The Char Dham Yatra is the biggest pilgrimage in Uttarakhand: four Himalayan shrines, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, visited in one journey. For many families it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For us in Dehradun, it starts almost at our doorstep.
This guide covers everything: the 2026 closing dates, how the 2027 season works, registration, the route, how many days you need, helicopter options, costs to plan for, health and safety, and what to pack. We’ve kept it practical and updated it for October 2026.
Char Dham 2026: the season is ending
If you’re hoping to go this year, you’re down to the last few weeks. As reported on 9 October 2026, the tentative closing dates are:
| Dham | Expected closing (2026) | Winter seat (where the deity is worshipped in winter) |
|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | Tuesday, 10 November | Mukhba village, near Harsil |
| Yamunotri | Wednesday, 11 November (Bhai Dooj) | Kharsali |
| Kedarnath | Wednesday, 11 November (Bhai Dooj) | Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath |
| Badrinath | Friday, 13 November | Narsingh Temple, Joshimath |
Late-season travel means cold nights, possible early snow and fewer services in some places. If you go now, travel light on plans and heavy on warm clothes.
When does the Char Dham Yatra 2027 start?
The shrines reopen every year between late April and May. The dates follow tradition:
- Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya.
- Kedarnath‘s opening date is announced on Mahashivratri.
- Badrinath‘s opening date is announced on Basant Panchami.
So by February–March 2027, all four opening dates will be known. Bookmark this page; we’ll add them as soon as they’re announced. For reference, the 2026 season opened between 19 and 23 April.
The four dhams in brief
Yamunotri
The source of the Yamuna and the first stop in the traditional order. The temple is reached by a trek of about 6 km from Janki Chatti. Ponies and palkis are available. Near the temple, the hot spring Surya Kund is where devotees cook rice and potatoes as prasad.
Gangotri
The shrine of Goddess Ganga, on the banks of the Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi district. Gangotri is reachable by road all the way, so there’s no trek to the temple. The actual glacier source, Gaumukh, is a separate trek that needs a permit.
Kedarnath
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the toughest of the four. The temple sits at about 3,580 metres and is reached by a trek of roughly 16 to 18 km from Gaurikund, after a shared jeep from Sonprayag. Ponies, palkis and helicopters are available. Most people stay a night near the temple.
Badrinath
The shrine of Lord Vishnu, on the banks of the Alaknanda, reachable by road. The village of Mana, now officially called the first village of India (it used to be known as the last), is just a few kilometres beyond and is worth a short visit. Read more in our Badrinath guide.
The traditional route and itinerary
The Char Dham is traditionally done west to east: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. From Dehradun, you can start directly towards Barkot via Mussoorie, or go through Rishikesh and Haridwar.
A comfortable plan by road takes 10 to 12 days:
- Day 1: Dehradun to Barkot (via Mussoorie and Kempty Falls).
- Day 2: Barkot to Janki Chatti, trek to Yamunotri and back. Night at Barkot or Janki Chatti.
- Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi.
- Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back to Uttarkashi (or stay at Harsil).
- Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi or Sitapur.
- Day 6: Sonprayag to Gaurikund, trek to Kedarnath. Night at Kedarnath.
- Day 7: Darshan in the morning, trek down to Gaurikund, back to Guptkashi or Sitapur.
- Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (via Chopta or Rudraprayag).
- Day 9: Badrinath darshan, visit Mana. Night at Badrinath or Joshimath.
- Day 10–11: Drive back towards Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
Keep 1 or 2 buffer days for landslides, weather or tiredness. Hill roads in Uttarakhand don’t always follow your plan.
Short on time? Many people do only Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) in about 5 to 6 days.
Registration: mandatory and free
Every pilgrim must register before the yatra, and vehicles need registration too. The process is free.
- Official website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Official app: Tourist Care Uttarakhand (Android and iOS)
- Helpline: toll-free 1364
- Offline registration and check points: listed by the government include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Herbertpur and Nayagaon (Vikasnagar), Barkot, Hina, Sonprayag and Pandukeshwar. Check the portal for the current list.
