Last Updated on 10/01/2025
Chardham is a divine journey that takes you on the path of salvation. This sacred journey comprises a visit to four sacred destinations including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Yamunotri Dham has been named for the Goddess Yamuna and is known to remove the sins you have performed in your past life with a single holy bath. At Gangotri Dham, it is believed that the River Ganga descended directly from heaven. Kedarnath Dham is known to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Badrinath Dham is situated on the Garhwal River and is perched on the banks of the River Alaknanda. The Chardham yatra can be a bit challenging due to the extreme weather and rugged terrain. You should plan the yatra beforehand to have a fuss-free and smooth travel experience. Obtain the required permits for the yatra and book accommodation in advance.
April End – October End is considered ideal for undertaking the Chardham yatra. However, each year the dates of the closing and opening of the circuit are announced by the Uttarakhand Government. In the winter, the four shrines are shifted to their winter destinations namely, Mukhba, Kharsali, Joshimath, and Ukhimath for the deities of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath respectively. You should avoid visiting the Chardham sites in July because of the chances of heavy rainfall and slippery paths. If you want to avoid heavy crowds, months after August can be the best for you.
| Temple |
Opening Date |
Closing Date |
| Yamunotri |
30 April 2025 |
Will Update Soon |
| Gangotri |
30 April 2025 |
Will Update Soon |
| Kedarnath |
2 May 2025 |
Will Update Soon |
| Badrinath |
2 May 2025 |
Will Update Soon |
How to Reach
Let’s take a look at the ways you reach the Chardham sites.
By Train
Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Haridwar, Pathankot, and Dehradun are the cities in Uttarakhand with excellent train links to the other parts of India. You can either book a Char Dham package from a reputed and trustworthy travel agency or reserve a taxi on your own to travel to the locations.
By Air
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the Char Dham Yatra. You can also go to Chardham from Dehradun via helicopter. By helicopter, the journey to Char Dham sites starts from Sahastradhara Helipad which is located in Dehradun. The nearest helipads of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri are Phata Helipad, Kharsali Helipad, Harshil Civil Helipad, and Badrinath Helipad respectively.
By Bus
For a round-trip journey from Delhi, Mathura, Haridwar, Agra, etc. you can reserve a bus to your chosen spot.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
Chardham Yatra by helicopter is one of the most convenient ways to undertake the journey. For a yatra by helicopter, you will have to pay around 1.5 Lakh per person. This will include drop off and pick up service in a private car, a VIP Darshan Pass, and accommodation service.
- Yamunotri Yatra by Helicopter – The starting point of the helicopter trip to Yamunotri is Sahastradhara Helipad. From here you will have to go up to the Kharsali helipad which is situated near Yamunotri. From the Kharsali helipad, you’ll have to deboard the chopper and opt for a pony service to undertake the 8 km rigorous trek up to the Yamunotri temple.
- Gangotri Yatra by Helicopter – From the Sahastradhara Helipad you’ll be transferred to Harsil’s Gangotri Helipad. In a rented cab, bus, or taxi, passengers will be transferred to the Gangotri temple. Depending on the traffic the cab may take around an hour to take you to the temple.
- Kedarnath Yatra By Helicopter – A helicopter trip to Kedarnath is considered to be the most luxurious, quickest, and safest way to reach Kedarnath. The journey typically starts from the Sahastradhara Helipad. In Kedarnath, there are different helipads such as Guptkashi, Sersi, Sitapur, Phata, etc. where the helicopter from Sahastradhara lands. From these helipads, the passengers are transferred to a different chopper that takes them to the helipad near the Kedarnath temple.
- Badrinath Yatra by Helicopter –Badrinath is the closest helipad to Badrinath Temple. From Sahastradhara you will board the helicopter that will transfer you to the Badrinath helipad which is situated just a few kilometers away from the Badrinath temple. Some people opt to walk up to the temple’s main entrance while cab/taxi services are also available.
Preparation and Packing Tips
We bring to you a few preparation and packing tips for a smooth Chardham yatra.
- All the Chardham temples are situated at very high altitudes above sea level. Pack a good amount of warm clothes such as thermal inners, jackets, sweaters, socks, and mufflers. The weather during the daytime may seem comfortable and pleasant, however after the sunset, it becomes very cold. Also, in the upper regions of the Garhwal Himalayas, the weather is highly unpredictable so you need to be well-prepared to deal with this situation.
