The Chardham Yatra or as it is popularly called “Chota Chardham” Yatra in Uttarakhand invites for an unparalleled spiritual experience at the temples nestled in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas. Every year, mostly by the end of April, the kapaat (doors) of Chardham in Uttarakhand open for Hindu pilgrims to embark on a journey of faith. This sacred pilgrimage is more than just a religious tour; it is a path toward spiritual awakening, believed to cleanse sins and lead closer to moksha (salvation).
The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, where Hindu devotees embark on a spiritual journey to four revered shrines, each dedicated to a different deity. The term Char means "four," while Dham refers to holy sites, signifying these four essential religious sites in Hinduism.
Every year, on Akshaya Tritiya in April, the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples open their doors to pilgrims. Shortly after, the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples also welcome devotees, officially marking the beginning of the Chardham Yatra season in Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage concludes after Diwali, typically in October or November.
Among these 4 dhams in Uttarakhand, Badrinath and Gangotri can be accessed by road, whereas Kedarnath and Yamunotri require a challenging trek. Yamunotri is the sacred seat of Goddess Yamuna, revered for her purifying essence. Gangotri honors Goddess Ganga, marking the origin of the holy Ganges River. Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents divine energy. Badrinath, the abode of Lord Vishnu, symbolizes protection and sustenance in the universe. The four dhams are positioned across different cardinal points, symbolizing a complete spiritual journey.
Shri Badrinath Ji rests amid the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas between the Nar and Narayan Mountain ranges. This sacred temple of Lord Vishnu belongs to both the Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand along with serving as part of the Chardham circuit comprising Dwarka, Jagannath, and Rameswaram. Among the eight Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, Badrinath stands as one where Lord Vishnu is believed to have manifested on his own. Devotees can find both spiritual comfort and breathtaking natural beauty at this sacred destination because it rests next to the holy Alaknanda River and under the watchful protection of Himalayan peaks.
Kedarnath stands at an elevation of 3,583 meters in Garhwal Himalayas as a sacred Shiva temple alongside the banks of the Mandakini River. The temple stands among the twelve primary Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and previously bore the name 'Kedar Khand'. The temple was reconstructed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. A conical rock inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiv form, while Nandi, the divine bull, stands guard outside, symbolizing unwavering devotion. Kedarnath’s spiritual aura, breathtaking Himalayan backdrop, and rich history make it a revered pilgrimage site for devotees seeking divine blessings and inner peace.
Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the Gangotri Temple (3,100 meters) stands as the highest and most significant shrine honoring Goddess Ganga. The Hindu mythology describes this spiritual location as Goddess Ganga's landing point after she descended from the heavens through the locks of Lord Shiva. Just 16 km from Gangotri, adventurers and devotees alike can trek to Gaumukh, the glacier that serves as the origin point of River Ganga.
Located at an altitude of 3,293 meters, Yamunotri is the revered source of the Yamuna River. The actual temple is set against the stunning background of Bandarpoonch Peak, and is only accessible by a 13 kilometres trek from Hanuman Chatti and a 6 kilometres walk from Janki Chatti. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple has a black marble idol of the goddess. Pilgrims visit this holy site seeking the purifying blessings of Maa Yamuna while experiencing breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The Chardham Yatra has been a sacred pilgrimage for centuries, with mentions in the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas journeyed through these divine lands seeking redemption. In the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya revived and formalized the yatra, restoring Badrinath as a major shrine and attaining moksha near Kedarnath. Over time, Hindu kings of Garhwal and Kumaon patronized and preserved these temples. The British era led to a decline in pilgrimage due to infrastructural neglect, but devotion kept the tradition alive. Post-independence, renewed efforts restored accessibility to Chardham in Uttarakhand.
The 4Dham Yatra symbolizes purification, devotion, and moksha (liberation). Each dham holds deep spiritual meaning; Yamunotri (purity), Gangotri (spiritual cleansing), Kedarnath (karma destruction), and Badrinath (wisdom). More than a pilgrimage, it’s a test of faith and endurance, where rituals like holy dips and temple prayers cleanse the soul. A timeless tradition, it continues to inspire spiritual awakening and divine connection for millions.
| Temple | Opening Date | Closing Date |
| Gangotri Temple | 30 April 2025 | 23 October 2025 |
| Yamunotri Temple | 30 April 2025 | 22 October 2025 |
| Kedarnath Temple | 02 May 2025 | 23 October 2025 |
| Badrinath Temple | 04 May 2025 | 06 November 2025 |
The best time to undertake the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is from the end of April to October, as the temples remain open only during these months. The yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya in April or May, when the sacred portals of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath open for devotees.
The ideal months for Char Dham Yatra are late April to June and September to October, offering pleasant weather and clear skies for a comfortable pilgrimage. The monsoon season, from July to August, brings heavy rainfall, making travel challenging. Those planning to visit the Char Dham in the monsoon season are advised to check weather forecasts as well as news on road conditions. In the second half of September, the rainfall recedes, which makes it a safer time to plan your 4 Dham Yatra. October provides another excellent window with crisp air and stunning Himalayan views. The pilgrimage season officially concludes around Diwali, when the temples close for winter.
