Everything to plan the Char Dham Yatra — the route from Haridwar, when the temples open, registration, how many days you need, and tips for elderly travellers.
The Char Dham Yatra visits four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Traditionally the yatra is done from west to east, starting at Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath.
When do the temples open?
The shrines open around April–May (usually on or near Akshaya Tritiya) and close around October–November (around Diwali and Bhai Dooj). Exact dates are announced each year.
- May–June: busiest period, pleasant weather
- July–August: monsoon — landslides can block roads, so plan buffer days
- September–October: fewer crowds and clear views
Registration is mandatory
Every pilgrim must register with the Uttarakhand government before the yatra. Registration is free and can be done online or at registration counters. We help all our travellers complete it.
The usual route
- Haridwar — start with the evening Ganga Aarti
- Barkot → Yamunotri — trek of about 6 km (ponies and palkis available)
- Uttarkashi → Gangotri — reachable by road
- Guptkashi → Kedarnath — trek of around 16–18 km, or a helicopter from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi
- Badrinath — reachable by road, with a visit to Mana village nearby
- Return to Haridwar or Rishikesh
How many days?
Plan 9 to 12 days from Haridwar. Mountain roads are slow, and a buffer day helps if weather or traffic causes delays.
Tips for elderly travellers
- Choose ponies, palkis or a helicopter for Yamunotri and Kedarnath
- Carry regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit
- Take it slow at altitude and stay hydrated
- Keep warm clothing even in summer — temples are high up and nights are cold
Book your yatra
Our Char Dham tour packages include comfortable hotels, meals, a private cab with an experienced hill driver and registration help. Call or WhatsApp us to plan dates for your family.
