Char Dham Yatra 2024

About this tour

Welcome to our guide to the Char Dham Yatra, a revered pilgrimage journey in the heart of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India. Char Dham, meaning “four abodes,” encompasses four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Each site holds deep significance in Hindu mythology. Yamunotri and Gangotri mark the origins of the holy rivers Yamuna and Ganga, while Kedarnath and Badrinath are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, respectively.

The journey takes pilgrims through breathtaking landscapes, where they trek through valleys and rugged terrain to reach ancient temples. It’s not just a physical journey but a spiritual quest for inner peace and blessings.

The Char Dham Yatra offers a profound connection with nature, allowing pilgrims to experience the divine presence in the whispering winds and flowing rivers.

Join us as we explore the mystical charm of Char Dham Yatra, where faith meets adventure, and every step is a testament to the enduring power of spirituality.

Quick information on the Char Dham Yatra

Duration: 9N/10D
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starting Point: Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
Best time to Visit: May-June and September- October
Highest Altitude: 3,583 m
Total trek distance: 46-48 Km
Temperature: Day: (10°C to 15°C) and Night: (5°C to -2°C)
Meals: Vegetarian
Accommodation: Homestay, Tents & Hotel
Age group: 8-60 years
Nearest airport: Dehradun Airport
Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station

Char Dham Itinerary

Day 01: Haridwar to Barkot

Pickup from Haridwar at 7:00 AM
Drive to Guptkashi/Kund/Phata from Haridwar.
Distance: 189 Kilometers.
Drive Time: 7-8 hours.
Reach hotel by the evening.
Explore the places nearby

Day 02: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot

The journey to Yamunotri starts with a 45-kilometer drive followed by a 5-kilometer trek from Janki Chatti, beginning at 4:00 AM.
You can choose to trek or use local horses or palkis.
Breakfast will be packed for the day.
Take a holy bath at Jamunabai’s Kund, a hot-water spring.
Return to Janki Chatti and then head to Barkot.
Dinner will be served at your hotel in Barkot.
Expect temperatures between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius.

Day 03: Barkot – Uttarkashi

On Day 3, after breakfast, check out from your hotel in Barkot.
Embark on a scenic drive to Uttarkashi, covering a distance of 100 kilometers with a travel time of approximately 4-5 hours.
Upon arrival, visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Then, settle in for the night at your hotel in Uttarkashi for a comfortable stay.

Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri- Uttarkashi

On Day 4, after breakfast or with packed breakfast, set out for Gangotri.
The journey covers a distance of 100 kilometers one way, with a driving time of about 3-4 hours each way.
Along the route, stop at Gangnani to take a holy dip in Garam Kund before continuing the drive through the scenic Harshil Valley to Gangotri.
Upon arrival, perform pooja and seek darshans at the revered Gangotri Temple.
Later in the day, return to Uttarkashi.
Dinner will be served at your hotel in the evening, providing a satisfying end to the day’s journey.

Day 05: Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag/guptkashi/Phata

On Day 5, begin your day with breakfast before checking out from your hotel in Uttarkashi.
Embark on a drive to Guptkashi from Uttarkashi, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Mandakini River at Tilwara along the way.
The journey covers a distance of 197 kilometers, with a driving time of approximately 9 hours.
Arrive at your hotel in Guptkashi by evening, where you can check in and unwind.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 06: Rudraprayag/guptkashi/Phata to Kedarnath Dham

On Day 6, rise early and prepare for your journey to Kedarnath Dham.
Your vehicle will transport you to Sonprayag, covering a distance of 30 kilometers by road.
From Sonprayag, utilize the shuttle service to reach Gaurikund, where your trek to Kedarnath temple begins.
The trek spans 18 kilometers, offering stunning views along the way.
If preferred, you can opt for alternative modes of transportation such as Doli, mules, Pitthu, or helicopter (arranged independently).
We suggest you pre-booking your heli-tickets for a hassle-free journey.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, participate in the evening aarti at the temple. Then, check in at the camps, tents, or hotel for accommodation.

Day 07: Kedarnath Dham To /Guptkashi/Phata/Kund/Chopta

Start your day early around 4 a.m. to witness the Morning Darshans at Kedarnath Temple.
Inside the temple, you have the opportunity to see the hump of the Bull within the GarbhaGriha.
Please note that photography is not permitted inside the temple.
After the morning rituals, visit the nearby Bhairav Temple to pay your respects.
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your trek down from Kedarnath to your chosen destination, whether it be Guptkashi, Phata, Kund, or Chopta.
Upon reaching your destination, settle in at your hotel for the night.
Dinner will be served at the hotel, providing a satisfying end to your day of exploration and spirituality.

Day 08: Guptkashi/Phata/Kund/Chopta To Badrinath

On Day 8, after breakfast, begin your journey towards Badrinath.
The distance to Badrinath is 220 kilometers, with an approximate driving time of 8 hours.
En route to Badrinath, make a stop at Joshimath where you can spend some time exploring Chopta, also known as the Mini-Switzerland of India.
Upon reaching Badrinath, you may plan to take a holy dip at the Tapt Kund.
Later in the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel, marking the end of the day’s travels.

