In short: When the four Char Dham temples close for winter, their deities are carried down to Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath and Pandukeshwar, where worship continues until spring. Our Winter Char Dham Yatra visits all four winter seats in 8 days by road from Haridwar, from late November to April, with hotels, a private vehicle and an expert guide.
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Journey highlights
- Yamuna at her winter home in Kharsali
- Ganga at Mukhba, above the Bhagirathi near Harsil
- Lord Kedarnath at the Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
- Badrinath's winter seats at Pandukeshwar and the Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath
- Every temple by road, with no long trek
- Snow peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya on quiet winter roads
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1
Arrive in Haridwar
Reach Haridwar by train or road, settle into your hotel and join the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Day 2
Haridwar to Barkot
Drive about 210 km through Dehradun and Mussoorie into the Yamuna valley. Overnight at Barkot.
- Day 3
Kharsali, winter home of Yamuna
Drive about 45 km to Kharsali, the village below Yamunotri where the goddess is worshipped through the winter. Darshan, then drive on to Uttarkashi.
- Day 4
Mukhba, winter home of Ganga
Drive about 80 km up the Bhagirathi valley to Harsil and Mukhba, where the goddess Ganga spends the winter. Darshan and time in the village, then back to Uttarkashi.
- Day 5
Uttarkashi to Ukhimath
The longest road day, about 230 km across to the Mandakini valley. Overnight at Ukhimath or Guptkashi.
- Day 6
Omkareshwar Temple and on to Jyotirmath
Morning darshan of Lord Kedarnath at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, then drive about 180 km to Jyotirmath. Evening at the Narsingh Temple.
- Day 7
Pandukeshwar, winter seat of Badrinath
Drive about 20 km to Pandukeshwar for darshan at the Yogadhyan Badri Temple, then descend along the Alaknanda to Rudraprayag.
- Day 8
Return to Haridwar
Drive past the confluence at Devprayag to Haridwar and transfer to the station for your onward journey.
Every itinerary is a starting point. We adjust days, hotels and rituals to your wishes in the quote.
What is included
- Hotels and guesthouses for 7 nights, heated rooms where available
- Private vehicle with a hill driver for the whole route from Haridwar
- Expert guide who knows the winter seats and their rituals
- Daily breakfast and dinner, vegetarian throughout
- A flexible plan around snow and road closures
- 24/7 trip support from our team before and during travel
Not included
- Flights or trains to Haridwar
- Travel insurance
- Personal offerings, donations and tips
Plan your journey
How it works
- Tell us your plans
Share your dates, your group and the places you hope to visit, on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form.
- Get your itinerary and quote
A specialist replies personally with a day-by-day plan and a price for your group. It is free and carries no obligation.
- Shape it until it fits
We adjust the hotels, the pace, the rituals and the number of days until the journey suits your faith, budget and fitness.
- Confirm and travel
Once you confirm, we arrange the permits, stays, transport and guides, and stay in touch throughout the journey.
or message us on WhatsApp Cancellations follow our refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Winter Char Dham Yatra?
It is a pilgrimage to the winter seats of the four dhams. After the high temples close around Diwali, Yamuna is worshipped at Kharsali, Ganga at Mukhba near Harsil, Lord Kedarnath at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath and Lord Badrinath at Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath, until the doors reopen in late April or May.
When can I do the Winter Char Dham Yatra?
From late November, once Badrinath has closed for the season, until the main temples reopen in late April or May. December to February is the coldest and snowiest time; November and March have clearer roads and milder days.
Is the Winter Char Dham Yatra difficult?
No long trek is involved: every winter seat is reached by road. The days in the vehicle are long and mountain roads are cold, so it suits most healthy travellers, including seniors who could not manage the summer walk to Kedarnath or Yamunotri.
Can snow close the roads in winter?
Heavy snowfall can close the road to Harsil and Mukhba or the road above Jyotirmath for a day or two. We watch the forecast, keep a flexible day in the plan and reorder the route if needed.
How many people visit the winter seats?
Far fewer than in summer. Reports from the 2025-26 season counted over 34,000 pilgrims at the four winter seats by the start of February, most of them at Ukhimath, against several lakh at the main shrines in the summer.
How much does the Winter Char Dham Yatra cost?
We quote per group, because the cost depends on hotel category, vehicle, group size and dates. Winter rates in the hills are usually lower than in the summer yatra season. Send an enquiry and a specialist will reply with a tailored quote.
How many days is the Winter Char Dham Yatra?
The standard itinerary is 8 days. It can be shortened or extended to suit you.
When is the best time for the Winter Char Dham Yatra?
Late November to April, while the high temples are closed for winter
How demanding is the Winter Char Dham Yatra?
The pace is moderate. It is ideal for devotees who want darshan without the summer crowds, and seniors who cannot manage the summer treks.
