Char Dham Yatra

Pilgrimage to the Four Holy Shrines

UttarakhandRegion
10 DaysDuration
12,500 ftMaximum Altitude
44 KMTrekking Distance
Easy to ModerateGrade
Rishikesh/HaridwarPickup

Char Dham Yatra in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, known as “Dev Bhoomi” (Land of Gods), is a sacred state in the Indian Himalayas. It is home to four holy sites — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — collectively called the Char Dham, where “Char” means four and “Dham” means holy destination.

Every year, thousands of devotees from India and abroad travel here on this sacred pilgrimage known as Tirtha Yatra.

YamunotriGangotriKedarnathBadrinath
Char Dham Yatra with The Northern Monk
Four Holy ShrinesYamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath
Two Treks En RouteYamunotri 6 km, Kedarnath 16 km
Mana VillageBheem Pul and Vyas Gufa
Easy to ModerateMost of the route is by road

Itinerary

Short Itinerary
  • Day 1Haridwar / Rishikesh → Barkot
  • Day 2Barkot → Yamunotri Trek → Barkot
  • Day 3Barkot → Uttarkashi
  • Day 4Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi
  • Day 5Uttarkashi → Guptkashi
  • Day 6Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Trek
  • Day 7Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Guptkashi
  • Day 8Guptkashi → Badrinath
  • Day 9Badrinath → Mana Village → Joshimath
  • Day 10Joshimath → Rishikesh / Haridwar
DAY 1Haridwar / Rishikesh → Barkot
~210 km8–9 hrs
  • Start your journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh
  • Drive through Mussoorie and Yamuna Valley
  • Enjoy scenic Himalayan views along the route
  • Reach Barkot by evening
  • Check into hotel and rest
Stay: Barkot
DAY 2Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot
Drive ~45 kmTrek 6 km (one way)
  • Drive to Janki Chatti
  • Begin the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple
  • Visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
  • Explore nearby hot springs
  • Trek back to Janki Chatti
  • Drive back to Barkot
Stay: Barkot
DAY 3Barkot → Uttarkashi
~100 km4–5 hrs
  • After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi
  • Travel through forests and mountain valleys
  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • Check into hotel and relax
Stay: Uttarkashi
DAY 4Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi
~100 km (one way)3–4 hrs
  • Early morning drive to Gangotri Temple
  • Visit the temple of Goddess Ganga
  • Spend time near the Bhagirathi River
  • Enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings
  • Drive back to Uttarkashi
Stay: Uttarkashi
DAY 5Uttarkashi → Guptkashi
~220 km8–9 hrs
  • Begin the long drive to Guptkashi
  • Pass through beautiful Himalayan towns
  • Enjoy views of rivers and mountain valleys
  • Reach Guptkashi by evening
Stay: Guptkashi
DAY 6Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Drive ~30 kmTrek 16 km
  • Drive to Gaurikund
  • Start the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple
  • Options available: walk, pony, or palki
  • Reach Kedarnath by evening
  • Attend evening darshan at the temple
Stay: Kedarnath
DAY 7Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Guptkashi
Trek 16 kmDrive ~30 km
  • Morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple
  • Trek back to Gaurikund
  • Drive back to Guptkashi
  • Rest after the trek
Stay: Guptkashi
DAY 8Guptkashi → Badrinath
~185 km7–8 hrs
  • Drive through scenic Himalayan roads
  • Reach Badrinath Temple town
  • Visit Badrinath Temple for darshan
Stay: Badrinath / Joshimath
DAY 9Badrinath → Mana Village → Joshimath
~45 km
  • Morning temple darshan
  • Visit nearby attractions: Mana Village, Bheem Pul and Vyas Gufa
  • Later drive to Joshimath
Stay: Joshimath
DAY 10Joshimath → Rishikesh / Haridwar
~260 km9–10 hrsTrip ends
  • After breakfast begin return journey
  • Drive through beautiful Himalayan valleys
  • Reach Rishikesh or Haridwar by evening

Know Before You Go

Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Rishikesh/Haridwar
  • Experienced trek guide and support staff
  • Basic first aid and assistance during the journey

What's Excluded

  • Personal expenses
  • Pony / palki charges
  • Entry fees at monuments or attractions
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Safety & Emergency Protocols
  • Experienced trek leaders and local guides
  • Basic first aid kit carried by the team
  • Regular weather and route monitoring
  • Proper acclimatization and rest stops
  • Assistance for medical emergencies if required
  • Emergency contact coordination with local authorities
Essential Gear Checklist
  • Comfortable trekking shoes
  • Warm jackets and thermal layers
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Backpack (30–40L)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen
  • Personal medications and toiletries
  • Trekking pole (optional but helpful)

Best Time to Visit

Best timeMay – JunEarly season

Temples are open and the weather is pleasant.

