Char Dham Yatra Route 2023

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in India that traditionally starts from the west and progresses towards the east. This journey covers four holy shrines, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, totaling a distance of 1,607 kilometers.

To embark on this journey, pilgrims usually begin by taking a bath in the holy waters of the Ganges River in Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, the road map to the Char Dhams is relatively straightforward.

For the convenience of travelers, we have chosen Delhi as the starting point for the journey, given its accessibility and ease of understanding for first-time visitors.

Yamunotri, the first stop on the pilgrimage, is the westernmost temple of Garhwal in Uttarakhand. It is known for its thermal springs, Yamuna temple, and Janaki Chatti, all built under the patronage of Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

Next on the journey is Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3200 meters in Uttarkashi. The temple of the holy river Ganga is located here, where people take a dip in the river to purify themselves.

Kedarnath, the third stop, is the temple of Lord Shiva located at an elevation of 3,584 meters above sea level. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and the Mandakini River flows through this region.

Finally, the pilgrimage concludes with a visit to Badrinath, located on the left bank of the Alaknanda River at an elevation of 3133 meters above sea level. Here, devotees pay their respects at the temple of Lord Vishnu and visit other places of interest like Yogdhyan Badri Temple, Mata Murti Temple, and Vyas Gufa.

In conclusion, the Char Dham Yatra is an auspicious journey that holds immense significance for pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment and divine blessings.

• Haridwar/ Delhi to Yamunotri Dham

The starting site of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra is Haridwar, from whence you can set off on your yatra. You must first travel to Haridwar from Delhi. You will go from Haridwar to Barkot via Dehradun and Mussoorie. You’ll spend the night at Barkot. The following morning, we will arrive in Janaki Chatti. From there, it is a 6 kilometre journey to Yamunotri Dham. Back to Barkot, where you will spend the night. 

You stop in Mussoorie, Dehradun, Naugaon, Barkot, and Janki Chatti on the way to Yamunotri Dham. These locations are also accessible to see when travelling.

• Yamunotri to Gangotri Dham

We must go from Barkot to Uttarkashi in order to visit the second Dham of Gangotri. Stay the night in Uttarkashi. The next day, we will depart from Uttarkashi, while you will go to Gangotri. After that, you go back to Uttarkashi and stay there the night.

You stop at Kedar Lake, Harsil, Dodi Tal, Auden’s Col, Dayara Bugyal, Kedartal Patangini Pass Trek, Kedartal Patangini Pass Trek: An Excursion To Old Ganga, and Tapovan, Famous Hot Springs on the Way to Yamunotri or Gangotri.

• Gangotri to Kedarnath Dham

Uttarkashi is the gateway to Kedarnath; from there, we must travel to Guptkashi, Phata, Sirsi, or Gaurikund via Augustmuni and spend the night there. The following day, we would hike 18 kilometres to Kedarnath Dham from Gaurikund. Depending on the service, you can choose to conduct this excursion by Horse, Doli, or Helicopter for an additional fee. Visitors travel early in the morning, get to the temple by dusk, and spend the night in a tent or motel close by. The next day, return from the temple to Guptkashi/Phata/sirsi and spend the night there.

On the way to Kedarnath, the most well-known sights to see are Chandrapuri, Anusuya Devi Temple, Gandhi Sarovar, Deoria Tal, and Vasuki Tal.

• Kedarnath to Badrinath Dham

To travel to Badrinath from Kedarnath, one must ascend to Guptkashi/Phata and then drive via Rudraprayag to Pipalkoti/Badrinath and spend the night there. The following day after arriving in Badrinath, you can visit the temple and spend the night there. 

On the way to Badrinath, the most well-known sights to see include the Triyuginarayan Temple, Guptkashi, Deoriatal, Ukhimath, Chopta, and Tungnath

• Badrinath Dham to Haridwar

You feel so rejuvenated despite the long trek that you can’t believe that you have seen all four holy sites. It’s time to say farewell, and we’ll head back to Haridwar from where you can depart for your intended location via Rishikesh, Srinagar, Karnaprayag, Devpryag, and Rudraprayag. 

Things to be noted ️

• The yatra can be completed in 11 nights and 12 days from Delhi and in 9 nights and 10 days from Haridwar.

• If Devotees like to visit Chopta and take part in the Auli-Chopta Yatra, they can stay in Chopta when travelling from Kedarnath to Pipalkoti, Badrinath, and for that extra night is to be needed in the trek.

Distance of some places of Chardham Yatra:-

• Delhi to Haridwar – 220 km (5 to 6 hours)
• Haridwar to Barkot – 193 km (6 to 7 hours)
• Barkot to Janki Chatti – 45 km (2 hours)
• Janki Chatti to Yamunotri– 6 km trek
• Barkot to Uttarkashi– 82 km (3 to 4 hours)
• Uttarkashi to Gangotri – 99 km (3 to 4 hours)
• Uttarkashi to Guptkashi– 200 km (6 to 7 hours)
• Guptkashi to Gaurikund– 30 km (1 hour)
• Gaurikund to Kedarnath – 18 km trek
• Guptkashi to Pipalkoti – 122 km (4 to 5 hours)
• Pipalkoti to Badrinath –75 km (3 to 4 hours)
• Pipalkoti to Haridwar – 235 km (6 to 7 hours)