Char Dham Yatra 2026: Complete Guide with Route, Dates & Photos
The Char Dham Yatra is the pilgrimage to four sacred shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Traditionally it is done from west to east, starting at Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath. This guide covers the 2026 opening dates, registration, the route, a day-by-day plan, costs and practical tips from our Haridwar team, who run the yatra every season.
The four dhams at a glance
| Dham | Deity | District | Altitude | Last road point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | Uttarkashi | ~3,293 m | Janki Chatti, then ~6 km trek |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | Uttarkashi | ~3,100 m | Road goes up to the temple |
| Kedarnath | Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga) | Rudraprayag | ~3,583 m | Gaurikund, then ~16–18 km trek |
| Badrinath | Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan) | Chamoli | ~3,133 m | Road goes up to the town |
Char Dham opening and closing dates 2026
| Temple | Opening date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 |
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 |
The temples close for winter around Diwali and Bhai Dooj (October–November). Gangotri usually closes first, followed by Kedarnath and Yamunotri on Bhai Dooj, and Badrinath last. The exact closing dates are announced each year by the temple committees, so confirm them with us before booking a late-season trip.
Char Dham Yatra registration
Registration is mandatory for every pilgrim. You can register free on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or on the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app, using your Aadhaar or another photo ID. Offline counters also operate in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Guptkashi and Sonprayag during the season. Carry the registration (printed or on your phone) because it is checked on the way. When you book a package with us, our team completes the registration for your whole group.
Char Dham route map (by road)
Haridwar → Barkot → Janki Chatti (Yamunotri) → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Sonprayag/Gaurikund (Kedarnath) → Joshimath/Pipalkoti → Badrinath → Rishikesh → Haridwar.
The full circuit is about 1,200 to 1,300 km of mountain roads from Haridwar and back. From Delhi or Noida add about 200 to 230 km each way to Haridwar.
9-day Char Dham itinerary from Haridwar
| Day | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haridwar → Barkot | ~180 km drive |
| 2 | Barkot → Janki Chatti, trek to Yamunotri and back | ~45 km drive + 6 km trek each way |
| 3 | Barkot → Uttarkashi (Vishwanath temple) | ~80 km |
| 4 | Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi | ~200 km round trip |
| 5 | Uttarkashi → Guptkashi | ~200 km |
| 6 | Guptkashi → Sonprayag, trek to Kedarnath | ~25 km drive + 16–19 km trek |
| 7 | Kedarnath darshan, trek down → Guptkashi | Trek + ~25 km drive |
| 8 | Guptkashi → Badrinath via Pipalkoti | ~200 km |
| 9 | Badrinath → Rishikesh → Haridwar | ~320 km |
Our 9-day Char Dham Yatra package from Haridwar follows this plan with hotels, meals and a dedicated vehicle, starting from ₹17,000 per person. We also run Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) trips.
Best time for Char Dham Yatra
- May to June: pleasant weather, the busiest period. Book hotels and cabs early.
- July to mid-September: monsoon. Landslides and road closures are common, so keep buffer days.
- Mid-September to October: clear skies, fewer crowds and cold nights. Many regular pilgrims prefer this window.
Kedarnath trek and helicopter
The Kedarnath trek starts at Gaurikund and is about 16 to 18 km one way. Ponies, palkis and pithoos are available at government-fixed rates. Helicopter tickets from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra website; beware of fake booking sites and agents selling "confirmed" heli tickets.
Char Dham Yatra cost
The cost depends on the number of people, the vehicle and the hotel category. As a guide:
- Group package from Haridwar with hotels and meals: from ₹17,000 per person.
- Private taxi for your family: Swift Dzire ₹12/km, Ertiga ₹15/km, Innova Crysta ₹20/km, minimum 250 km a day plus driver allowance. See Char Dham Yatra taxi service.
- Groups of 10 or more: a tempo traveller is usually the cheapest per person.
Packing list
- Warm jacket, thermals, woollen cap and gloves (nights are cold even in May).
- Raincoat or poncho and a small umbrella.
- Good walking shoes with grip, plus spare socks.
- Personal medicines, a basic first-aid kit and a copy of any prescription.
- Photo ID, yatra registration and some cash (card and UPI networks can be weak in the hills).
- Power bank and a torch.
Health and safety tips
- Get a medical check-up before the trip, especially if you are over 50 or have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions. Health screening points operate on the Kedarnath and Yamunotri routes.
- Walk slowly on the treks, drink water and rest if you feel breathless or get a headache.
- Do not drive in the hills after dark; our drivers stop before sunset.
- Follow official advisories on weather and road closures during the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Char Dham Yatra 2026 start?
Yamunotri and Gangotri opened on 19 April 2026, Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April 2026.
How many days are needed for the Char Dham Yatra?
Nine to ten days from Haridwar is comfortable. From Delhi or Noida, plan 10 to 12 days including travel to and from Haridwar.
Is registration compulsory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app or at an offline counter in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other points.
What is the correct order of the Char Dham Yatra?
The traditional order is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath, moving from west to east.
How much does the Char Dham Yatra cost?
Our 9-day group package from Haridwar starts at ₹17,000 per person. Private taxi trips are priced per km; call 8588834222 for a quote for your group.
Plan your yatra
Plan your Char Dham Yatra with us
Tell us where and when you want to travel — our team replies within minutes on WhatsApp or phone.