Char Dham Yatra Guide: Route, Registration and Tips
Updated 9 November 2026 · by the Tripins team
Plan the Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath: the route from Haridwar, registration, the Kedarnath trek, season and what to pack.
The four dhams
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand visits four Himalayan shrines: Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna), Gangotri (source of the Ganga), Kedarnath (one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva) and Badrinath (a shrine of Vishnu). Traditionally the yatra goes from west to east — Yamunotri first, Badrinath last.
Season
The shrines open in late April or May and close around Diwali and Bhai Dooj, after which the deities move to their winter seats. Opening dates are announced each year on auspicious days. May–June and September–October are the most comfortable; July–August is monsoon, with a real risk of landslides and road blocks.
Registration is mandatory
Every pilgrim has to register for the yatra on the Uttarakhand government's official registration system before travelling, and the registration is checked on the way. Carry a government photo ID. A group operator usually helps with this.
The route from Haridwar
- Haridwar → Barkot: base for Yamunotri. The final stretch to the temple is a trek from Janki Chatti; ponies and palkis are available.
- Uttarkashi: base for Gangotri, which is reachable by road.
- Guptkashi / Sonprayag: base for Kedarnath. From Gaurikund the trek to Kedarnath is around 16 km one way.
- Badrinath: reachable by road. Mana, the last village before the border, is close by.
- Back to Haridwar. The whole circuit usually takes 9–10 days by road.
Health and packing
- Kedarnath is at about 3,500 m. Walk slowly, drink water, and talk to a doctor first if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Pack warm layers even in summer, a rain jacket, good walking shoes, basic medicines and a power bank.
- Mobile networks are patchy in the valleys; keep some cash.
- Start early each day — the hills get traffic jams in peak season.
FAQs
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?
By road from Haridwar it usually takes 9 to 10 days to cover Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Is registration required for Char Dham?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register on the Uttarakhand government's official yatra registration system before travelling.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
From Gaurikund it is around 16 km one way. Ponies, palkis and helicopter services are also available.
What is the best time for Char Dham?
May–June and September–October. Avoid July–August if you can, because of monsoon landslides.
Trips for this guide
Pre-book · booking 19 Apr se
9N / 10D
Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath
Uttarakhand · from Haridwar
Pre-book open
3N / 4D
Kedarnath Yatra from Haridwar
Uttarakhand · from Haridwar