Char Dham Yatra Route Map – Complete Travel Path Explained

The Char Dham Yatra route map follows a sacred and traditional spiritual sequence across the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims traditionally begin the journey from the west and move eastwards before heading north, completing the yatra in a clockwise spiritual circuit. Understanding the route map is crucial for planning travel days, acclimatisation, and safe movement between dhams.

If you are planning the complete pilgrimage, you must understand the overall journey flow explained in the detailed Char Dham Yatra guide.

Traditional Char Dham Yatra Route Sequence

The traditional order of the Char Dham Yatra is:

• Yamunotri

• Gangotri

• Kedarnath

• Badrinath

This spiritual sequence is not only rooted in tradition but also helps pilgrims gradually adapt to increasing altitude before reaching Kedarnath and Badrinath, which are the most physically demanding shrines in the Char Dham circuit.

Standard Starting Points for Char Dham Yatra

Most pilgrims begin the Char Dham journey from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, as these cities serve as the main gateways to Uttarakhand. Before starting from any of these locations, pilgrims must complete the mandatory government registration process explained in the Char Dham Yatra registration guide to avoid delays at checkpoints during peak season.

Char Dham Yatra Route by Road (Day-wise Map)

A commonly followed Char Dham Yatra road route is:

• Haridwar / Rishikesh → Barkot → Yamunotri

• Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri

• Gangotri → Guptkashi / Sonprayag → Kedarnath

• Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath

Following this structured route allows pilgrims to complete the yatra in a logical sequence while managing physical exertion and altitude changes more comfortably.

Yamunotri Route Details

The Yamunotri route begins with a road journey from Barkot to Janki Chatti, followed by a 6 km trek to the Yamunotri Temple. Since Yamunotri is the first dham in the traditional sequence, this leg is considered suitable for gradual acclimatisation before moving towards higher altitudes later in the yatra.

• Barkot → Janki Chatti

• Trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri (6 km)

• Pony and palanquin/palki options available

Gangotri Route Map

The route from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is fully motorable, making Gangotri one of the most accessible dhams. This leg of the Char Dham Yatra route map does not involve trekking, which makes it relatively comfortable for senior citizens and family travellers.

• Uttarkashi → Gangotri

• Fully motorable road

• No trekking required

Kedarnath Route Map (Road, Trek & Helicopter)

The Kedarnath route involves a road journey from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, followed by the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple, which is the most physically demanding segment of the Char Dham Yatra. Due to the high-altitude terrain and weather sensitivity, pilgrims must complete the mandatory Kedarnath registration before proceeding beyond the checkpoints.

Pilgrims who prefer to avoid the long trek may opt for helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi. Planning this option in advance using the detailed Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter guide helps ensure smoother travel.

• Sonprayag → Gaurikund (road)

• Gaurikund → Kedarnath (16 km trek)

• Helicopter services available

Badrinath Route Map

After completing Kedarnath, pilgrims usually proceed towards Joshimath and then continue by road to Badrinath. The Badrinath route is well-developed and fully motorable, making it one of the more comfortable segments of the Char Dham Yatra route map.

• Joshimath → Badrinath

• Excellent road connectivity

• Accessible by road

Why Understanding the Char Dham Yatra Route Map Is Important

Understanding the Char Dham Yatra route map helps pilgrims:

• Plan realistic daily travel distances

• Manage altitude-related health risks

• Schedule darshan and rest breaks efficiently

• Avoid weather-related route disruptions

• Reduce physical exhaustion during the journey

Best Char Dham Route Based on Your Travel City

Pilgrims travelling from Delhi usually start their journey via Haridwar before entering the Char Dham circuit. Those coming from Mumbai or Bangalore often fly into Dehradun and continue the yatra by road. Similarly, travellers from Ahmedabad or Pune generally reach Haridwar or Dehradun before starting the Char Dham Yatra route.