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    🛕 Sacred Himalayan Yatra

    Char Dham Yatra Packages 2026

    Complete Route, Cost & Booking Guide

    Starting from ₹18,999 per person — 10 Days / 9 Nights covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath.

    Yamunotri
    Gangotri
    Kedarnath
    Badrinath
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    Char Dham Yatra 2026 – A Complete Spiritual Journey Through Uttarakhand

    Every year, thousands of pilgrims set out on the Char Dham Yatra — a journey to four of the most sacred shrines in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It’s not an easy trip. The roads wind through mountains, the weather can turn quickly, and two of the four shrines can only be reached on foot. 

    That’s exactly why we built our Char Dham Yatra Package 2026 the way we did — with hotels you can actually rely on, drivers who know these routes well, and someone from our team available at every stop, so the only thing you need to think about is the darshan itself.

    We’ve planned this journey for all kinds of travellers — families bringing along elderly parents, groups doing the full pilgrimage together, and solo devotees making the trip on their own. Our 10-day itinerary covers the complete circuit by road, and for Kedarnath, we also offer a helicopter option if trekking isn’t for you.

    Why Book Our Char Dham Yatra Package 2026?

    The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to four shrines high in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, each with its own deep significance.

    • Yamunotri marks the source of the River Yamuna. 
    • Gangotri is where the Ganga first touches the earth, according to legend.
    •  Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — among the holiest of Lord Shiva’s shrines. 
    • Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, sitting right on the edge of the Himalayan range.

    Most pilgrims complete the full circuit in 10 to 12 days, travelling by road from Haridwar or Dehradun. Two of the four — Yamunotri and Kedarnath — require a trek to reach, while Gangotri and Badrinath can be reached directly by vehicle.

    "Yamunotri Temple Goddess Yamuna Uttarkashi"

    Yamunotri Dham

    The Char Dham Yatra traditionally starts here, at the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Sitting at an altitude of 3,293 metres, the temple is tucked among dense forests and waterfalls, with the Himalayas forming a dramatic backdrop.

    To reach the temple, pilgrims walk a 6-km trek from Janki Chatti. It’s a steady climb, but most travellers find the walk itself part of the experience — the mountain air and the changing views along the route, making the walk an enjoyable part of the Yamunotri journey.

    Near the temple is Surya Kund, a natural hot water spring. Many pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the spring water and offer this as prasad, a long-standing tradition at Yamunotri. The actual source of the Yamuna, though, lies further ahead at the Yamunotri Glacier, higher up in the mountains and not accessible on the regular pilgrim route.

    What makes Yamunotri stand out is this mix of faith and geography — a temple town that’s also a trekking destination, set in one of the more untouched corners of Uttarakhand.

    Quick Facts

    • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna
    • Altitude: 3,293 meters
    • Trek Distance: 6 km from Janki Chatti
    • Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October
    "Gangotri Temple Goddess Ganga Bhagirathi River"

    Gangotri Dham

    Gangotri Temple is one of the main pilgrimage stops on the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple stands at an altitude of around 3,100 metres and is associated with the belief that the sacred river descended to Earth in this region.

    It sits beside the Bhagirathi River, with Himalayan peaks and forested slopes surrounding the area. The setting is quiet, and for many pilgrims, the atmosphere here becomes as much a part of the visit as the temple itself.

    For those interested in trekking further, Gaumukh Glacier lies ahead of Gangotri. It is considered the source of the Bhagirathi River, which later meets the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga. The trek to Gaumukh is separate from a regular temple visit and requires additional planning, so most pilgrims do not include it in the standard Char Dham itinerary.

    Gangotri attracts pilgrims, families and trekkers for different reasons—some come for the temple, others for the river and mountain surroundings. The temple usually remains open from May to October, although the exact opening and closing dates are announced separately each year.

    Quick Facts

    • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga
    • Altitude: 3,100 meters
    • Nearby Trek: Gaumukh Glacier
    • Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October
    Kedarnath Temple

    Kedarnath Dham

    Kedarnath Temple is one of the main stops on the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of around 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which gives the temple great religious significance for Shiva devotees.

    The temple stands in a high-altitude valley surrounded by mountain peaks, with the Mandakini River flowing through the region. For many pilgrims, the peaceful and remote setting is an important part of the Kedarnath experience.

    The journey usually begins from Gaurikund, followed by an approximately 18 km trek through changing mountain terrain. The route includes steep sections, waterfalls and small rest points along the way. Travellers who are unable to complete the trek on foot can also choose helicopter services during the yatra season, subject to weather and operations.

