The Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism — a circuit of four temples in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Together, these four Dhams are revered as the gateway to moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century philosopher-saint, is credited with formalizing this Himalayan pilgrimage circuit. Millions of pilgrims undertake the Char Dham Yatra every year between April and November. The temples sit between 3,048 m and 3,553 m altitude, accessible only in the warmer months before Himalayan winter closes the high passes.
Quick Overview:
- Char Dham Yatra: Pilgrimage to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath.
- Kapat Opening (2026): Yamunotri & Gangotri (19 Apr), Kedarnath (22 Apr), Badrinath (23 Apr).
- Kapat Closing (Tentative): Gangotri (~10 Nov), Yamunotri & Kedarnath (~11 Nov), Badrinath (~13 Nov).
- Registration: Mandatory & free; opens 6 March 2026.
- Duration: 10–12 days by road | 5–6 days by helicopter.
- Trek: Kedarnath (16–18 km) | Yamunotri (5–6 km).
- Cost: ₹30,000–₹1,00,000+ per person.
- Best Time: May–June & September–October.
- Official Website: uttarakhandtourism.gov.in.
Chardham Yatra Kapat Opening & Closing Dates
Opening dates are announced via the Hindu Panchang — Yamunotri and Gangotri on Basant Panchami (Akshaya Tritiya), Kedarnath on Maha Shivratri at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, and Badrinath on Basant Panchami by BKTC.
| Dham | Deity | Opens 2026 | Closes 2026 (Tentative) | Altitude |
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | 19 April (Akshaya Tritiya) | 11 November 2026 (Tentative) | 3,293 m |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | 19 April (Akshaya Tritiya) | 10 November 2026 (Tentative) | 3,100 m |
| Kedarnath | Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga) | 22 April | 11 November 2026 (tentative) | 3,583 m |
| Badrinath | Lord Vishnu (Divya Desam) | 23 April | 13 November 2026 (Tentative) | 3,133 m |
| After Closing: Deities move to winter abodes: Yamunotri → Kharsali | Gangotri → Mukhba | Kedarnath → Ukhimath | Badrinath → Joshimath. Worship continues at winter abodes throughout winter. Closing dates are tentative — confirmed on Vijayadashami by temple committees. |
Read More
- Opening Date of Yamunotri Dham 2026– 19 April 2026
- Opening Date of Gangotri Dham 2026- 19 April 2026
- Opening Date of Kedarnath Dham 2026– 22 April 2026
- Opening Date of Badrinath Dham 2026– 23 April 2026
Chardham Yatra Registration 2026
Chardham registration is compulsory for every pilgrim visiting any of the four Dhams in 2026. Pilgrims are required to present valid registration details at designated checkpoints on the Yatra route. The registration is completely free.
| Detail | Information |
| Official portal | registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in |
| Mobile app | Tourist Care Uttarakhand (iOS + Android) |
| +91 8394833833 — type ‘YATRA’ | |
| Online registration opens | March 6, 2026 |
| Offline registration opens | April 17, 2026 (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun counters) |
| Slot allocation | 60% online | 40% offline |
| Document needed | Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License) |
| Registration fee | FREE — do not pay any agent for basic e-pass |
The Four Sacred Dhams — Highlights at a Glance
1. Yamunotri — Source of the Yamuna
The Chardham Yatra begins at Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple at 3,293 m is reached by a 5–6 km trek from Janki Chatti (the road head). The Surya Kund hot spring (88°C) is the most distinctive feature here — pilgrims cook rice in a muslin cloth in the spring as prasad, a centuries-old tradition. Divya Shila (a sacred rock pillar) is worshipped before entering the temple.
- Trek: 5–6 km from Janki Chatti | Pony/doli available
- Temple closed: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM daily | Kapat: 19 Apr – ~11 Nov 2026
2. Gangotri — Source of the Ganga
Gangotri, at 3,100 m, is the origin of the Bhagirathi river (the Ganga’s main stream). King Bhagirath’s meditation spot — Bhagirath Shila — stands just outside the temple. No trekking required; the temple is road-accessible from Uttarkashi (100 km). The Gaumukh glacier, the actual source of the Ganga, is 19 km further for those who wish to trek.
- No trekking required | Temple closed: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM daily
- Kapat: 19 Apr – ~10 Nov 2026
3. Kedarnath — The Jyotirlinga in the Sky
Kedarnath is the most challenging of the four Dhams — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, at 3,583 m, with a demanding 16–18 km trek from Gaurikund. The stone temple has stood for over a thousand years. The 2013 floods destroyed much of the surrounding infrastructure, but reconstruction has transformed the area. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, and Guptkashi for those who cannot trek.
