Blog · Pilgrimage
Char Dham Yatra: how to plan the route and days
The Char Dham Yatra visits four Himalayan shrines in one journey. The order, the overnight stops and a little buffer time make it far easier.
The traditional order
The yatra is traditionally done west to east: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Our itineraries follow this order, with overnight stops at Barkot, Uttarkashi and Guptkashi between the shrines.
Days from Haridwar or Delhi
- From Haridwar: 8 nights / 9 days or 9 nights / 10 days.
- From Delhi: 10 nights / 11 days or 11 nights / 12 days, adding the Delhi–Haridwar drive (about 230 km) at each end.
- By helicopter: 5 nights / 6 days from Dehradun.
What each day looks like
These are long mountain drives. From our itineraries: Haridwar to Barkot is about 210 km (7–8 hours); Barkot to Uttarkashi about 100 km (4 hours); Uttarkashi to Guptkashi about 220 km (8–9 hours); and Guptkashi to Badrinath about 215 km (7 hours). Yamunotri is a trek of around 6 km from Janki Chatti, and Kedarnath is a trek of around 16–19 km from Gaurikund, depending on the route.
The season
The shrines open around Akshaya Tritiya (April or May) and close around Diwali (October or November); exact dates are announced each year. May–June and September–October are the most popular windows. July and August are monsoon months with a real risk of landslides and delays.
Buffer days
Roads can close for hours after rain or landslides. A buffer day at the end of the yatra, or flexible return travel, takes the stress out of delays.
A sample 9-day route from Haridwar
- Haridwar to Barkot (about 210 km, 7–8 hours).
- Barkot to Janki Chatti by road, trek to Yamunotri, and back to Barkot.
- Barkot to Uttarkashi (about 100 km, 4 hours).
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back (about 100 km each way).
- Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (about 220 km, 8–9 hours).
- Guptkashi to Sonprayag by road, then the trek to Kedarnath; overnight near the temple.
- Kedarnath back down to Guptkashi.
- Guptkashi to Badrinath (about 215 km, 7 hours).
- Badrinath back towards Rudraprayag and Haridwar.
This is the shape of our 8-night Char Dham package from Haridwar. The 10-day version adds breathing room on the longest stretch.
Road or helicopter?
By road, the yatra takes 9–12 days and involves long, winding drives, but it lets you see the Himalayan valleys and stop at the prayags (river confluences) on the way. The helicopter yatra from Dehradun covers all four shrines in about 6 days, landing close to each temple. It suits senior citizens and anyone short of time, but it is more expensive, and flights depend on the weather.
Where you stay
Overnight stops are in the valley towns: Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi (or nearby Sitapur and Rampur), and Badrinath. Hotels in these towns are simple and practical rather than luxurious, and hot water can be limited at higher places. The Kedarnath overnight near the temple is in basic lodgings or camps.
Registration, fitness and packing
Pilgrims must register for the yatra with the Uttarakhand government before travelling. See our separate guide for registration, fitness preparation and a full packing list.
Ponies, palkis and helicopters for the treks
For the Yamunotri and Kedarnath treks, ponies and palkis are available at official rates. Helicopter shuttles also serve Kedarnath from the valley helipads; tickets are sold through the official booking portal and should be booked as early as possible.
Questions travellers ask
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?
About 9–10 days from Haridwar and 11–12 days from Delhi by road; around 6 days by helicopter.
Is the Char Dham Yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, with a doctor's advice. Ponies, palkis (palanquins) and helicopters reduce the walking, and a slower itinerary helps.
What is the best time for the Char Dham Yatra?
May–June and mid-September to October. Avoid July and August if you can, because of monsoon landslides.