    Pilgrims from across India visit Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience one of Uttarakhand’s major Himalayan pilgrimage routes. Because of the high altitude, changing mountain weather and the long trek, some preparation is important before starting the journey.

    The temple generally remains open from May until October or early November, depending on the official opening and closing dates announced each year. During winter, heavy snowfall and difficult mountain conditions bring the regular pilgrimage season to an end.

    Quick Facts

    • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
    • Altitude: 3,583 meters
    • Trek Distance: 18 km from Gaurikund
    • Religious Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas
    • Starting Point of Trek: Gaurikund
    • Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October
    badrinath dham

    Badrinath Dham

    Badrinath Temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located at an altitude of around 3,133 metres, the temple stands close to the Alaknanda River and is an important part of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit.

    According to Hindu tradition, Lord Vishnu is believed to have meditated in this region while Goddess Lakshmi protected him by taking the form of a Badri tree. This belief is closely connected with the name Badrinath.

    Near the temple is Tapt Kund, a natural hot-water spring. Many devotees traditionally take a bath here before entering the temple for darshan.

    Badrinath is surrounded by high Himalayan peaks, including the Nar and Narayan mountains, which give the temple its distinctive setting. Pilgrims from different parts of India visit the dham to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and complete an important stage of the Char Dham journey.

    The temple generally remains open from May until October or November, depending on the official opening and closing dates announced each year. Because of the high altitude and changing mountain weather, travellers should plan their visit according to current road and weather conditions.

    Quick Facts

    • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu
    • Altitude: 3,133 meters
    • River: Alaknanda River
    • Famous Attraction: Tapt Kund
    • Part of: Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra
    • Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–October

    Char Dham Yatra 2026: Temple Opening & Closing Dates and Daily Darshan Timings

    Seasonal Opening & Closing Dates 2026

    DhamOpening 2026Closing 2026 (Tentative)Closing Occasion
    Yamunotri19 April~9 NovemberBhai Dooj
    Gangotri19 April~9 NovemberDiwali
    Kedarnath22 April~11 NovemberBhai Dooj
    Badrinath23 April~13 NovemberVijayadashami (20 Oct 2026)

    Closing dates are tentative and confirmed nearer Vijayadashami/Diwali by BKTC. Always verify with official sources before travel.

    Daily Darshan Timings

    DhamMorningBreakEveningNotes
    Yamunotri6:00 AM—until 8:00 PMOpen May–October only
    Gangotri5 AM – 12 PM12 – 2 PM2 – 8 PMShifts slightly in peak season
    Kedarnath6 AM (Abhishek 4 AM)2 – 4 PMuntil 7 PMNo touching idol after 5 PM
    Badrinath4:30 AM – 1 PM1 – 3 PM4 – 9 PMShayan Aarti ~8:30 PM

    Char Dham Yatra Package Options

    Standard Road Package

    Haridwar ⇄ Yamunotri ⇄ Gangotri ⇄ Kedarnath ⇄ Badrinath · 10D/9N

    ₹21,999/person

    • Shared standard hotel accommodation
    • Private vehicle for the full circuit
    • Breakfast & Dinner included (except Kedarnath night)
    • Registration & darshan assistance
    Enquire Now

    Deluxe Comfort Package

    Haridwar ⇄ Yamunotri ⇄ Gangotri ⇄ Kedarnath ⇄ Badrinath · 10D/9N

    ₹29,999/person

    • 3-star category hotels with private washrooms
    • Breakfast & dinner included
    • Private vehicle for the full circuit
    • Pony/palki assistance booking for Yamunotri & Kedarnath
    • Dedicated tour manager on call 24×7
    Enquire Now

    Luxury Package

    Haridwar ⇄ Yamunotri ⇄ Gangotri ⇄ Kedarnath ⇄ Badrinath · 10D/9N

    ₹35,999/person

    • Helicopter Kedarnath darshan — no trekking
    • Best for seniors & time-constrained travellers
    • Priority VIP darshan add-on available
    • Subject to weather & seat availability
    Enquire Now

    Char Dham Yatra Itinerary 2026 (10 Days / 9 Nights)

    Begin your Char Dham Yatra early morning from Haridwar, driving via Mussoorie towards Barkot, your base for the Yamunotri leg. Stop at Mussoorie Lake for photos and a short break, then visit Kempty Falls, one of Uttarakhand’s most popular waterfalls, before continuing the descent into the Yamuna valley. On arrival in Barkot, check into your hotel, have dinner, and rest — tomorrow is an early start.