- Carry a windcheater to deal with the extremely cold weather. This will help you stay cozy and warm throughout the trip.
- The weather is very unpredictable at Chardham sites and there can be downpours anytime. You’re advised to carry umbrellas and raincoats to deal with the unexpected weather.
- For extra care, you should carry an extra pair of socks and water-resistant shoes for the yatra.
- A few other essentials that you need to carry include caps/hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Carry a high-SPF sunscreen to stay protected from the scorching sun rays.
- Even during the summer, you need to be extra prepared. Remember to carry mufflers and monkey caps to keep yourself shielded from the extremely cold winds that blow constantly in the hilly areas.
- Since the Chardham sites are located at very high altitudes you need to be physically fit to undertake this yatra. Prepare yourself for the arduous trek before undertaking the pilgrimage by indulging in a workout regime of around twenty to twenty-five minutes every day. You can include jogging, walking, and running to stay prepared for the pilgrimage. Physical fitness is very important to complete the journey mainly because all four temples are located in challenging locations.
- Carry a first aid kit that contains all the important medication for the trip such as anti-diarrhoea, painkillers, and anti-fever medication.
- The Chardham Yatra can be physically and mentally exhausting. So you need to carry nuts, dry fruits, chocolate, and energy bars to re-energize yourself.
- You should carry a water bottle with a water filter as any other water source may not be available for long-distance excursions between the Dhams.
- Senior citizens, infants, and pregnant women should avoid undertaking the Chardham Yatra.
- Avoid wearing tight and revealing clothes during the Chardham yatra. You can wear track pants or salwar kameez with a comfy pair of shoes for a comfortable journey.
- Carry torches, flashlights with a power bank, and an extra pair of batteries since electricity is not easily available in these hilly areas.
- Before the yatra, you should get yourself registered. This is important to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Registration can be done online and offline at some places such as Rishikesh.
Accommodation Options
Let’s take a look at the accommodation options that are available during the Chardham Yatra.
Near Gangotri
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: GMVN offers good quality accommodation with various facilities such as hot water, in-house dining, and clean rooms.
- Guesthouses and Private Hotels: Near Gangotri you will find both mid-range and affordable hotels and guesthouses that are clean and well-maintained and take care of all your basic needs.
- Dharamshalas and Ashrams: You can stay in ashrams and Dharamshalas if you’re looking to have a traditional stay experience.
Near Yamunotri
- GMVN Tourist Rest House (Jankichatti): At Jankichatti, budget-friendly accommodations are offered by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) offering basic facilities such as hot water, clean rooms, and meals.
- Lodges and Private Guesthouses: Several guesthouses and private lodges are available at Hanuman Chatti and Jankichatti. These accommodation options fit the needs of those with even limited budget. They are well-equipped, clean and well-maintained.
Near Kedarnath
- GMVN Kedarnath: This rest house offers dormitory-style accommodations, offering clean bedding, tasty meals, and blankets.
- Camp Tents: You will find good quality camp tents near Kedarnath. These camps offer all the basic amenities such as shared bathrooms, beds, and blankets. Some camp tents also offer meals.
- Dharamshalas and Ashrams: You’ll find budget-friendly Dharamshalas and ashrams near Kedarnath including Shankaracharya Samadhi Sthal that are equipped with all the basic amenities.
Near Badrinath
- GMVN Tourist Rest House (Badrinath): This is a popular option among pilgrims because it is conveniently located near the temple. You’ll find here all the basic amenities such as a bed, furniture, and clean water.
- Dharamshalas: Near Badrinath you’ll find various Dharamshalas such as Brahma Kapal Ashram and Vyas Ashram that are well-equipped and offer a traditional stay experience.
- Private Hotels: Badrinath has many hotels ranging from mid-range to budget. You’ll get here luscious food, water, an attached bathroom, and furniture.
Conclusion
Planning your Chardham yatra is the key to having a divine travel experience. Since the Chardham journey can be a bit challenging you need to be well-prepared and carry enough woolen clothes to stay protected during the journey. Acclimatization is also important to ensure you do not have to deal with any health-related concerns due to the high-altitudes. Choose a reputable tour operator who specializes in organizing the yatra. All these steps will help you ensure your Chardham yatra is memorable.
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