For millions of devout Hindus across India, the Char Dham Yatra is not merely a journey — it is a lifelong spiritual ambition. Nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Char Dham circuit encompasses four of the holiest shrines in all of Hinduism: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, pilgrims from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and every corner of Bharat set aside their worldly lives and embark on this transformative expedition.
What Is Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra refers to the pilgrimage circuit of four sacred shrines established in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.According to Hindu belief, completing the Char Dham Yatra cleanses a devotee of all sins accumulated over multiple lifetimes and grants moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Choosing Root Indians for your Char Dham Yatra means opting for a pilgrimage experience that prioritizes authenticity, cultural depth, and spiritual integrity.Root Indians focuses on connecting pilgrims with the true essence of the Himalayas and the ancient traditions of Bharat.
The Four Sacred Dhams: Route, Opening Dates & Registration Details
- Yamunotri — The Source of the Yamuna
Yamunotri is the first stop on the Char Dham circuit. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, daughter of the Sun God Surya. Pilgrims from Delhi, Haridwar, and across northern India traditionally begin their yatra here. The trek to the temple from Janki Chatti is about 6 km, and the natural hot spring called Surya Kund, where devotees cook rice and potatoes in the boiling water as prasad, is a remarkable experience.
2. Gangotri — The Birthplace of the Ganges
Gangotri, where the sacred river Ganga is believed to have descended to earth. The Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is located near the Bhagirathi River.
3. Kedarnath — The Abode of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is perhaps the most challenging destination in the Char Dham circuit. Pilgrims trek approximately 16 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple.
4. Badrinath — The Shrine of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath, the final and most visited dham, sits at 3,133 metres in the Chamoli district along the banks of the Alaknanda River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams celebrated in the hymns of the Alvars.
Route Map:
Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Barkot → Uttarkashi → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Rishikesh → Delhi.
Official Opening Dates 2026:
Yamunotri : 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya)
Gangotri : 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya)
Kedarnath : 22 April 2026
Badrinath : 24 April 2026
Note: Char Dham Yatra Temples close in October–November. Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath close on Bhai Dooj, while Badrinath closes on Vijay Dashami, after which deities are shifted to their winter abodes.
How to Register to Char Dham Yatra — 3 Easy Ways
- Online (Official Portal)
Visit the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — fill in your basic information such as name, address, and contact details. After successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation along with your Yatra details and a QR cod - Mobile App
Download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app, available for both Android and iOS devices. - Offline Registration
Designated registration counters are available in major cities including Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag. Applicants must submit physical copies of their ID, photo, and medical certificate to receive a Yatra pass.
Official Registration Link:
👉 registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Passport-size photograph
- Medical certificate (mandatory for those above 65 and children under 12
🎟️ Yatra Pass — Important Points
After successful registration, you can download your Yatra pass with a QR code from the “View/Modify Your Tour” section. Print and carry this document, as it will be required for verification at various Dhams during your journey. A maximum of 8 people can be registered under one booking.
Char Dham Yatra Registration Process for Helicopter Booking
Documents Required for Helicopter Ragistration
- Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID
- Digital copies of ID proofs will not be accepted.
- A unique registration number is required for the ticket booking of the helicopter services. The registration number is checked at the helipads.
- Passport-size photograph
- Medical certificate (mandatory for those above 65 and children under 12
Who needs to register for the Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra Registration is mandatory for all the pilgrims, including all those listed below-
- Indian pilgrims
- NRI travelers
- Senior citizens
- Children
- Helicopter passengers
Mandatory Registration: Mention that online registration opened on March 6, 2026, at 7 AM and it’s 100% mandatory for all pilgrims this year
What are the Char Dham Yatra Registration Fees?
The Char Dham Yatra registration process is a government service, and it is free for all pilgrims. All pilgrims must register for the Char Dham Yatra.
Service charges- Extra service charges will be paid for an available helicopter ride, accommodation, VIP darshan, and vehicle permit.
Helicopter General costs per person: Kedarnath helicopter ride- 6000-12000 rupees approx per person ( round trip) / Complete Char Dham Yatra- 1.8- 2.5 lakh per person.
Best Time to Visit for 4 Dham Yatra
The Char Dham temples observe seasonal opening and closing dates, typically between May and November. The portals open after the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and close during Diwali (October/November) as the region receives heavy snowfall. The months of May, June, September, and October are ideal for the yatra. Monsoon months (July–August) bring heavy rainfall and landslide risks, so pilgrims are advised to plan accordingly.
Why Choose Root Indians for Char Dham Yatra?
- Experienced Travel Experts
- Comfortable Transport & Professional Drivers
- Carefully Selected Hotels & Meals
- Customized Packages & Transparent Pricing for Every Traveller
- Complete Travel Assistance
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Pick up and Drop facility for Airport, Railway Station, Hotels.
✨ With reliable services, experienced drivers, and well-planned itineraries, Root Indians ensures a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling Char Dham Yatra.
For more information visit our website www.rootindians.com or contact on +91 78777 38437 For Customized itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions for Char Dham Yatra Tour Packages:
- What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India, covering four holy temples in Uttarakhand –Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple. Devotees believe completing this journey brings spiritual purification and blessings. - When is the best time to visit Char Dham?
The Char Dham temples usually open between April/May and close around October/November, depending on weather conditions. The best time to visit is from May to June and September to October when the weather is more comfortable for travel. - How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra?
The complete Char Dham Yatra typically takes 10 to 12 days by road. Some travelers also choose helicopter packages which allow them to complete the yatra in 2 to 5 days. - Is registration required for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, the Uttarakhand Government requires all pilgrims to complete online or offline registration before starting the Char Dham Yatra for safety and travel management.