To commence the Char Dham Yatra, travelers can choose from the following transport options:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) serves as the nearest airport which connects major cities through its transportation network. One can reach the base points of the yatra through taxi and bus services being provided from the airport. Devotees who want a comfortable and quicker transport can avail helicopter services to reach their destination quickly.
Note: Remember, there is no domestic airport in or around any of the Char Dham temples. Frequent flight services are not available for the Char Dham Yatra. Many heli-service operators offer private heli-charter services for the Char Dham Yatra, which are generally expensive. For the Kedarnath Yatra, private helicopter tour services are available under the supervision of the Uttarakhand government at very affordable prices, operating from various helipads in the Kedarnath Valley.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Chardhams are Dehradun, Rishikesh and and Haridwar Railway Stations. From these stations, taxis and buses ensure a smooth journey to the shrines.
By Road : Well-connected highways allow travel from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Char Dham. One can opt for government/private buses, shared taxis, or self-drive options. The scenic Himalayan routes enhance the spiritual journey, making road travel a memorable experience.
Expect a range of stays in Char Dham destinations, from simple dharamshalas and ashrams that provide a serene, spiritual atmosphere to budget lodges, cozy guesthouses, and comfortable hotels with modern amenities. For those seeking a more immersive experience, tents and campsites nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape add a touch of adventure to the journey. Do not expect luxury accommodations as the temples are remotely located.
As for food, a spread of wholesome, sattvic (pure vegetarian) meals can be found around the pilgrimage sites. Basic meals comprising roti, dal, rice, sabzi, and locally sourced vegetables, along with hot chai and fresh fruits can be found almost at all the places. While staying at a base point for any of the dhams, one can also find local delicacies like pahadi rajma, aloo puri, phanu, and jhangora kheer. Many eateries also serve light, easily digestible meals.
Day 01: Haridwar to Barkot (175 km | 6-7 hrs)
Begin your yatra from Haridwar, the gateway to the Char Dham circuit. Drive through scenic mountain roads, passing Dehradun and Mussoorie. Reach Barkot, a serene town near Yamunotri, and rest for the night, preparing for the first darshan.
Day 02: Barkot to Janki Chatti (42 km Drive) to Yamunotri (6 km trek), then back to Barkot
Drive to Janki Chatti from Barkot, the base for the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple, the sacred source of the Yamuna River. Take a holy dip in the hot springs of Surya Kund before offering prayers. After darshan, trek back and return to Barkot for a restful evening.
Day 03: Barkot to Uttarkashi (82 km | 4-5 hrs)
Travel to Uttarkashi, home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and situated along the Bhagirathi River. Spend the evening exploring the spiritual aura of this sacred town, preparing for the journey to Gangotri.
Day 04: Uttarkashi to Harshil (76 km) to Gangotri (26 km), then back to Uttarkashi
Depart early for Gangotri, with a stop at Harshil, a picturesque valley known for its lush landscapes. Reach the Gangotri Temple, the origin of the River Ganga, and take a dip in the holy Bhagirathi River. Offer prayers, soak in the divine atmosphere, and return to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay.
Day 05: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (200 km | 8-9 hrs)
Embark on a long yet scenic drive to Guptkashi. On the way, see the beautiful river Mandakini. Travel alongside the river to reach Guptakashi late in the evening. On arrival check in to the hotel.
Day 06: Guptkashi to Gaurikund (32 km) to Kedarnath (14 km trek)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Gaurikund, the base for the 15 km trek to the revered Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Take a lunch break at Rambara and continue the trek to reach Kedarnath. On arrival check into the hotel/tourist bungalow. After freshening up, perform pooja at the temple. In the evening, visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi situated behind the temple. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 07: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (14 km Trek) to Pipalkoti (142 km Drive)
After an early breakfast, trek down to Gaurikund. Upon arrival at Gaurikund, drive towards Pipalkoti. Arrive at Pipalkoti by evening and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Pipalkoti to Badrinath (72 km)
After breakfast, drive to Badrinath. Enroute, visit Narsingh Temple and Adi Sankarachara Samadhi at Joshimath. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and later take a holy dip at Tapt Kund and pay a visit to the temple. In the late afternoon visit Mana Village; the last village before the Tibetan border, Bheem Pul, Byas Cave & Ganesha Cave. Later, drive back to Badrinath. In the evening, visit the Badrinath temple for aarti. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09: Badrinath to Rudraprayag (160 km Drive)
Wake up at 3.30 am, if you want to see the Holy bath of the Sri Badrinath Ji, which takes place at 4.00 am. After breakfast, drive to Rudraprayag via Joshimath, Chamoli, Nandaprayag & Karnaprayag. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh (160 km Drive)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Rishikesh via Srinagar and Devprayag. En route, witness the breathtaking confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag, where they merge to form the sacred Ganga River. Arrive in Rishikesh by evening and check in to your hotel. Later, visit the iconic Laxman Jhula. Overnight stay at the hotel.
This 10-day Char Dham Yatra is a perfect blend of spiritual awakening, natural beauty, and Himalayan adventure, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and devotion.
Embarking on the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is a spiritually enriching yet physically demanding journey. Follow these essential tips and precautions to ensure a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling pilgrimage:
By following these tips and precautions, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually uplifting Chardham Tour, making the most of this divine Himalayan pilgrimage.
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