Char Dham Yatra Route Map

Chardham Yatra holds a strong belief among Hindus that visiting these holy shrines wash away all sins and offer liberation. This divine journey usually commences from Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath Temple, and finally concludes at Badrinath Temple. These holy abodes are dedicated to different deities, including Yamunotri and Gangotri, which are dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and Ganga respectively. Similarly, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Badri and Kedarnath is devoted to Lord Kedar or Shiva. This divine journey in Uttarakhand or “Devbhoomi” typically starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh as they are well-connected by road and rail to major cities.  The doors of these four holy abodes are opened for pilgrims from May to November every year.

Char Dham Yatra Route Map with Distance and Time

Chardham Road Map from Delhi

• Delhi to Haridwar (Distance: 230 km / 5-6 hours): You can either take NH1 or NH58 from Delhi to reach Haridwar.
• Haridwar to Yamunotri (Distance: 180 km by road + 6 km trek / 7-8 hours): On reaching Haridwar, continue moving towards Yamunotri by passing through Rishikesh, Tehri, and Janki Chatti from where one starts the trek.
• Yamunotri to Gangotri (Distance: 225 km / 7-8 hours): After reaching Yamunotri, follow the route that takes you through Barkot, Dharasu, and then head towards Uttarkashi.
• Gangotri to Kedarnath (Distance: 250 km by road + 20 km trek / 10-12 hours): On reaching Gangotri, start driving towards Gauri Kund from where you will be starting the trek to Kedarnath.
• Kedarnath to Badrinath (Distance: 220 km / 8-9 hours): After paying homage at Kedarnath, continue driving towards Badrinath by following the routes to Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli.

Char Dham Yatra Road Map from Dehradun

• Dehradun to Barkot (Distance approximately 100 km)/4-5 hours): Take NH 58 from Dehradun and follow the route of Rishikesh to Yamunotri by passing through Nashik, Kirtinagar, and Barkot. On reaching Barkot, drive towards Janki Chatti to start the trek.
• Barkot to Gangotri (Distance approximately 120 km/ 5-6 hours): On reaching Barkot, start driving towards Uttarkashi and take the road to Gangotri. The route takes you through Naitwar, Nandprayag, and Harsil before finally reaching Gangotri.
• Gangotri to Kedarnath (Distance 250-270 km/ 9-10 hours): After paying homage to Goddess Ganga, start driving towards Gauri Kund by passing through Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Rishikesh. On reaching Gauri Kund, follow the 16 km long trekking route towards Kedarnath Temple.
• Kedarnath to Badrinath (Distance 220-250 km/ 9-10 hours): On reaching Gauri Kund after visiting Kedarnath Temple, you will drive towards Rishikesh. Follow the route that takes you through Joshimath and Chamoli to explore the mesmerizing scenic vistas.

Road Conditions of Char Dham Yatra

• Yamunotri: The roads leading to Haridwar from Delhi are well-maintained and pretty favorable for driving. However, the roads to Barkot from Haridwar are narrow and winding for some kilometers but it is not so difficult to drive. The route that takes you from Barkot to Janki Chatti is quite challenging as the roads are very narrow with steep climbs.
• Gangotri: The roads leading to Uttarkashi from Yamunotri are good and safe to drive except for some narrow and winding sections. Similarly, the route that takes you to Gangotri through Uttarkashi is in good condition and allows travelers to explore scenic beauty.
• Kedarnath: The roads from Gangotri to Rudraprayag are good for driving but can be winding and narrow in some sections. When you are driving towards Gaurikund from Rudraprayag then be very careful as the roads are narrow and steep. Also, the trekking trail to Kedarnath Temple is quite rigorous, hence you need to be physically and mentally fit.
• Badrinath: You need to be very much cautious while driving from Gaurikund to Rudraprayag as the roads are very narrow. However, the drive from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is smooth but be very careful as some regions are prone to landslides.

