Updated January 2026:
This Char Dham Yatra guide includes complete route details, registration process, accommodation, and travel tips. Char Dham Yatra 2026 opening dates will be updated after official announcement.

Char Dham Yatra (2025–2026) – Location, History & Religious Significance

The Char Dham Yatra 2025–26 is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, drawing devotees from across the world to the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

This holy journey covers the four revered shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, collectively known as Char Dham. Each temple holds immense spiritual value, and together they are believed to wash away sins and lead devotees towards salvation.

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Char Dham circuit was established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, who revived Hindu pilgrimage traditions. Since then, the yatra has been considered a must for every devotee, as it combines natural beauty with deep-rooted faith.

The Char Dham temples open every summer and close with the onset of winter, making the Char Dham Yatra season a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

The journey traditionally begins from Yamunotri Dham, then moves to Gangotri, continues to Kedarnath, and concludes at Badrinath Dham. This order of travel is followed by millions of pilgrims, as it represents a path from the origins of the sacred rivers Yamuna and Ganga, to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath, and finally to Lord Vishnu at Badrinath.

For devotees and travelers alike, the Char Dham pilgrimage is not just a religious circuit but also a cultural and spiritual journey through the Himalayas. Along the way, pilgrims experience holy rituals, local traditions, and breathtaking mountain landscapes that make this yatra one of the most meaningful pilgrimages in the world.

We bring you complete information on history, significance, routes, opening dates, accommodation, travel tips, and links to detailed dham-wise blogs for 2025.

Enjoy the beauty of nature, think before you trash it.

प्रकृति की सुंदरता का आनंद लें, इसे कूड़ा करकट, नष्ट करने से पहले सोचें।

Registration for Char Dham Yatra 2025–2026

Is Registration Mandatory?

• Yes, registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Char Dham – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Without registration, entry at checkpoints will not be allowed.

Online Registration Process

• Visit the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or use the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app.
• Fill in details like name, date of travel, dham to be visited, and contact information.
• Upload a valid photo ID and complete the form.
• After successful registration, you will receive a Yatra Registration Letter / QR code via SMS or email.
• Carry a printed/digital copy with you during the yatra.

Offline Registration Process

• Offline & biometric registration counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Sonprayag, Janki Chatti, Guptkashi, Phata, and other locations on the route.
• Pilgrims can register by showing their ID and filling in a short form at these counters.

Required Documents

• A valid Government-issued Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License etc.)
• A recent passport-size photo
• Basic details like address, emergency contact, and travel plan.

Why Registration is Important?

• Helps the government manage pilgrim flow and safety in high-altitude areas.
• Ensures tracking & assistance in case of emergencies.
• Required for booking helicopter services to Kedarnath.
• Provides authentic data for Char Dham Yatra management.
• Gives pilgrims official recognition and access during the yatra.

The Four Dhams of Uttarakhand – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath

The Char Dham Yatra season takes pilgrims on a sacred circuit through the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, covering four holy temples – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Each dham has its own significance, and together they represent the spiritual journey from the origins of holy rivers to the abodes of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

According to Hindu belief, this specific order of travel – Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath – must be followed to complete the pilgrimage properly. This sequence symbolizes a spiritual path that begins with purification at the rivers and leads to ultimate liberation through the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Yamunotri Dham/ यमुनोत्री धाम

• Deity: Goddess Yamuna
• Altitude: ~3,293 meters
• Highlights: Surya Kund (hot spring), Divya Shila, Janki Chatti trek base
• Significance: First dham of the yatra, origin of River Yamuna

Read complete blog: Yamunotri Dham Yatra 2025: Complete Guide to Dates, Route & Trekking Tips/ यमुनोत्री धाम

Gangotri Dham/ गंगोत्री धाम

• Deity: Goddess Ganga
• Altitude: ~3,100 meters
• Highlights: Bhagirath Shila, Surya Kund, Pandav Gufa
• Significance: Origin of River Ganga, symbol of purity

