char dham yatra 2026

• Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri have been called the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

• It is said that traveling here not only frees one from sin but also takes one beyond the cycle of birth and death.

• Due to the presence of all these pilgrimage centers in the lap of the Himalayan mountain range, their importance also increases a lot from the point of view of religious tourism.

• Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra located in Uttarkashi district in the western direction of the Garhwal Himalayas.

• On the religious basis of visiting Char Dham in one trip, first Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath and finally Badrinath are visited.

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Walking The Himalayas Char Dham Yatra Packages:

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Deluxe Char Dham Yatra Package

Walking The Himalayas provides you with deluxe Char Dham Packages that include transportation by AC bus/Tempo Traveller or Car. In this package, you will have accommodation in deluxe hotels, all meals, and sightseeing. The package usually takes 10-12 days and costs around INR 35,000-45,000 per person.

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Budget Char Dham Yatra Package

This package is for those who want to undertake the yatra at a lower cost. It includes transportation by non-AC bus/Tempo Traveller or Car, accommodation in budget hotels, all meals, and sightseeing. The package usually takes 10-12 days and costs around INR 20,000-25,000 per person.

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Helicopter Char Dham Yatra Package

This package is for those who want to avoid arduous trekking and long travel times. It includes transportation by helicopter, accommodation in deluxe hotels, all meals, and sightseeing. The package usually takes 4-5 days and costs around INR 1,70,000-2,00,000 per person.

You can upgrade the package to Luxury by adding Rs 8500 per person and to Premium by adding Rs 15000 per person to the above cost. The hotel/resort stay will be upgraded accordingly. 

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​Helicopter Char Dham Yatra Package: This package is for those who want to avoid arduous trekking and long travel times. It includes transportation by helicopter, accommodation in deluxe hotels, all meals, and sightseeing. The package usually takes 4-5 days and costs around INR 1,70,000-2,00,000 per person.

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Day 1: Delhi to Barkot via Rishikesh

 

Route: Delhi → Rishikesh → Barkot
Total Distance: Approx. 430–450 km
Travel Time: 10–12 Hours (depending on traffic & road conditions)

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Our sacred journey begins with an early morning departure from Delhi towards Barkot, the gateway to Yamunotri Temple.

 

En route, you will pass through Rishikesh — the “Yoga Capital of the World” — situated on the banks of the holy Ganges. Pilgrims may take a short halt for refreshments or a brief visit to the river ghats.

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After Rishikesh, the road gradually ascends into the Garhwal Himalayas, offering scenic mountain views, river valleys, and winding hill roads. Continue your drive via Mussoorie belt (optional view point halt) and proceed towards Barkot.

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Upon arrival in Barkot:

Check-in to the hotel

Evening at leisure

Dinner and overnight stay

Altitude of Barkot: Approx. 1,220 meters

 

Barkot serves as the base station for the Yamunotri trek scheduled for the next day.

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Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri Dham to Barkot​

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Route: Barkot → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri Temple → Barkot
Drive Distance: Approx. 45 km (one way)
Trek Distance: 5–6 km (one way)
Total Travel Duration: 8–10 Hours (including darshan & return)

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Early morning after breakfast, drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti, the starting point of the trek to Yamunotri Dham. The scenic drive passes through lush valleys and mountain streams.

From Janki Chatti, begin the 5–6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims can also opt for pony, palki, or porter services (at additional cost).

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At Yamunotri Dham:

Holy darshan at the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna

Visit Surya Kund (hot water spring)

Offer prayers at Divya Shila before entering the temple

Take blessings at the origin shrine of the Yamuna River

After completing darshan and rituals, trek back to Janki Chatti and drive to Barkot.

 

Upon arrival:

Dinner at hotel

Overnight stay in Barkot

Altitude of Yamunotri: Approx. 3,293 meters

 

This day marks the first Dham of the sacred Char Dham Yatra, setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the journey ahead.

