According to Hinduism, one of the cardinal duties of a righteous Hindu is to partake in pilgrimage to attain liberation or moksha. The dhams or holy pilgrimage sites have been visited by sages, saints and seers since antiquity and is still visited by devout Hindus with unflinching faith and devotion. Out of all the holy sites, the venerated Char Dham is of utmost religious significance.
Char Dham Yatra is an sacred journey to the four pilgrimage destination in Uttarkhand which is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath this sacred journey also known as chota char dham yata. The Char Dham Yatra 2025 offers a journey filled with devotion, spirituality, positivity, and adventure. In this beautiful Char Dham journey, pilgrims will experience breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan valleys, captivating landscapes, and gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and significance behind the Char Dham temples.
Browse through the List of Char Dham Destinations in Uttarakhand
The Char Dham temples Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are located in the serene mountains of Uttarakhand. Each temple holds unique beliefs and significance, drawing countless devotees seeking blessings. Tradition suggests that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in a clockwise direction, beginning at Yamunotri, continuing to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and concluding at Badrinath.
Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and serves as the first stop on the Char Dham Yatra. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple draws pilgrims who come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. A key attraction at Yamunotri is Surya Kund, a hot water spring where devotees take a holy dip. It is believed that bathing in the warm waters of Surya Kund cleanses one of sins and provides protection from untimely death.
Gangotri Temple: Gangotri Dham is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and according to Hindu mythology, it marks the sacred site where the River Ganga descended from heaven, released by Lord Shiva from his locks. The Gangotri Temple has a serene ambiance, with a beautiful white structure nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan range. Pilgrims can easily reach the Gangotri Temple by road, making it accessible for all who seek blessings from the goddess.
Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Dham, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds a prominent place in both the Char Dham Yatra and among the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Kedarnath is situated about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, with pilgrims reaching the temple on foot, by pony, palanquin, or by booking a helicopter ride. Each year, when the temple doors open, thousands of devotees visit Kedarnath to seek blessings and experience the powerful spirituality of this revered site.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Dham, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Badrinarayan Temple. It serves as the final destination of the Char Dham Yatra, where the sacred pilgrimage concludes. At Badrinath, pilgrims can explore notable sites like Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, Bheem Pul, Mana Village, and more. Badrinath is also part of the Panch Badri temples, which include Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and Vriddha Badri, along with the main Badrinath Temple.
Yamunotri Dham: Yamunotri Temple opens each year on Akshaya Tritiya and closes for the season on Bhai Dooj, the second day after Diwali in November.
Gangotri Dham: Gangotri Temple opens each year on the sacred day of Akshaya Tritiya and closes for the season the day after Diwali.
Kedarnath Dham: Kedarnath Dham opens each year after Akshaya Tritiya, in April or May. The temple closes for the winter season two days after Diwali, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.
Badrinath Dham: Badrinath Temple opens annually in April-May and closes for the winter in mid-November. During the six-month closure, prayers to Badri Vishal continue at the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath.
Yamunotri: Yamunotri temple is located in Uttarkashi district, Yamunotri Temple is approximately 232 km from Rishikesh, followed by a 6 km trek from Jankichatti.
Gangotri: Gangotri Temple is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It is 99 km from Uttarkashi and 259 km from Rishikesh.
Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, requiring a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. It is located 216 km from Rishikesh.
Badrinath: Badrinath Temple is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, approximately 284 km from Rishikesh.
Pilgrims can reach the Char Dham Yatra by road or helicopter. Travelers need to make their way to Rishikesh or Haridwar via road, train, or air travel to Jolly Grant Airport. From there, they can begin their Char Dham journey by road or helicopter. Below are some options for how pilgrims can reach each Char Dham destination:
By Road: From Rishikesh and Haridwar, pilgrims can book a Char Dham tour package by road, ensuring a comfortable journey. Tour operators will pick them up from either Rishikesh or Haridwar, and the journey will conclude at the same location. Alternatively, pilgrims have the option to start on their own journey by booking a cab, shared taxi, or bus without a tour package. Regular buses and taxis operate along the Char Dham route. It is recommended to book your transportation in advance during the peak season to ensure a hassle-free experience.
By Helicopter: Travelers can start their journey with the Char Dham helicopter tour from Dehradun for a quick and luxurious experience. The entire journey can be completed in 5 to 6 days, beginning and ending in Dehradun.
Devbhumi Uttarakhand is home to some of the holiest cities in India as well as venerated shrines and temples. Every year, large number of devout Hindus and devotees make pilgrimage to Uttarakhand. After visiting Haridwar and Rishikesh, pilgrims take part in Char Dham Yatra to the four auspicious shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The shrines of Yamunotri and Gangotri are dedicated to goddesses Yamuna and Ganga respectively while Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath is one of the original Char Dham and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Usually pilgrims travel from Haridwar to Badrinath first and then visit other dhams.
