Chardham Yatra from Chennai is a deeply fulfilling pilgrimage that takes you to the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand β Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath β nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. This 12 Nights / 13 Days journey covers roughly 3,000 kilometres from South India's spiritual capital to the Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand and back, passing through Delhi and Haridwar on the way.
For pilgrims from Chennai, this Chardham Yatra package is designed for comfort at every stage β from airport transfers and highway drives to Himalayan treks and temple Darshans. Whether this is your first Himalayan yatra or a return to the dhams, the itinerary takes care of logistics so you can focus entirely on the divine experience.
Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|
| Tour Name | Chardham Yatra Package from Chennai |
| Duration | 13 Days / 12 Nights |
| Starting Point | Chennai |
| Ending Point | Delhi (return flight to Chennai) |
| Destinations Covered | Chennai β Delhi β Haridwar β Barkot β Yamunotri β Uttarkashi β Gangotri β Guptkashi β Kedarnath β Joshimath β Badrinath β Haridwar β Delhi |
| Yatra Season 2026 | April 19 β November 2026 |
| Best Time to Travel | MayβJune and SeptemberβOctober |
The Chardham Yatra is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction, starting at Yamunotri and concluding at Badrinath. This sequence β Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath β is considered auspicious and has been followed by pilgrims for centuries.
Yamunotri (3,291 m) is where River Yamuna originates. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, sits at the end of a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. Gangotri (3,100 m) marks the origin of the sacred Ganga and is directly accessible by road. Kedarnath (3,553 m) is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and sits atop an 18 km trek from Gaurikund. Badrinath (3,133 m), the final dham, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the most visited shrine of the four.
The journey from Chennai begins with a flight or train to Delhi, followed by a road journey into the Himalayas via Haridwar β the gateway to Chardham.
Chardham Yatra 2026 β Opening Dates
| Dham | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) | 10 November 2026 (Diwali) |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 | 13 November 2026 (Vijay Dashami) |
Yatra Registration 2026 β Mandatory for All Pilgrims
Since 2014, registration for Chardham Yatra is compulsory for every pilgrim, Indian or foreign. Without a valid registration e-pass (Yatra Parchi), entry to any of the four dhams is not permitted. Registration for 2026 opened on 6 March 2026 and is completely free of charge.
How to register: Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, download the 'Tourist Care Uttarakhand' app, or WhatsApp 'YATRA' to +91 8394833833. Offline counters are available in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun from 17 April 2026 onwards.
Documents needed: Aadhaar card (mandatory), passport-size photo, active mobile number for OTP, and emergency contact details.
Important: Upon successful registration, you receive a QR-coded Yatra Registration Letter. Carry a printed copy as mobile connectivity in the Himalayan region can be limited. The government uses GPS-based pilgrim tracking for real-time safety management.
Things to Know Before You Go
Dress Code at Temples
There is no rigid dress code but modest clothing is expected at all four dhams. Men are recommended to wear dhoti or pyjama with an upper cloth; women to wear saree, salwar-kameez, or similar traditional attire. Avoid shorts and sleeveless clothing inside the temple premises.
What to Carry
- Warm woollen layers (temperatures can drop to 5Β°C or below even in MayβJune)
- Rainproof jacket or poncho (monsoon showers can arrive suddenly)
- Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
- Personal medicines β especially for altitude sickness (consult your doctor before travel)
- Original photo ID proof and Aadhar card
- Printed copy of Yatra Registration e-pass (QR code)
- Personal first aid kit β ORS sachets, paracetamol, antacids
- Water bottle and dry snacks for the trek days
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm
Altitude and Health Precautions
Kedarnath (3,553 m) and Yamunotri (3,291 m) are at significant altitude. Pilgrims with heart conditions, high blood pressure, asthma, or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before booking. Common signs of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and breathlessness. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and do not rush the trek. Medical assistance is available at Gaurikund, Kedarnath base camp, and Badrinath town.
Temple Darshan Instructions
- Carry your Yatra Registration Letter (QR code) β it is checked at all temple entry points
- Carry original photo ID proof
- Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are generally not allowed inside temple sanctums
- Darshan tickets are non-transferable
- Kedarnath temple is closed 3:00 PM β 5:00 PM daily; Gangotri closes 2:00 PM β 3:00 PM
How to Reach Chardham from Chennai
By Air
Chennai International Airport (MAA) has direct and one-stop flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL). From Delhi, the road journey to Haridwar takes 5β6 hours. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar/Rishikesh (55 km) β some travellers prefer flying to Dehradun directly to save driving time.
By Train
Several trains connect Chennai Central to Delhi β the Tamil Nadu Express (12621), Grand Trunk Express (12615), and Chennai Rajdhani (22691) are popular options. From Delhi, trains run to Haridwar station (Dehradun-bound trains stop at Haridwar). Rishikesh is the railhead closest to the yatra route, but Haridwar has better connectivity.
By Road from Delhi to Haridwar
Delhi to Haridwar is approximately 220 km via NH-334 and NH-58. The drive takes 5β6 hours depending on traffic. Our vehicles pick you up directly from Delhi airport or railway station and transfer you to Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit Chardham from Chennai
The Chardham Yatra season runs from late April to early November each year. The temples are closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
May β June: Opening months with pleasant weather. Crowds increase after April opening. Ideal for trekking. Snow may still be visible on surrounding peaks.
July β August: Monsoon season. Heavy rains can cause landslides and road closures, especially on the Kedarnath and Gangotri routes. Travel is possible but requires careful monitoring of weather updates. Not recommended for first-time pilgrims.
September β October: The best time to travel. Monsoon recedes, skies are clear, views are spectacular, and the Himalayan roads are in good condition. Crowd levels are moderate and temperatures are comfortable.
Note: Temples close in early November (Bhai Dooj for Yamunotri/Kedarnath/Gangotri; Vijay Dashami for Badrinath). After closing, the deities are moved to their winter abodes β Yamunotri's idol to Kharsali, Gangotri to Mukhba village, Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and Badrinath to Joshimath.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation 30 days or more before departure: 10% of tour cost deducted
- Cancellation 15β29 days before departure: 25% of tour cost deducted
- Cancellation 7β14 days before departure: 50% of tour cost deducted
- Cancellation within 7 days of departure or no-show: No refund
- No refund for any unused services, early departure, or missed darshan due to personal reasons
- Natural calamities, government orders, or temple closures are outside our control. In such cases, alternative arrangements will be made wherever possible; monetary refunds are not guaranteed for force majeure situations