Sunita Rawat
Pilgrimage Travel Specialist
The Char Dham Yatra — a circuit of four sacred shrines in the Uttarakhand Himalayas — is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism. Completing Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in a single trip is a profound spiritual and physical undertaking. This guide gives you a realistic, well-tested 12-day itinerary and everything you need to plan it.
The Traditional Route
The Char Dham is traditionally completed west to east (Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath). This sequence follows the direction of the sun and is considered the auspicious order. Most pilgrims start from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
12-Day Itinerary Overview
Day-by-Day Plan
| Day | Route | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh | Travel & acclimatisation |
| Day 2 | Rishikesh → Barkot | Drive 210km via Mussoorie |
| Day 3 | Barkot → Yamunotri & back | Trek 6km each way; Yamunotri darshan |
| Day 4 | Barkot → Uttarkashi | Drive 100km |
| Day 5 | Uttarkashi → Gangotri | Drive 100km; evening aarti |
| Day 6 | Gangotri → Guptkashi | Drive 220km via Uttarkashi |
| Day 7 | Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Trek 16km; overnight at Kedarnath |
| Day 8 | Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Rudraprayag | Descent & drive |
| Day 9 | Rudraprayag → Badrinath | Drive 160km via Joshimath |
| Day 10 | Badrinath Darshan | Morning puja; Mana Village visit |
| Day 11 | Badrinath → Rishikesh | Drive 300km |
| Day 12 | Rishikesh → Delhi | Return journey |
Transport Options
- Private taxi/cab: Most flexible. ₹30,000–₹55,000 for a complete circuit from Haridwar.
- GMOU/State buses: Budget option but very slow; not recommended for elderly pilgrims.
- Helicopter packages: Fly all four Dhams in 2–3 days. Costs ₹80,000–₹1,50,000 per person.
- Package tours: All-inclusive group tours from Haridwar range from ₹18,000–₹40,000.
Pro Tip
For self-drive travellers: roads from Lambagad to Badrinath can be narrow with one-way traffic. Check BRO updates before departure each morning.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (₹) | Mid-range (₹) | Comfort (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (11 nights) | 7,000 | 18,000 | 40,000 |
| Transport | 15,000 | 30,000 | 55,000 |
| Meals | 4,000 | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| Permits & puja | 2,000 | 4,000 | 8,000 |
| Total (approx) | ₹28,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹1,18,000 |
Important Registration
All pilgrims must complete biometric registration before beginning the Yatra. Registration centres are at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Barkot (for Yamunotri), Uttarkashi (for Gangotri), Sonprayag (for Kedarnath), and Pandukeshwar (for Badrinath). Carry original government ID.
Important Warning
Elderly pilgrims (60+) require a medical fitness certificate. Heart conditions and uncontrolled hypertension are serious risk factors at high altitude.
