Char Dham
Char Dham
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimage journeys in India, taking devotees through four sacred shrines nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These four holy destinations, collectively known as Char Dham, are believed to wash away sins and lead to salvation (moksha), making them a must-visit for every Hindu.
Each dham holds unique spiritual significance:
Yamunotri is the source of the sacred Yamuna River and home to the goddess Yamuna.
Gangotri marks the origin of the holy Ganga River, dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, lies amidst snow-capped peaks and deep spiritual energy.
Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a part of both Char Dham and the original Panchar Dham circuits.
How to Reach Char Dham
Char Dham Yatra begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, and takes you to four holy shrines in the Himalayas. Here’s how you can reach each dham:
🗺️ 1. Starting Point for Char Dham Yatra
Nearest Major Cities:
Haridwar
Rishikesh
Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport)
These cities serve as base points with excellent road connectivity, transport options, and accommodations.
🚗 2. By Road (Most Common Way)
You can travel by private taxi, shared jeep, or government/private buses.
✅ Suggested Route (Clockwise Order):
Haridwar/Rishikesh → Barkot (Base for Yamunotri)
Barkot → Yamunotri (via Janki Chatti, 6 km trek)
Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
Gangotri → Guptkashi → Gaurikund (Base for Kedarnath)
Gaurikund → Kedarnath (16 km trek or helicopter)
Kedarnath → Pipalkoti → Badrinath
Badrinath → Joshimath → Rudraprayag → Rishikesh/Haridwar
🚆 3. By Train
Nearest Railway Stations:
Haridwar (Well connected to major Indian cities)
Dehradun
Rishikesh (Limited connectivity; best for nearby access)
From here, continue the journey by road or taxi to the Char Dham route.
✈️ 4. By Air
Nearest Airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities
From the airport, hire a taxi or join a tour group toward Barkot or Uttarkashi.
🚁 5. By Helicopter (Luxury/Time-Saving Option)
Helicopter services are available from Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad) for all four Dhams
Ideal for elderly pilgrims or those with time constraints
Common operators: IRCTC, Heritage Aviation, Pawan Hans, etc.
🧳 Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: May to June & September to mid-November (avoid monsoon)
Health Check: High altitude – carry basic medicines & stay hydrated
Advance Booking: Hotels, ponies, helicopter, and registration (mandatory)
Other Tours
Other Trek
Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Barkot (200 km / 7–8 hrs)
Drive through Mussoorie and Kempty Falls
Overnight stay in Barkot
Drive to Janki Chatti and trek to Yamunotri Temple
Take a dip in Surya Kund and visit the temple of Goddess Yamuna
Return trek and drive back to Barkot
Overnight stay
Scenic drive along the Bhagirathi River
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi
Overnight stay in Uttarkashi
Early morning drive to Gangotri
Offer prayers at Goddess Ganga Temple
Explore the natural beauty of Bhagirathi River
Return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay
Long scenic drive via Tehri Dam and Rudraprayag
Overnight stay in Guptkashi or Sitapur
Drive to Gaurikund, then trek to Kedarnath Temple
Visit the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas)
Overnight stay in Kedarnath (basic guesthouse/camp)
🛑 Optional: Helicopter ride from Phata/Sersi to Kedarnath (advance booking required)
Return trek to Gaurikund
Drive back to Guptkashi / Sitapur
Overnight stay
Drive via Joshimath, Vishnuprayag
Reach Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Attend evening aarti
Overnight stay in Badrinath
Take a holy dip in Tapt Kund
Visit nearby attractions: Mana Village, Bheem Pul, Vyas Gufa
Drive back and overnight stay at Rudraprayag/Pipalkoti
Drive back with memories of a divine and adventurous journey
Yatra ends
Best Season: May to June and September to November
Registration: Online/Offline registration is mandatory for all pilgrims
Packing: Warm clothes, ID proofs, raincoat, trekking shoes, medicines
Fitness: Moderate fitness required due to high-altitude trekking