The Char Dham Yatra — the pilgrimage to the four sacred abodes of Uttarakhand — is considered one of the most spiritually significant journeys a Hindu can undertake. Nestled in the Himalayas at altitudes between 3,000 and 3,900 metres, the four dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) represent the four cardinal directions of the sacred geography of the Hindu tradition. Completing the Char Dham is believed to cleanse all sins and lead the soul toward moksha (liberation).
Quick Answer
Char Dham Yatra 2026: temples open May onwards. Order — Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Total duration: 10-12 days. Mandatory registration on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Best time: May-June or September-October. Helicopter available for Kedarnath from Phata/Sitapur.
The Four Dhams
Yamunotri (3,293m)
Source of the Yamuna river. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The trek is 6km from Janki Chatti. Natural hot springs (Surya Kund) near the temple. Best visited May-June before monsoon.
Gangotri (3,100m)
Source of the Ganga. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The actual source (Gaumukh glacier) is 19km further on a trek. Gangotri town has accommodation options for families.
Kedarnath (3,583m)
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the most important Shiva shrine in the Himalayas. The 16km trek from Gaurikund is the most physically demanding of the four dhams. Helicopter service available from Phata and Sitapur. The rebuilt temple after the 2013 floods has a striking new structure.
Badrinath (3,133m)
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badrinarayan). One of the four Char Dhams of all India. Accessible by road from Joshimath. The hot springs (Tapt Kund) next to the temple are used for ritual bathing before darshan.
Planning Your Char Dham Yatra
- Register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — mandatory for all pilgrims
- Book accommodation in advance especially for Kedarnath (options in Gaurikund/Sonprayag) and Badrinath
- Carry warm clothes regardless of season — temperatures drop significantly at night at all four dhams
- For elderly or those with health conditions — helicopter services to Kedarnath and a doctor's fitness certificate is advisable
- The traditional Char Dham route is by road through Rishikesh → Barkot → Janki Chatti → Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Rudraprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Himalayan pilgrimages
💡 Family tradition tip
Document your Char Dham Yatra in detail — the dates, which family members came, the challenges faced, the moments of grace experienced. Many families who complete Char Dham describe it as the most significant journey of their lives. This record becomes one of the most treasured family documents across generations.