Introduction to Char Dham Yatra 2025
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, covering four revered shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This spiritual journey is believed to wash away sins and grant salvation (Moksha).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Every year, millions of devotees undertake this divine yatra, which takes them through the majestic Himalayas. If you’re planning the Char Dham Yatra 2025, this guide provides complete information on the best time to visit, route details, day-wise itinerary, essential travel tips, and how to book your pilgrimage hassle-free with Digital Uttarakhand Trekking Camping Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
Why Undertake Char Dham Yatra?
- Spiritual Significance: The Char Dham temples hold immense religious value in Hinduism.
- Scenic Beauty: The journey takes you through mesmerizing landscapes of Uttarakhand.
- Divine Blessings: It is believed that visiting these shrines purifies the soul and grants peace.
What is Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand is also known as the Chhota Char Dham and is different from the larger Char Dham circuit (which includes Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram). The four temples of Char Dham in Uttarakhand include:
1️⃣ Yamunotri Dham – The Source of the Yamuna River
Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
Elevation: 3,293 meters
Significance: Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple is located near the origin of the Yamuna River. Pilgrims take a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to reach the temple.
2️⃣ Gangotri Dham – The Origin of the Holy Ganga
Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
Elevation: 3,100 meters
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the Gangotri Temple is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This is where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated to bring the river Ganga to Earth.
3️⃣ Kedarnath Dham – The Sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
Elevation: 3,583 meters
Significance: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims must undertake an 18 km trek from Gaurikund to reach the shrine, or opt for helicopter services for convenience.
4️⃣ Badrinath Dham – The Holy Abode of Lord Vishnu
Location: Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Elevation: 3,133 meters
Significance: Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
Char Dham Yatra Route & Distance
The traditional Char Dham Yatra route starts from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun and follows this sequence:
📍 Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
| Char Dham Temple | Distance from Haridwar / Rishikesh (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 220 km + 6 km trek |
| Gangotri | 228 km |
| Kedarnath | 280 km + 18 km trek |
| Badrinath | 218 km |
| Total Distance | Approx. 1,600 km (round trip) |
👉 Tip: If you want a comfortable journey, consider Char Dham Yatra by helicopter, which significantly reduces travel time.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra 2025
The Char Dham Yatra operates only for six months (May to November) due to extreme weather conditions.
✅ Yatra Opening Dates (Tentative):
- Yamunotri & Gangotri: 10th May 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Kedarnath: 11th May 2025
- Badrinath: 12th May 2025
✅ Yatra Closing Dates (Tentative):
- Yamunotri & Gangotri: October/November (Diwali)
- Kedarnath & Badrinath: Mid to late November
Best Months to Travel:
✔️ May – June: Best weather conditions, pleasant temperature
✔️ September – October: Less crowded, post-monsoon freshness
❌ Avoid July – August: Heavy monsoon, landslides, roadblocks
Day-wise Itinerary for Char Dham Yatra (10 Days / 9 Nights)
📅 Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar / Rishikesh
🚗 Pick-up from Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
🏨 Check-in at hotel, Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar)
🔹 Night stay: Haridwar / Rishikesh
📅 Day 2: Haridwar – Barkot (Yamunotri Base) (Approx. 180 km / 7 hrs)
🚗 Scenic drive via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls
🏨 Overnight stay in Barkot
📅 Day 3: Yamunotri Darshan – Barkot (36 km drive + 6 km trek)
🚗 Drive to Janki Chatti, trek or pony/palki to Yamunotri Temple
🙏 Darshan of Goddess Yamuna
🚶♂️ Return trek & drive back to Barkot
🏨 Night stay in Barkot
📅 Day 4: Barkot – Uttarkashi (Gangotri Base) (Approx. 100 km / 4 hrs)
🚗 Drive via lush green valleys, Vishwanath Temple visit
🏨 Overnight stay in Uttarkashi
📅 Day 5: Gangotri Darshan – Uttarkashi (100 km one way / 3-4 hrs)
🚗 Drive along Bhagirathi River to Gangotri Temple
🙏 Darshan at Gangotri & holy dip in River Ganga
🚗 Return to Uttarkashi
🏨 Night stay in Uttarkashi
📅 Day 6: Uttarkashi – Guptkashi (Approx. 220 km / 8-9 hrs)
🚗 Long but scenic drive via Rudraprayag & Devprayag
🏨 Night stay in Guptkashi
📅 Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath (30 km drive + 18 km trek)
🚗 Drive to Gaurikund, trek to Kedarnath OR take a helicopter
🙏 Darshan at Kedarnath Temple
🏨 Night stay in Kedarnath (if staying at temple) OR return to Guptkashi
📅 Day 8: Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Badrinath (Approx. 220 km / 8-9 hrs)
🚗 Return trek to Gaurikund & drive to Badrinath
🏨 Overnight stay in Badrinath
📅 Day 9: Badrinath Darshan – Rudraprayag (160 km / 5 hrs)
🙏 Darshan at Badrinath Temple, visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa
🚗 Drive to Rudraprayag
🏨 Night stay in Rudraprayag
📅 Day 10: Rudraprayag – Haridwar / Rishikesh (160 km / 6 hrs) – Departure
🚗 Scenic drive via Devprayag, confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi
📌 Drop-off at Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun
How to Plan Your Char Dham Yatra?
1️⃣ Choose Your Mode of Travel
🚗 By Road:
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Char Dham via private cabs, buses, or self-drive
- Well-connected roads but expect long travel times
🚁 By Helicopter:
- Ideal for senior citizens and those with time constraints
- Book VIP helicopter services for a seamless experience
2️⃣ Accommodation & Transport
📌 Hotels & Dharamshalas: Available at all major locations
📌 Luxury Packages: Available for a comfortable journey
📌 Helicopter Bookings: Limited availability – early booking is recommended
3️⃣ Registration & Permits
✔️ Mandatory Yatra Registration on the official Uttarakhand government website
✔️ Medical certificate may be required for the Kedarnath trek
4️⃣ Packing Essentials
🎒 Clothing: Heavy woolens, gloves, raincoats, trekking shoes
🛑 Medical Kit: Personal medicines, first aid
🔋 Gadgets: Power bank, flashlight, extra batteries
🚀 Book Your Char Dham Yatra 2025 Today!
✅ VIP Darshan, Helicopter Services & Luxury Packages
📞 Call Now: +91-8527929714, +91-9548236847
📩 Email: digitaluttarakhandinfo@gmail.com
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