May to June
This is the most popular period because daytime conditions are
generally comfortable. It is also the busiest season, so hotels,
vehicles and assisted trekking services should be arranged early.
Harshil Tour Packages
Real journeys • Sacred memories
Uttarakhand Yatra Photo Gallery
See real pilgrimage moments, sacred temples and happy travellers from across Uttarakhand.
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Sacred Heritage
Pandav Statue
Temple Darshan
Sacred Himalayan Temple
Spiritual Uttarakhand
Chaurangi Nath Mandir
Divine Blessings
Maa Dhari Devi Temple
Sacred Journey
A Journey of Faith
Guest Experience
Prakash Traveller Group
Family Pilgrimage
Arora Ji and Family
Local Support
Travellers with Saurabh Ji
Guest Memories
Pinki Ji’s Pilgrimage Memories
Plan Your Char Dham Yatra with Complete Information
A successful Char Dham Yatra requires more than booking a hotel and vehicle.
Pilgrims should understand the mountain routes, trekking requirements,
registration process, weather conditions, package inclusions and cancellation
rules before confirming their journey. This guide explains the important
details needed to plan a comfortable pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri,
Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Shrines Covered
All Four Char Dhams
All Four Char Dhams
Recommended Duration
9–12 Days
9–12 Days
Common Starting Points
Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun
Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun
Best Travel Period
May–June and September–October
May–June and September–October
About the Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand connects four sacred Himalayan shrines.
The traditional route generally begins with Yamunotri, continues to Gangotri
and Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath. This direction is followed because
Hindu pilgrimage traditions commonly recommend travelling from west to east.
| Dham | Presiding Deity | Access Information |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | Road journey to Janki Chatti followed by an approximately 5–6 km uphill route. Walking, pony, palki and kandi options may be available. |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | Gangotri Temple is accessible by road. The route normally passes through Uttarkashi, Gangnani and Harsil Valley. |
| Kedarnath | Lord Shiva | Reach Gaurikund through Sonprayag and continue on the approximately 16–18 km mountain route by walking, pony, palki or authorised helicopter service. |
| Badrinath | Lord Vishnu | Badrinath is connected by road. Pilgrims can also visit Tapt Kund, Mana Village and nearby spiritual attractions. |
Important:
Mountain distances and travel times are approximate. Road conditions,
traffic restrictions, weather, landslides and local administration
instructions can affect the daily programme.
Mountain distances and travel times are approximate. Road conditions,
traffic restrictions, weather, landslides and local administration
instructions can affect the daily programme.
Typical 10-Day Char Dham Yatra Route
The following route is a practical overview. Your final itinerary may be
adjusted according to the starting city, hotel availability, group size,
fitness level and preferred number of nights.
- Haridwar or Rishikesh to Barkot
Travel towards Barkot through the Himalayan foothills. Depending on
time and road conditions, Mussoorie or Kempty Falls may be covered
en route. Overnight stay in Barkot. - Yamunotri Darshan and Return to Barkot
Drive to Janki Chatti and continue towards Yamunotri by walking,
pony, palki or kandi. Visit Yamunotri Temple, Divya Shila and
Surya Kund before returning to Barkot. - Barkot to Uttarkashi
Drive to Uttarkashi and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, subject to
arrival time. Dinner and overnight stay in Uttarkashi. - Gangotri Darshan and Return to Uttarkashi
Drive through the beautiful Harsil Valley to Gangotri Temple.
Complete darshan and return to Uttarkashi for the night. - Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, Sitapur or Sersi
Continue towards the Kedarnath region through mountain roads.
