The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — is a deeply spiritual and physically demanding pilgrimage through the Garhwal Himalaya. For first-timers, planning matters: weather windows, permits, altitude, and realistic daily drives make the difference between a soulful experience and an exhausting one. This guide gives a practical, day-by-day 9–11 day itinerary (with variations), plus tips on packing, health, permits and money so you arrive prepared and relaxed.
Quick planning essentials (read this first)
- Best months: Plan for late April–June or September–October when the temples are open and roads are most reliable. Monsoon and deep winter are risky.
- Registration / e-pass: Uttarakhand runs an online registration / tourist e-pass system for Char Dham; check the official portals before you travel and complete any biometric or token steps required. Many pilgrims now register online.
- Typical duration: Most realistic road itineraries run 8–12 days from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun (10 days is a common GMVN package length). If short on time, helicopter packages reduce days dramatically but cost much more.
- Altitude & fitness: Yamunotri and Gangotri sit around 3,100–3,300 m and Kedarnath is higher — plan for slow ascents, rest and hydration to reduce acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Sample 10-day Chardham itinerary (road route — balanced pace)
Day 0 — Arrival: Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
Fly/rail to Dehradun or Rishikesh. Overnight in Haridwar/Rishikesh — attend Ganga aarti if time allows, rest and buy last-minute supplies (warm layers, trekking shoes, medicines).
Day 1 — Haridwar → Barkot / Jankichatti (drive 7–9 hrs)
Start early: long mountain drive to Barkot (base for Yamunotri) or Janki Chatti depending on route. Light evening walk, early sleep.
Day 2 — Yamunotri darshan (trek/pony/palki option)
Drive to the last motorable point (often Hanuman Chatti/Janki Chatti), then a 6–7 km trek (or pony/palanquin) to Yamunotri temple. Spend time at Suryakund (hot springs) and return the same day to Barkot. Rest — this is your first high-altitude stop; hydrate and sleep early.
Day 3 — Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri area (drive 6–7 hrs)
Drive via Uttarkashi to the Gangotri region and settle in. Short local sightseeing; keep activity light to acclimatize.
Day 4 — Gangotri darshan + optional Gaumukh trek (short)
Visit Gangotri temple early. If you are fit and time allows, arrange a guided trek toward Gaumukh (the glacier head of the Ganga) — note this is a longer and more demanding walk and may be weather/permit dependent. Return to Uttarkashi or stay at Gangotri area.
Day 5 — Uttarkashi → Guptkashi / Phata / Sonprayag (drive 7–8 hrs)
Long transit day down and across the mountains toward the Kedarnath/Badrinath axis (via Srinagar/Rudraprayag to reach the Kedarnath base area). Overnight in Guptkashi/Rudraprayag.
Day 6 — Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek or helicopter)
If trekking: drive to Sonprayag, then trek ~16 km (Gaurikund → Kedarnath) — a full day and strenuous. Alternative: helicopter service to Kedarnath (subject to weather/availability). Overnight at Kedarnath (or return to Sonprayag if day-trip). Note: Kedarnath sits at high elevation and often has cold nights.
Day 7 — Kedarnath → Rudraprayag / Joshimath (drive 6–8 hrs)
Return from Kedarnath to the plains; long drive toward Joshimath (base for Badrinath) — break the journey with short stops for food and rest.
Day 8 — Joshimath → Badrinath darshan (drive ~1.5–2.5 hrs)
Short drive to Badrinath. Spend the day visiting the Badrinath temple, Mana village, nearby hot springs and temples. Overnight at Badrinath or return to Joshimath depending on accommodation.
Day 9 — Badrinath → Rishikesh / Haridwar (drive long day ~8–10 hrs)
Return descent to Rishikesh / Haridwar for a restful evening. Plan buffer time for traffic and weather.
Day 10 — Departure
Head to Dehradun airport or railway station. If you have an extra day, use it to rest or visit local ashrams and the Ganga aarti.
Faster & Slower Variations
- Express (5–6 days): Helicopter packages cover all four shrines in ~5–6 days — choose if limited on time and budget allows.
- Leisure (12–14 days): Add extra acclimatization days (recommended for older travelers), side trips (Hemkund Sahib, Vasudhara Falls, Joshimath), or to split long drives.
Practical tips & safety
Permits, registration & timings
- Register on the official Uttarakhand tourist/Char Dham portals; some temples use token systems at peak times. Carry ID (Aadhaar/passport) and print or keep digital copies of confirmations.
Health & altitude
- Acclimatize slowly. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol at altitude, eat light. Consider Diamox only after consulting a doctor. Know AMS symptoms: headache, nausea, breathlessness — descend if they get worse.
- Carry a small medical kit: blister plasters, paracetamol/ibuprofen, ORS packets, altitude meds (if prescribed), and any personal prescriptions.
Packing essentials
- Layers: thermal base, fleece, windproof shell, waterproof jacket.
- Good walking shoes/ankle-support boots, warm hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, quick-dry clothes.
- Lightweight sleeping liner (some basic guesthouses provide blankets but nights can be cold).
- Power bank, photocopies of ID, small torch, rehydration salts.
- Cash: ATMs are scarce in high towns; carry enough cash for teahouses, porters, ponies, and small purchases.
Transport choices
- Road (private car / taxi): most common and scenic; allow time for landslides/traffic.
- Helicopter: great time-saver for Kedarnath/Badrinath but expensive and weather-dependent. Book through authorized operators.
Accommodation & food
- Pre-book hotels in Haridwar/Rishikesh and key bases (Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Joshimath). Guesthouses at higher shrines are basic — expect simple dal-roti meals and early curfews.
Local customs & temple etiquette
- Dress modestly; remove shoes where required. Photography may be restricted inside some sanctum areas. Be respectful during aarti and rituals, and observe local instructions for queueing and prasad.
Budget ballpark (per pilgrim, road route)
- Basic (shared vehicle, simple hotels): Moderate — plan for transport + stay + food ~budget mid-range for India pilgrimages. Helicopter options greatly increase cost. (Exact prices change seasonally; compare GMVN/state packages vs private tour operators.)
Final checklist (48 hours before departure)
- Confirm temple opening dates / local weather and road conditions.
- Print e-pass / registration receipts and ID copies.
- Pack medicines and thermal layers.
- Inform family of your route and share contact numbers of hotels/tour operator.
Closing note
Char Dham is more than a checklist of shrines — it’s a journey through Himalayan landscapes, local cultures, and inner stillness. For first-time visitors, the single best advice is to move slowly: plan realistic drives, allow time to acclimatize, and treat the pilgrimage as both an outward and inward journey.
