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, Kirti Nagar, 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 Gaurikund 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.

• Altitude– 3,293 meter
• Places to visit– Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Hanuman Chatti, Kharsali

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.

• Altitude– 3,100 meters
• Places to visit– Gangotri Temple, Bhaironghati, Gangnani, Kedartal, Gaumukh.

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.

• Altitude: 3,583 meters
• Places to visit- Kedarnath Temple, Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi.

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.

• Altitude: 3,100 meters
• Places to visit- Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Neelkanth Peak, Mana Village, Vyas Gufa.

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- This journey needs both mental and physical strength, especially for treks like Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Try regular walking, light jogging, yoga, or meditation. And always check the official website for Chardham Yatra rules before you go.
• Select the Right Season- Temples are open from May to November but it’s best to plan carefully. Weather can change quickly in the mountains so check the forecast often. Try to avoid traveling in July or August, as heavy rains may cause landslides.
• Pack Smartly- While packing, carry warm clothes for night easy clothes for trekking, your regular medicines and something for rain
• Stay Hydrated, Energetic and Acclimatize Properly – To stay safe at high altitudes give your body time to rest and adjust. Drink lots of water and carry an extra bottle. Keep energy bars with you, and take breaks if it’s your first time in the mountains.
• Respect Local Customs and Environment- Chardham Yatra is very sacred so please respect local traditions. Dress modesty, follow rules and keep Himalayas clean by not littering.

Safety Rules: What to Do and What to Avoid

Do’s

• Walk Slowly on Treks- Going too fast increases the risk of altitude sickness. Walk slowly and carefully.
• Experienced drivers- Only skilled and experienced drivers should drive in the hills.
• Energy Boost with Sugar- Add sugar and a little salt in water. Drink it while trekking to keep your energy up and prevent feeling tired, as it can be even more effective than energy drinks.
• Safety kit- Make sure to carry a first aid kit and a wooden stick for extra safety.

Don’ts

• Flammable items- Avoid storing items like petrol, gas, or kerosene in your car.
• Never Trust “Shortcuts” on Treks- Even if locals suggest a faster way, it might be unsafe or have landslide risk. Use only the approved route.
• Don’t go off on your own– Never leave the group, especially while going on a trek.  Walking alone can be unsafe in hilly areas.
• Don’t take random rides- Stay away from unregistered vehicles. It’s safer to travel with reliable tour operators or official transport.

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 the 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 following 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 mouthwatering 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.

Conclusion

The Char Dham Yatra is holy journey that takes you to four important temples in Uttarakhand for a spiritual experience. Journey starts at Yamunotri then moves to Gangotri, Kedarnath and ends at Badrinath. Each temple is dedicated to a different god and on the way you will see amazing views of Himalayas. The Yatra usually begins at Haridwar or Rishikesh, as both places are connected by road and train. The road trip takes around 10 days, but there are quicker helicopter tours available. The roads can be small and twisty so it’s important to be careful and ready for the journey. Best months to go are from May to November when the weather is better and there’s no heavy rain. Travelers should follow local traditions and take care of the environment. They should also stay safe by following the rules for trekking and driving in the mountains.