Char Dham Yatra
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer: May to June
- Post-Monsoon: September to October
Temperature:
- Day: 5°C to 20°C
- Night: -5°C to 5°C
Highest Altitude: 3,583m (Kedarnath)
Pickup Point: Delhi
Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand India Himalayas Dev Bhoomi -2025
Char Dham Yatra – Uttarakhand is a state which has been depicted in the Purans by names like Dev Bhoomi (LAND OF GODS), Punyabhoomi, Rishiyon Se Youktbhoomi (land full of sages).
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are the four pilgrimage sites located in the Indian Himalayas, away from pollution, in a soothing climate and invigorating greenery across different districts of Uttarakhand.
These four holy places, known as “Char Dham” (where ‘Char’ means four and ‘Dham’ refers to religious destinations), form a sacred pilgrimage journey called “Tirthyatra.” Every year, thousands of devotees from India and abroad undertake this spiritual tour.
Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage tour covering four sacred Hindu temples located in Uttarakhand, India: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Here are some highlights of each temple:
Yamunotri: Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The highlight of the temple is the hot water springs called “Janki Chatti” and “Surya Kund,” which are believed to have medicinal properties.
Gangotri: Situated at 3,100 meters above sea level, Gangotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The highlight of the temple is the Gangotri Glacier, which is the source of the holy river Ganga.
Kedarnath: Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The stunning temple is set amidst the Himalayan range and is accessible through a trek.
Badrinath: Standing at an altitude of 3,133 meters, Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its natural hot water springs called “Tapt Kund” and the mesmerizing scenery surrounding it.
Overall, the Char Dham Yatra is a spiritually uplifting and physically challenging pilgrimage that attracts devotees from across the world. It is a journey that blends natural beauty, adventure, and devotion.
Short Itinerary Char Dham Yatra
Day 01: Pickup from Delhi and drive to Jankichatti via Mussoorie, Kamptifall, Nainbag, Damta, Barkot (Approx. 440 km, 10-12 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Early morning trek from Jankichatti to Yamunotri Dham (5 km one way). After darshan, return to Jankichatti. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Jankichatti to Gangotri Dham via Uttarkashi and Harsil Valley (Approx. 222 km, 8-9 hours). Evening Ganga Aarti Darshan. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04: Morning visit to Gangotri Temple for darshan and puja. Later, drive to Uttarkashi (Approx. 108 km, 6-7 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 05: After breakfast, drive from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (Approx. 220 km, 8-9 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Early morning drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund (30 km), followed by a trek to Kedarnath (16 km). Overnight stay at Kedarnath.
Day 07: Early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple. Later, trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Drive from Guptkashi to Badrinath (Approx. 185 km, 8-9 hours). Visit Badrinath Temple for evening darshan. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Morning darshan at Badrinath Temple. Visit Mana Village, Bhim Pul, and Vyas Gufa. Later, drive to Rudraprayag (Approx. 160 km, 6-7 hours). Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Drive from Rudraprayag to Delhi via Rishikesh (Approx. 400 km, 10-12 hours). Drop-off in Delhi, marking the end of the Char Dham Yatra.
Triptoo Provides Safety During Char Dham Yatra
Triptoo ensures a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience with:
- Experienced guides for safe navigation.
- Proper trekking and safety gear.
- Emergency medical support.
- Sanitized accommodations and hygienic food.
- Support for acclimatization at high altitudes.
Weather Conditions During Char Dham Yatra
Weather varies depending on the season:
- April - June: Pleasant temperatures (10°C to 20°C). Best time for travel.
- July - August: Monsoon season, roads can be slippery due to rainfall.
- September - October: Cool temperatures (0°C to 15°C), ideal for pilgrims.
- November - March: Harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and temple closures.
For a safe and fulfilling Char Dham Yatra, it is advisable to plan your journey between April and October.
Here are some of the popular tourist attractions that you can see on a drive from Delhi to JankiChatti:
Chandi Devi Temple: Located atop the Neel Parvat hill, the Chandi Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and offers a panoramic view of the city.
