Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is among the most revered sites of Hinduism. Consisting of four holy shrines named – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, they are visited by millions of pilgrims from all over India. Pilgrimage in India entices many foreign travelers who want to know more about India and its culture, and thus, we also see an influx of international tourists to Chardham in Uttarakhand every year.
It is believed that going on this journey will eliminate all your sins and you will attain salvation by the blessings of the Lord. Thus, it is said that every Hindu should do this yatra once in their lifetime.
Chardham temples are situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. So by embarking on Chardham Yatra you will not only receive the blessings of the divine but also get to witness the true natural beauty this region possesses.
Keep reading to know more about how to plan Chardham Yatra From Delhi.
- Opening and Closing Dates of Yatra
- Chardham yatra from Delhi itinerary
- Best time to Travel yatra
- How to register for Chardham yatra
- Things to keep in mind for Chardham journey
- Places to stay during the yatra
- Places to visit during Chardham
- Cost of Chardham Yatra
Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates 2024
The circuits of Char Dham – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are visited in a clockwise manner. It is one of the much-awaited yatras every year and starts from April/May and ends by November before heavy snow showers block the roads leading to the temples in winter.
Chardham 2024 dates are announced as per the holy Hindu calendar known as the ‘Panchang’ before the day of Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej. People say if you buy gold on this day, it will never fade away.
Here are the Chardham Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2024 –
| Chardham Temples | Opening Dates (tentative) | Closing Date (tentative) |
| Yamunotri | 10th May 2024 | 2nd November 2024 |
| Gangotri | 10th May 2024 | 2nd November 2024 |
| Kedarnath | 12th May 2024 | 3rd November 2024 |
| Badrinath | 10th May 2024 | 9th November 2024 |
As the winter descends, the temples are shifted to their winter homes. During this time, the deities of these Char Dham temples are worshiped at the Yamuna Mandir in Kharsali Village, the Gangotri in Mukhba Village, the Kedarnath temple to Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, and lastly, Badrinath temple to Vasudev temple in Joshimath.
These temples are open and easily accessible by the public as the roads leading up to the winter home of Chardham temples are not covered with snow. Keep an eye for further updates on the opening and closing dates of Chardham yatra.
Here is details about the Chardham Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2024
Chardham Yatra from Delhi Itinerary
There are two routes to complete the Chardham yatra, either by road or by helicopter. You need a minimum of 10 to 12 days to complete the Chardham yatra by road and if you choose Chardham by helicopter 2024, then it will be finished in about 4 to 5 days. Tourism of India offers affordable Chardham yatra packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities that you can check out here.
The road route of Chardham Yatra starts from Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Rudraprayag – Badrinath – Joshimath – Haridwar – Delhi.
If you choose to travel by helicopter, the journey will start from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun – Kharsali (helipad for Yamunotri) – Harshil (Helipad for Gangotri) – Kedarnath Helipad – Sahastradhara Helipad.
Here is the detailed Itinerary for Chota Char Dham Yatra ex Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
Embark on a 5-hour road journey from Delhi to Haridwar. En route, get your Biometric registration done for the Chardham yatra. Once reached, transfer to your hotel and relax. Refresh and in the evening, attend the Ganga Arti on the banks of the Ganga River. Come back to the hotel, have dinner, and sleep.
Day 2: Drive from Haridwar to Barkot
Post breakfast, leave for Barkot on a 5.5-hour road trip. On your way, stop at Kempty Falls. After arriving, check-in the stay and unwind. Spend the day eating healthy and get yourself ready for tomorrow. Dinner and overnight sleep at the stay.
Day 3: Barkot– Yamunotri – Barkot
After a hearty meal, transfer to Yamunotri Dham. From Barkot (Janki Chatti), begin your first Pahad Char Dham Yatra of Yamunotri. It is a 6 km long trek. You can choose to walk or hire a palki (palanquin), pony, or horse (additional cost).
The trek will include lush green valleys and species of Himalayan flora. The altitude is 3,291 m, so the views will be amazing. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, which is considered to be sacred. So after you reach the temple, first take a holy dip in the river and then proceed for the darshan.
Afterward, return to Janki Chatti following the same route and later hop onto your bed for a cozy sleep.
Day 4: Transfer from Barkot to Uttarkashi
Savor a delicious meal, check out, and transfer to Uttarkashi (3 hours trip). It is a town in Uttarakhand located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. If time allows, you can explore this town known for its temples, ashrams, historical monuments, and of course, scenic beauty.
