Quick answer
The Char Dham Yatra visits Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, usually in that order, and takes 10–12 days by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Registration on the official Uttarakhand portal is compulsory. Yamunotri and Kedarnath involve treks (ponies, palkis and, for Kedarnath, helicopters are available); Gangotri and Badrinath are reached by road.
The route
Pilgrims traditionally travel west to east: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Most road itineraries start and end in Haridwar or Rishikesh; travellers from far-off cities usually fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) or take a train to Haridwar.
- Yamunotri — road to Janki Chatti, then a trek of about 6 km
- Gangotri — reachable by road, usually with a halt at Uttarkashi or Harsil
- Kedarnath — road to Sonprayag, shuttle to Gaurikund, then a trek of about 16 km (or a helicopter)
- Badrinath — reachable by road via Joshimath; Mana village is nearby
How many days you need
Plan 10–12 days on the ground for all four dhams at a comfortable pace, plus 1–2 buffer days for weather. A Do Dham trip (Kedarnath and Badrinath) takes about 6–7 days.
Registration and documents
- Register every pilgrim on the official Uttarakhand Registration & Tourist Care portal before travel and carry the confirmation
- Carry a government photo ID for each traveller
- Rules change each season — check the official portal close to your dates
Treks, ponies and helicopters
Ponies, palkis (palanquins) and porters are available at Janki Chatti and Gaurikund at regulated rates. Kedarnath helicopter seats are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal, in the pilgrim's name — avoid websites or agents claiming to sell heli tickets.
| Trip style | Car | Hotels | Approx. total | Per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers · sedan · budget staysSedan ₹53,000 · Budget hotels ₹18,500 | Sedan · ₹53,000 | Budget · ₹18,500 | ₹71,500 | ₹36,000 |
| 4 travellers · SUV · standard staysSUV / MUV ₹67,500 · Standard hotels ₹73,500 | SUV / MUV · ₹67,500 | Standard · ₹73,500 | ₹1,40,500 | ₹35,000 |
Calculated from our current rate card, including driver allowance, night halts, breakfast, service charges and GST. Excludes tolls, parking, state tax, other meals, activities and peak-season surcharges. Your written quote gives the exact price for your dates.
Health and fitness
- Kedarnath and the other dhams are above 3,000 m — get a medical check-up, especially if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions
- Walk regularly for a few weeks before the trek and climb slowly; rest if you feel breathless or dizzy
- Carry warm layers, rain gear and personal medicines even in summer
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take?
About 10–12 days by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh, plus 1–2 buffer days. Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) takes 6–7 days.
Is registration compulsory for Char Dham?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register on the official Uttarakhand Registration & Tourist Care portal before travelling.
What is the correct order of the Char Dham?
Traditionally Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath — travelling from west to east.
How do I book a Kedarnath helicopter?
Only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal. Tickets are issued in the pilgrim's name, so beware of agents or websites selling them.
Can elderly people do the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, many do — with a slower plan, rest days, an SUV for comfort, ponies or palkis for the treks and a doctor's clearance first.
Last updated 26 Oct 2026. Conditions, permits and dates change every season — check official advisories before you travel.