1. What is the Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham means "four abodes". In Uttarakhand the circuit links four shrines high in the Garhwal Himalaya: Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna; Gangotri, the source of the Ganga; Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva; and Badrinath, a holy seat of Vishnu.
Tradition says you travel from west to east, so most pilgrims visit Yamunotri first and Badrinath last. It is one of the busiest pilgrimages in the world. In 2026 more than 56 lakh (5.6 million) pilgrims had visited the four shrines by early October.
2. When do the temples open in 2027?
The shrines are only open for about six months a year because snow closes the high roads in winter. In 2026 Yamunotri and Gangotri opened on 19 April, Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April.
The 2027 dates are fixed by the temple committees in the months before the season. The Badrinath date is usually announced on Basant Panchami and the Kedarnath date on Mahashivratri, so expect the official 2027 calendar in February or March 2027. Yamunotri and Gangotri traditionally open on Akshaya Tritiya. The shrines close for winter around Diwali and Bhai Dooj.
3. The classic route and how long it takes
Most journeys start in Haridwar or Rishikesh. A typical road route is Haridwar to Barkot for Yamunotri, then Uttarkashi for Gangotri, then Guptkashi or Sitapur for Kedarnath, and finally Joshimath to Badrinath before returning to Haridwar.
Allow 10 to 12 days for the full circuit by road. Shorter trips are possible by helicopter, and many families choose a Do Dham trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath in 5 to 6 days.
4. Treks and walking distances
Two of the four shrines need a walk. Kedarnath is about 16 km uphill from Gaurikund, and Yamunotri is about 6 km from Janki Chatti. Gangotri and Badrinath can be reached by road.
Ponies, palkis (carried chairs) and porters are available on both treks, and helicopter services fly to Kedarnath. Book helicopters only through the official Uttarakhand channels to avoid fake booking websites.
5. Registration and documents
Every pilgrim must register with Uttarakhand Tourism before the yatra. Registration is free and can be done online or at counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other points. In 2026 online registration opened in early March and offline counters in mid April.
Carry the registration slip and a government photo ID. Rules can change from year to year, so check the official portal before you travel.
6. Best time to go
May and June bring the biggest crowds and the most pleasant weather. July and August are the monsoon months, when landslides can block roads, so build in spare days if you travel then.
September and October are often the best balance: clear mountain views, smaller crowds and cool nights. Pack warm layers in every month, because Kedarnath sits at about 3,580 metres.
7. Health and safety
Kedarnath and Yamunotri involve steep climbs at altitude. Walk slowly, drink water, and talk to your doctor before the trip if you have heart or lung conditions or are over 60. Health screening points operate on the trek routes.
Start early each day, carry a rain jacket, and keep some cash, because mobile networks and card machines are unreliable in the mountains.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for the Char Dham Yatra?
Plan 10 to 12 days by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh. A helicopter yatra can be done in 5 to 6 days, and a Do Dham trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath takes about 5 to 6 days by road.
When will the Char Dham Yatra 2027 start?
The 2027 dates have not been announced yet. The temples usually open between late April and early May. The Badrinath date is announced on Basant Panchami and the Kedarnath date on Mahashivratri.
Is registration compulsory for the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register with Uttarakhand Tourism before starting. Registration is free and can be done online or at registration counters.
Which order should the four dhams be visited in?
By tradition the yatra goes from west to east: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The Kedarnath trek is about 16 km one way from Gaurikund. Ponies, palkis and helicopter services are available.
What is the best month for the Char Dham Yatra?
May, June, September and October are the best months. Avoid July and August if you can, because monsoon landslides often block the roads.
Sources
Dates, fees and rules change every season. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
