Char Dham Yatra
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India • 30.74°N, 79.07°E
📖 About Char Dham Yatra
- ✦Four shrines between 3,133m (Yamunotri) and 3,583m (Kedarnath) across 1,200 km circuit
- ✦Shrines close November to April; exact dates set annually by Hindu calendar
- ✦Kedarnath requires 16 km trek or helicopter from Phata at Rs 7,500-8,000
- ✦No mobile connectivity at Yamunotri and Gangotri; limited ATMs beyond Uttarkashi
The Char Dham circuit covers four Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand - Yamunotri at 3,293m (10,804 ft), Gangotri at 3,042m (9,980 ft), Kedarnath at 3,583m (11,755 ft), and Badrinath at 3,133m (10,279 ft). The full loop spans roughly 1,200 km from Haridwar, taking 10-12 days by road. May highs reach 20.7°C (69.3°F) at these elevations, but nights drop to 1.2°C (34.2°F). July and August bring monsoon rains - 223 mm in July - causing frequent landslides on mountain roads.
Hindu tradition holds that visiting all four shrines in one season washes away sins and brings moksha. Yamunotri marks the source of the Yamuna River, Gangotri the Ganges at Gaumukh glacier 19 km upstream, Kedarnath houses a 1,000-year-old stone temple dedicated to Shiva, and Badrinath sits on the Alaknanda River with the Neelkanth peak rising behind at 6,507m. All four shrines open around late April or early May - dates announced by the Char Dham Devasthanam Board - and close by Diwali in October or November when snow blocks access.
The circuit suits pilgrims comfortable with high altitude, long drives on narrow mountain roads, and basic facilities. Kedarnath demands either a 16 km uphill trek or an Rs 7,500-8,000 helicopter ride (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Mobile networks fail at Yamunotri and Gangotri, ATMs exist only in Uttarkashi and Joshimath, and landslides during monsoon months often strand vehicles for hours.
🎯 Things to Do in Char Dham Yatra
The Yamunotri shrine sits 6 km uphill from Janki Chatti at 3,293m (10,804 ft). The paved path takes 3-4 hours climbing steadily - ponies cost Rs 800-1,000 one way, palanquins Rs 2,500-3,000 (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Crowds swell during weekends and Shravan month (July-August) with 2-3 hour queues for darshan.
Gaumukh glacier, the Ganges source, lies 19 km from Gangotri temple through the Bhagirathi valley at 4,023m (13,199 ft). The two-day trek requires an Inner Line Permit from the Forest Office in Uttarkashi - Rs 150 per person, passport photo needed. October temperatures drop to -0.8°C (30.6°F) at night; carry proper cold-weather gear and trek with a guide.
Kedarnath temple at 3,583m (11,755 ft) requires a 16 km trek from Gaurikund gaining 1,200m elevation. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi charging Rs 7,500-8,000 round trip, 10 minutes each way (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book helicopter tickets online at www.badarikedar.uk.gov.in at least 2-3 days ahead during peak season; morning flights often cancel due to fog.
Badrinath temple opens 4:30 AM for Abhishek puja, general darshan starts 7 AM until 1 PM, then 4 PM to 9 PM. Entry stays free but donations are customary. The Tapt Kund hot spring pool beside the temple operates 6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 9 PM - pilgrims bathe here before darshan. Queues extend 1-2 hours during May and September weekends.
Mana village, 3 km north of Badrinath at 3,200m (10,499 ft), is India's last inhabited settlement before the Tibet border. The Saraswati River emerges from a rock cave here, and Vyas Gufa cave sits 500 metres uphill where Ved Vyas supposedly composed the Mahabharata. Villagers sell local rajma and hand-woven carpets - rates run Rs 500-2,000 for small carpets (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The village empties in winter when residents migrate to lower altitudes.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Uttarkashi region, not exclusively Char Dham Yatra. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Char Dham Yatra
💡 Visitor Tips
Temperatures swing from 1.2°C (34.2°F) at night in May to 20.7°C (69.3°F) midday - pack thermal inners, fleece jacket, windproof outer layer, woollen socks, and gloves for early mornings. September nights drop to 5.8°C (42.4°F). Carry sunscreen and sunglasses for high-altitude UV exposure.
Book helicopter tickets for Kedarnath online at www.badarikedar.uk.gov.in at least 7-10 days ahead for May and June slots. Register online at www.badarikedar.uk.gov.in with ID proof for smoother temple entry. Inner Line Permits for Gaumukh trek require in-person application at Uttarkashi Forest Office - bring passport photos and ID.
Roads from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri and Gangotri are single-lane with loose gravel and frequent rockfalls. Avoid driving in July and August when 223 mm and 183 mm monthly rainfall trigger landslides. Shared taxis from Rishikesh to Yamunotri cost Rs 600-800 per seat (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
ATMs exist only in Uttarkashi, Joshimath, and Rudraprayag - carry sufficient cash for the entire circuit. Mobile networks (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) work in larger towns but fail completely at Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. UPI rarely works beyond Uttarkashi. Most dhabas and guesthouses accept cash only.
Most pilgrims stay at Barkot (45 km from Yamunotri), Uttarkashi (100 km from Gangotri), Guptkashi (30 km from Gaurikund), and Joshimath (44 km from Badrinath). Budget rooms cost Rs 800-1,500, mid-range hotels Rs 2,000-3,500 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Government Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) rest houses offer reliable options at all base towns.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Char Dham Yatra covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Char Dham Yatra is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 3535 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.