Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand
The Char Dham- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath - are the four Himalayan shrines of Uttarakhand, traditionally visited west to east in a single pilgrimage. This guide covers each shrine's deity, altitude, district and route, with links into the surrounding villages, treks and weather.
Char Dham Yatra season
The Char Dham temples open around late April or early May (Akshaya Tritiya) and close near Diwali/Bhai Dooj in October-November. Exact opening and closing dates are announced each year - always confirm the current year's dates and registration rules before travelling.
1. Yamunotri यमुनोत्री
3,293 mThe westernmost of the Char Dham and the source shrine of the river Yamuna, reached by a steep ~6 km walk from Janki Chatti. Pilgrims cook rice in the Surya Kund hot spring beside the temple.
2. Gangotri गंगोत्री
3,100 mThe origin shrine of the Ganga, on the Bhagirathi at Gangotri town. The glacial source itself, Gaumukh, is an 18 km trek further up the valley.
3. Kedarnath केदारनाथ
3,583 mThe most remote of the four and the highest of the Panch Kedar, a ~16 km walk (or pony/helicopter) up from Gaurikund to the stone temple below the Kedarnath peaks.
4. Badrinath बद्रीनाथ
3,300 mThe easternmost dham and the only one reachable by road to its door, on the Alaknanda below Neelkanth peak. Also one of the Vishnu Char Dham of all India.
Plan around the yatra
Independent travel guide. Altitudes are approximate and yatra dates are announced yearly - verify the current schedule and registration on the official Uttarakhand Char Dham portal before travelling.