Day 09: Badrinath – Peepalkoti

On Day 9, after breakfast, explore the iconic sites in Badrinath such as Mana, the first Indian village, where you can visit attractions like Bheem Pul, Tapt Kund, Vyasa Gufa, and Ganesha Gufa.
You may also opt to perform morning darshans at Badrinath for a quieter and more serene experience.
Following your visit to Mana and Badrinath, depart for Peepalkoti.
Dinner will be served at your hotel in Peepalkoti.

Day 10: Peepalkoti – Haridwar

On Day 10, after breakfast, prepare to depart for Haridwar. Along the way, take a moment to visit the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers, known as Devprayag.
Before leaving your vehicle, ensure you have all your luggage and essentials, including chargers, mobile phones, and wallets.
With this final stop, your journey comes to a close, filled with spiritual experiences and cherished memories. Safe travels and best wishes for your onward journey!

Char Dham Package Price:

Regular (with Bolero and Camps in Kedarnath): ₹ 20,000+5% GST per person.

Regular (with Bolero and Rooms in Kedarnath): ₹ 22,000+5% GST per person.

Regular (with Tempo and Rooms in Kedarnath): ₹ 24,000+5% GST per person.

Deluxe Package: ₹ 28,000+5% GST per person.

Best Time To Visit Char Dham

The best time to visit the Char Dham pilgrimage sites depends on various factors such as weather conditions, road accessibility, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the typical seasons for visiting each of the Char Dham sites:

Yamunotri: The Yamunotri temple usually opens in late April or early May and closes around the time of Diwali in October or November. The best time to visit is during the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon season of September to October.

Gangotri: The Gangotri temple generally opens in late April or early May and closes on Diwali. The recommended time to visit Gangotri is during the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon season of September to October.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath temple opens in late April or early May and closes after Diwali. The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon season of September to October.

Badrinath: The Badrinath temple typically opens in early May and closes on Diwali. The ideal time to visit Badrinath is during the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon season of September to October.

Overall, the Char Dham Yatra season spans from late April or early May to October or November, with the summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon season of September to October being the most favorable for pilgrimage due to favorable weather conditions and road accessibility.

Packing List: Essentials To Carry

When planning an active trip, it’s essential to consider how to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions. The key to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is by layering appropriately. Versatile, mixed, and matched layers provide the proper insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

We’ve created a comprehensive gear list to help you choose the proper equipment. It’s essential only to bring what is necessary, as this will help you stay comfortable and make the trek easier for the field staff.

What to Carry on the Trek?

Thermals – Tops and Bottoms to keep you warm in cold temperatures
Day Pack (20 L-30 L) and Rucksack 50 L – 60 L to carry your essentials
Bag Rain Cover to protect your belongings from Rain
Fleece pants and Woollen gloves and Woollen cap for Added Warmth
Fleece/ Woollen Jacket or Sweater to keep you warm on chilly evenings
Hiking Pants (Warm, Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight) for comfort and flexibility
Woollen Socks (4-5 pairs) to keep your feet warm and dry
Trekking poles (1 Pair) to support your body during the trek
Insulated Jacket to Provide an extra layer of Warmth
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight) to protect you from the sun and bugs
Rain-Coat/ Poncho to keep you dry during rain showers
Sport Sunglasses and Sun cap for protection against the sun
Hiking shoes for good grip and support
Water Bottles to stay hydrated during the trek

Make sure to pack wisely and leave behind any unnecessary items to keep your backpack light. A well-planned packing list ensures a safe and comfortable trek, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature fully.

Important Tips To Know

Embarking on a high-altitude trek, allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude is essential.
In an emergency or natural disaster, the trek itinerary may need to be modified for safety reasons and be prepared for any changes.
Consulting with a doctor before the trek and carrying essential medication and a first-aid kit is recommended.
Camping during the trek is essential, and there may not be electricity or charging points available. It is recommended to keep power banks for mobile and cameras.
The trek is in an Eco-friendly zone, so avoiding littering and conserving water is crucial. This will help preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.
It is recommended to carry sufficient cash, as an ATM may not be available during the trek.
Using earphones should be avoided for safety reasons, as it can hinder your ability to hear crucial instructions and warnings from your trek guides and leaders.
Plastic bags should not be used to maintain the area’s ecological balance. Instead, it is recommended to bring reusable bags or containers.
For your safety, it is essential to follow the instructions of the trek guides and instructors. They are experienced, knowledgeable about the trek, and can help you avoid potential hazards.
In the event of a cancellation, informing the authorities is essential.
To make the trek more accessible and more comfortable, keeping luggage to a minimum is advised.
Children under six are not recommended for the trek due to its high altitude and potential risks.
Alcohol and other intoxicants should be avoided during the trek for safety reasons