About the Chota Char Dham (Uttarakhand)
The Chota Char Dham — usually just called the Char Dham today — are four Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri at the source of the Yamuna, Gangotri near the source of the Ganga, Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Badrinath, the abode of Vishnu as Badrinarayan. The traditional order runs west to east, from Yamunotri to Badrinath.
This is a high-altitude yatra over mountain roads, with treks to Yamunotri and Kedarnath. Registration with the Uttarakhand government is required, and the Kedarnath trek can also be replaced by a helicopter service in season. It needs fitness, warm clothing and flexible plans, because weather and road closures can change the day's schedule.
The usual route
- Haridwar or Rishikesh (start)
- Yamunotri — trek of about 6 km from Janki Chatti
- Gangotri — reached by road
- Kedarnath — trek of about 16 km from Gaurikund, or helicopter
- Badrinath — reached by road, with Mana village nearby
Routes vary by operator and starting city. Opening dates, timings and rules change — confirm with the temple or the official portal before you travel.
Temple guides for this yatra
Timings, aarti, how to reach, dress code and tips for each temple.
When to go
The temples usually open around Akshaya Tritiya (April–May) and close around Diwali or Bhai Dooj (October–November). The monsoon months (July–August) bring landslides; May–June and September–October are the most popular windows.
Practical tips
- Register for the yatra on the Uttarakhand government's official portal before you travel, and carry the registration.
- Keep a buffer day or two for landslides and road closures.
- Take altitude seriously: climb slowly, keep warm and consult a doctor before the trip if you have heart or breathing conditions.
- Book helicopter tickets only through the official channels announced each season.
Read before you go
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