Jul – AugMonsoon

Heavy rain and slow mountain roads. Plan extra time.

Best timeSep – OctAutumn

Clear skies and settled weather after the monsoon.

Nov – AprWinter

Temples are closed and the yatra does not run.

Getting There

Pickup

Haridwar or Rishikesh on Day 1, then a drive to Barkot (~210 km).

Kedarnath Route

Drive to Gaurikund, then a 16 km trek on foot, by pony or by palki.

Drop

Rishikesh or Haridwar by evening on Day 10.

Fitness & Preparation

  • No prior trekking experience is needed. Basic fitness and the ability to walk for a few hours is recommended.
  • Plan for Kedarnath. It is a 16 km trek each way. Walking, pony and palki options are available, and pony or palki charges are extra.
  • Build stamina. Walk 30–40 minutes a day for 3–4 weeks before the yatra.
  • Pack for changing weather. Carry warm layers and a raincoat, as mountain weather shifts quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the best time to do the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra usually runs from May to October, when the temples are open and weather conditions are suitable for travel.
Q2. How difficult is the Char Dham Yatra?
The journey is generally easy to moderate. Most of the route is covered by road, but there are short treks such as Yamunotri (6 km) and Kedarnath (16 km).
Q3. Is prior trekking experience required?
No prior trekking experience is necessary. However, basic fitness and the ability to walk for a few hours is recommended.
Q4. What type of accommodation is provided during the journey?
Accommodation includes hotels, guesthouses, or homestays depending on the location and availability.
Q5. How can I book the Char Dham Yatra?
You can contact our team directly or book through our website, and we will guide you through the entire booking process.

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Some Glimpse

Char Dham YatraChar Dham YatraChar Dham YatraChar Dham YatraChar Dham YatraChar Dham Yatra

Why Travel With The Northern Monk

Safety first

First aid kit, weather and route monitoring, and proper acclimatization.

Experienced guides

Trek leaders and local guides who know the Char Dham route well.

All-inclusive plan

Stay, meals, transport from Rishikesh/Haridwar and trek staff covered.

Transparent pricing

GST included. No hidden charges. Free rescheduling 30+ days before.

Policies & Terms

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Traveler

  • Within 24 hours of booking — No cancellation fees | 100% refund
  • Between 24 hours – 7 days of booking — 40% cancellation fee | 60% refund
  • More than 7 days after booking — 70% cancellation fee | 30% refund
  • Within 14 days of trek start date — 100% cancellation fee | No refund

Cancellation by The Northern Monk

  • In case of natural disasters, government restrictions, or other unavoidable circumstances — 100% refund or rescheduling option provided.

Dropout During Trip

  • If a traveler exits the trip due to health, fitness, or personal reasons — No refund will be issued.
  • All return travel or any additional costs incurred during early departure must be borne by the traveler.

Refund Terms

  • All refunds are processed within 7–10 business days.
  • Refunds are credited to the original payment method used at the time of booking.
  • Bookings made via vouchers are not eligible for cash refunds — the voucher will be reissued and remain valid for 1 year from the original booking date.
Note: All refund timelines are subject to bank processing times.
Booking & Confirmation Policy
  • Your booking is confirmed only after full payment is received.
  • A confirmation email will be sent to you within 24 hours of successful payment.
  • Your trek voucher will be shared 3–5 days before the trek start date.
  • A minimum of 6 participants is required for a trek to be operational.
  • If the minimum participant count is not met, The Northern Monk reserves the right to cancel the trek and a full refund will be provided.
Note: Please carry a printed or digital copy of your trek voucher on the day of the trek.
Payment Terms
  • A 50% advance payment is required to block your seat.
  • The remaining balance must be paid at least 15 days before the trek start date.
  • Failure to pay the balance on time may result in automatic cancellation of your booking.
  • We accept the following payment methods: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, and PhonePe.
  • All prices are inclusive of GST — no hidden charges.
Important: Please keep your payment receipts saved for future reference.
Reschedule Policy
  • 30+ days before the trek — Free rescheduling to any available batch.
  • 15–29 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹2,000.
  • 7–14 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹3,000.
  • Less than 7 days before the trek — Rescheduling is not permitted.
  • A maximum of 1 reschedule is allowed per booking.
  • All rescheduling is subject to availability in the requested batch.
Note: All rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via email or through the sales team over a call.

Need Help Planning Your Yatra?

Our trek experts are always here to assist you in planning your perfect adventure. Feel free to reach out to us anytime!

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