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Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi to Harshil

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Route: Barkot → Uttarkashi → Harsil

Total Distance: Approx. 160–180 km
Travel Time: 7–9 Hours

 

After breakfast, check out from Barkot and begin your drive towards Harsil, a serene Himalayan valley known for its apple orchards and pristine beauty.

 

En Route Stop – Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi, situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, is an important spiritual town in the Garhwal region. Pilgrims may visit:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Shakti Temple

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After darshan, continue the scenic drive alongside the Bhagirathi River towards Harsil. The route offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, dense pine forests, and charming Himalayan villages.

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Arrival at Harsil

Harsil is a peaceful hamlet located near the Indo-Tibetan border, famous for its natural beauty and tranquil environment. It also serves as a base for visiting the Gangotri Temple the following day.

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Check in to the hotel/camp

Evening at leisure amidst nature

Dinner and overnight stay in Harsil

Altitude of Harsil: Approx. 2,620 meters

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This day transitions the journey from Yamunotri Dham towards the sacred abode of Goddess Ganga, preparing pilgrims for the next spiritual milestone.

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Day 4: Harsil to Gangotri to Uttarkashi

 

Route: Harsil → Gangotri Temple → Uttarkashi
Drive Distance: Approx. 25 km (Harsil to Gangotri) + 100 km (Gangotri to Uttarkashi)
Total Travel Time: 6–8 Hours (including darshan)

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After an early breakfast, drive from Harsil to Gangotri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and the origin shrine of the holy River Ganga.

 

At Gangotri Dham:

Holy darshan at Gangotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga

Offer prayers on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River

Visit nearby sacred spots like Surya Kund and Pandava Gufa (if time permits)

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Gangotri is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters and is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, creating a deeply spiritual and serene atmosphere.

After completing darshan and rituals, drive back towards Uttarkashi along the scenic Bhagirathi valley.

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Arrival at Uttarkashi:

Check-in at hotel

Dinner and overnight stay

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This day completes the second Dham of the Char Dham Yatra and marks a spiritually fulfilling experience at the sacred origin of Mother Ganga.

 

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi / Sonprayag

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Route: Uttarkashi → Guptkashi / Sonprayag
Total Distance: Approx. 220–250 km
Travel Time: 8–10 Hours

 

After early breakfast, check out from Uttarkashi and begin the long yet scenic drive towards Guptkashi or Sonprayag — the base region for the sacred Kedarnath Temple.

The route passes through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, river valleys, and confluences. You will drive alongside the Mandakini River as you approach the Kedarnath valley.

 

About Guptkashi

Guptkashi is an important spiritual town associated with Lord Shiva. Pilgrims may visit:

Ardh Narishwar Temple

Vishwanath Temple

 

About Sonprayag

Sonprayag is the last motorable point before Gaurikund (subject to local transport regulations). From here, pilgrims proceed towards Gaurikund for the Kedarnath trek the following day.

 

Upon arrival:

Hotel check-in

Briefing about next day’s Kedarnath trek (registration, medical check, luggage planning)

Dinner and overnight stay

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This day prepares you for the most significant and spiritually intense part of the Char Dham Yatra — the sacred journey to Kedarnath Dham.

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Day 6: Guptkashi / Sonprayag to Kedarnath

 

Route: Guptkashi / Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
Drive Distance: 5–30 km (depending on stay location & local shuttle)
Trek Distance: Approx. 16–18 km (one way)
Total Duration: 8–12 Hours (including trek & check-in)

 

Early morning departure towards Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. From Sonprayag, local shuttle vehicles operate up to Gaurikund as per government regulations.

 

Trek to Kedarnath

Begin the 16–18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The well-maintained trekking route passes through scenic Himalayan terrain alongside the Mandakini River.