- Trek: 16–18 km one way from Gaurikund | Pony, doli, helicopter available
- Temple closed: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily | Kapat: 22 Apr – ~11 Nov 2026
- Sonprayag checkpoint: daily pilgrim cap enforced — arrive early in peak season
4. Badrinath — The Final Dham
Badrinath, at 3,133 m, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the most accessible of the four Dhams — directly road-accessible from Joshimath (56 km). The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Near Badrinath, Mana Village (3 km) — India’s last inhabited village before Tibet — features Bheem Pul, Vyas Gufa, and the Saraswati river. The Tapt Kund hot spring below the temple is the traditional pre-darshan bathing spot.
- No trekking | Temple closed: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM daily
- Kapat: 23 Apr – ~13 Nov 2026 | Don’t miss the evening Aarti
Chardham Yatra Route 2026 — Distance & Time
Traditional sequence: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath (west to east). Most Yatras begin from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
| Segment | Distance | Time | Night Stay |
| Haridwar → Barkot (Yamunotri base) | ~235 km | 7–8 hrs | Barkot |
| Barkot → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri (trek) | ~45 km + 5–6 km trek | 1.5 + 2–3 hrs | Barkot |
| Barkot → Uttarkashi | ~85 km | 3 hrs | Uttarkashi |
| Uttarkashi → Gangotri → return | ~100 km each way | 3–4 hrs each way | Uttarkashi |
| Uttarkashi → Guptkashi/Sitapur (Kedarnath base) | ~185 km | 6–7 hrs | Guptkashi |
| Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek) | ~35 km + 16–18 km trek | 1.5 + 5–7 hrs | Kedarnath/Guptkashi |
| Guptkashi → Badrinath (via Joshimath) | ~190 km | 6–7 hrs | Badrinath |
| Badrinath → Haridwar (return) | ~320 km | 8–9 hrs | Haridwar/Delhi |
Best Time for Chardham Yatra 2026
| Period | Months | Verdict |
| Opening Season | April 19 – May 15 | Less crowded, fresh season, some snow — best for peaceful darshan |
| Peak Season | May 15 – June 30 | Most popular, crowded — book 60+ days ahead |
| Monsoon | July – August | Landslide risk — avoid if possible |
| Post-Monsoon | September – October | Clear skies, fewer crowds — strongly recommended |
| Closing | Nov 10 – Nov 13 | Last chance — Gangotri closes Diwali, others on Bhai Dooj |
How to Reach Haridwar — Chardham Yatra Starting Point
| Mode | Details | Time from Delhi |
| By Air | Fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) then taxi to Haridwar (1.5 hrs). IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air operate daily. | ~3 hours total |
| By Train | Delhi Anand Vihar → Haridwar (Jan Shatabdi, Yoga Express, Shatabdi). Haridwar Junction is the main railhead. | ~5 hours |
| By Road | Delhi → Haridwar ~230 km via NH 58 (4–5 hrs). Volvo/sleeper buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. | 4–5 hours |
Chardham Yatra 2026 Cost — Budget to Premium
Total cost depends on accommodation type, transport mode, and whether you use helicopter services. Here is a realistic per-person breakdown for a road-based 10–12 day Chardham Yatra from Haridwar:
| Trip Type | Accommodation | Transport | Approx. Cost Per Person |
| Budget | Dharmshalas, GMVN basic rooms | Shared taxis/buses | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Standard | Private guesthouses, twin sharing | Private cab/package | ₹30,000–₹50,000 |
| Premium | Better hotels, all meals | Private car, puja bookings | ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 |
| Helicopter (Kedarnath only) | Standard accommodation | Heli for Kedarnath sector | ₹45,000–₹70,000 |
| Full Helicopter Chardham | Good hotels | Heli for all sectors | ₹1,20,000–₹1,80,000+ |
| Note: Costs above are per person estimates for the Yatra circuit from Haridwar. Delhi–Haridwar travel, puja fees at BKTC (Kedarnath/Badrinath), and personal expenses are additional. Registration is FREE for all pilgrims. |
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter — 2026
Helicopter services make Kedarnath accessible in 8–10 minutes from Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, or Guptkashi helipads. This is the standard choice for elderly pilgrims and those with limited mobility.
- Kedarnath heli: ~₹3,500–₹5,000 per sector | Helipads: Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, Guptkashi
- Book only through official government-authorized portals announced for the 2026 season — IRCTC or UCADA-authorized booking systems. Scam sites are widespread.