    💡 Tip: Leave Haridwar by 6:00–7:00 AM to avoid Mussoorie’s daytime traffic and reach Barkot before dark, since mountain roads aren’t well-lit after sunset.

    Start early after breakfast and drive to Jankichatti, the base point for the Yamunotri trek. The 5–6 km trek can be done on foot (3–5 hours), on horseback, or by doli/palki (both at your own cost) — pony and doli charges are separate from the package. On reaching the temple, take a dip in the warm waters of Jamunabai Kund, and try the local tradition of tying rice in a cloth and cooking it in the hot spring — pilgrims carry this rice home as prasad. Have darshan of Goddess Yamuna, pay respects at Divya Shila (a sacred rock beside the temple), and explore the Surya Kund hot spring nearby before trekking back down to Jankichatti and returning to Barkot for the night.

    💡 Tip: This is the first trek of the yatra and the best day to gauge your own pace before the tougher Kedarnath trek later — start by 5:30–6:00 AM to avoid the midday sun on the climb and to have enough daylight buffer for the return.

    A relatively relaxed day after yesterday’s trek. Drive to Uttarkashi, a peaceful town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and an important base for the Gangotri leg. In the evening, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, known for its large iron trident (trishul) believed to be centuries old. This is also a good day to rest, do laundry, and stock up on any medicines or essentials before heading further into the mountains.

    💡 Tip: Uttarakhand government’s mandatory Char Dham registration counters are also available here — a good backup if you haven’t completed online registration yet.

    An early start for the drive to Gangotri, one of the most scenic legs of the entire yatra. Stop at Gangnani for a holy dip in the Garam Kund hot spring, then continue through the Harsil Valley — a stretch lined with Deodar forests and mountain views often compared to Switzerland. At Gangotri, take a dip in the icy, sacred Bhagirathi river (the Ganga’s name at its source), perform pooja, and have darshan at the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Since Gangotri has road access with no trekking required, it’s a good day to slow down and simply take in the surroundings before the long drive back to Uttarkashi.

    💡 Tip: The Bhagirathi’s water is glacier-cold even in peak summer — if you’re taking a holy dip, keep a warm change of clothes and a towel handy in the car.

    The longest driving day of the yatra, so start as early as possible. The route passes through Moolgarh and Lambgoan before reaching Tilwara, where the Mandakini River — the same river that flows down from Kedarnath — comes into view. You’ll drive alongside it for a stretch as you approach Guptkashi. Stop at the Ardharishwar Temple here, which is unique for housing both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a single idol, split down the middle. Continue to Sitapur for the night, your base before the Kedarnath trek.

    💡 Tip: Given the distance, this day has the least buffer time — confirm with your driver/tour manager what time you need to leave Uttarkashi to comfortably reach Sitapur before dark.

    The most physically demanding day of the entire Char Dham Yatra. After an early breakfast, head to Sonprayag/Gaurikund to start the trek — carry only essentials (personal medicines, warm layers, ID, water, energy snacks) since your main luggage typically stays behind at Sitapur/Sonprayag. On arrival at Kedarnath, check into your hotel, freshen up, and have darshan at the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and among the most revered shrines in Hinduism. In the evening, visit Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi located just behind the main temple — he is believed to have attained mahasamadhi at this very spot.

    💡 Tip: Those who don’t wish to trek can book a helicopter transfer from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi — subject to availability and weather, and booked separately from this package. Ponies and doli/palki services are also available at Gaurikund at your own cost.

    Have an early morning darshan if you missed it the previous evening, then begin the trek back down to Gaurikund/Sonprayag. This day is also kept as a planned buffer in the itinerary — weather delays, health issues, or helicopter cancellations due to fog are common at this altitude, and having flexibility here prevents it from derailing the rest of the trip. If you’re staying in Sitapur with time to spare, consider a short visit to the Shri Triyugi Narayan Temple (optional, chargeable), believed to be the site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s wedding.

    💡 Tip: Descending is often harder on the knees than the climb up — trekking poles are genuinely useful here if you don’t already have a pony/doli booked.

    A scenic, comparatively easier drive to Joshimath, your base for the final leg to Badrinath. Joshimath is also the winter seat of Lord Badrinath’s deity and one of Adi Shankaracharya’s four cardinal monastic centers (Jyotirmath). Check into your hotel and use the evening to rest before tomorrow’s early start.

