Introduction – What is the Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand)
The Char Dham Yatra is a holy pilgrimage and a spiritual experience in the heart of the Himalayas. Among these peaceful mountains are the Char Dham temples –Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each of these temples holds special religious importance and is attended by several devotees every year.
Traditionally, it is believed that the Char Dham Yatra follows this clockwise route beginning from Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and ending at Badrinath.
(The Char Dhams) Spiritual Significance of Each Dham
Yamunotri
Yamunotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is the first stop of the Char Dham yatra. Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it is about 232 km from Rishikesh, which follows a trek of around 5-6 km from Jankichatti. Most of the devotees visit here to take a holy dip in Surya Kund ( a hot water spring), which signifies the purification of sins and protection from big misfortunes in life.
Gangotri
Gangotri Temple comes next on the list. It is also situated in the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand and is around 100 km from there and about 259 km from Rishikesh. Gangotri temple is dedicated to the goddess Ganga and is accepted as the p; ace where River Ganga came down to Earth from heaven through the hair of Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath
The third and most famous among all is Kedarnath Temple, Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it comes among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, and is around 15 km from Gaurikund and 215 km from Rishikesh.
Badrinath
Badrinath Temple is the final stop among all four Dhams, situated in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand it is around 280 km from Rishikesh and is dedicated to lord Vishnu also known as Badrinarayan Temple. There are many other places to visit near her,e like Tapt Kund, Surya Kund, Bheem Put, and Mana Village. Moreover, it is also a part of the Panch Badri temples.
Opening & Closing Dates of Char Dham Yatra 2025
The Char Dham yatra begins from April and continues till October/November. The exact opening and closing dates are decided by the temple committee.
The expected months are here:
- Yamunotri: Open on April 30th, 2025.
- Gangotri: Open on April 30th, 2025.
- Kedarnath: Opens on May 2nd, 2025.
- Badrinath: Opens on May 4th, 2025.
- Tentative Closing Date: The Yatra closes around late October, with Badrinath closing on October 23rd, 2025.
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary
Day 1- Haridwar to Barkot
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and back
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Day 7: Kedarnath to Rudraprayag
Day 8 & 9: Rudraprayag to Badrinath
Day 10: Badrinath to Haridwar
What to pack for the Char Dham Yatra?
Since the Char Dham Yatra is going to be very demanding and adventurous, you need to pack smart for everything. Here we have compiled a list of necessary items you might need:
Clothing: Warm layers, Comfortable trekking pants/salwars: Waterproof jackets, windcheaters, raincoats, poncho, gloves, cap, Full-sleeve shirts/T-shirts, Scarf or dupatta.
Footwear: Durable and sturdy shoes, Slippers and floaters, Woollen socks.
Personal hygiene and Toiletries: Quick-dry towel, Biodegradable soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, Sanitary pads & tampons (carry extra in case of emergency).Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and moisturizer, hand towel/napkin. plastic bags for wet clothes/trash.
Personal Items: Small daypack ( with snacks, hydration packs like ORS and Electral)
Personal Medications and First Aid Kit: Pain relievers, and other personal medications if required.
Electronics: Chargers, power banks, Camera chargers ( in case you carry a camera), adapters.
Health & Safety Tips for the Yatra
Given the high-altitude and unpredictable conditions, here are the key health safety tips for the Char Dham Yatra:
- Get a Medical Check-Up before the yatra.
- Acclimatize properly before going on the Yatra to get used to the conditions on a real Yatra.
- Drink plenty of water even before it, so that it doesn’t get too much on the actual trip.
- Try to eat healthy and nutritious food.
- Dress in layers to avoid any kind of contact that might cause skin allergies or other concerning conditions.
- Keep emergency contacts and details together in case of any kind of further emergencies.
- Make sure you register for it in advance to avoid a moment of chaos.
Permits And Registration for the Char Dham Yatra
The mandatory permits and registrations that might be required for the trip are as follows:
- Online registrations
- Offline registragtions
- Biometric registrations
- Travel Insurance
- Char Dham Yatra E-Pass
Why to Chose Myar Pahad for your Char Dham Yatra
Myar Pahad is a group of Pahadi who have known the mountains and the forests since the very beginning. It is run by pahadi people and we are well aware of the twists and turns of the Himalayas. And it takes much more than just registering for and trip with any company.
We are the best choice because:
- We curate safe routes. Smooth and fun to walk along.
- We arrange authentic stays for you and introduce you to the local touch with pahadi-style hospitality.
- Traveling with us is so comfortable and fun. Forget motion sickness and enjoy the lovely company and view.
- Along the way, you get to learn about the local culture and stories.
- You just don’t get to attend the Char Dhams, but you make lifelong memories and connections here.
- No language barriers, we get you all and have guides and support teams that are fluent in every language, be it translating the pahadi to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go on the Char Dham Yatra?
Since the four dams ( Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath) are open for half a year, it’s mostly from April or May to October/ November.
How long does the Char Dham Yatra take?
To cover all the Four Dhams, it typically takes 10-12 days, while with helicopters it can be done in 2 days to 6 days and 5 nights.
How can I reach the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra?
You can begin by reaching Yamunotri via Dehradun/Rishikesh and then join the team of Myar Phad, which will take responsibility for the further trip.
Do I need any permits or registration for the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, the Uttarakhand Government takes special measures to ensure the flight of pilgrimage, so it’s important to register for the Char Dham Yatra. You can easily do that from the official website or mobile app of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.
Are there medical facilities available during the yatra?
Yes, to ensure the safety and well-being of all the yatris, medical facilities are available during the yatra. Our team has a well-trained medical staff at different points along the route, and in case of emergencies, the arrangements for your safety are made.
Is it safe for solo travelers or female pilgrims?
Yes, Char Dham Yatra is considered safe for solo or female pilgrims If you are solo and want to be a part of this journey and maybe meet new people you can join Myar Pahad and we can organize tours and rained guides for you as it is very crucial to be aware and take precautions out there.
Is it mandatory to complete all four dhams in one trip?
No, it is not mandatory to complete all four Dhams together in one go. You can choose to visit two or three dams or even a single one. It’s totally up to you. It’s believed that the traditional route is to visit them in a clockwise sequence, but not a tough rule, so you can choose the one of your choice, like most do by choosing Kedarnath and Badrinath, which come under do Dham Yatra.
Is the Char Dham Yatra physically demanding?
Char Dham yatra can be physically demanding for a few people who have certain health concerns and aren’t used to working out, doing treks and hikes, or walking on uneven terrains.
Is mobile network coverage available during the Yatra?
Yes, mobile coverage is available during the Char Dham Yatra, which includes 5G networking.