This is generally one of the longer driving days of the Yatra. - Kedarnath Journey and Temple Darshan
Travel to Sonprayag, take an authorised local vehicle to Gaurikund
and begin the Kedarnath route. Helicopter, pony and palki services
are optional and subject to availability. - Kedarnath to Guptkashi, Sitapur or Sersi
Attend morning darshan when possible and return through Gaurikund
and Sonprayag. Overnight stay near Guptkashi. - Guptkashi to Badrinath
Drive towards Badrinath through the Garhwal Himalayas. Visit
Badrinath Temple and attend the evening Aarti, subject to timing. - Badrinath to Rudraprayag or Srinagar
Visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa and Bhim Pul if time
and local conditions permit. Continue towards Rudraprayag. - Rudraprayag to Haridwar or Rishikesh
Return through Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers
meet. Drop-off at the agreed railway station, hotel or other location.
A slower 11-day or 12-day programme is generally more comfortable for
senior citizens, families with children and pilgrims who prefer additional
recovery time after the Yamunotri and Kedarnath routes.
senior citizens, families with children and pilgrims who prefer additional
recovery time after the Yamunotri and Kedarnath routes.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham
The temples normally open during April or May and close around October
or November. Exact opening and closing dates are announced separately
for each shrine. Weather and crowd conditions vary throughout the season.
July to August
Monsoon rain may cause landslides, slippery trekking routes,
traffic restrictions and road closures. Pilgrims should maintain
flexible travel dates and follow current weather advisories.
September to October
Post-monsoon conditions can offer clearer views and comparatively
fewer crowds. Temperatures become colder, particularly during
early mornings, evenings and at Kedarnath.
Before departure:
Check the current temple schedule, weather forecast, road status and
instructions issued by the Uttarakhand administration.
Check the current temple schedule, weather forecast, road status and
instructions issued by the Uttarakhand administration.
How to Reach the Char Dham Yatra Starting Point
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest major airport for
Haridwar and Rishikesh. Private transfers can be arranged from the
airport according to your package.
By Train
Haridwar Railway Station is a convenient starting point. Rishikesh
and Dehradun railway stations may also be used depending on your
train and selected itinerary.
By Road
Haridwar and Rishikesh are connected with Delhi, Noida, Gurugram
and other North Indian cities. Packages can be arranged from Delhi,
Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Char Dham Yatra Registration Process
Registration is required for pilgrims visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri,
Kedarnath and Badrinath. Travellers and vehicles may also be required
to complete verification according to current government instructions.
Create an Account
Visit the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care registration portal.
New users should register with their mobile number and personal
information.
Add Yatra Details
Enter the travel dates, number of pilgrims, selected Dhams and
intended darshan dates. Information must match each traveller’s
government identity document.
Carry the Yatra Record
Download the registration letter or QR record. Keep a digital and
printed copy available with the original identity document used
during registration.
Register only through the
official Uttarakhand Char Dham registration portal
.
Registration procedures, verification requirements and daily limits
may be changed by the government.
official Uttarakhand Char Dham registration portal
.
Registration procedures, verification requirements and daily limits
may be changed by the government.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Final services depend on the package category and written quotation.
Always review the confirmed hotel list, vehicle type, meal plan and
pickup location before making payment.
Standard Inclusions
- Hotel accommodation in the confirmed category
- Breakfast and dinner according to the meal plan
- Private vehicle for the confirmed itinerary
- Experienced driver familiar with mountain routes
- Driver allowance, toll taxes and parking charges
- Pickup and drop according to the package
- Sightseeing specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel assistance during the tour
Standard Exclusions
- Airfare, railway tickets and bus tickets
- Lunch, snacks, drinks and room service
- Pony, palki, kandi, porter or doli charges
- Kedarnath helicopter tickets
- Sonprayag–Gaurikund local vehicle charges
- Temple donations, puja and special darshan
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Personal expenses, laundry and telephone charges
- Anything not expressly listed under inclusions
Additional Costs
- Extra hotel nights caused by road or weather disruption
- Route changes requested during the journey
- Additional vehicle use beyond the confirmed itinerary
- Entry tickets and local guides unless included
- GST or government tax unless included in the quotation
- Emergency evacuation or medical transportation
- Costs caused by delayed arrival or missed services
Trekking, Pony, Palki and Helicopter Information
| Service | Important Information |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri Route | The uphill route begins around Janki Chatti. Walking, pony, palki and kandi services may be available from authorised local counters. |
| Kedarnath Route | Pilgrims normally travel to Sonprayag, use an authorised local vehicle to Gaurikund and continue towards Kedarnath on the mountain route. |
| Pony and Palki | Book through authorised counters, check the displayed current tariff and obtain a receipt. Availability cannot be guaranteed during peak dates. |
| Kedarnath Helicopter | Helicopter tickets are not automatically included. Services depend on weather, aviation rules, passenger weight, reporting time and operational clearance. |
| Helicopter Cancellation | If a flight is cancelled by the operator, the applicable aviation-company or official booking-platform refund policy will apply. Road or trekking arrangements are separate from the helicopter booking. |
Use Only the Official Helicopter Booking Channel
Kedarnath helicopter bookings should be made only through the official
channel linked by the Uttarakhand Government registration portal.
