Char Dham Yatra – Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimage journeys in India, covering four holy Himalayan temples—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This journey is not just about visiting temples, but about understanding routes, weather, health preparation, and correct travel sequencing.

This page is written as a complete Char Dham Yatra guide to help pilgrims understand the journey before choosing a package.

👉 If you are looking to compare verified travel options, routes, and costs, explore all available options on our
Char Dham tour packages page.

WHAT IS CHAR DHAM YATRA?

The Char Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage to four sacred temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand:

Yamunotri – Source of River Yamuna

Gangotri – Origin of River Ganga

Kedarnath – Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva

Badrinath – Sacred shrine of Lord Vishnu

These four shrines together form the spiritual circuit known as Char Dham.

WHERE ARE THE CHAR DHAM TEMPLES LOCATED?

All four temples are located in Uttarakhand, but in different districts:

Yamunotri: Uttarkashi district

Gangotri: Uttarkashi district (Bhagirathi valley)

Kedarnath: Rudraprayag district

Badrinath: Chamoli district

Because the temples are spread across different valleys, route planning is essential.

For route-based planning and travel styles, see our
Char Dham tour packages

SEQUENCE OF VISITING CHAR DHAM

The traditionally recommended sequence is:

1. Yamunotri

2. Gangotri

3. Kedarnath

4. Badrinath

This sequence:

Reduces backtracking

Helps gradual altitude gain

Makes the journey physically manageable

Most professionally designed Char Dham itineraries follow this order.

BEST TIME TO VISIT CHAR DHAM

Season: May to October

Temple Closure: November to April (due to snow)

Recommended months:

May – June: Pleasant but crowded

September – October: Best balance of weather & crowd

Choosing the right time directly affects comfort and safety.

HOW TO REACH CHAR DHAM

Char Dham temples are accessed via:

By Road: From Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun

By Train: Nearest railheads are Haridwar & Rishikesh

By Helicopter: Available mainly for Kedarnath

Because access methods vary by temple, travelers often choose packages that combine road + trek efficiently.

👉 To compare travel styles, visit our different
Char Dham packages

HEALTH & AGE CONSIDERATIONS

There is no official age limit, but pilgrims should consider:

High altitude

Cold temperatures

Long driving hours

Kedarnath trek difficulty

Senior citizens and children should:

Consult a doctor

Choose slower-paced itineraries

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES

Accommodation options include:

Budget guesthouses

Standard hotels

Camps (near Kedarnath)

Facilities vary by location and season.

ADDITIONAL PLACES COVERED DURING CHAR DHAM

Along with main temples, pilgrims often visit:

Dhari Devi Temple

Vishwanath Temple (Uttarkashi)

Harsil Valley

Triyuginarayan Temple

Chopta Valley

Omkareshwar Temple

Narsingh Devta Temple

Mana Village

These are usually included depending on route and duration.

FAQs

How long does Char Dham Yatra take?

Chardham yatra usually takes 10 or 9 days from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun. From Delhi it takes 11 to 12 days.

Is registration mandatory?

Yes registration is mandatory for Chardham Yatra, you can check our complete chardham yatra registration blog.

Is mobile network available?

Yes, mobile networks are available in Chardham routes basically of Jio and Airtel.

Are ATMs available?

Yes, ATM is available in different points of Chardham route.

Planning to Book a Char Dham Yatra?

This guide helps you understand the Char Dham Yatra—its temples, routes, seasons, and preparation.

To compare routes, durations, costs, starting points, and travel styles, explore our complete list of verified itineraries on the
👉 Check Char Dham yatra tour packages.