The Chardham Yatra is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages, covering four holy shrines in Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel to the Himalayas to seek blessings and experience spiritual peace.
This guide explains everything you need to know before planning the Yatra: opening dates, registration, route maps, best time to visit, weather, preparation, and tips.
What Is the Chardham Yatra?
The Chardham Yatra refers to the sacred circuit of four ancient temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas:
Yamunotri - dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
Gangotri - origin of the Ganga
Kedarnath - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
Badrinath - dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Doing the yatra in the official order is considered spiritually auspicious.
Chardham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026
Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Yamunotri | May 10 | Nov 2 (tentative) |
Gangotri | May 10 | Nov 2 (tentative) |
Kedarnath | May 14 | Nov 2 (tentative) |
Badrinath | May 12 | Nov 21 (tentative) |
(Update dates as per official announcement. These dates rank extremely well.)
Chardham Yatra Route Map (Traditional Order)
Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Delhi
Distance overview:
Yamunotri: 220 km from Rishikesh
Gangotri: 250 km from Yamunotri
Kedarnath: 300 km from Gangotri
Badrinath: 230 km from Kedarnath
Chardham Yatra Registration (Mandatory)
Registration is compulsory for all pilgrims. You can register via:
Online Registration
Website: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
Details needed:
Name
ID Proof
Mobile number
Travel dates
Offline Registration Counters
Available at major entry points:
Rishikesh
Haridwar
Sonprayag
Guptkashi
Biometric Verification
Must be completed at designated centers before moving towards Kedarnath.
How Many Days Are Required for Chardham Yatra?
A standard Chardham Yatra takes:
10–12 days by road
4–5 days by helicopter
Travel Mode | Ideal Duration |
|---|---|
By Road | 10–12 days |
By Helicopter | 4–5 days |
Chardham Yatra Weather & Best Time to Travel
Best Months
May–June (clear weather, peak season)
September–October (pleasant, low crowd)
Avoid
July–August (monsoon, landslides)
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
Helicopter services operate from:
Dehradun (Sahastradhara)
Sirsi
Phata
Guptkashi
Key inclusions:
VIP darshan
Same-day or 2-day itineraries
Meals
Priority boarding
Chardham Yatra Cost Overview
Category | Average Cost |
|---|---|
Budget Road Trip | ₹22,000–₹28,000 |
Standard Road Trip | ₹32,000–₹45,000 |
Helicopter Yatra | ₹1,80,000–₹2,50,000 |
Chardham Yatra Essentials Checklist
Warm clothes
Comfortable trekking shoes
Raincoat
First-aid kit
Power bank
Woollen socks
Thermals
Water bottle
ID proofs
Who Should Avoid Chardham Yatra?
People with severe heart conditions
Those advised against high altitudes
Elderly pilgrims (unless medically cleared)
Pregnant women (not recommended)
Top Tips for a Comfortable Yatra
Start early every day
Stay hydrated
Keep buffer days
Book hotels in advance
Carry cash (limited ATMs)
Avoid night driving in mountains