    💡 Tip: If you have any gear to offload before the final easy day (Gangotri/Badrinath-style road access, no trekking involved from here on), Joshimath has small local shops if you need last-minute essentials.

    The final and most significant darshan of the yatra. Begin with a holy bath in the naturally warm waters of Tapt Kund, located right at the base of the temple steps, before entering Badrinath Temple. Have darshan of Badri Vishal (Lord Vishnu) and, if timed right, attend the evening Shayan Aarti. Visit Brahma Kapal, an important site for performing Pind Daan rituals for ancestors. With road access right up to the temple, there’s no trekking involved today, so use the time to explore the sites within 3 km of the temple:

    • Mana Village – the first Indian village before the Tibet border, known for its unique culture and handwoven woolens
    • Vyas Gufa – the cave where sage Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata
    • Mata Murti Temple – dedicated to the mother of Lord Badrinath
    • Charanpaduka – a rock believed to bear the footprints of Lord Vishnu
    • Bhimkund – a natural stone bridge over the Saraswati River, linked to Bhima from the Mahabharata
    • Saraswati River Mukh – the origin point of the sacred, now largely underground, Saraswati River
    • Narad Kund – the pool near Tapt Kund where the original Badrinath idol was discovered
    • SeshNetra & Urvashi Temples – smaller sacred sites nearby, worth visiting if time permits

    Drive back to Joshimath for an overnight stay.

    💡 Tip: Badrinath gets extremely crowded around festival dates — if your travel window is flexible, avoid weekends and major Hindu festivals for a calmer darshan experience.

    The return journey via Rishikesh marks the completion of your Char Dham Yatra. On the way, witness Uttarakhand’s sacred Panch Prayag—Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag—where Himalayan rivers meet before forming the holy Ganga. You can also stop at the revered Dhari Devi Temple, situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River near Srinagar and worshipped as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand.

    Continue towards Rishikesh, a peaceful spiritual town surrounded by the Shivalik hills. Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula area and learn the local legend of how Rishikesh received its name from Sage Raibhya. Later, drive to Haridwar and conclude the yatra with the satisfaction of having visited all four sacred dhams.

    💡 Tip: Keep some extra time for stops at the Panch Prayag and Dhari Devi Temple. If your schedule allows an evening in Haridwar, attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri—a memorable way to complete your Char Dham Yatra. Check the aarti timings in advance, as they change slightly according to sunset.

    Package Inclusions

    • Hotel & camp accommodation as per itinerary
    • Breakfast & dinner during the trip
    • Transportation as per itinerary
    • Pickup & drop-off as per your itinerary
    • Forest permits & entry fees
    • Experienced trek leader & guide
    • Professional support staff during the trek
    • Basic first-aid & medical support
    • Toll tax, parking & driver allowances
    • Assistance during the journey
    • Well-planned trek itinerary
    • 24×7 customer support

    Package Exclusions

    • Travel & health insurance
    • Personal expenses & extra meals
    • Personal trekking gear
    • Backpack offloading/porter charges, if opted
    • 4×4/snow vehicle charges, if required
    • Anything not mentioned under inclusions

    Char Dham Yatra Photos Gallery – Real Journeys, Beautiful Views

    Take a glimpse into the Char Dham Yatra through real traveller moments and beautiful views from Uttarakhand. From guests enjoying their journey to the sacred temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, to scenic mountain roads, valleys, and Himalayan landscapes, this gallery captures memorable moments from the journey.

    Char Dham Yatra Travel Guide

    Tour Highlights

    1. Visiting the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath to seek the deities’ blessings.
    2. Witnessing the mesmerizing views of lush green valleys, snow-covered mountain peaks, colorful meadows, gorgeous water streams, and other natural splendors.
    3. Exploring the magnificent travel destinations established in and around the pilgrimages, including Mussoorie, Harsil Valley, and Rishikesh.
    4. Interacting with locals to learn more about their culture and traditions.
    5. Enjoying trekking on the steep slopes to reach the hugely elevated holy shrines of Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
    6. Discovering the mythological legends and spiritual significance behind Kedarnath (a Jyotirlinga), Badrinath (abode of Lord Vishnu), and the sacred river origins at Gangotri and Yamunotri.
    7. Taking a holy dip in the natural hot springs at Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, and Garam Kund along the route.
    8. Visiting Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibet border, and experiencing its unique Indo-Tibetan culture.

    Weather Guide

    May–June: Pleasant days (10–20°C), cold nights, roads fully open. Peak season — book hotels early.

