Important — this is not a government website
Yatra registration, route permissions, health requirements and weather advisories are issued by the authorities. Please register and verify current requirements on the official Registration & Tourist Care portal before travel. Registration is not included in our services unless confirmed in writing.
The four dhams
Yamunotri
Usually the first stop. The final approach is a trek from Janki Chatti; ponies and palkis are available locally.
Gangotri
Reachable by road. The temple stands on the Bhagirathi river and is often combined with a halt at Uttarkashi or Harsil.
Kedarnath
A long trek from Gaurikund (helicopter services operate seasonally through official channels). The most physically demanding stage.
Badrinath
Reachable by road via Joshimath. Mana village nearby is a popular addition.
Yatra helpdesk — how we help
Registration guidance
We walk you through the official Registration & Tourist Care portal, check your details and remind you to carry the confirmation. Registration stays in the pilgrim's own name.
Helicopter advice
Kedarnath helicopter seats are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal. We tell you when booking opens, plan your road route around the heli slot and warn you about fake booking sites.
Route, stays & vehicle
A day-wise plan with realistic drive times and buffer days, hotels at every halt in your chosen category, and an SUV or tempo traveller with an experienced hill driver.
Elderly & group support
Slower plans with rest days, pony / palki guidance for the treks, and a support number throughout the trip for weather or road closures.
A typical 10-day road plan from Haridwar
Day 1: Haridwar → Barkot (Yamunotri route), about 6–7 hrs
Day 2: Janki Chatti → Yamunotri trek and darshan → back to Barkot
Day 3: Barkot → Uttarkashi, Vishwanath temple
Day 4: Uttarkashi → Gangotri darshan → back to Uttarkashi
Day 5: Uttarkashi → Guptkashi / Sitapur
Day 6: Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath trek (or helicopter)
Day 7: Kedarnath morning darshan → trek down → Guptkashi
Day 8: Guptkashi → Badrinath via Joshimath
Day 9: Badrinath darshan, Mana village → Joshimath / Pipalkoti
Day 10: Drive back to Rishikesh / Haridwar
Add 1–2 buffer days for weather. Do Dham (Kedarnath + Badrinath) takes about 6–7 days.
Starting from your city
Most pilgrims fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) or take a train to Haridwar, and start the road journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Travelling from Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune or Hyderabad? See trains, flights and fares for your city.
Before you travel — checklist
- Complete official yatra registration and carry proof plus a government photo ID.
- Get a medical check-up, especially for Kedarnath and Yamunotri treks; carry personal medicines.
- Pack warm layers, rain gear and good walking shoes, even in summer.
- Keep buffer days — landslides and weather can close roads at short notice.
- Follow official advisories and local instructions at all times.
Char Dham FAQs
Is registration required for the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Pilgrims are required to register through the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal. Rules can change each season, so check the official portal before you travel.
When does the yatra season open?
Temples typically open around late April or May and close around October or November. Exact dates are announced each year by the temple committees and authorities.
How many days does the full Char Dham take?
Most road-based itineraries take around 9–12 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh, depending on pace, weather and halts.
Do you book helicopter tickets?
Kedarnath helicopter tickets are booked only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal, in the pilgrim's name. We advise on timing and plan your route around the slot, but we do not sell or promise heli tickets.
Is the yatra suitable for elderly travellers?
Many elderly pilgrims complete the yatra with a slower itinerary, extra rest days and medical clearance. Discuss health conditions with a doctor and follow official health advisories.
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026. Official sources: Registration & Tourist Care, IRCTC HeliYatra, Uttarakhand Tourism.