Mansa Devi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, this temple is located on top of the BilwaParvat hill, and can be reached by a ropeway ride.
DaksheswaraMahadev Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the city.Har Ki Pauri: This is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges, and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Haridwar. It is also a popular spot for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
JankiChatti: JankiChatti is a small town located at an altitude of 2,650 meters, and is the starting point for the trek to Yamunotri, one of the Char Dham shrines.
Yamunotri: The Yamunotri temple is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is one of the four shrines that make up the Char DhamYatra.
Kempty Falls: Located near Mussoorie, the Kempty Falls is a popular tourist spot and is known for its beautiful cascading waterfall.
These are just a few of the popular attractions that you can see on a drive from Haridwar to JankiChatti. There are several other places to visit and things to do, depending on your interests and preferences.
after 1 hour you will come across a check post Naitwar, reaching the Himari camp site you will enjoy the tea or snacks.
The distance from JankiChatti to Yamunotri is approximately 6 kilometers, and the trek takes around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on one’s pace and fitness level. The trek to Yamunotri is considered to be a moderate-level trek, and it involves a gradual ascent through the beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Here are some of the highlights of the trek:
Scenic beauty: The trek to Yamunotri takes you through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, including lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
Hot springs: On the way to Yamunotri, you will come across the Kharsali hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties and are considered to be holy by the locals.
Yamunotri temple: The Yamunotri temple is the main attraction of the trek, and it is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters. It is believed to be the source of the Yamuna river, and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
DivyaShila: Located near the Yamunotri temple, the DivyaShila is a rock pillar that is believed to be the seat of Lord Shiva. It is considered to be a sacred site by the pilgrims.
Yamunotri glacier: The Yamunotri glacier is located at a distance of around 1 kilometer from the temple, and it is one of the main sources of the Yamuna river. Overall, the trek to Yamunotri is a beautiful and spiritually uplifting experience, and it provides a glimpse into the natural and cultural treasures of the region.he route from JankiChatti to Gangotri passes through some beautiful and significant places. Here are some of the important points that you can visit on the way from JankiChatti to Gangotri:
BhairavGhati: BhairavGhati is a narrow gorge on the way to Gangotri. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Bhairav, who is considered to be a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
Mukhba Village: Mukhba Village is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The village is known for its beautiful apple orchards and traditional wooden houses.
Harsil: Harsil is a picturesque village situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is famous for its apple orchards and natural beauty.
Gangnani: Gangnani is a hot water spring located on the way to Gangotri. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a dip.
Gangotri Temple: The Gangotri Temple is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. It is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is situated at an altitude of 3,042 meters above sea level.
Gaumukh: Gaumukh is the source of the River Ganga and is located about 18 kilometers from Gangotri. It is a popular trekking destination and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
These are some of the important points that you can visit on the way from JankiChatti to Gangotri. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes, rivers, and mountains that you will come across during the journey.
The road from Gangotri to Uttarkashi is a scenic route that passes through several picturesque locations and important landmarks.
Here are some of the key points that you can visit on this route:
Harsil: Harsil is a charming hamlet located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is known for its apple orchards, dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
Dharali: Dharali is a small village located near Harsil. It is famous for its natural beauty and traditional wooden houses.
Gangnani: Gangnani is a hot water spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. It is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a dip.
Uttarkashi: Uttarkashi is a town situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is a significant pilgrimage site and is known for its ancient temples and ashrams.
KashiVishwanath Temple: The KashiVishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Uttarkashi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings.
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering: The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located in Uttarkashi and is a renowned training center for mountaineers. It offers various courses on mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing.
These are some of the key points that you can visit on the road journey from Gangotri to Uttarkashi. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayan ranges, rivers, and valleys that you will come across during the journey.
To reach Kedarnath via Uttarkashi and Guptkashi, you can follow the following route:
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi is a distance of approximately 190 km, and it takes around 7-8 hours by road.
You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi. The route passes through some beautiful towns and villages such as Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Agastyamuni.
