If you’re thinking about undertaking the Chardham yatra, you need to keep in mind how to embark on the holy pilgrimage. The Chardham Yatra involves a pilgrimage to the four holy sites, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri.
The journey to these holy sites mainly commences from Rishikesh or Haridwar. You can undertake the yatra by road, train, or air. Those who have any physical impairment, busy individuals, and senior citizens can undertake the yatra by helicopter. In this article, we have curated a guide wherein you’ll get to know the best ways to reach the Chardham sites.
Location and Accessibility
Yamunotri
Yamunotri is a holy site situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a distance of around 39 kilometers from Barkot and 216 kilometers from Rishikesh. The temple is situated a 6-kilometer walk from Janki Chatti and 13 kilometres from Hanuman Chatti.
From Jankichatti’s base camp, you have to undertake a 5-kilometer-long scenic trek to Yamunotri. Ponies, palanquins, and horses are available for those who do not want to undertake the trek.
Gangotri
Gangotri is situated in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3048 mts. It is located close to the Indo-Tibetan border and in the northern part of Uttarkashi District. It is around 250 km from Rishikesh, 300 km from Dehradun, and 105 km from Uttarkashi. Harsil is considered to be the base town of Gangotri, located around 25 km away from the holy site.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It is located near the Chorabari glacier and is flanked from all the sides by the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Gaurikund is the nearest road head to Kedarnath, situated at a distance of around 18-19 kms. To reach Kedarnath, you need to undertake a 16 kms long trek from Guptkashi. You can undertake the trek on foot or hire a palanquin or pony.
Badrinath
Badrinath is situated at an elevation of around 11204 feet between Nar-Narayana Hills. It is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. From Mana Village, Badrinath is around 5 kilometers away, and it is around 182 kilometers away from Sonprayag.
Reaching Char Dham from the Top Cities of India
- New Delhi: Around 295 km (approx.) by road via NH 334 to Haridwar; Before starting the Char Dham Yatra, you can stop by Rishikesh.
- Mumbai: Approximately 1,745 km via NH 48 to Haridwar by road; By flight, you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, and then you can continue the journey by road; Train is available to Dehradun/Rishikesh.
- Kolkata: Around 1,560 km by road to Haridwar via NH 19; By flight, you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, then you can continue the journey by road; By train, you will have to reach Haridwar station.
- Bengaluru: Around 2,460 km by road to Haridwar via NH 44; By flight, you will reach Jolly Grant Airport, then you can continue the further journey by road; Direct trains are available to Haridwar.
- Chennai: Around 2,370 km by road to Haridwar via NH 44; By flight, you will reach Jolly Grant Airport, then you will continue your journey by road; Direct trains are available to Haridwar.
How to Reach Chardham from Other Indian Cities
- Hyderabad: Approximately 1,660 km by road to Haridwar via NH 44; By flight, you will have to reach Jolly Grant Airport, and then you can continue your further journey by road; Direct trains are available to Haridwar.
- Ahmedabad: Around 1,200 km to Haridwar by road via NH 48; By flight, you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, and then continue the remaining journey by road; Trains are available to Haridwar.
- Pune: Approximately 1,780 km (approx.) to Haridwar by road via NH 48; By flight, you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, then continue the rest of the journey by road; Trains are available to Haridwar.
- Jaipur: Around 525 km by road to Haridwar via NH 48; By flight, you can reach Jolly Grant Airport, then you can board a bus or taxi; Trains can be boarded to reach Haridwar.
How to Reach Chardham Sites?
Let’s take a look at the main transportation modes to reach the Chardham sites.
By Air
- Jolly Grant Airport, which is also known as Dehradun Airport (DED), is the nearest airport to the Chardham sites. It is situated in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
- From any of the Indian cities, you can book a flight to Dehradun. This airport is an important gateway, providing great connectivity and facilitating tourists and pilgrims in embarking on their spiritual pilgrimage.
- Jolly Grant Airport connects devotees to the Char Dham circuit.
- After reaching Jolly Grant Airport, you can head by road to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh, the main hubs for starting the Char Dham Yatra.
- From Rishikesh, you can take the road journey to reach the Char Dham sites’ base towns, such as Uttarkashi for Gangotri, Barkot for Yamunotri, Joshimath for Badrinath, and Guptkashi for Kedarnath.
By Train
- The nearest railway stations to Badrinath are at Ramnagar, which is around 154 km away, or Kotdwar, which is situated at a distance of around 146 km.
- For improved connectivity, Rishikesh or Haridwar are more viable options.
- For Gangotri, the best option is Dehradun Railway Station, 114 km away.
- For Yamunotri, the best option is Dehradun Railway Station, which is around 172 km away, and Rishikesh, which is around 200 km away.
By Road
- Gangotri and Badrinath have good connectivity by highway with the other main towns of Uttarakhand.
- Gangotri is situated exactly where the NH 108 terminates.
- The road ends at Gaurikund for Kedarnath. From this spot, you have to trek for around 14 km to reach the temple.
The road journey for Yamunotri ends at Hanuman Chatti, and then the walk begins.
By Bus
- Regular bus services are operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Yamunotri, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Kedarnath to all Char Dham sites.
- From Delhi to Dehradun and Haridwar, shared and private bus services are available. From Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh, you can avail of taxi and bus services to each of the Char Dham sites.
- This is considered to be one of the most affordable ways to undertake the Char Dham Yatra.
Helicopter Services
- A helicopter is one of the best ways to undertake the Chardham yatra for senior citizens, busy professionals, and those with physical mobility issues.
- Helicopter services for Kedarnath typically operate from Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi. Helicopter services for Badrinath are available from Dehradun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the nearest railway stations to the Chardham sites?
For the Chardham yatra, the nearest railway stations are Rishikesh Railway Station, Dehradun Railway Station, and Haridwar Railway Station.
Are helicopter services available for the Chardham yatra?
Helicopter services are available for the Chardham Yatra from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi. Helicopter services for Badrinath are available from Dehradun.
Which is the closest airport to the Chardham sites?
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Char Dham sites. From major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, you can book flights to Dehradun. You can take a helicopter service to Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Can you reach Gangotri by car?
You can reach Gangotri by car as the road is in good condition. Throughout the year, the National Highway (NH 58) from Delhi to Mana is easily accessible.
Is Dehradun a good starting point for the Chardham yatra?
Dehradun is an excellent starting point for the Chardham yatra. It offers good road connectivity to all the Chardham sites.
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