How to Reach Char Dham

How to Reach Char Dham – Complete Travel Guide
By Royals Yatra, Haridwar

Planning for a sacred Char Dham Yatra but unsure how to reach the shrines among deep in the Himalayas? You’re not alone, every year in large number pilgrims from across India and the world dream of visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, but many are confused about the travel routes, transportation options, and the best ways to begin this spiritual journey.

At Royals Yatra, a reliable travel agency in Haridwar, we've escorted thousands of pilgrims along this holy route. This guide will give you an idea of how to access each Dham, beginning from various regions of India.

Where is Char Dham Located?
All The Char Dham or Chota Char Dham are situated in the Uttarakhand. Here are the more detail about Char Dham:

Yamunotri (source of River Yamuna) – Uttarkashi district
Gangotri (source of River Ganga) – Uttarkashi district
Kedarnath (offers to Lord Shiva) – Rudraprayag district
Badrinath (offers to Lord Vishnu) – Chamoli district

Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun are the starting points for the Char Dham Yatra.

Reaching the Base Point (Haridwar/Rishikesh)
By Air

Nearest Airport: Reach Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The Airport is approx. 38KM away from Haridwar & approx. 16KM away from Rishikesh. Jolly Grant Airport to Haridwar & Rishikesh roads are well maintained.
Connected well with Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore, and other large cities.
We also offer Jolly Grant Airport pick & drop service for Haridwar & Rishikesh. We have all kinds taxi available 24x7 for Airport pick & drop and Char Dham Yatra at very reasonable price.

By Train

Mostly Char Dham pilgrims who travel by train prefer Haridwar Junction and Rishikesh Railway Station and these stations are linked to other major Indian cities.
Approximately trains take 4 to 6 hour time from New Delhi railway station to Haridwar railway station.

By Road

If pilgrims are traveling by road from Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh are well connected by National Highway 58 from Delhi.
Regular tempo travelers, taxis, and buses are accessible.
Private car or package tour by Royals Yatra is advisable for comfort and convenience.

How to reach the Four Dhams from Haridwar – Distance & Route
The Char Dham Yatra typically takes a clockwise direction:
Firstly pilgrims go to Yamunotri Dham then go ahead and visit Gangotri Dham, Next Kedarnath Dham and finally visit Badrinath and end of their Char Dham Journey.

1. How to Reach Yamunotri

Closest town/base: Barkot (around 180 km from Haridwar)
Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (around 36 km)
From Janki Chatti, trek 6 km to reach Yamunotri Temple

By Road:

Book a cab or take a group tour from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot
Overnight stay in Barkot or Janki Chatti

Trekking options:

You may either trek or take pony/palki/doli services

Royals Yatra Tip: For elderly citizens or families with children, pre-booked pony and doli services are available.

2. How to Reach Gangotri

Base Town: Uttarkashi (about 100 km from Barkot)
Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km – 4-5 hrs)

By Road:

From Haridwar/Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
No trek required. Vehicles reach right up to the temple.

Royals Yatra Tip: Stay overnight in Harsil – a picturesque valley on the way to Gangotri.

3. How to Reach Kedarnath

Base Town: Guptkashi or Sonprayag (about 230 km from Gangotri)
From Sonprayag → Gaurikund (5 km by shuttle)
Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath – 18 km
Helicopter option also available from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi

By Road & Trek:
From Haridwar Or Rishikesh Go to Guptkashi, then reach Sonprayag, Next reach Gaurikund & Finally reach to Kedarnath Dham.

By Helicopter:

Helicopter service from Phata/Sirsi to Kedarnath (10 min ride)
Advance booking advised (Royals Yatra assists with tickets & slots)

Royals Yatra Tip: Opt for helicopter if you have elderly members, or if you want to skip long treks.

4. How to Reach Badrinath

Base Town: Joshimath (approx. 160 km from Kedarnath area)
Road leads straight to Badrinath Temple
No trekking needed

By Road:

Sonprayag/Guptkashi → Chopta → Joshimath → Badrinath
From Joshimath, a 1.5-hour drive to Badrinath Temple

Royals Yatra Tip: Explore Mana Village, the last Indian village on the China border (only 3 km from Badrinath).

Helicopter Options for Char Dham Yatra
Helicopter option is also available for for the Char Dham Yatra. Pilgrims can do Char Dham Yatra want in 5 to 6 days. Book a Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter, which is available from Dehradun. You can visit all four Dhams, including VIP darshan and luxury accommodations.

Helicopter Routes:

Dehradun → Kharsali (Yamunotri)
Kharsali → Harsil (Gangotri)
Harsil → Guptkashi/Phata (Kedarnath)
Kedarnath → Badrinath → Back to Dehradun

Royals Yatra provides full helicopter packages with VIP darshan, luxury stay, and ground assistance.

Char Dham Yatra from Major Cities

From Delhi

By Road: 6-7 hrs to Haridwar → proceed by cab/bus
By Train: Overnight trains to Haridwar
By Air: Flights to Dehradun

From Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata

Fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport)
Then helicopter or drive to the dhams

Royals Yatra offers complete packages with airport/station pick-up/drop.

Must-know Travel Tips

Char Dham Yatra online Registration (compulsory): https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Travel light and carry warm clothing, rain wear, and medication
Begin early in the morning each day to prevent road blockades or weather-related delays
Travel with a recognized tour operator such as Royals Yatra for safety, local expertise, and smooth arrangements

Why Royals Yatra for Char Dham Travel?

Located in Haridwar, the religious center and central starting point of the yatra
Hands-on expertise in conducting road and helicopter tours
Sanitary accommodations and clean food during travel
Local team support, trek assistance, and registration assistance
Customizable packages for singles, families, and senior citizens

Final Thoughts
Reaching all the four Dhams and performing Puja during Char Dham Yatra, experience – along thick forests, frosted peaks, raging rivers, and the sacred silence of the mountains. Having an idea of how to get to the dhams and organizing it beforehand can make your pilgrimage hassle-free..

Let Royals Yatra be your religious travel guide, leading you comfortably and securely through Land of the Gods.

Ready to begin? Get in touch with Royals Yatra, Haridwar, and we will create your ideal Char Dham journey.

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