Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra 2025 - The Complete Guide
The Char Dham Yatra 2025 in Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism. It consists of visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees go on this spiritual journey to seek blessings and feel the divine energies of these shrines.
1. Char Dham Yatra Importance
The Char Dham is also known as Chhota Char Dham because it is not the same as the Char Dham pilgrimage established by Adi Shankaracharya wherein Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram enumerate.
• The Shrine dedicated to her is at Yamunotri; it is the first stage of Char Dham Yatra.
• Gangotri is the holy source of the holy Ganga River.
• Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• Badrinath is the shrine of Lord Vishnu and marks the last leg of the yatr
a.
2. The Most Suitable Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra
Every year from April or May to October or November, the Char Dham Yatra remains open for devotees. The best months are:
– April to June is the best time as it is pleasant.
– July to August is otherwise avoided as they witness landslides.
– September to October is the ideal time after the monsoon.
– November to March is when the temples remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
3. Routes to Reach Char Dham Yatra
• By Air
Closest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun.
Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath and Badrinath from Dehradun.
• By Train
Haridwar Railway Station is fairly connected nationally and internationally with all the major cities.
Rishikesh has the nearest station but a couple of limited trains heading towards Rishikesh only.
• By Road
The Yatra initiates from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
There are on-road bus and taxi services that reach from these cities to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
1. Traditional Route (From Haridwar/Rishikesh) – Most Common & Preferred
Starting Point: Haridwar or Rishikesh
1. Haridwar/Rishikesh → Yamunotri (225 km by road + 6 km trek)
Route: Haridwar → Dehradun → Barkot → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri (6 km trek)
Travel Mode: Bus, taxi, or self-drive to Janki Chatti, then trek.
2. Yamunotri → Gangotri (230 km by road)
Route: Janki Chatti → Barkot → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Travel Mode: Bus, taxi, or self-drive.
Gangotri → Kedarnath (380 km by road + 16 km trek)
3. Gangotri → Kedarnath (380 km by road + 16 km trek)
Route: Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (16 km trek)
Travel Mode: Bus, taxi to Gaurikund, then trek or take a helicopter.
4. Kedarnath → Badrinath (210 km by road)
Route: Gaurikund → Guptkashi → Joshimath → Badrinath
Travel Mode: Bus, taxi, or self-drive.
5. Badrinath → Haridwar/Rishikesh (320 km by road)
Route: Badrinath → Joshimath → Rudraprayag → Rishikesh → Haridwar
4. Entry and Registration for Char Dham Yatra
Online Registration
The registration for Char Dham Yatra has been made compulsory by the Uttarakhand government.
The pilgrims can register through online means at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app.
• Biometric Registration
Available at Haridwar, Rishikesh, and also the major starting points of the yatra. .
Kedarnath Helicopter Permit
Booking can be done online at heliservices.uk.gov.in.
It is always advisable to book in advance.
• Vehicle Permit
Private vehicle owners must obtain a green card or pollution permit from the RTO.
Accomodation Options
For Budget Travelers
GMVN Tourist Rest Houses are the pocket-friendly staying options in the government.
Most of the places have Dharamshalas and Ashrams.
Char Dham Yatra Accommodation
| Location | Recommended Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Haridwar | Mansa Devi Dharamshala, Ganga Lahari Hotel, Alaknanda Hotel |
| Rishikesh | Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Hotel Ganga Kinare |
| Barkot (Yamunotri) | GMVN Tourist Rest House, Kalindi Palace |
| Harsil (Gangotri) | Himalayan Nature Resort, GMVN Lodge |
| Guptkashi (Kedarnath Base) | GMVN Rest House, Kedar Valley Resort |
| Gaurikund (Before Kedarnath Trek) | GMVN Guesthouse, Punjab Sindh Awas |
| Kedarnath | GMVN Cottages, Kedar Camps (Tents available) |
| Badrinath | Narayan Palace Hotel, GMVN Rest House |
Important Travel Tips
Start early to avoid traffic and delays.
Take warm clothes because temperatures can drop suddenly.
Hold onto cash since ATM banks are limited.
Stay hydrated and carry dry fruits and glucose.
Be friendly with the environment; avoid plastic waste.
Avoid self-driving as the roads are difficult and hire a driver who is experienced.
Cost of Char Dham Yatra (Budget Planning)
| Category | Approximate Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Budget Trip (Public Transport + Dormitory) | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Mid-Range Trip (Private Cab + Standard Hotels) | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Luxury Trip (SUV + 3-Star Hotels) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Helicopter Package | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
Additional Costs
- Mule/Palki for Kedarnath Trek – ₹3,000 – ₹7,000
- Pony for Yamunotri Trek – ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
- Darshan Special Entry (if available) – ₹500 – ₹1,000
Latest updates on Char Dham Yatra as of March 16, 2025:
Yatra Start Dates:
-Kedarnath Temple, May 2, 2025.
-Badrinath Temple, May 4, 2025.
Registration and Booking:
Online Registration will begin around 20 March, 2025, about 40 days before the yatra season begins. To accommodate the large pilgrim numbers, online and offline registration will both be accepted.
Mandatory Declaration Form:
-A new ruling has been put in place requiring all pilgrims to submit a mandatory declaration form before setting off for the yatra for safety and preparedness.
Environmental Safety Measures:
-Green cess would be charged to vehicles entering Uttarakhand during the yatra in the name of environmental conservation.
Statistics on Pilgrims:
-For the 2024 season, over 3.8 million devotees attended the Char Dham shrines, a very great increase in the number of pilgrims.
These updates are based on the latest information, prone to changes. For the latest developments and all correct particulars, it is suggested to refer to the official sources or authorized tour operators before making travel plans.
Char Dham Yatra is likely to be a spiritually enriching journey. It requires a lot of planning, including aspects about travelling, accommodation, and permits, all of which should be looked into. Thus, travelling from one location to another can be a very smooth experience in doing such a pilgrimage.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Char Dham Yatra start in 2025?
The Char Dham Yatra is set to begin in May 2025. Kedarnath Temple will open on May 2, while Badrinath Temple will open on May 4. The opening dates for Yamunotri and Gangotri are also expected in early May
Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, all pilgrims must register for the yatra. Online and offline registration options will be available. Registration is essential for crowd management and ensuring safety during the pilgrimage.
How many days are required for the Char Dham Yatra?
The complete Char Dham Yatra typically takes 10 to 12 days. However, if you opt for a helicopter tour, it can be completed in 3 to 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Char Dham?
The best time for the yatra is from May to June and September to October. The monsoon season (July–August) is not recommended due to landslides and roadblocks.