Read complete blog: Gangotri Dham Yatra Guide 2025-2026 – Temple History, Travel Route, Best Time to Visit & Complete Information/ गंगोत्री धाम

Kedarnath Dham/ केदारनाथ धाम

• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Altitude: ~3,583 meters
• Highlights: Kedarnath Temple (Jyotirlinga), Gaurikund, Bhimashila, Statue of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Ji, Bhairavnath Temple, Retas Kund
• Significance: Most important among Panch Kedar, part of Char Dham and Jyotirlinga yatra

Read complete blog: Kedarnath Dham Yatra Guide 2025-2026 : How to Reach, Temple Opening Dates & Best Time to Visit/ केदारनाथ धाम यात्रा

Badrinath Dham/ बद्रीनाथ धाम

• Deity: Lord Vishnu
• Altitude: ~3,133 meters
• Highlights: Tapt Kund, Mana Village, Neelkanth Peak, Charan Paduka, Vasudhara Falls
• Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, part of both Char Dham and Chota Char Dham circuits

Read complete blog: Badrinath Dham Yatra Guide 2025-2026 – Temple, Darshan Timings & Travel Tips/ बद्रीनाथ धाम यात्रा

Char Dham Yatra 2025-2026 Opening & Closing Dates

Note: The following dates are for Char Dham Yatra 2025. Dates for 2026 will be updated once officially announced.

• Yamunotri Dham: Opens 2nd May 2025 (Akshay Tritiya), Closes 28th October 2025 (Yama Dwitiya)
• Gangotri Dham: Opens 2nd May 2025, Closes 28th October 2025
• Kedarnath Dham: Opens 2nd May 2025, Closes 29th October 2025 (tentative)
• Badrinath Dham: Opens 2nd May 2025, Closes 20th November 2025 (tentative)

Travel Route for Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra usually starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh, moving in the traditional order:

Haridwar/Rishikesh → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath

• Delhi to Haridwar: ~230 km
• Haridwar to Yamunotri: ~240 km + 6 km trek
• Yamunotri to Gangotri: ~220 km
• Gangotri to Kedarnath: ~250 km + 16 km trek from Gaurikund
• Kedarnath to Badrinath: ~230 km

Accommodation During Char Dham Yatra 2025 – 2026

• GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Rest Houses available in major towns.
• Budget hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas at Haridwar, Barkot, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath.
• Homestays in villages like Kharsali, Mana, and Hanuman Chatti for authentic Himalayan experiences.
• Advance booking recommended during peak months (May–June).

Travel Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2025-2026

• Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims (online or at counters in Haridwar/Rishikesh).
• Carry warm clothes, trekking shoes, raincoat, and medical kit.
• Start treks early morning for safe return before dark.
• Avoid travel in July–August due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
• Keep cash, as ATMs may not work in remote areas.
• Mobile network is weak beyond base towns.

Quick Facts About Char Dham Yatra 2025 – 2026

• Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
• Four Dhams: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath
• Altitude Range: 3,000 – 3,600 meters
• Opening Dates 2025: All temples open on 2nd May 2025 (Akshay Tritiya)
• Closing Dates 2025:
• Yamunotri Dham – 28th October 2025 (Yama Dwitiya)
• Gangotri Dham – 28th October 2025 (Yama Dwitiya)
• Kedarnath Dham – 29th October 2025 (tentative)
• Badrinath Dham – 20th November 2025 (tentative)
• Order of Travel: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
• Yatra Duration: Around 10–12 days for the full circuit
• Significance: Believed to wash away sins and grant moksha (salvation)
• Deities Worshipped: Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu
• Registration: Mandatory (online or at counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun)
• Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October
• Mode of Travel: Road journey + treks (Yamunotri 6 km, Kedarnath 16 km) + helicopter services available
• Accommodation: GMVN rest houses, hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas at major stops

Final Thought

The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey through the Himalayas but a spiritual path that holds deep religious importance for Hindus. Beginning from Yamunotri, moving through Gangotri, then to the divine abode of Lord Shiva in Kedarnath, and finally concluding at Lord Vishnu’s temple in Badrinath, this yatra is believed to purify the soul and lead devotees towards moksha.

