter | 22 April |
| Badrinath | Vishnu (Badri Narayan) | 3,130 m | By road | 23 April |
Registration and bookings
- Char Dham registration is mandatory and free on the Uttarakhand government portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in).
- Registration opens in advance of the season (6 March in 2026); offline counters operate at Haridwar, Rishikesh and other points during the yatra.
- Kedarnath helicopter tickets are sold only on IRCTC HeliYatra and need a valid yatra registration.
- Carry the registration and ID; they are checked at several points.
- Beware of fake registration and helicopter websites.
The route
Haridwar or Rishikesh to Barkot
The first long drive, towards Yamunotri. Barkot or Janki Chatti is the usual night stop.
Yamunotri
A trek of about 6 km from Janki Chatti to the temple and hot springs; ponies and palkis are available.
Gangotri
Via Uttarkashi to the temple on the Bhagirathi, reached by road. Gaumukh, the glacier source, is a separate permit trek.
Kedarnath
To Guptkashi or Sonprayag, then by shuttle to Gaurikund and the 16 km trek, or by helicopter from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi.
Badrinath
Via Rudraprayag and Joshimath to Badrinath on the Alaknanda; Mana village is 3 km beyond.
A 10 to 12 day itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Haridwar or Rishikesh; Ganga Aarti |
| 2 | Drive to Barkot |
| 3 | Yamunotri trek and return |
| 4 | Drive to Uttarkashi |
| 5 | Gangotri darshan; back to Uttarkashi |
| 6 | Drive to Guptkashi or Sitapur |
| 7 | Kedarnath trek (or helicopter); overnight at Kedarnath if possible |
| 8 | Descend; drive towards Chopta or Pipalkoti |
| 9 | Badrinath darshan; Mana village |
| 10 | Drive back towards Rishikesh (two days is more comfortable) |
| 11 to 12 | Buffer days for weather or rest |
Best time
- May and June: the busiest months; clear days, long queues.
- July and August: monsoon landslides often block roads; avoid if you can.
- September and October: fewer crowds and clear views after the rain; cold nights.
- Late October and November: shrines begin to close for winter.
What drives the cost
- Transport: shared jeep, private car or tempo traveller, and the number of days.
- Stays: dharamshalas, GMVN rest houses, hotels and tents, which fill up early in May and June.
- Treks: ponies, palkis and porters at Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
- Helicopter for Kedarnath, and helicopter packages from Dehradun.
- Peak dates: the opening weeks and weekends.
Kudozz Club's Char Dham package can be priced for your dates and pace.
Safety
- The shrines are at 3,000 m or more; climb gradually, drink water, and descend if you have signs of altitude sickness. Take medical advice before the trip, especially if you are older or have heart or lung conditions.
- Monsoon landslides can close roads for hours or days; keep buffer days and follow official advisories.
- Darshan waits vary from minutes to many hours; no one can guarantee quick darshan, so plan buffer time.
- Registration is checked at multiple points; carry it with your ID.
What to pack
- Warm layers, gloves and a cap even in May
- Rain jacket and umbrella
- Good walking shoes for the treks
- Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Printed yatra registration and ID
Want this pilgrimage turned into a practical itinerary?
FAQs
What are the Char Dham of Uttarakhand?
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Is registration mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Registration on the Uttarakhand government portal is mandatory and free.
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?
About 10 to 12 days by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh, including buffer days.
When do the Char Dham shrines open and close?
They open around Akshaya Tritiya (19 to 23 April in 2026) and close around Diwali and Bhai Dooj; exact dates are announced each year.
What is the best time for the Char Dham Yatra?
May to June and September to October. Avoid July and August, when landslides are common.
Is the Char Dham Yatra the same as the four dhams of India?
No. The four dhams of India are Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram; only Badrinath is common to both.
