Char Dham Yatra
The complete four-shrine Himalayan pilgrimage
Duration
12 days
Sites
6 places
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Difficulty
demanding
About this circuit
The most sacred pilgrimage in Hinduism — four shrines set in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna), Gangotri (source of the Ganga), Kedarnath (Shiva's abode), and Badrinath (Vishnu's seat). Pilgrims complete them in order, starting from Haridwar.
Significance
Performing Char Dham Yatra is believed to wash away all sins and grant moksha. Adi Shankaracharya established these four shrines in the 8th century as the defining pilgrimage circuit of Hindu India. The temples open only May–October before closing for winter.
The route
6 stops · approx 12 days
Haridwar
Uttarakhand
Gateway to the Gods
Yamunotri
Uttarakhand
Where the Yamuna Begins
Gangotri
Uttarakhand
Source of the Sacred Ganga
Kedarnath
Uttarakhand
Highest Jyotirlinga — Char Dham Pilgrimage
Badrinath
Uttarakhand
Abode of Lord Vishnu — Char Dham
Rishikesh
Uttarakhand
Yoga Capital of the World
Practical notes for pilgrims
- ·Temples open May–Oct only; exact dates announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee
- ·Register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (mandatory since 2022)
- ·Kedarnath: 16km trek from Gaurikund or helicopter from Phata/Sirsi
- ·Yamunotri & Gangotri: 6km and 19km treks respectively from roadheads
- ·Pack warm layers — temperatures below 5°C even in peak summer
- ·Helicopter packages (Kedarnath + Badrinath combo) book out months in advance
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