Every dham has its own unique story, rituals, and sacred significance, making the yatra a blend of faith, history, and culture. With proper planning, registration, and preparation, pilgrims can experience this holy journey with comfort and devotion.

Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is more than a pilgrimage — it is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner self, seek blessings from the divine, and witness the timeless traditions of the Himalayas.

If you’re planning only a short pilgrimage, you can also consider the Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath–Badrinath).

FAQs – Char Dham Yatra (2025–2026)

Are Char Dham Yatra 2026 dates announced?
No, Char Dham opening dates are announced every year around March–April. 2026 dates will be updated after official notification.

Can I plan Char Dham Yatra in 2026 now?
Yes, you can plan routes, accommodation, and registration process in advance, but exact dates depend on official announcements.

Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra 2025-26?
Yes, registration is compulsory for all pilgrims. Without it, entry at checkpoints to the dhams will not be allowed.

How do I register online for Char Dham Yatra 2025-26?
Visit the official portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand App, fill in details, upload ID proof, and download the Yatra QR code/letter.

Can I register offline for Char Dham Yatra 2025-26?
Yes, offline and biometric registration counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and major halts along the yatra route.

What documents are required for Char Dham Yatra registration?
Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport) and a recent passport-size photo.

When will Char Dham Yatra 2025 begin?
All four shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – will open on 2nd May 2025 (Akshay Tritiya).

When will Char Dham Yatra 2025 end?
The temples close in late October or November, depending on each dham:

• Yamunotri & Gangotri: 28th October 2025
• Kedarnath: 29th October 2025 (tentative)
• Badrinath: 20th November 2025 (tentative)

What is the correct order of Char Dham Yatra?
The traditional order is: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.

How long does Char Dham Yatra take?
The complete circuit usually takes 10–12 days by road.

What is the altitude of Char Dham temples?

• Yamunotri: 3,293 m
• Gangotri: 3,100 m
• Kedarnath: 3,583 m
• Badrinath: 3,133 m

What is the trek distance for Yamunotri and Kedarnath?

• Yamunotri: 6 km trek from Janki Chatti
• Kedarnath: 16 km trek from Gaurikund

Can elderly people complete Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, with assistance. Pony, palki, and doli services are available for Yamunotri and Kedarnath treks, and helicopter services are also an option.

Are helicopter services available for Char Dham Yatra 2025?
Yes, helicopter services are available from Dehradun, Phata, Guptkashi, and Kharsali for Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Packages covering all four dhams are also available.

What is the cost of Char Dham Yatra 2025?
The cost depends on the mode of travel:

• Budget road yatra: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per person
• Helicopter yatra: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per person (approx.)

What is the best time to visit Char Dham in 2025?

• May–June (summer): Best weather, heavy pilgrim rush
• July–August (monsoon): Risk of landslides, avoid if possible
• September–October (autumn): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Is medical fitness required for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, a basic medical check-up is recommended. Those with heart, asthma, or high blood pressure problems should consult doctors before traveling.

What type of accommodation is available during the yatra?
Accommodation ranges from GMVN rest houses, hotels, dharamshalas, homestays to luxury resorts in towns like Barkot, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath.

What food is available during Char Dham Yatra?
Simple vegetarian food is served at dhabas, lodges, and langars along the route. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited near the temples.

Is ATM and mobile network available on the Char Dham route?
ATMs are available in towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, but limited near the shrines. Mobile network is patchy, especially at Kedarnath and Yamunotri.

Can I do only one or two dhams instead of all four?
Yes, many pilgrims choose Do Dham Yatra (Kedarnath-Badrinath or Yamunotri-Gangotri). But traditionally, completing all four is considered most sacred.

Why is Char Dham Yatra important?
The yatra represents a journey of faith and salvation. Visiting these four dhams is believed to cleanse sins, bring blessings, and guide devotees towards moksha.