2026 Complete Guide

Char Dham Yatra Complete 10-12 Day Itinerary

Complete guide for Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Detailed itinerary, hotel prices, route from Delhi, helicopter bookings, registration process, and everything you need for a successful pilgrimage.

4 Holy Temples 10-12 Days Altitude: 3,293m (Yamunotri) to 3,583m (Kedarnath) Season: May-Oct

What's Inside This Guide

Complete Char Dham Yatra Guide

Every detail you need for a successful pilgrimage

10-Day Char Dham Yatra Itinerary

Day 1
Delhi → Haridwar (220 km, 5-6 hours)
Depart from Delhi early morning. Reach Haridwar by afternoon. Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per night
Day 2
Haridwar → Barkot (180 km, 6-7 hours)
Drive through Rishikesh, Chamba, and Mussoorie. Reach Barkot, the base for Yamunotri.
🏨 Hotel: ₹800-₹2,500 per night
Day 3
Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot (6 km trek)
Drive to Janki Chatti (45 km). Trek 6 km to Yamunotri Temple. Return to Barkot by evening.
🏨 Hotel: ₹800-₹2,500 per night
Day 4
Barkot → Uttarkashi (100 km, 3-4 hours)
Drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Vishwanath Temple. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per night
Day 5
Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi (95 km one-way)
Drive to Gangotri (3-4 hours). Darshan at Gangotri Temple. Return to Uttarkashi.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,000 per night
Day 6
Uttarkashi → Guptkashi (200 km, 6-7 hours)
Drive through Srinagar and Rudraprayag. Reach Guptkashi, the base for Kedarnath.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,500 per night
Day 7
Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Guptkashi
Drive to Gaurikund. Trek 16 km to Kedarnath (or take helicopter/pony). Darshan. Return.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,500 per night
Day 8
Guptkashi → Badrinath (200 km, 6-7 hours)
Drive through Chopta, Gopeshwar, Chamoli. Reach Badrinath by evening.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,500-₹5,000 per night
Day 9
Badrinath Darshan → Joshimath
Morning darshan at Badrinath. Visit Mana Village (last village before Tibet). Drive to Joshimath.
🏨 Hotel: ₹1,000-₹3,500 per night
Day 10
Joshimath → Rishikesh → Delhi
Drive back to Delhi via Rishikesh. Reach Delhi by night.
🏨 Return home
Total Distance: ~1,500 km
Total Duration: 10 days
Total Stay Cost: ₹8,000-₹30,000 per person (depending on hotel choice)
Best for: First-time pilgrims, families, and small groups
Pro Tip: Add 2 buffer days (Day 11-12) for weather delays, road closures, or rest. During peak season, helicopter bookings and VIP darshans can be arranged.
Route Plan:
  1. Delhi → Haridwar: 220 km (5-6 hours)
  2. Haridwar → Barkot: 180 km (6-7 hours) — Base for Yamunotri
  3. Barkot → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri: 6 km trek
  4. Barkot → Uttarkashi: 100 km (3-4 hours) — Base for Gangotri
  5. Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi: 95 km (3-4 hours one-way)
  6. Uttarkashi → Guptkashi: 200 km (6-7 hours) — Base for Kedarnath
  7. Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath: 16 km trek
  8. Guptkashi → Badrinath: 200 km (6-7 hours)

Transport Options:

  • Private cab: ₹25,000-₹40,000 for 10-day trip
  • Shared jeep: ₹1,000-₹2,000 per person per leg
  • Bus: Uttarakhand Transport buses available but limited
  • Helicopter: For Kedarnath (₹6,500-₹13,000) and Yamunotri
Pro Tip: Hire a private cab for flexibility. The driver will also act as a guide. Book through GMVN for reliable service.
SeasonTemperatureBest For
May - June (Summer)5°C - 25°CBest time — Pleasant weather, all temples open
July - August (Monsoon)10°C - 20°CRisky — landslides possible, roads blocked
September - October (Post-monsoon)0°C - 15°CGood — Clear skies, less crowd
November - AprilBelow 0°CTemples closed — Heavy snow
Important: Char Dham temples are open only from May to October. Temple opening dates usually around April/May. Closing dates around October/November. Check exact dates on badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in.
Pro Tip: Visit in May-June for the best weather. September-October is less crowded but colder. Avoid monsoon (July-August) due to landslide risks.
Traditional Order of Char Dham Yatra:
  1. Yamunotri — The first stop (6 km trek from Janki Chatti)
  2. Gangotri — The second stop (95 km from Uttarkashi)
  3. Kedarnath — The third stop (16 km trek from Gaurikund)
  4. Badrinath — The final stop (road accessible)

Why this order?

  • This is the clockwise (pradakshina) route — considered sacred
  • It's logically arranged — from west to east
  • Yamunotri and Gangotri are easier before the more challenging Kedarnath
  • Ending at Badrinath allows a smooth return to Delhi
Pro Tip: Some pilgrims do Char Dham in reverse order (Badrinath first). But the traditional clockwise order is recommended for spiritual and practical reasons.

