Char Dham Yatra 2026: Complete Guide
Kedarnath · Badrinath · Gangotri · Yamunotri — all four sacred dhams. Registration, route order, costs, helicopter booking, and personal experience from 3 of the 4.
Delhi · Visited: Kedarnath, Gangotri, Manali, Shimla, Rishikesh & more · April 6, 2026 · 16 min read
4 Dhams
Sacred Sites
10–14 Days
Duration
May – Nov
Season
₹18,000
Budget From
I've visited three of the four dhams personally — Kedarnath on a solo trek in October 2022, Badrinath the same trip, and Gangotri with the Gaumukh glacier trek in June 2023. This guide is built from those experiences, not from aggregating other blogs.
— Surya Pratap
📋 Char Dham Registration — Do This First
Mandatory registration for all four dhams at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Free, takes 5 minutes. You will be checked at multiple points — don't skip this.
⚠️ What you need:
- • Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
- • Your photo
- • Medical certificate if above 50 years (mandatory)
- • Daily slots are capped — register well in advance for May–June
- • Print the registration or save PDF offline on your phone
🗺️ The Correct Route Order
The traditional order — and the most efficient logistically — is Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath (west to east). This minimises backtracking and follows the pilgrimage tradition.
🛕 The Four Dhams
Source of the Yamuna river. The first and shortest dham. A manageable 6km trek through forest and hot springs.
Source of the Ganga. The most dramatic of the four — the Bhagirathi valley is stunning. Drive-in access makes it accessible. Gaumukh glacier adds a 19km optional trek.
Personal note: I trekked to Gaumukh glacier in June 2023. The valley is unforgettable.
Full Gangotri guide →The most famous of the four. A 16km trek at high altitude to one of India's most sacred Shiva temples. The most physically demanding but most rewarding.
Personal note: I trekked solo in October 2022. Starting at 4am with just a headlamp is something I'll never forget.
Full Kedarnath guide →
Dedicated to Vishnu. Drive-in access. Spectacular setting against the Nar-Narayan peaks. The Mana village nearby is the last Indian village before Tibet.
Personal note: Visited at night in October 2022. The lit-up temple against the dark sky is one of India's great sights.
📅 12-Day Itinerary
Haridwar / Rishikesh
Arrive, acclimatise, Ganga aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Essential base.
Drive to Janki Chatti
8–9 hour drive. Overnight at Janki Chatti.
Yamunotri
Trek 6km each way. Visit temple. Return to Janki Chatti / Uttarkashi.
Drive to Gangotri
3–4 hour drive from Uttarkashi. Visit Gangotri temple. Evening aarti.
Gangotri → Bhojbasa
14km trek to Bhojbasa camp. Early start recommended.
Gaumukh → Gangotri → Drive to Guptkashi
Glacier snout visit, return to Gangotri, long drive to Guptkashi.
Gaurikund → Kedarnath trek
Start at 4am. 16km trek. Overnight at Kedarnath.
Kedarnath → Gaurikund → drive to Badrinath
Early morning darshan, descend, drive to Badrinath (~5 hrs).
Badrinath
Morning darshan, Mana village, Vasudhara falls. Afternoon at leisure.
Drive back to Rishikesh / Delhi
Long drive back. Break at Devprayag if time permits.
Badrinath temple at night — Oct 2022
📸 Personal photo💰 Total Char Dham Costs (2026)
| Category | Budget (12 days) | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (all) | ₹5,000–7,000 | ₹15,000–22,000 (private cab) |
| Accommodation (11 nights) | ₹5,500–8,000 | ₹14,000–22,000 |
| Food | ₹3,500–5,000 | ₹7,000–10,000 |
| Permits/fees | ₹600–800 | ₹600–800 |
| Kedarnath helicopter (optional) | — | ₹8,000–18,000 return |
| Guide (optional, recommended) | ₹2,000–3,000 | ₹4,000–6,000 |
| Total estimate | ~₹18,000–25,000 | ~₹40,000–65,000 |
❓ FAQ
What is the best time for Char Dham Yatra?+
May–June for clear weather and post-opening crowds. September–October for thinner crowds, colder weather but crystal visibility. Avoid July–August (monsoon, landslides).
Can I do all four dhams in 7 days?+
Technically possible but not recommended — rushed darshans, exhausted trekking, high altitude risks. 10–12 days is the minimum for a comfortable trip.
Is Char Dham yatra possible for senior citizens?+
Yes. Yamunotri, Gangotri and Badrinath have helicopter/pony options. Kedarnath also has helicopter and palki (doli) carriers. Many seniors complete all four dhams every year.
Is it safe in October?+
October is excellent — post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds, cool but not yet freezing. The dhams close in October/November so time your trip before closing dates (announced annually).
Where to Stay in Char Dham Uttarakhand
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