    July–August (Monsoon): Frequent landslides and road blocks, especially on the Gangotri and Kedarnath routes. Not recommended unless necessary; if travelling, build in extra buffer days.

    September–October: Clear skies, fewer crowds, comfortable trekking weather. Considered the best window by many experienced pilgrims and often overlooked in favor of May–June.

    November onward: Temples close for winter (dates vary yearly based on Hindu calendar); Yatra is not possible until reopening the following spring.

    Health & Fitness Guide

    The Char Dham Yatra involves high-altitude travel, with Kedarnath reaching over 3,500 m. A few practical points worth including, since “is char dham yatra safe for elderly/heart patients” is a common search:

    Acclimatization: Spend at least one full day at a mid-altitude stop (like Uttarkashi or Guptkashi) before pushing higher — sudden altitude gain is the main cause of altitude sickness.

    Elderly travellers: Should get a basic health check-up before travel, especially for blood pressure and cardiac conditions, and consider helicopter options for Kedarnath to reduce trekking strain.

    Children: Generally manageable for the Do Dham route (Kedarnath & Badrinath); the Yamunotri trek is easier for younger travellers than Kedarnath.

    Warning signs of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness. If these occur, stop ascending, rest, hydrate, and inform your tour manager immediately.

    Basic fitness prep: 2–3 weeks of daily walking or light cardio before the trip meaningfully reduces trekking fatigue, especially for the Kedarnath route.

    This is general guidance, not medical advice — pilgrims with existing health conditions should consult a doctor before booking.

    Packing List

    Clothing

    • Heavy woollens (even in summer — nights drop below 10°C at higher altitudes)
    • Windproof/rainproof jacket
    • Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip (broken-in, not new)
    • Extra socks, gloves, and a warm cap

     

    Health & Personal

    • Personal prescription medicines, plus basic first-aid (paracetamol, antacid, motion-sickness tablets)
    • Diamox or altitude-sickness medication, after consulting a doctor
    • Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer — high-altitude sun and dry air are harsh on skin
    • Reusable water bottle

     

    Documents

    • Government photo ID (original + photocopies)
    • Char Dham registration ID/QR code (printed and saved on phone)
    • Passport-size photographs (2–3 copies)

     

    Other Essentials

    • Power bank (charging points are limited on trek routes)
    • Small backpack for the trekking days (Yamunotri and Kedarnath)
    • Cash in small denominations — card/UPI acceptance is unreliable in remote areas

    Chardham Yatra Route Map

    chardham yatra route map 2026

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to four sacred Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. You can read more about the official tourism perspective on Uttarakhand Tourism’s official website.

    The traditional order is Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath, followed clockwise across the region.

    Yamunotri and Gangotri open on 19 April, Kedarnath on 22 April, and Badrinath on 23 April 2026. Closing dates are confirmed closer to Vijayadashami and Diwali — check the official registration portal closer to your travel dates for confirmed dates.

    No. Only Yamunotri (5–6 km) and Kedarnath (16–18 km) require trekking. Gangotri and Badrinath are accessible directly by road.

    The full circuit takes 10–12 days. A shorter Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath and Badrinath only) can be done in 5–6 days.

    Yes. All pilgrims must register before starting the journey — either online through the official Uttarakhand registration portal or at offline counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.

    May–June and September–October are ideal. Avoid the monsoon (July–August) due to landslide risk. You can check real-time conditions on the India Meteorological Department’s website.

    Yes, helicopter services are available for Chardham & Kedarnath from Dehradun and Phata, subject to weather and availability.

    It involves high-altitude travel and trekking, so a basic health check-up is recommended beforehand, especially for those with cardiac or respiratory conditions.

    Char Dham Yatra packages in 2026 start from ₹18,999 per person for a standard 10-day itinerary covering hotels, meals, and transport. Costs vary based on hotel category, group size, and whether helicopter services are included.

    Our Char Dham Yatra Package 2026 includes hotel accommodation, private vehicle, driver, meals (as per plan), and on-ground assistance at every stop.

    Prices start from ₹18,999 per person, depending on the type of accommodation and whether you choose the road or helicopter option for Kedarnath.

    Yes, we offer flexible itineraries with extra rest days and support for elderly pilgrims, including palanquin/pony arrangements where needed.

    Registration is free on the official government portal — you’ll need an ID (Aadhaar/Passport) and basic personal details.

    Yes, it’s generally safe when proper planning, health precautions, and guidelines are followed. Safety is managed by the Uttarakhand government and temple authorities.

    Char dham yatra packages 2026