Introduction
There are two Char Dham yatras, the bigger (bada) Char Dham and the smaller (chota) Char Dham. The bigger one encompasses all four corners of India, namely Badrinath in the north, Puri Jagannath in the east, Dwarka in the west and Rameshwaram in the south. But this FAQ is for the other one based in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Char Dham yatra is more than just a pilgrimage – it is a journey of faith, devotion and breathtaking beauty. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, the four revered sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath hold deep spiritual significance in Hinduism. The trek through rugged terrains, serene landscapes, and sacred rivers makes the experience truly divine. If you planning to make this journey, certain things are must-know. Read on for all the essential information-
Now for some FAQs:
1: What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to four holy sites in Uttarakhand, India:
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
2. When does the Char Dham Yatra take place?
The Yatra usually begins in late April or early May and continues until October/November, depending on the weather. The temples open on Akshaya Tritiya and close around Diwali.
3. What are the opening dates of Char Dham in 2025?
The opening dates of Char Dham in 2025 are:
Yamunotri: 30th April 2025
Gangotri: 30th April 2025
Kedarnath: 2nd May 2025
Badrinath: 4th May 2025
4. Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, registration is mandatory before you begin the yatra. You can register:
- Online via the Uttarakhand Tourism Website: Online Char Dham Yatra Uttarakhand Tourist Care Registration | UTDB
- Offline at various registration counters en route.
Though offline registration is an option, I strongly recommend that you register online before starting the yatra. The website is not the best out there, but it is a lot better to put some effort from the comfort of your home rather than slug it out in very long queues.
4. What is the sequence to be followed for the Char Dham Yatra?
The traditional sequence follows this order:
1. Yamunotri
2. Gangotri
3. Kedarnath
4. Badrinath
5. How to reach Yamunotri by road?
The last point of road connectivity for visiting Yamunotri is Janki Chatti. From Janki Chatti, it is a hike of around 6 km to reach the Yamunotri temple. You can either cover this distance on foot, or there are options like mules and dolis to ferry people.
6. How to reach Gangotri by road?
Gangotri is well connected by road, and you can reach the entry gate of the temple by vehicle. The roads are quite narrow after crossing Uttarkashi, so you need to exercise extreme caution when travelling on them.
7. How to reach Kedarnath by road?
The last point of road connectivity for visiting Kedarnath is Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, you can take shared taxis to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the hike to Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, it is a hike of around 16 Km (officially) to reach the Kedarnath temple. You can either cover this distance on foot, or there are options like mules and dolis to ferry people.
8. How to reach Badrinath by road?
Badrinath is well connected by road, and you can reach close to the entry point of the temple by your vehicle or public transport.
9. Are helicopter services available for Char Dham yatra?
Officially, helicopter services are available for Kedarnath. This can be booked from the IRCTC website.
However, there are several private operators providing helicopter services for the entire Char Dham yatra. These typically are ex Dehradun. They will not take you to the entrance of the temples but to the nearby towns where there are helipads. For example, the nearest helipad to Gangotri is in Harsil, so the helicopter will drop you there, and the remaining distance will be arranged by road.
10. Is the Char Dham Yatra suitable for older people?
Yes, but with precautions. It involves high altitudes and walking/trekking. Older pilgrims should:
- Get a proper health checkup.
- Travel with a companion.
- Use pony/doli services or helicopters where needed.
11. What are some must-carry items on the Char Dham yatra?
- Warm clothes (even in summer, it’s cold at that altitude)
- Rain gear in all seasons as weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
- Comfortable shoes (preferably with good grip)
- First aid kit and personal medication
- Valid ID proof and Yatra registration documents
12. What are the accommodation options available on the Char Dham yatra route?
Char Dham yatra is very popular amongst the devotees, so you will find an abundance of stay options at all the towns/villages en route. But if you are travelling in peak season, I would highly recommend securing your accommodation before travelling.
13. What kind of weather should I expect on the Char Dham yatra?
The expectation of weather on the Char Dham yatra is based on the time of visit:
- Summer months of May and June: Hazy skies, pleasant days and cold nights.
- Monsoon months of July to mid-September: Heavy rainfall with the possibility of landslides. Not recommended to travel during this period.
- Autumn months of second half of September and October: Clear skies, pleasant during daytime but start getting uncomfortably cold during nights.
- Early November till the close of Yatra: Winter starts setting in, and the weather becomes freezing cold.
14. What is the best time to do the Char Dham yatra?
Let us again look at the different times of the year:
- Summer months of May and June: Although the weather will be nice, I have a different opinion here. The summer months mean vacations, and that means crowds. If you do not have any other option, then do go ahead, but be prepared to spend time in endless traffic (which sometimes stretches to hours).
- Monsoon months of July to mid-September: There will be heavy rainfall and high chances of landslides at multiple places along the route. This makes the whole journey hazardous to life and property. Avoid at all means.
- Autumn months of the second half of September and October: My favourite time to travel in the mountains, when you will be greeted by crystal clear skies and beautiful colours all around. There will be fewer crowds as well, so you should have a good experience.
- Early November till the close of Yatra: The weather will start getting colder, and the crowds will thin out even further. If you have a higher tolerance for sub-zero temperatures, then consider this period.
15. What is the best itinerary for Char Dham yatra by road?
The following can be considered as an ideal itinerary (taking Delhi as the starting point):
- Day 1: Delhi to Barkot
- Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and back
- Day 3: Barkot to Harsil / Dharali
- Day 4: Harsil / Dharali to Gangotri and back
- Day 5 and 6: Harsil/Dharali to Sonprayag
- Day 7: Sonprayag to Kedarnath hike
- Day 8: Kedarnath to Sonprayag hike
- Day 9: Sonprayag to Badrinath
- Day 10: Badrinath temple and Mana village visit
- Day 11: Badrinath to Delhi
For day-by-day itinerary, road conditions, etc., you can check out my YouTube channel (from the homepage of this website), where I did the Char Dham yatra solo on my motorcycle.
Any question, drop in a comment and I will do my best to answer.,