Since 2025, registration uses Aadhaar-based verification. Keep a government photo ID, a recent photo and a working mobile number ready. Carry printouts or screenshots of your registration; you’ll be checked along the way.
Watch out for fraud. Don’t pay anyone who offers “VIP darshan” or registration for a fee through WhatsApp or unknown websites.
Kedarnath by helicopter
Helicopter services fly to Kedarnath from helipads around Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi, cutting the trek to a short flight. Book only through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal linked from the Uttarakhand government sites. Every season there are fake helicopter booking websites and social media pages. If a site isn’t official, don’t pay.
Helicopter flights depend on weather and can be cancelled at short notice, so keep a backup plan.
Rough budget to plan for
Costs vary hugely depending on how you travel. Plan for these main heads:
- Transport: a private taxi for 10 to 12 days is the biggest cost. Shared jeeps and buses are much cheaper but slower.
- Stay: from basic dharamshalas and guesthouses to hotels. Prices go up sharply in May and June.
- Kedarnath extras: pony, palki or helicopter if you don’t walk.
- Food: simple and vegetarian along most of the route; prices rise with altitude.
- Buffer money: for extra nights if roads are blocked.
Book stays early for May and June, and avoid peak weekends if you can.
Best time to do the Char Dham Yatra
- May and June: the most popular months. Good weather, but very crowded, with long queues and traffic.
- July to mid-September: monsoon. Landslides and road blocks are common. Avoid if you can.
- Mid-September to October: fewer crowds, clear skies and great views. Many regulars’ favourite time.
- Late October to closing: cold, quiet and beautiful, but prepare for freezing nights and possible snow.
Health and safety
The yatra goes to high altitude, and the Kedarnath trek is physically hard. Take this part seriously.
- Get a health check-up before you go, especially if you’re older or have heart, lung, blood pressure or sugar problems. The government advises extra caution for children and senior citizens.
- Acclimatise. Don’t rush up. Spend a night in Rishikesh, Uttarkashi or Guptkashi on the way.
- Walk slowly and stay hydrated on the treks. Rest whenever you feel breathless.
- Know the warning signs of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness. If they get worse, go down and see a doctor. Medical posts are available along the main routes.
- Carry your regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit.
- Check the weather and follow police and administration advisories.
What to pack
- Warm layers: thermals, a fleece and a proper jacket (even in May)
- A rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip, plus a spare pair of socks
- Woollen cap and gloves
- Torch or headlamp, power bank
- ID proof, registration printout, some cash (ATMs and network can be unreliable)
- Personal medicines, ORS, sunscreen
- A small backpack for the trek days
Tips from Dehradun
- Start from Dehradun to save time: the Mussoorie–Barkot road takes you straight towards Yamunotri.
- Fill fuel and carry cash in Dehradun, Rishikesh or Uttarkashi; services thin out higher up.
- Leave early every day. Afternoon rain and traffic are common.
- Respect the mountains. Don’t litter, don’t play loud music, and follow local rules at the temples.
Frequently asked questions
When will Char Dham 2026 close?
Tentatively, Gangotri on 10 November, Yamunotri and Kedarnath on 11 November (Bhai Dooj), and Badrinath on 13 November 2026. The temple committees confirm the final dates.
When will Char Dham Yatra 2027 start?
The shrines usually open between late April and May. Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya, Kedarnath’s date is announced on Mahashivratri and Badrinath’s on Basant Panchami.
Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Registration is mandatory and free, through the official portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app or official registration points.
How many days are needed for Char Dham Yatra?
About 10 to 12 days by road from Dehradun or Haridwar, plus a buffer day or two. Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) takes about 5 to 6 days.
What is the correct order of Char Dham Yatra?
Traditionally, Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
About 16 to 18 km one way from Gaurikund. Ponies, palkis and helicopters are available.
Last updated: October 2026. We’ll add the official 2027 opening dates as soon as they’re announced.