The Char Dham Tour Packages 2025 offer an incredible experience of the holy Char Dham destinations in Uttarakhand. These packages typically begin in Rishikesh or Haridwar, which serve as the main hubs for the Char Dham journey. Included in the tour packages are transportation services, guided tours, comfortable accommodations, meals, and sightseeing options. For a personalized experience, travelers can customize their Char Dham packages by changing the departure point, extending their journey, or adding additional sightseeing opportunities, such as visits to Triyuginarayan Temple, Mana Village, and more.
Char Dham by Helicopter starts from Dehradun, proceeding to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, with the journey concluding back in Dehradun. This Char Dham Heli tour can be completed in 5 to 6 days and includes transportation, a guide, sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and helicopter services. The packages offer VIP darshans and luxurious amenities at all locations throughout the Char Dham Yatra, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. This 6 day Char Dham Helicopter Tour promises to be an exceptional and relaxing journey.
According to Hindu mythology, the Char Dham is considered one of the most sacred journeys, where pilgrims undertake the Char Dham Yatra in pursuit of moksha (salvation) and liberation from the cycle of rebirth by washing away their sins. This pilgrimage is not only a quest for blessings but also a means of purification and spiritual enlightenment. Each Dham has its own unique stories and significance, and while visiting the Char Dham, travelers gain insights into spiritual energy, positivity, and a sense of calmness.
It is believed that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in a clockwise direction. Pilgrims first visit Yamunotri Dham, then travel to Gangotri Dham, followed by Kedarnath, and finally conclude their journey at Badrinath.
You can begin your journey from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Yamunotri, which is approximately 232 km by road. After visiting Yamunotri Dham, you will proceed to Gangotri, around 223 km away, which takes about 7 hours to reach. Next, travel to Gaurikund, located approximately 322 km from Gangotri, taking around 10 hours, followed by a 16 km trek to Kedarnath Dham.
After visiting Kedarnath, return to Gaurikund and then head to Badrinath Dham, which is about 219 km away. After completing your visit to Badrinath, travel back to Rishikesh, approximately 284 km away, before returning to your original destination. You can take halts and stay according to your needs and preferences throughout the journey.
The Char Dham Yatra begins in Rishikesh and Haridwar. Below are the distances and routes to reach the Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand:
Yamunotri Yatra from Rishikesh/Haridwar
Yamunotri Dham can be accessed from Rishikesh and Haridwar, with the distance from Rishikesh to Yamunotri being approximately 232 km. Pilgrims travel by road to Jankichatti, followed by a 6 km trek to reach Yamunotri Dham. From Rishikesh, travelers have two route options, the first is via Dehradun to Vikas Nagar to Lakha Mandal and then on to Yamunotri. Alternatively, they can choose the route through Chamba to Chinyalisour and then to Barkot before reaching Yamunotri Dham.
Gangotri Yatra from Rishikesh/Haridwar
Travelers begin their Gangotri Yatra from Rishikesh or Haridwar, which is approximately 259 km away and takes around 7 hours to reach. Gangotri is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient destination for pilgrims. On the journey, pilgrims will traverse picturesque towns like Chamba, Chinyalisour, Uttarkashi, and Harsil, each showcasing its distinct allure.
Kedarnath Yatra from Rishikesh/Haridwar
From Rishikesh and Haridwar, pilgrims begin their Kedarnath Yatra, covering approximately 205 km in around 6 hours to reach Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From Gaurikund, there is a 6 km trek to Kedarnath Dham. Along the way, pilgrims will pass through scenic towns such as Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Phata, each offering its own unique charm.
Badrinath Yatra from Rishikesh/Haridwar
The Badrinath Yatra from Rishikesh is approximately 284 km away and takes around 8 hours to reach. The Badrinath Temple is easily accessible by road. Pilgrims will pass through several scenic towns, including Devprayag, Karanprayag, Pipalkoti, Joshimath, and Hanumanchatti, before arriving at Badrinath.
Here are the available modes of registration:
Online Registration:: Visit the official web portal at https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/. Click on the "Register" or "Login" button and fill in the required information, including your name, contact number, and email ID. After submitting your details, you will receive an OTP on your mobile number to complete the registration. Once registered, a dashboard will display your complete travel information, including trip dates, the number of tourists, and the pilgrimage sites you plan to visit. A registration number will be sent to your registered mobile number, and you can later download your Char Dham Yatra registration card.
Mobile Application: You can also register through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app.
WhatsApp Facility: Travellers can also register for the Char Dham Yatra conveniently via WhatsApp. Simply send a message with the word “Yatra” to +91 8394833833 to initiate the registration process.
Choose any of these methods to ensure a smooth registration process for your Char Dham Yatra.
Important Note: The registration process for the Char Dham Yatra is free of charge.
Booking your Char Dham Yatra with eUttaranchal ensures a seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience with top-notch services. Their tour packages offer quality accommodations, meals, transportation, and guided tours that include sightseeing at key spots along the way. eUttaranchal provides dedicated support throughout the journey, ready to assist with any needs or questions. Additionally, their knowledgeable guides enrich the pilgrimage by sharing insights about the destinations and towns along the route. For a personalized experience, eUttaranchal also offers customized packages tailored to individual preferences.
Char Dham Destinations