Once reached, check-in and rest. Visit the renowned Vishwanath Temple in the evening. Come back to the hotel for dinner and sleep.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Kickstart your day with breakfast and later, proceed to Gangotri Dham. A town set on the banks of river Bhagirathi, it is where the river Ganga originates from. Snuggled between the Garhwal Himalayas, it is located at an altitude of 3048 m.
When you reach the Dham, take a holy dip in the river Ganga and then go inside the temple for blessings from Goddess Ganga. Besides this, the architecture is beautiful. It also has an imposing structure of 20 feet.
Afterward, come back to the hotel in Uttarkashi and after dinner, have a restful sleep.
Day 6: Transfer from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Wake up on day 6 of your Chardham Yatra from Delhi to a fulfilling breakfast. Check out and embark on a 7 hours road trip from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi. This place holds a religious significance because of the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple present here. Check in to the hotel on arrival and unwind. Get your medical checkup done for visiting Kedarnath. After dinner, jump onto the cozy bed and sleep.
Day 7: Drive from Guptkashi to Sonaprayag
Arise for a healthy meal. Check out and transfer to Sonprayag for your visit to Kedarnath. Once reached, kickstart your 14 km trek to Kedarnath Dham. You can also hire ponies, palanquins, or horses at your own cost. Once reached, check-in the Govt. camps or lodges and stay overnight.
Day 8: Darshan of Kedarnath
Wake up with excitement as you will visit Kedarnath Temple today which receives millions of pilgrims from all over India every year. Wake up early and bathe in Gaurikund (a hot spring) and visit the temple by 4.45 am for Abhishek to Lord Kedarnath. Enter the Garbha Griha or sanctum sanctorum and touch the feet of the idol while bowing your head for blessings.
Come back to the stay and pack up and trek back to Sonprayag. Transfer to a hotel at Guptkashi/Rudraprayag where you will have your dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Trip to Badrinath via Joshimath
Post breakfast, check out and move towards Badrinath to Joshimath by 8.00 am. Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is visited by a large number of pilgrims. Enjoy the beautiful views on your way and once reached, check in to the hotel and relax for a while. Get ready for a visit to Badrinath Temple in the evening.
Before darshan and evening aarti, bathe in the Tapt Kund (hot spring). The temple of Badrinath is about 15 m in height and is made in a cone shape with a tiny dome of a gilt bull and spire. Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner and sleep.
Day 10: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag
Wake up early to visit Badrinath Temple. Before entering the temple for darshan, bathe in the hot spring. Attend the morning aarti and seek blessings from the divine. Later, come back to the hotel for breakfast. Proceed for the sightseeing tour of Badrinath. You will explore famous attractions like Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Mata Murti Temple, and more.
Check out from the hotel and move towards Rudraprayag via Joshimath on a 5-hour road journey. On your way, stop by Karanprayag, which holds religious significance. On arrival, check-in and rest for the rest of the day. Enjoy shopping in the evening at your own cost. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11: Drive from Rudraprayag – Rishikesh
Today, on day 11, as your Chardham Yatra 2024 comes to an end, we will check out and proceed to the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh for some relaxation. Rishikesh is a town located at the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its yoga centers, ashrams, Ganga aarti, temples, and adventure activities.
Check in to the hotel and rest for a while. Get ready to visit Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti, which is witnessed by thousands of tourists and pilgrims. It is a grand affair and will offer you a lifetime experience. After the aarti, return to the hotel for dinner and sleep.
Day 12: Chardham Yatra Concludes
After a leisurely breakfast, you will check out and drive from Rishikesh to Delhi (a 5-hour journey). Upon arrival, get transferred to the airport or railway station to catch the flight or train for your onward journey with memories of a lifetime.
Best Time to Plan Chardham Yatra
The journey to Chardham starts in April/May and ends till October. Thus, the best time to take Chardham Yatra will be before July or after September. Avoid monsoon as the roads get slippery, there are landslides, and your overall experience will be ruined.
Chardham Yatra Registration 2024
Registration for Chardham yatra can be done both offline and online. Since 2014, the government has made this process of registration compulsory after which they are issued biometric cards. For detailed information about Chardham Yatra registration for 2024, read here!