Avoid paying unknown agents, social-media accounts or unverified
websites promising guaranteed tickets.
Health, Safety and Required Documents
Char Dham involves high-altitude travel, cold conditions, long road
journeys and steep walking routes. Travellers should honestly assess
their fitness before departure.
- Government photo identity document
- Char Dham registration letter or QR record
- Regular medicines and valid prescriptions
- Medical summary for travellers with health conditions
- Warm layers, gloves, cap and rain protection
- Comfortable shoes with reliable grip
- Water bottle and easy-to-digest snacks
- Phone, charging cable and power bank
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection
- Emergency contact and travel-insurance details
Travellers with heart disease, breathing problems, uncontrolled blood
pressure, diabetes, recent surgery, serious joint problems or a history
of altitude illness should seek personalised medical advice before
travelling. This page is general travel information and is not medical advice.
pressure, diabetes, recent surgery, serious joint problems or a history
of altitude illness should seek personalised medical advice before
travelling. This page is general travel information and is not medical advice.
Booking and Payment Terms
- A booking is confirmed only after receipt of the required advance payment.
- The payment schedule and balance due date will be mentioned on the quotation or invoice.
- Prices are based on the selected hotels, vehicle, group size and travel dates.
- Verbal discussions do not form part of the booking unless confirmed in writing.
- Guests must verify names, dates, itinerary, room sharing and pickup details before payment.
- Delayed payment may result in the release of hotels, vehicles or other reserved services.
- Government taxes, permit charges or supplier rates introduced later may affect the final cost.
- Special requests remain subject to availability and written confirmation.
Hotel names, vehicle category and all promised inclusions should appear
on the final written confirmation. Please report any discrepancy before
the journey begins.
on the final written confirmation. Please report any discrepancy before
the journey begins.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The following standard land-package cancellation schedule applies unless
a different policy is stated on your quotation, invoice or package confirmation.
Non-refundable supplier charges may apply in addition to the amounts below.
| Cancellation Received | Standard Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| 45 days or more before departure | 10% of the total package amount |
| 30–44 days before departure | 25% of the total package amount |
| 15–29 days before departure | 40% of the total package amount |
| 8–14 days before departure | 60% of the total package amount |
| Within 7 days, after departure or no-show | 100% of the total package amount |
Third-party services:
Helicopter tickets, special puja, transport tickets, permits and hotels
booked under a non-refundable rate will be governed by the respective
supplier’s cancellation conditions. Their actual charges may be higher
than the standard land-package schedule.
Helicopter tickets, special puja, transport tickets, permits and hotels
booked under a non-refundable rate will be governed by the respective
supplier’s cancellation conditions. Their actual charges may be higher
than the standard land-package schedule.
How Refunds Are Processed
- Cancellation must be requested in writing by email or through the
official WhatsApp number used for the booking. - The effective cancellation date is the date on which Uttarakhand
Trails acknowledges the request. - Eligible refunds are processed after deducting cancellation charges,
supplier penalties, bank charges and payment-gateway fees. - Refund processing generally takes 10–15 working days after the
applicable amount is received back from suppliers. - No refund is provided for unused accommodation, meals, transport,
sightseeing or other services voluntarily missed by the guest. - No refund is provided for a late arrival, early departure, no-show,
denied boarding or failure to carry the required documents.