Guptkashi to Kedarnath: After reaching Guptkashi, you can take a shared jeep or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. The distance between Guptkashi and Gaurikund is approximately 32 km, and it takes around 1-2 hours by road.
On the way from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, you can visit some beautiful places such as:
Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi
Tehri Dam
Chamba town
Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers
On the way from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, you can visit:
Triyuginarayan Temple
Sonprayag, the confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers
Phata, the helipad point for Kedarnath
These places are not only scenic but also have significant mythological and religious importance. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes, rivers, and mountains that you will come across during the journey.
Today reach Kedarnath from Guptkashi, you can follow the below route:
Guptkashi to Gaurikund: The first step is to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. Gaurikund is located around 32 km from Guptkashi. You can take a shared jeep or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund. The road journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath: After reaching Gaurikund, you need to trek 14 km to reach Kedarnath. The trek is moderately difficult and takes around 6-7 hours. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin to reach Kedarnath if you are unable to trek.
On the way from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, you can visit some of the following places:
Triyuginarayan Temple: This ancient temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The temple is located around 40 km from Guptkashi and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Sonprayag: This is the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. It is located around 5 km from Gaurikund and is a scenic spot.
Phata: This is a helipad point for Kedarnath. You can take a helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath if you do not wish to trek.
on the way from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, you can visit some of the following places:
Bhairavnath Temple: This temple is located around 4 km from Gaurikund and is dedicated to Bhairavnath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
Gandhi Sarovar: This is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. It is named after Mahatma Gandhi and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Kedarnath Temple: This is the main pilgrimage site and is one of the four sacred shrines of the Char DhamYatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.
These places not only offer a scenic view of the Himalayas but also have significant mythological and religious importance. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the rivers, mountains, and landscapes that you will come across during the journey.
After visiting Kedarnath, on the way back to Guptkashi, you can visit some of the following places: follow to same way kedarnath to guptkashi
These places offer a scenic view of the Himalayas and have significant mythological and religious importance. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the forests, meadows, and landscapes that you will come across during the journey.
To reach Badrinath from Guptkashi, you can either take a shared taxi or a private taxi. The distance between Guptkashi and Badrinath is around 190 km and it takes around 7-8 hours to cover the distance by road.
On the way to Badrinath, you can visit some of the following places: Joshimath: It is a popular hill station located around 45 km from Badrinath. It is home to the famous Shankaracharya Math and is also the winter seat of Lord Badri.
Auli: It is a popular skiing destination located around 55 km from Badrinath. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Today after breakfast visitMana Village, , and Vasudhara Falls from Badrinath, you can either take a shared taxi or a private taxi. The distance between Badrinath and Mana Village is around 3 km, Mana Village is the last village on the Indian side before the border with Tibet. The village has a significant mythological and historical importance and is believed to be the place where Sage Vyas wrote the Mahabharata. There are several points of interest in Mana Village, including the Vyas Gufa (cave), BhimPul (bridge), Ganesh Gufa, and the old village temple.
Vasudhara Falls is a picturesque waterfall located around 9 km from Badrinath. The waterfall is believed to have medicinal properties and is a popular spot for trekking and camping. The trek to Vasudhara Falls is a moderate trek and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
BhimPul is a bridge located near Mana Village and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. The bridge is made of stone and is believed to have been constructed by Bhim, one of the Pandava brothers.
Overall, the route from Badrinath to Mana Village, Hemkund Sahib, and Vasudhara Falls offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and history.
Today our last day travel from Badrinath to Delhi, you can take a shared taxi or a private taxi. The distance between Badrinath and Delhi is around 524 km, and the journey takes around 12-13 hours. Here are some of the key points of interest you can visit on your way from Badrinath to Delhi:
Rudraprayag: Located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Rudraprayag is a small town that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The town is also known for its ancient temples, including the Rudranath Temple and the Chamunda Devi Temple.
Devprayag: This is another town located at the confluence of two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the region and is believed to be the place where the two rivers meet to form the Ganges.