Estimated costs for a 10-day Char Dham Yatra (per person):

ExpenseBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation (10 nights)₹8,000₹20,000₹40,000
Food (10 days)₹3,000₹5,000₹8,000
Transport (Private Cab)₹15,000₹25,000₹40,000
Pony/Palki/Horse (Kedarnath)₹3,500₹7,000₹12,000
Helicopter (Kedarnath, optional)₹7,000₹10,000₹13,000
VIP Darshans (all 4 temples)₹0₹4,000₹12,000
Misc (pony, guide, etc.)₹2,000₹4,000₹8,000
Total₹38,500₹75,000₹1,33,000
Note: Costs vary based on group size, season, and preferences. Group travel reduces per-person costs significantly.
Pro Tip: Booking through TripCare often reduces costs by 10-20% through bulk booking discounts and exclusive rates.
Helicopter Services Available:
  • Kedarnath: Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi → Kedarnath (₹6,500-₹13,000)
  • Yamunotri: Helicopter service limited (₹8,000-₹12,000)
  • Badrinath: Limited helicopter service (₹8,000-₹12,000)
  • Gangotri: No helicopter service (only road)

How to book helicopter:

  • Kedarnath: Book at badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in
  • Book in advance: At least 1-2 months before
  • Tickets: Released 60 days before travel
  • Weather: Operations depend on weather conditions
Important: Helicopter tickets sell out within minutes. Check-in 1 hour before the flight. Weight limit: Usually 80-100 kg per person. Keep buffer days for weather delays.
Pro Tip: Book helicopter for Kedarnath if you are elderly or have limited time. For a complete experience, trek to Kedarnath and use helicopter only for return.

Registration is MANDATORY for all pilgrims visiting Char Dham.

Online Registration (Free):

  • Website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
  • Mobile App: "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" app
  • WhatsApp: Send "Yatra" to 8394833833

Registration Steps:

  1. Sign up using mobile number (OTP verification)
  2. Enter personal details (name, age, Aadhaar ID)
  3. Select all 4 Dhams and travel dates
  4. Upload photo and ID proof
  5. Download QR-based e-pass for each Dham

Offline Registration Centers:

  • Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun
  • Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi
  • Gaurikund, Kedarnath, Badrinath
Important: Registration starts from April 17, 2026. Carry printed copies or digital QR codes for all 4 Dhams. ID proof is mandatory at multiple checkpoints.
Yes, with help:
  • Yamunotri: Pony (₹1,500-₹2,500), Palki (₹3,000-₹5,000)
  • Gangotri: Road accessible, no trekking
  • Kedarnath: Pony (₹3,500-₹4,500), Palki (₹7,500-₹9,500), Helicopter (₹6,500-₹13,000)
  • Badrinath: Road accessible, no trekking
Health Tips: Get a complete health check-up before the yatra. Carry all regular medications with extra supply. Acclimatize for 1-2 days at lower altitudes. Carry oxygen cylinders (available at Guptkashi). Book helicopter for Kedarnath to avoid trekking.
Important: Consult your doctor before planning the yatra. People with heart conditions, BP, or severe health issues should avoid high altitudes. Carry medical certificates for emergency.

Essential Packing List:

Clothing:
  • Winter wear: Heavy jackets, thermal wear, gloves, caps, mufflers
  • Summer wear: Light cotton clothes for lower altitudes
  • Rainwear: Raincoat or umbrella (monsoon season)
  • Footwear: Comfortable trekking shoes (with good grip)
  • Extra: Extra socks (2-3 pairs), sandals
Medicines:
  • Regular medicines (with prescription)
  • Altitude sickness: Diamox, headache tablets
  • First aid: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relief spray
  • Other: ORS, glucose, vitamin C
Documents:
  • Yatra registration QR codes (all 4 Dhams)
  • ID proof (Aadhar, Voter ID, Passport)
  • Hotel booking confirmations
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
Other Essentials:
  • Water bottle, energy bars, dry snacks
  • Power bank, torch, camera
  • Walking stick (available at Gaurikund)
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen (for high altitude)
  • Cash (ATMs are limited in remote areas)
Pro Tip: Pack light — you can carry a backpack for the treks (Yamunotri and Kedarnath). Keep essential items in a small daypack. Leave heavy luggage in the vehicle.
Road Conditions:
  • Delhi → Haridwar: Excellent (4-lane highway)
  • Haridwar → Barkot: Good (2-lane, some mountain sections)
  • Barkot → Uttarkashi: Good mountain road
  • Uttarkashi → Gangotri: Narrow, winding (single lane)
  • Uttarkashi → Guptkashi: Good (via Srinagar)
  • Guptkashi → Gaurikund: Good (narrow sections)
  • Guptkashi → Badrinath: Good (via Chamoli)
Safety Tips:
  • Travel during daylight (6 AM - 5 PM)
  • Check weather forecast before starting
  • Avoid travel during heavy rain or snow
  • Keep buffer days for delays
  • Carry emergency contacts (police, ambulance)
  • Stay hydrated and eat light meals
  • Listen to your body — take breaks when needed
Pro Tip: Hire an experienced local driver who knows the roads. GMVN provides reliable drivers. Always have the local emergency numbers saved in your phone.

Quick Reference Card

Best time to visitMay-June, September-October
Duration10-12 Days
Total distance~1,500 km
Yamunotri trek6 km (3-4 hours)
Kedarnath trek16 km (6-8 hours)
Helicopter price₹6,500-₹13,000
Hotel budget₹800-₹5,000/night
RegistrationMandatory

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