Char Dham Yatra Guide & Updates for 2024

Char Dham Yatra is a yatra or pilgrimage circuit which covers the four major places of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In India, this Char Dham Yatra ranks among the most sacred pilgrimages of the Hindu religion. This sacred yatra is a pilgrimage where tourists visit the four immensely holy temples of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. All these four temples are situated in Uttarakhand. It is said that if you visit these temples then you will be liberated from the cycle of life and death. These temples are all devoted to the mighty Hindu gods and goddesses. The temples are located in the high Himalayan mountain ranges. Walking, trekking, pony rides, and palkhis are available to reach these temples. You can take a rental cab service to reach major places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Joshimath, and other places.

Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is called Chota Char Dham Yatra. This is because it avoids confusion and people do not identify with Char Dhams of India, which are Jagannath Puri, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and Kedarnath. It is said that in the 8th century in ancient India, Adi Shankaracharya popularized the four temples in Uttarakhand. Since then, these temples have become very famous as the major temples in Uttarakhand. Later on, because of a tourism point of view, these temples came to be recognized as the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

Opening Dates for Char Dham Yatra 2024

This year in 2024, the Char Dham Yatra is going to be a huge event in Uttarakhand. Our Chardham Yatra package will give you all the best services along with the opening and closing dates, registration details, helicopter service, road map, tour schedule and other details. The exact dates on which the temple gates will open for visitors are yet to be finalized. However, the tentative opening and closing dates are announced and these are given:

Char Dham Yatra Temples	Opening Dates	Closing Dates
Yamunotri	10 May 2024 (tentative)	31 October 2024 (tentative)
Gangotri	10 May 2024 (tentative)	2 November 2024 (tentative)
Kedarnath	10 May 2024	2 November 2024 (tentative)
Badrinath	12 May 2024	9 November 2024 (tentative)

Recommended read: Chardham Yatra Online Registration Open for 2024

Char Dham Yatra Circuit

Char Dham Yatra is a tourist circuit that covers all four temples, along with Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and other places. Tourists generally visit all four temples in one single tour. But they also have the option to tour three temples (Teen Dham Yatra), two temples (Do Dham Yatra), and one temple (Ek Dham Yatra). Tour operators normally start this Char Dham Yatra tour with Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in that order. We have separate Chardham Yatra packages for such yatra.

Char Dham Yatra – the four ‘dhams’

In our Chardham Yatra packages, you will have the best tour schedule for your benefit. Our Chardham Yatra packages are designed for you and considering your budget. You will love going on Char Dham Yatra with us as you will visit many places along the way. You will of course visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. But in addition to this, you will have an opportunity to visit many places. Some of the places you can visit in this Char Dham Yatra 2024 are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Joshimath, Devprayag, Karnaprayag, and others.

Gangotri

The place from where the holy river Ganga emerges is called Gangotri. The temple that is situated in Gangotri is devoted to this holy river, which is worshipped in the form of a goddess. Gangotri is situated in the high Himalayas and you can view the snow-capped mountains from the temple. Ganga originates at Gaumukh Glacier, which is a 19 km trek from the temple of Gangotri. The main temple has a huge religious significance as it was here that the Ganga emerged from the locks of Lord Shiva and took the form of a river.

Yamunotri

The temple of Yamunotri is one of the major temples in Char Dham Yatra. Goddess Yamuna is the main deity of this temple. The Yamuna River originates from Champasar Glacier, which is just 1 km from the temple. But this icy glacier is situated in steep mountains and is not accessible by foot. Surya Kund is a holy water tank near Yamunotri Temple and a hot thermal water spring emerges from this spot. Devotees boil potatoes and rice in boiling thermal water and offer this to the goddess Yamuna. The devotees then take this as prasad.

Kedarnath

The temple of Kedarnath is not only one of the Char Dham Yatra places but is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. Kedarnath Temple is also part of the Panch Kedar religious circuit in Uttarakhand. Devotees have to undertake a trek of around 22 km to reach the temple. The trek route passes through the most scenic landscapes and mountainous terrain. Mandakini River flows parallel to the trek route and provides scenic visuals throughout the trek. Mules, palkis, palanquins, and ponies are available for those who cannot trek on foot.

Badrinath

The temple of Badrinath is devoted to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Badrinath. The temple of Badrinath is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. Tourists can view the gurgling Alaknanda River and the town of Badrinath from the temple. The presence of Badrinath is mentioned in the Puranas and even in the Jain religion. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here for many years and Goddess Lakshmi provided shelter to him and turned into a Badri tree. Thus, she is called Badri Vishal and Lord Vishnu is referred to as Badrinath (the lord of Badri Vishal).

Plan your Char Dham Yatra with us

If you are planning to do Chardham Yatra tour, then 2024 is a good year to undertake this holy pilgrimage. Shrine Yatra has been offering the best Chardham Yatra packages. The best thing about these packages is that they come in both fixed tours and customizable tours as well. So you can add the places that you want to visit during this Char Dham Yatra. We offer our best Chardham Yatra tour packages so that you can have the best tour experiences in Uttarakhand during this Char Dham Yatra tour. We arrange for the best accommodation, meals, transportation, and tour guides during your entire duration of the yatra. In addition to this, we also arrange for special VIP darshan and puja at the famous temples.

Char Dham Helicopter Package

Those who do not want to trek during this Char Dham Yatra, can take a helicopter and visit the temples. Shrine Yatra offers Chardham Helicopter Package for tourists who wish to visit the temples in the quickest time possible. Many companies provide heli tours for Char Dham Yatra. Departure is from Dehradun Sahastradhara Helipad and arrival is at the same place. You will have to book the Helicopter in advance as the helicopter services tend to fill up very fast. We will always keep you updated about the latest Chardham Yatra package deals and offers.

Best Chardham Yatra Tour Operator in Haridwar 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best season to do the Char Dham Yatra?

April to May and June are the best months for Char Dham Yatra.

What is the duration of Char Dham Yatra by road?

It generally takes about 9 days to complete the Char Dham Yatra by road.

What time does a helcopter for Char Dham Yatra?

If you do the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter it will take about 4-5 days.

Can I do the Char Dham Yatra if I do not register?

No. Registration of yourself and your vehicles is a must for the Char Dham Yatra.

What is the cost of Chardham Yatra Package per person?

It depends on the package you take, but it is better to talk to us to know the exact package price.

What are the major cities to start the Char Dham Yatra?

Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Joshimath are the major cities to start your Char Dham Yatra.