Rishikesh: Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The town is famous for its ancient temples, ashrams, and yoga centers. Some of the key attractions in Rishikesh include the TriveniGhat, LaxmanJhula, and Ram Jhula.
Har Ki Pauri: This is a famous ghat located in Haridwar and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in India. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri can wash away one’s sins. The ghat is also famous for its evening aarti ceremony, which is a must-see for all visitors to Haridwar.
Overall, the journey from Badrinath to Delhi offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and history. You can visit these key points of interest and also explore the local cuisine and culture of the region.
How to Reach Delhi
By Air
🛫 The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is well-connected to major cities in India and worldwide.
🚖 From the airport, you can hire a taxi, use app-based cabs, or take the Delhi Metro Airport Express to reach different parts of the city.
By Train
🚆 Delhi has multiple railway stations with excellent connectivity across India:
- New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) – Centrally located and a major hub for trains.
- Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) – Serves northern and eastern routes.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) – Ideal for South India routes.
- Anand Vihar Terminal (ANVT) – Connects to eastern and northeastern states.
🚖 From the railway stations, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and metro services are available to reach any part of Delhi.
By Road
🚌 Delhi is well-connected via a vast network of national highways and expressways.
🚍 Regular bus services operate from major cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, Agra, and Dehradun to Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in Delhi:
- Kashmere Gate ISBT – For northern and eastern routes.
- Sarai Kale Khan ISBT – For Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh routes.
- Anand Vihar ISBT – For UP, Bihar, and Uttarakhand routes.
🚖 Local transport options like metro, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are easily available from these bus terminals.
⚠️ Important Notes:
- ✅ Delhi Metro is the best and most convenient way to travel within the city.
- 🚖 App-based cab services like Uber and Ola are widely available.
- 🛏️ Accommodation options range from budget hotels to luxury stays in different areas.
Inclusions
- Transport from Delhi to Delhi (as per itinerary)
- Accommodation (Camping only, twin sharing)
- Pure Vegetarian Meals (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Morning Tea & Evening Tea with snacks
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, toilet tent, utensils
- Professional and experienced trek guides
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- First aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder, and stretcher
- Local guide assistance throughout the trip
- Scenic sightseeing as per itinerary
- Hot drinking water during the trip
- Yatra completion certificate
Exclusions
- Porter/mule for personal bags
- Lunch and food during transit
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, telephone calls, etc.)
- Charges for video or still cameras
- Insurance (personal/medical/travel)
- Any additional cost due to natural calamities, roadblocks, landslides, etc.
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
🏔️ Things to Carry for This Trek
🧳 Essentials
- 🆔 Government ID (Aadhar, Passport, etc.)
- 📄 Permits & Trek Bookings
- 💵💳 Cash (Limited ATMs in Remote Areas)
- 📍 Trek Map & Itinerary
🎒 Backpack & Gear
- 🎒 Backpack (50-60L) with Rain Cover
- 🥾 Good Quality Trekking Shoes
- 🦯 Trekking Pole
- ⛺ Sleeping Bag (if required)
- 🔦 Headlamp / Torch with Extra Batteries
🧥 Clothing & Accessories
- 🧥 Waterproof Jacket / Windcheater
- 🩳 Quick-Dry T-shirts & Trek Pants
- 🧤 Woolen Gloves, Socks & Cap
- 🕶️ UV Protection Sunglasses
- 🩲 Thermal Innerwear (for high-altitude treks)
🛠️ First Aid & Personal Care
- 💊 Basic First Aid Kit & Personal Medicines
- 🧴 Sunscreen & Lip Balm (SPF 50+)
- 🚿 Wet Wipes & Sanitizer
- 🦟 Mosquito & Insect Repellent
📱 Electronics & Miscellaneous
- 📱🔌 Phone & Charger
- 🔋 Power Bank
- 📸 Camera / GoPro (optional)
- 🍫 Dry Fruits, Energy Bars & Snacks
- 🚰 Water Bottles / Hydration Pack
