What is Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, covering four temples in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims undertake this journey seeking spiritual blessings and the divine experience of travelling through some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.
The traditional order of visiting the four dhams is Yamunotri first, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally Badrinath. This sequence follows the west-to-east geographical path and is considered the most auspicious route.
When Does Char Dham Yatra 2026 Open?
The portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri open on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, typically in late April or early May. Kedarnath and Badrinath open a few days later. The yatra season continues until October-November when the portals close for winter.
Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims in 2026. You can register for free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Without valid registration, entry to temples may not be permitted.
Recommended Day-by-Day Itinerary (10 Days)
Day 1: Dehradun to Barkot (via Mussoorie) — 200 km, 7-8 hours. Stop at Kempty Falls if time permits. Overnight in Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and back — 36 km drive to Janki Chatti, then 6 km trek to Yamunotri temple. Return to Barkot by evening.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi — 100 km, 4-5 hours. Rest day, visit Vishwanath Temple. Overnight in Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back — 100 km each way. Visit the sacred Gangotri temple at the origin of River Ganga. Return to Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi — 220 km, 8-9 hours. Long driving day through stunning mountain scenery. Overnight in Guptkashi.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath and back — Drive to Sonprayag (30 km), then trek 16 km to Kedarnath temple. Helicopter option available. Stay near Kedarnath or return to Guptkashi.
Day 7: Buffer day at Kedarnath or rest at Guptkashi. This buffer is essential for weather delays or trekking fatigue.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath — 200 km, 8-9 hours via Joshimath. Visit Badrinath temple in the evening.
Day 9: Badrinath darshan and Mana Village visit. Mana is the last Indian village before the Tibet border. Return journey begins — drive to Joshimath or Pipalkoti.
Day 10: Return to Dehradun or Haridwar — 300 km, 10-11 hours. Or split the return into two days for a more relaxed journey.
Taxi Fares for Char Dham Yatra
Shri Taxi offers all-inclusive Char Dham packages from Dehradun:
Sedan (Dzire/Baleno): ₹35,999 for 10 days. Best for 2-3 pilgrims travelling light.
Ertiga: ₹44,999 for 10 days. Comfortable for families of 4-5 with moderate luggage.
Innova Crysta: ₹56,699 for 10 days. Most popular choice — superior comfort for mountain roads, good ground clearance.
Tempo Traveller: ₹80,999 for 10 days. Ideal for groups of 7-12 pilgrims.
All packages include vehicle, experienced local pahadi driver, fuel, toll, parking and driver night stay allowance. A 10% discount is applied on all packages.
Essential Tips for Char Dham Yatra
Carry warm clothes even in summer — temperatures drop significantly at high altitude, especially at Kedarnath (3,583 m) and Badrinath (3,133 m). Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the treks.
Carry basic medicines — paracetamol, ORS packets, altitude sickness tablets and any personal prescriptions. Medical facilities are limited in remote areas.
Start each day early. Mountain roads are best driven in daylight. Your Shri Taxi driver will recommend the optimal departure times based on weather and road conditions.
Keep your Yatra registration printout and government ID proof with you at all times. Photography may be restricted inside some temples.
Why Travel Char Dham by Private Taxi?
A private taxi is the most comfortable and flexible way to complete the Char Dham circuit. Unlike buses, you travel at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and have a dedicated driver who knows every curve of these mountain roads.
Shri Taxi drivers are local pahadi residents — born and raised in Uttarakhand. They know the road conditions, the weather patterns, the best food stops and the safest routes. This local expertise is invaluable on a 10-day journey through some of the most challenging mountain terrain in India.
Book your Char Dham Yatra taxi at +91 6397321825 or WhatsApp us with your travel dates and group size.