चार धाम यात्रा का पंजीकरण अनिवार्य है। सही महीना, पारंपरिक मार्ग, हेलीकॉप्टर विकल्प और बुज़ुर्गों के लिए ज़रूरी सलाह।
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — is one of the most important pilgrimages in Hinduism. Every year, lakhs of yatris travel into the Garhwal Himalaya between May and November. Here is everything you need to plan it well.
Registration is compulsory
Every yatri must register with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board before the yatra — online on the official registration website or app, or at registration counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh. You need an Aadhaar card or another photo ID. Registration is checked at multiple points on the route. When you travel with us, we complete registration for your whole group.
When do the temples open?
The opening dates are announced each year — Yamunotri and Gangotri usually open on Akshaya Tritiya (April–May), Kedarnath and Badrinath within days after. The temples close around Diwali / Bhai Dooj in October–November, when the deities move to their winter seats.
Best time to go
- May – June: Pleasant weather, but the biggest crowds. Book early.
- July – August: Monsoon. Landslides and road closures are common — we advise families with elders to avoid it.
- September – October: Clear skies, fewer crowds and the best mountain views. Our favourite season.
The traditional route
Char Dham is traditionally done west to east: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath, usually starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh. A comfortable road yatra takes 10–12 days. The two treks are:
- Yamunotri: about 6 km from Janki Chatti. Ponies and palkis are available.
- Kedarnath: about 16 km from Gaurikund. Ponies, palkis, pithus — or helicopter from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi.
Gangotri and Badrinath are reachable by road right up to the temple.
Doing it by helicopter
There are two options: a road yatra with a helicopter only for Kedarnath (most popular), or a full Char Dham helicopter package from Dehradun that covers all four dhams in 5–6 days. Kedarnath shuttle tickets are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal. Read our Kedarnath helicopter booking guide to avoid fake websites.
Tips for senior citizens
- Choose an 11–12 day plan, not a rushed 8-day one.
- Book pony or palki in advance for Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
- Carry BP and sugar medicines for the full trip, plus extra.
- Stay overnight at Kedarnath only if the doctor says it is fine — it is cold at night.
- Dress in layers — mornings are cold even in June.
Packing list
- Warm jacket, thermals, woollen cap and gloves
- Rain poncho and a small umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Torch, power bank, water bottle
- ID proof and registration printout
Want us to plan it? See our Char Dham Yatra package or WhatsApp us your dates.
