Char Dham Yatra
The sacred circuit of four Himalayan shrines — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — the holiest pilgrimage in Hindu tradition.
Best Time
May to June, September to October
Duration
10-12 days (complete circuit)
Start Point
Haridwar or Rishikesh
Altitude Range
3,100-3,600 metres
The Himalayan Pilgrimage
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is considered the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage, believed to wash away all sins and lead to moksha (liberation). Established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, it brings lakhs of pilgrims to the Garhwal Himalayas each year.
The circuit traditionally begins from Yamunotri in the west and moves eastward to Gangotri, then south to Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath in the north. The temples open in April-May after winter and close by Diwali due to heavy snowfall.
In 2024, the Char Dham received over 57 lakh pilgrims, a record number. The government has invested heavily in road infrastructure, helicopter services, and facilities to make this challenging pilgrimage more accessible.
Sacred Sites
Explore each of the four divine abodes in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Yamunotri
6 km from Janki ChattiGoddess Yamuna
The source of the Yamuna River and the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple houses a black marble idol of the goddess. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the hot water springs here as prasad.
Gangotri
Motorable roadGoddess Ganga
The origin point of the sacred Ganga River and the second stop. The 18th-century temple built by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa marks where King Bhagirath meditated to bring Ganga to Earth.
Kedarnath
16 km from GaurikundLord Shiva
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the stone temple believed to be built by the Pandavas sits against the backdrop of snow-clad peaks. Kedarnath houses the hump-shaped Shiva lingam.
Badrinath
Motorable roadLord Vishnu
The most important of the Char Dhams, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badrinarayan form. The colourful temple sits between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges, near the Alaknanda River.
Spiritual Experiences
Maha Abhishek
Participate in the sacred bathing ceremony of the deities performed daily at each shrine
Hot Springs
Take holy dips in natural hot water springs at Yamunotri and Badrinath
Himalayan Views
Witness breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks surrounding each shrine
Temple Prasad
Receive blessed offerings including rice cooked in hot springs at Yamunotri
Pilgrimage Checklist
Essential items for the Char Dham Yatra at high altitudes.
How to Start the Yatra
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport. Helicopter services are available directly to Kedarnath and Badrinath from Dehradun and Phata.
Dehradun to Haridwar: 45 mins
By Train
Haridwar and Rishikesh are the main railheads, well-connected to Delhi and other major cities. Most pilgrims begin their road journey from here.
Delhi to Haridwar: 4-5 hours
By Road
The Char Dham Highway connects all four shrines. Private vehicles, shared taxis, and GMOU buses are available. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.
Complete circuit: 1,200+ km