Weather, Road Closure and Force Majeure
Uttarakhand Trails cannot control weather, landslides, floods,
snowfall, road closures, traffic restrictions, government orders,
strikes, temple closure, aviation disruption, natural disasters or
other events beyond reasonable control.
When such an event occurs, the team will attempt to rearrange the
itinerary or recover eligible supplier refunds. However, a complete
refund cannot be guaranteed when hotels, transport providers,
helicopter operators or other suppliers retain payment.
Additional accommodation, meals, local transport, route changes,
evacuation or return travel caused by such disruption must be paid
by the traveller unless specifically covered by travel insurance.
Hotel and Transportation Conditions
- Hotels in remote pilgrimage areas offer simpler facilities than
equivalent-category hotels in major cities. - If a confirmed hotel becomes unavailable, a similar-category property
will be offered, subject to availability. - Standard hotel check-in and check-out timings apply. Early check-in
and late check-out are not guaranteed. - Room heaters, hot water and electricity may be available only during
specified hours in remote locations. - The vehicle is provided according to the itinerary and is not available
for unlimited personal use. - Air conditioning may not operate on mountain roads or in areas where
its use is restricted or unnecessary because of the climate. - The driver must follow legal driving-hour limits, traffic instructions,
road closures and local union rules. - Vehicle replacement in the event of a breakdown will be arranged as
soon as reasonably possible, subject to the remote location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are required for the complete Char Dham Yatra?
Most road packages take approximately 9–12 days from Haridwar or
Rishikesh. A slower 11-day or 12-day programme is more comfortable
for senior citizens and families with children.
Is Char Dham registration compulsory?
Registration is required for pilgrims. Complete it through the
official Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal and carry the identity
document used during registration.
Are pony and palki charges included?
Pony, palki, kandi, porter and doli charges are normally excluded
unless they are specifically included in your written quotation.
Is the Kedarnath helicopter included in the package?
Helicopter tickets are normally excluded and should be booked
through the official authorised platform. Flights depend on
weather, passenger weight and operational clearance.
Can senior citizens complete the Char Dham Yatra?
Many senior citizens complete the Yatra with a slower itinerary,
suitable transport and pre-planned assistance. Fitness, heart and
lung health, mobility, balance and medical history should be
assessed individually.
Are meals included in the package?
Most packages include breakfast and dinner. Lunch, snacks, drinks
and room service are generally excluded unless the quotation
states otherwise.
Can the itinerary change during the journey?
Yes. Weather, road conditions, government restrictions, temple
timings and traveller safety may require a change in route,
sightseeing or overnight location.
Which documents should every pilgrim carry?
Carry a government photo ID, Char Dham registration record,
hotel and package confirmation, prescribed medicines, emergency
contacts and travel-insurance information.
Can a private package be customised?
Yes. The number of nights, pickup location, vehicle, hotel category
and pace can be customised according to the group’s dates,
preferences and mobility requirements.
Plan Your Char Dham Yatra with a Local Uttarakhand Team
Share your travel dates, starting city, number of adults and children,
preferred hotel category and any mobility requirements. Uttarakhand
Trails will prepare a suitable itinerary and quotation for your group.
Request a Char Dham Yatra Plan
Call or WhatsApp:
+91 78188 64155
Important disclaimer:
Temple dates, registration rules, routes, fares, helicopter operations,
pony and palki availability, government instructions and weather conditions
may change. Final services are governed by the written quotation and booking
confirmation issued by Uttarakhand Trails. Travellers should verify all
information before departure and follow current instructions from local authorities.
Temple dates, registration rules, routes, fares, helicopter operations,
pony and palki availability, government instructions and weather conditions
may change. Final services are governed by the written quotation and booking
confirmation issued by Uttarakhand Trails. Travellers should verify all
information before departure and follow current instructions from local authorities.