 

Pilgrims may opt for:

Pony / Mule

Palki / Doli

Helicopter services (from Phata / Sersi / Guptkashi – pre-booking required)

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Arrival at Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds immense spiritual significance. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters, the temple is surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

 

After arrival:

Hotel / guesthouse check-in

Evening darshan (subject to time & crowd conditions)

Dinner and overnight stay in Kedarnath

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This day marks the spiritual climax of the Char Dham Yatra as devotees reach the divine abode of Lord Shiva amidst the majestic Himalayas.

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Day 7: Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi

 

Route: Kedarnath Temple → Gaurikund → Sonprayag → Guptkashi
Trek Distance: 16–18 km (downhill)
Drive Distance: Approx. 30 km
Total Duration: 7–10 Hours

 

Early morning attend the sacred Abhishek or general darshan at Kedarnath Temple (subject to availability and prior booking). After breakfast, begin the descent trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund.

 

The return trek is comparatively easier as it is mostly downhill, but steady pacing is recommended to avoid strain on knees. Pony, palki, or helicopter services can also be availed if pre-booked.

 

Upon reaching Gaurikund:

Transfer to Sonprayag via local shuttle

Continue drive to Guptkashi

 

Arrival at Guptkashi

Hotel check-in

Dinner and overnight stay

 

This day concludes the Kedarnath pilgrimage, carrying forward the blessings of Lord Shiva as the journey proceeds toward the final Dham of the sacred circuit.

 

Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath ( 196 km drive/ 6 hours) ​

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Route: Guptkashi → Joshimath → Badrinath Temple
Total Distance: Approx. 190–210 km
Travel Time: 8–10 Hours

 

After breakfast, check out from Guptkashi and begin the scenic drive towards Badrinath, the final Dham of the sacred Char Dham Yatra.

 

The journey passes through the beautiful confluence points (Prayags) of the Alaknanda River and offers mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes. En route, you will cross Joshimath, an important spiritual town associated with Adi Shankaracharya and the winter seat of Lord Badrinath.

 

Arrival at Badrinath

Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badri Narayan) and is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,133 meters.

 

Upon arrival:

Check-in at hotel

Holy dip at Tapt Kund (natural hot water spring)

Evening darshan at Badrinath Temple

Dinner and overnight stay

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If time permits, you may also visit nearby attractions such as:

Mana Village (Last Indian village near Indo-Tibet border)

Bhim Pul

Vyas Gufa

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This day completes the sacred journey toward the fourth and final Dham, bringing pilgrims closer to spiritual fulfillment amidst the majestic Himalayas.

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Day 9: Badrinath to Haridwar

 

Route: Badrinath Temple → Joshimath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar
Total Distance: Approx. 300–320 km
Travel Time: 10–12 Hours

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Early morning, attend the final darshan at Badrinath Temple (optional), followed by breakfast at the hotel. Check out and begin the return journey towards Haridwar.

 

The drive descends through the scenic Garhwal Himalayas, passing via Joshimath and the sacred confluence town of Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers). The route offers spectacular mountain views, river valleys, and devotional stops along the way.

 

Upon arrival in Haridwar:

Hotel check-in

Evening visit to Har Ki Pauri for the sacred Ganga Aarti (subject to time)

Dinner and overnight stay

 

This day marks the conclusion of the sacred Char Dham circuit, bringing the spiritual journey full circle with blessings from the holy River Ganga.

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Day 10: Haridwar to Delhi

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Route: Haridwar → Delhi
Total Distance: Approx. 220 km
Travel Time: 5–6 Hours

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After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your return journey to Delhi.

Before departure, pilgrims may take an optional early morning visit to Har Ki Pauri for a final glimpse of the sacred Ganga or offer concluding prayers.

Proceed towards Delhi via NH-334, carrying with you divine blessings and unforgettable memories from the sacred Char Dham Yatra.

 

Upon arrival in Delhi:

Drop at Railway Station / Airport / Residence

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Tour concludes with spiritual fulfillment and cherished Himalayan experiences

 

This marks the successful completion of your Char Dham Yatra with Team Walking The Himalayas.