- Registration e-pass is mandatory even for helicopter pilgrims
- Peak May–June slots sell out 2–3 weeks ahead — book early
Chardham Yatra 2026 — Essential Travel Tips
Before Departure
- Register early at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — free, opens March 6
- Get a health check-up: altitudes of 3,000–3,553 m require fitness. Heart patients and those with BP or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor
- Book accommodation for the entire circuit in advance for May–June — Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Badrinath all fill up
Packing
- Heavy woolens and down jacket — temperatures at Kedarnath drop to 2–5°C at night even in May
- Trekking shoes with ankle support — mandatory for Kedarnath and Yamunotri treks
- Medicines: ORS sachets, Diamox (consult doctor), basic first aid, rain poncho
On the Route
- Sonprayag checkpoint (Kedarnath): arrive before 10–11 AM during peak season — daily cap means late arrivals may be turned back
- Acclimatize: spend one night at Guptkashi (~1,300 m) before the Kedarnath trek
- No plastic, no littering — Uttarakhand has strict fines on the Chardham corridor
- Emergency: Police 112 | Uttarakhand Tourism helpline 0135-2559898
Chardham Yatra for Senior Citizens
Gangotri and Badrinath are directly road-accessible and suitable for most seniors. Yamunotri (5–6 km trek) and Kedarnath (16–18 km trek) require pony, doli, or helicopter arrangements. The Uttarakhand government operates medical camps at Sitapur, Gaurikund, Kedarnath base, and Badrinath during the Yatra season. Pilgrims above 65 years should carry a medical fitness certificate and a personal pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation above 3,500 m.
Key Stops Along the Char Dham Route
The Chardham circuit passes through several places worth a short visit:
- Haridwar — Ganga Aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri (evening, before starting Yatra)
- Rishikesh — Triveni Ghat Aarti, Ram Jhula, yoga ashrams
- Uttarkashi — Vishwanath Temple, last major town before Gangotri
- Devprayag — Sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the Ganga
- Joshimath — Narasimha Temple, winter seat of Badrinath deity; base for Auli ski resort
- Mana Village — 3 km from Badrinath; Bheem Pul, Vyas Gufa, Saraswati river
Holy Dips and Sacred Rituals at Each Dham
A sacred bath at each Dham is an integral part of the Chardham pilgrimage. At Yamunotri, dip in the Yamuna near Janki Chatti. At Gangotri, bathe in the icy Bhagirathi — the Ganga at her purest. At Kedarnath, a sacred pool near the temple serves as the bathing spot. At Badrinath, the Tapt Kund hot spring (natural warm water below the temple) is the traditional pre-darshan bathing ritual followed by pilgrims for centuries. Special pujas — Rudrabhishek at Kedarnath and Maha Abhishek at Badrinath — can be booked through BKTC in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When does Chardham Yatra 2026 start?
The Chardham Yatra 2026 begins on 19 April with the kapat opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath opens on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April. The Yatra season continues until the temples close in October–November.
Q2. Is Chardham Yatra registration mandatory in 2026?
Yes. Registration is compulsory for all four Dhams and for all pilgrims. It is completely free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. The 2026 registration portal opened on March 6. Pilgrims need a valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
Q3. What is the Chardham Yatra registration fee?
The registration e-pass is completely free. Do not pay any agent or third-party website for basic registration. Agents may charge for package services but the government e-pass itself is always free.
Q4. How many days does Chardham Yatra take?
Minimum 10–12 days for a road-based Chardham Yatra from Haridwar and back. Helicopter-assisted trips covering all four Dhams can be done in 5–6 days. Rushing the circuit in fewer than 10 days is not recommended — both for altitude acclimatization and to fully experience each shrine.
Q5. What is the trek distance to Kedarnath?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple is 16–18 km one way (5–7 hours uphill). Gaurikund is the road head — vehicles cannot go further. Pony, doli, and helicopter services are available from Gaurikund and from the Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, and Guptkashi helipads.
Q6. What is the trek distance to Yamunotri?
The trek from Janki Chatti (the road head) to Yamunotri temple is 5–6 km one way (2–3 hours). Pony and doli services are available at Janki Chatti.
Q7. What is the best time for Chardham Yatra 2026?
May–June for good weather, full operations, and peak spiritual energy. September–October for clearer skies, fewer crowds, and better photography. Avoid July–August due to monsoon landslide risks.
Q8. How much does Chardham Yatra cost?
Budget: ₹30,000–₹35,000 per person (dharmshalas, shared transport). Standard: ₹35,000–₹50,000 (private guesthouses, package). Premium: ₹60,000–₹1 lakh+ (better hotels, puja bookings). Kedarnath helicopter adds ₹7,000–₹10,000 per person (return). Full helicopter Chardham: ₹2.25–₹2.80 lakh per person.
Q9. Can senior citizens do Chardham Yatra?
Yes, with proper arrangements. Gangotri and Badrinath are road-accessible. Yamunotri and Kedarnath require pony, doli, or helicopter. Medical consultation before departure is strongly recommended for anyone above 65 years. Carry a fitness certificate and a pulse oximeter for the high-altitude sections.
Q10. How do I reach Haridwar from Delhi for Chardham Yatra?
Options: (1) Train — Jan Shatabdi or Yoga Express from Delhi Anand Vihar, ~5 hours to Haridwar. (2) Road — ~230 km via NH 58, 4–5 hours by car or Volvo bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. (3) Fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) and take a taxi to Haridwar (1.5 hours).
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