Complete Guide for your Char Dham Yatra 2025
What is Char Dham ?
The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in India that involves visiting four holy shrines located in the Indian Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most important spiritual journeys for Hindus, believed to cleanse sins and help attain moksha (liberation).
The word “Char Dham” means “four abodes” of the divine. These are:
- Yamunotri — The origin of the Yamuna River, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
- Gangotri — The origin of the Ganga River, dedicated to Goddess Ganga
- Kedarnath — A Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, nestled in the mountains
- Badrinath — A temple of Lord Vishnu, considered one of the holiest shrines in India
Temple Opening Date & Closing Date
- Yamunotri — April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya) to October 22–23, 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
- Gangotri — April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya) to October 21–23, 2025 (Diwali)
- Kedarnath — May 2, 2025 (Shubh Muhurat) to October 23, 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
- Badrinath — May 4, 2025 (Basant Panchami) to November 6, 2025 (Dev Uthani
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Months to Visit
Pre-Monsoon — May to Mid-June for Pleasant weather, clear skies, less crowd early on
Post-Monsoon — Mid-September to October for Fresher air, fewer crowds, scenic beauty, safe roads
Months to Avoid
Monsoon — Mid-June to August because of Heavy rain, landslides, slippery roads, temple closures possible
Winter — November to April because Temples are closed due to snow and extreme cold
Best Time Based on Preferences
Peaceful Experience (Low Crowd)
- Early May or late September
- Weather is good, and there’s less rush than peak season
Spiritual Vibe & Festivals
- May–June during Akshaya Tritiya, Ganga Dussehra, or Janmashtami
Best for Photography/Nature Lovers
- Mid-September to early October
- Post-monsoon greenery, waterfalls, and clean air
Tip: If you’re traveling with seniors or kids, September to early October is recommended due to fewer crowds and more stable weather.
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary (12 Days)
Day 1 — Arrive in Haridwar/Rishikesh
Day 2 — Haridwar to Barkot (Base for Yamunotri)
Day 3 — Visit Yamunotri Temple (6 km trek), return to Barkot
Day 4 — Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 5 — Visit Gangotri Temple, return to Uttarkashi
Day 6 — Uttarkashi to Guptkashi / Sitapur
Day 7 — Trek or helicopter to Kedarnath Temple, overnight stay
Day 8 — Return from Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Day 9 — Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 10 — Visit Badrinath Temple & Mana Village
Day 11 — Badrinath to Rudraprayag/Srinagar
Day 12 — Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter — 5 Days
Starting Point: Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad)
Includes: VIP Darshan, Luxury Stays, Meals, Local Transfers
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun
- Briefing & overnight stay
Day 2: Dehradun → Yamunotri
- Fly to Kharsali
- 6 km trek (palki/pony) → Yamunotri Temple
- Return & overnight in Kharsali
Day 3: Yamunotri → Gangotri
- Fly to Harsil → Drive to Gangotri Temple
- VIP darshan & return
- Overnight in Harsil
Day 4: Gangotri → Kedarnath
- Fly to Sersi → Shuttle to Kedarnath
- Walk 700m to temple
- Return & stay in Guptkashi
Day 5: Kedarnath → Badrinath → Dehradun
- Fly to Badrinath → VIP darshan
- Optional: Mana Village
- Return to Dehradun
Cost & Budget
- Road — Budget (10–12 days) — ₹18k–₹25k for Backpackers, low-cost travel
- Road — Standard (10–12 days) — ₹30k–₹45k for Families small groups
- Road — Premium (10–12 days) — ₹50k–₹70k + Comfort with value
- Helicopter Tour (5 days) — ₹1.8L–₹2.5L + Senior citizens, short on time, comfort seekers
Planning & Booking Checklist
Registration
- Mandatory for all yatris (free)
- Register via Char Dham Portal
- You’ll get a Yatra e-pass + QR code
Documents
- Aadhaar / valid ID
- Medical fitness certificate (recommended for Kedarnath trek)
- Offline map, permits (if self-driving)
Packing Essentials
- Warm layers, raincoat, trekking shoes, gloves, woolen socks
- Personal medicines, sunscreen, power bank
- ID cards, photocopies, cash (limited ATMs)
Quick Booking Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2025
- Book early (2–3 months ahead), especially for hotels & helicopters.
- Use official portals and trusted tour operators only.
- Consider package tours for ease and convenience.
- Confirm medical support and emergency facilities on route.
- Keep all documents (ID, tickets, confirmations) handy.
Char Dham Yatra FAQs
1. What is the Char Dham Yatra?
It is a pilgrimage to four sacred Hindu temples in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
2. When is the Char Dham Yatra open?
Typically from late April/early May (Akshaya Tritiya) to Diwali (October/November). Exact dates vary yearly.
3. What is the best time to visit Char Dham?
May to June and September to October are ideal months — pleasant weather and open routes.
4. How long does the Yatra take?
By road, around 10–12 days; by helicopter, about 4–5 days.
5. Is the trek difficult?
Yamunotri trek is moderate (6 km), Kedarnath trek is longer and tougher (16 km). Palki or pony services are available for those who need help.
6. Can elderly and children undertake the Yatra?
Yes, with proper planning and by using helicopter and palki services.
7. Do I need to register for the Yatra?
Yes, all pilgrims must register online on the Uttarakhand government portal.
8. Are there medical facilities along the route?
Yes, medical camps and oxygen support are available at key points.
9. What documents do I need?
Valid government-issued ID, Yatra registration confirmation, hotel and transport booking vouchers.
10. Is the Yatra safe during monsoon?
Monsoon travel is risky due to landslides and floods; it is generally not recommended.
11. Are there helicopter services available?
Yes, for Kedarnath and the entire Char Dham circuit, with advanced booking recommended.
12. What kind of accommodation is available?
Options range from budget dharamshalas to 3–4 star hotels and premium resorts.
Begin your journey with confidence — book your stay and plan your yatra with Travel to Nirvana, your trusted partner in the Himalayas.