Things to Keep in Mind on Chardham Yatra
Here are a few things to remember while planning Chardham Yatra 2024 –
Preparation for the Yatra –
- Prepare well for the yatra. Keep a check on your exercise at least a month before the journey starts.
- Book your hotels beforehand as there is a heavy pilgrim rush or choose Chardham packages by Tourism of India for hassle-free travel.
- Avoid visiting the Chardham destinations in the monsoon as there will be landslides.
What to Pack for Yatra-
- Pack woolen clothes as it gets colder during nights and during the months of October/November.
- Carry a raincoat, torchlight, and an umbrella, in case it rains.
- To protect your skin, moisturizer, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
- Keep first aid with you with necessary things like cough tablets, antiseptic creams, painkillers, and cold and fever medicines.
- If you have any routine medicines, do carry them as you might not be able to find them at remote locations.
- Pack extra batteries with you for the camera as the supply of electricity in remote locations is limited.
During the Char Dham Yatra –
- Remove your shoes and cover your head with a scarf while entering the temples.
- For a boost of energy during the yatra, keep energy drinks, dry fruits, dark chocolates, glucose, and candies with you.
- If photography is prohibited at some places, do not hurt the sentiments of locals. And in case it’s not written, ask permission first.
- Non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption is not allowed during the tour.
- Drink packaged or boiled water.
- You can hire a registered pony or porter and avoid walking away from them carrying luggage.
- Avoid walking or relaxing at places where warning signs are fixed. There are no shortcuts for the route.
- During the yatra, always listen to your body. If you feel unwell or fatigued, take care of your health first. Only continue the yatra if you feel fit and healthy.
Places to Stay During Chardham Yatra
There are different types of places to stay during Chardham yatra 2024 as per your needs and budget. From budget to deluxe, you can choose from a range of hotels, lodges, camps, tents, government, and private guest houses. For the best deals, book your hotels for Chardham Yatra from Tourism of India.
Accommodation Options in Yamunotri
You can get lodging in Yamunotri but it is limited. Mainly budget hotels are available here at places like Barkot, Janki Chatti, Sayana Chatti, and Hanuman Chatti.
Accommodation Options in Gangotri
You will find a few budget hotels and lodges here. Uttarkashi is on the way to Gangotri. Here you can find a good range of luxury as well as budget hotels. Harsil has budget hotels and in Gaumukh, you will only find camps or tents.
Accommodation Options in Kedarnath
From budget to deluxe hotels, there are good places for Chardham to stay in Kedarnath. Rudraprayag and Guptkashi are located near the temple and have a good amount of budget and luxury hotels as well. Government camps or guesthouses are also available. Apart from these, you can also find a place to stay at Phata, Ukhimath, Agastmuni, Chandrapur, and Sitapur.
Accommodation Options in Badrinath
You can find a good range of hotels here as per your needs and budget. Joshimath and Govind Ghat have a budget and deluxe hotels.
Places to Visit During Chardham Yatra
- On the way to Yamunotri – Saptarishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Barkot, Hanuman Chatti
- On the way to Gangotri – Bhagirath Shila, Vishwanath Temple, Gangnani, Bhairon Ghati, Gaumukh Glacier, Harsil
- On the way to Kedarnath – Kalimath, Guptkashi, Ardhanarishwara Temple, Sonprayag, Triyuginarayan
- On the way to Badrinath – Chopta, Mandal Valley Joshimath, Hanuman Temple, Yog Dhyan Badri at Pandukeshwar, Narasimha Temple, Tat Kund, Narad Kund, Bheem Pul, Vyasa Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Brahma Kapal
- Rishikesh and Haridwar can also be visited towards the end of the Chardham Yatra for added fun.
Chardham Yatra Cost
A 9 to 10 days of Chardham Yatra from Haridwar will cost you around INR 26,000. Meals, airport transfers, accommodation, and sightseeing tours are all included in the packages for a hassle-free journey.
If you want to visit Chardham Yatra by Helicopter, the package will cost around INR 2,00,000. Tourism of India offers customizable Chardham packages from Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and other cities that you can modify as per your requirements and convenience.
I hope you find this Chardham Yatra 2024 guide handy while planning a tour. If you still have any doubts, contact us by direct call or drop an inquiry. Our travel experts will guide you through the registration process and the experiences you will collect on Chardham Yatra Tour 2024.