The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in India, located in the majestic Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
Comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, this divine journey offers not only spiritual awakening but also breathtaking views of the Himalayas, holy rivers, and ancient temples. Every year millions of pilgrims and tourists visit Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
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According to Hinduism, one of the cardinal duties of a righteous Hindu is to partake in pilgrimage to attain liberation or moksha. The dhams or holy pilgrimage sites have been visited by sages, saints and seers since antiquity and is still visited by devout Hindus with unflinching faith and devotion.
But the Char Dham Yatra is not just about visiting temples. It is a journey through winding mountain roads, flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, and centuries-old traditions that leave a lasting impression on every traveler.
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. It consists of visiting four holy shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas:
Yatra Details
Helicopter services have made Char Dham Yatra more convenient for senior citizens and travelers with limited time. Helicopter options are available for Kedarnath as well as complete Char Dham packages from Dehradun.
Advance booking is highly recommended during peak pilgrimage season.
The Char Dham temples Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are located in the serene mountains of Uttarakhand. Each temple holds unique beliefs and significance, drawing countless devotees seeking blessings. Tradition suggests that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in a clockwise direction, beginning at Yamunotri, continuing to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and serves as the first stop on the Char Dham Yatra. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple draws pilgrims who come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. A key attraction at Yamunotri is Surya Kund, a hot water spring where devotees take a holy dip. It is believed that bathing in the warm waters of Surya Kund cleanses one of sins and provides protection from untimely death.
Gangotri Temple: Gangotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and according to Hindu mythology, it marks the sacred site where the River Ganga descended from heaven, released by Lord Shiva from his locks. The Gangotri Temple has a serene ambiance, with a beautiful white structure nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan range. Pilgrims can easily reach the Gangotri Temple by road, making it accessible for all who seek blessings from the goddess.
Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Dham, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds a prominent place in both the Char Dham Yatra and among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Kedarnath is situated about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, with pilgrims reaching the temple on foot, by pony, palanquin, or by booking a helicopter ride. Each year, when the temple doors open, thousands of devotees visit Kedarnath to seek blessings and experience the powerful spirituality of this revered site.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Dham, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Badrinarayan Temple. It serves as the final destination of the Char Dham Yatra, where the sacred pilgrimage concludes. At Badrinath, pilgrims can explore notable sites like Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, Bheem Pul, Mana Village, and more. Badrinath is also part of the Panch Badri temples, which include Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri, along with the main Badrinath Temple.
Char Dham Travel Options
The best time for the Char Dham Yatra is generally during the summer and early autumn months, when the weather is more favorable for travel and pilgrimage.
From the opening of Char Dham Temples in April - May month, pilgrims can find summer months favorable to visit the shrines.
Pilgrims are encouraged to plan their journey during the recommended time frames, taking into account their physical fitness, health conditions, and any specific travel advisories. Always stay informed about the current weather conditions and be prepared for changes in the itinerary based on unforeseen circumstances.
We have listed the most popular tour plan for Char Dham Yatra (short itinerary). You can check the following trip and plan your Char Dham Yatra accordingly. Detailed itinerary, things to do and nearby places to visit during Char Dham Yatra can be found on individual tour packages.
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh
Day 2: Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot (Drive)
Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri and back to Barkot (Drive + Trek)
Day 4: Barkot to Gangotri (Drive)
Day 5: Gangotri to Guptkashi (Drive)
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Drive and Trek)
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi (Trek and Drive)
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (Drive)
Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag (Drive)
Day 10: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh/Haridwar (Drive)
Day 11: Departure
Above is the suggested tour plan, however you can also customize your Char Dham Tour and extend your nights in places like Harsil, Uttarkashi, Chopta, Joshimath, Auli, Rishikesh. We wish you a very happy and memorable journey to the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
Remember to check the weather conditions and road conditions before embarking on the journey. Additionally, consider hiring a reliable tour operator or guide to ensure a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage.
Traditionally, the char dham yatra begins on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya with the opening of Gangotri & Yamunotri Temples. Below are the opening dates for each of the char dham temples for this year:
| Temple / Event | Opening Dates | Closing Date (tentative) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | 11 Nov (On Bhai Dooj)* | Opens first among Char Dham temples. |
| Gangotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | 11 Nov (On Bhai Dooj)* | Opening announced on auspicious religious dates. |
| Kedarnath Temple | 22 April 2026 | will be updated soon | Opening date declared on Maha Shivratri by BKTC. |
| Badrinath Temple | 23 April 2026 | will be updated soon | Opening date declared on Basant Panchami. |
| Important Note: *Dates are tentative. Always check official Uttarakhand government or temple committee announcements for confirmed schedules. Mandatory registration for all pilgrims. | |||
Check out the Char Dham Yatra weather report for June
The minimun and maximum temperature in June in Char Dham Yatra is 6°C and 17°C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in June and you would feel pleasant throughout the day. Light Woolen clothes are recommended for Char Dham Yatra in June.
Char Dham Yatra is famous among tourist as Pilgrimage, Hindu Temples, Sacred Yatra, Himalayas, Trekking.