Char Dham Helicopter Route Map from Dehradun

Those who are looking for a faster journey and more scenic way to explore the four holy shrines shall check out our beautifully crafted Chardham Yatra helicopter tour packages. Below listed is the detailed helicopter route stating approximate time between the destinations:

• Sahastradhara – Yamunotri: The journey commences from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun and after flying for 45 to 50 minutes, you will reach Yamunotri.
• Yamunotri – Gangotri: After flying for 30 minutes, you will reach Gangotri helipad.
• Gangotri – Kedarnath: After paying homage to Goddess Ganga, move towards the helipad to fly for Kedarnath. It takes almost one hour to reach Kedarnath Temple from Gangotri.
• Kedarnath – Badrinath: Take the helicopter from Kedarnath and after flying for almost 50 minutes, you will reach the helipad in Badrinath.

Travel Tips for Char Dham Yatra

Proper planning and preparation

• One needs to be both mentally and physically for this challenging journey, especially for trekking to Kedarnath and Yamunotri. It is always advised to the devotees to engage themselves in physical activities like running and brisk walking. One should also start practicing yoga and meditation to stay mentally calm and fit during the journey. Apart from this, travelers are advised to check the char dham yatra guidelines on the official website.

Select the Right Season

• However, the holy abodes are opened from May to November but one should plan their journey wisely. Travelers are advised to check the weather forecast regularly as the temples are nestled at huge elevations and witness uncertain climatic conditions. Moreover, avoid planning this holy yatra in July and August as the regions receive heavy rainfall that can cause landslides.

Pack Smartly

• The very first thing that one needs to be attentive while planning a trip is to focus on packing things. It is always advised to carry woolens for the night and comfy clothes for trekking during daytime. Also, do not forget to carry umbrella and rain gears to save yourself from sudden shower. In addition, do pack prescribed medicines for prolonged illnesses and common ailments as you may not find medical stores everywhere.

Stay Hydrated, Energetic, and Acclimatize Properly

• It is very important for you to avoid sickness at higher altitudes to make it a hassle-free journey. You are always advised to give proper rest to your body and adjust to the new surroundings before starting trek. Drinking plenty of water will help you stay hydrated therefore, do carry an extra water bottle. Also, pack some high-energy snack bars to maintain your energy level throughout the journey. Apart from this, if this your first high-altitude journey then you are strictly advised to take regular breaks while travelling.

Respect Local Customs and Environment

• Chardham yatra holds immense religious significance hence, it is advised to respect the local customs and traditions very gracefully. All the pilgrims are requested to dress modestly and follow the guidelines imposed by local authorities. Moreover, travelers are also strictly advised to maintain the greenery and beauty of the Himalayan ranges, therefore avoid littering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q-1: What is the nearest railway station and airport to reach the holy shrines of Char Dham Yatra?
Ans: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun in the nearest airport to reach the desired destination. If you are coming by train then book a train to either Haridwar Railway Station or Rishikesh Railway Station. To check out a detailed Char Dham Yatra train route map then do read our other blogs.

Q-2: How safe is it to follow Char Dham Yatra route by road?
Ans: Certainly, it is safe to plan your trip by road and it also allows travelers to capture some amazing pictures. However, it is very important to check the weather forecast before leaving as the area is prone to landslides.

Q-3: Is there any specific order to complete Char Dham Yatra?
Ans According to Hindu Mythology, one should complete the journey in clockwise direction i.e. west to east. However, it completely depends upon travelers to select their route as per their comfort.

Q-4: How long does it take to complete the Char Dham Yatra?
Ans It entirely depends upon the followed route, mode of transport, and the number of days one wants to spend at each holy site. If you are following the traditional route then it would take at least 10 days but you can also complete the same journey in 7-8 days depending upon your fitness.

Q-5: Can we find budget-friendly accommodations?
Ans: Certainly, there are various types of accommodations available that fall under your budget. These include ashrams, guesthouses, campsites, and lodges where you can also enjoy mouth watering local delicacies.

Q-6: How necessary is it to hire a personal guide to visit Char Dham temple?
Ans: However, hiring a guide is not always needed but it would definitely make your yatra hassle-free. Local guides have proper knowledge about the area and provide valuable insights, assistance, and ensure a lifetime experience.