Best Route for Char Dham Yatra - A Complete Pilgrimage Guide (2025)

🌎 Where is Char Dham Located?

• Yamunotri: Source of River Yamuna, located in Uttarkashi district.

• Gangotri: Origin of River Ganga, also in Uttarkashi district.

• Kedarnath: Sacred temple of Lord Shiva, located in Rudraprayag district.

• Badrinath: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in Chamoli district.

🗺️ Best Route for Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra follows a clockwise direction (Parikrama route) which is spiritually ideal:

Haridwar/Rishikesh → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath

This route is also practical in terms of road connectivity, stay options, and acclimatization

🚜 Step-by-Step Route Guide

🔸 Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot

• Distance: 200-220 km

• Travel Time: 8-10 hours

• Route: Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → Barkot

• Stay: Barkot (many guest houses and GMVN rest houses available)

🔸 Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and back

• Drive: 36 km to Janki Chatti

• Trek: 6 km (one way) to Yamunotri

• Visit Yamunotri temple and return to Barkot

🔸 Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi

• Distance: 100 km

• Travel Time: 4-5 hours

• Stay: Uttarkashi (lots of dharamshalas and hotels available)

🔸 Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back

• Distance: 100 km (one side)

• Travel Time: 3-4 hours each way

• Visit Gangotri temple and return to Uttarkashi by evening

🔸 Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi/Sitapur

• Distance: 220-230 km

• Travel Time: 9-10 hours

• Stay: Guptkashi, Sitapur, or Sonprayag (book in advance)

🔸 Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

• Drive: 30 km to Gaurikund

• Trek: 18 km (one side) to Kedarnath

• Option: Helicopter service from Phata/Sersi available

• Stay: Kedarnath (GMVN cottages, tents, and lodges)

🔸 Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi

• Trek down 18 km to Gaurikund and return by drive to base hotel

🔸 Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath

• Distance: 215 km

• Travel Time: 9-10 hours

• Route: Via Chopta, Pipalkoti, Joshimath

• Stay: Badrinath (many hotel options)

🔸 Day 9: Badrinath Darshan and return journey

• Visit temple and Mana village

• Start return to Rishikesh or stay in Rudraprayag/Chamoli

🔸 Day 10: Return to Rishikesh/Haridwar

• Distance: 300-320 km

• Travel Time: 10-12 hours

✈️ Nearest Airport and Railway Station

• Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• Railway: Haridwar and Rishikesh have major rail connectivity

✅ Important Travel Tips for Pilgrims

1. Start early every morning to avoid landslide zones.

2. Avoid monsoon months (July-Aug) due to heavy rains.

3. Keep buffer days for weather delays or rest.

4. Download Char Dham Yatra App for GPS and registration.

5. Carry ID proof, extra cash, power bank, and torch.

6. Always carry warm clothes, even in summer.

7. Book GMVN guest houses from official website for budget stays.

🏨 GMVN and Private Stays

• Available in Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

• Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

⛰️ Road Condition

• Roads are mostly good but mountain roads are narrow.

• Some patchy stretches between Sonprayag to Gaurikund.

• Drive carefully and avoid night travel.

🚁 Helicopter Option for Kedarnath & Badrinath

You can choose heli-services for faster and easy darshan:

• Book from IRCTC or GMVN official website.

• Check out my full guide on this topic here: 👉 Char Dham Helicopter Booking Detailed Guide for 2024-25

🕹️ Registration Requirement

• Online registration is mandatory on Char Dham Yatra Portal.

• Biometric registration at Haridwar, Rishikesh, or en route.

🛫 Packing List for Yatra

• Woolen clothes, thermal wear

• Raincoat and umbrella

• First aid kit and regular medicines

• ID cards and 4-5 passport-size photos

• Water bottle, energy snacks

• Trekking shoes for Kedarnath and Yamunotri

🚩 Conclusion

Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey; it is a lifetime experience. With proper planning and the right route, you can complete this divine yatra safely and comfortably. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip easily.

May Lord Badri Vishal and Baba Kedar bless your Yatra!

If you want a printable itinerary or booking help, feel free to reach out through my blog: MohitBangari.com

Do you know about Ramman festival of Salud-Dungra village? It’s one of the intangible world cultural heritage of India in UNESCO. You can read a detailed article on this topic here.