Char Dham Yatra – Complete Tour Guide, Route, Cost and Best Time
You have definitely heard about Char Dham Yatra from your nears and dears. Why not get the complete one-stop information about the Char Dhams? Here in this blog, you will get to know about the complete journey from start to end, places to explore during the journey, and have a stay at affordable prices.
Why Char Dham Yatra is Important in Hinduism
Char Dham Yatra has a major significance in Hinduism. It’s not just a journey but a complete package of spirituality, adventure, and new places to explore. Char Dhams in Uttarakhand cover 4 divine places—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
It is also believed in Hindu dharma that these four places wash away all your sins and open the way to Moksha. The purity of these places and the peace they hold definitely make them more and more beautiful. Every year it attracts millions of people across the globe.
This spiritual journey begins from Haridwar, also called the “Gateway to God,” and covers not just temples but also the majestic Himalayas, rivers, and the beautiful culture of Uttarakhand.
Before starting your Char Dham Yatra, it is mandatory to complete online registration. This helps ensure your safety, smooth arrangements, and hassle-free darshan at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
✅ Click here to Book Char Dham Yatra Online Registration 👇
👉 Registration Link Here
Don’t wait till the last moment start your journey stress-free!
Best Time to Visit Char Dham
The best time to start your journey to Char Dham Yatra is May–June and September–October, because of pleasant weather and fewer crowds after the monsoon season ends.
🚫 Avoid July–August due to heavy rainfall and frequent landslides in Uttarakhand.
Route of Char Dham Yatra
The route follows a clockwise direction:
Start from Haridwar → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Barkot → Janki Chatti (210 km road trip).
From Janki Chatti, trek 6 km to reach Yamunotri Temple.
After Yamunotri, continue towards Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The Four Sacred Dhams
1. Yamunotri – First Stop of Char Dham Yatra
Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, located in the Uttarkashi district. It is also considered the source of the Yamuna River.
Yamunotri Temple – dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Divya Shila – a blessed rock where devotees offer prayers.
Surya Kund – a hot water spring where devotees cook potatoes and rice as Prasad.
👉 Travel Tip: 1 day is enough to explore Yamunotri. Carry warm clothes and raincoats due to cold weather and sudden rainfall.
2. Gangotri – Origin of River Ganga
After Yamunotri, travel 245 km (10–12 hrs) to reach Gangotri in the Uttarkashi district. This dham marks the origin of the Ganga River, the holiest river in India.
Places to explore:
Gangotri Temple – dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Bhagirath Shila – near the temple.
Pandava Gufa – where Pandavas meditated.
Gaumukh Glacier – actual source of the Ganga, surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks.
👉 Don’t forget to carry altitude sickness medicines.
3. Kedarnath – Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located in Rudraprayag district. Visiting Kedarnath is believed to cleanse one’s soul and grant moksha.
Legends say after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings here.
Places to explore:
Kedarnath Temple – built by the Pandavas.
Bhairavnath Temple – protector of Kedarnath.
Riyuginarayan Temple – where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married.
👉 Route: From Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Guptkashi → Gaurikund (255 km road) → Trek 16 km to Kedarnath. Options: walk, Doli, pony/mule, or helicopter.
4. Badrinath – Abode of Lord Vishnu
The final dham is Badrinath, located in Chamoli district. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan).
Places to explore:
Badrinath Temple
Vyas Gufa – where Sage Vyas wrote the Mahabharata.
Vasundhra Falls – scenic waterfall
Tapt Kund – hot water spring for holy dips.
👉 Route: From Kedarnath → Chamoli → Joshimath (230 km road) → reach Badrinath
Essential Packing List for Char Dham Yatra
- Woolen clothing (very cold nights)
- Comfortable shoes, walking stick, umbrella, raincoat.
- High-altitude medicines.
- ID proof at checkpoints.
- Torchlight, dry fruits, and water bottles.
Char Dham Yatra Cost (Per Person Estimate)
| Yamunotri | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Gangotri | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Kedarnath | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Badrinath | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Total Cost Estimated: | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 |
FAQs – Char Dham Yatra
Is it safe to travel in September?
✅ Yes, especially mid-September onwards after monsoon. Less crowd, clear weather, but carry warm clothes.
Can Char Dham Yatra be completed in 4 days?
❌ Honestly, no. Completing by road in just 4 days is not practically possible.
What should I pack for the Yatra?
Warm clothes, trekking shoes, raincoat/umbrella, medicines, torch, ID proof, dry snacks.
Conclusion
Char Dham Yatra is not just a trip but a spiritual journey of lifetime significance. From Yamunotri to Badrinath, every dham has its own divine story, scenic beauty, and cultural richness. The chants, the Himalayas, and the divine energy together make this journey truly unforgettable.
If you’re planning your Char Dham Yatra, don’t miss exploring some of the most beautiful hill stations in India. They are perfect for relaxation before or after your pilgrimage.
👉 Check out my detailed blog on the Top Hill Stations to Visit in India.
Happy And Safe Journey!