We are living in a world that is always demanding our attention. But we need to take a step back and reconnect with our inner self. The search for inner peace and happiness is a journey many of us embark upon and often lead us to sacred places that give us solace and divine energy. Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, taking you through the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand where the spiritual meets the beautiful. If you’re looking for a transformative experience that will nourish your soul and lift your spirit, get ready for Char Dham Yatra 2025 - a journey that promises not just adventure but enlightenment.
The Char Dham Yatra is a journey to four holy places - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. This ancient pilgrimage is a part of Hindu tradition and attracts millions of devotees every year to the Himalayas where nature is as majestic as the divine significance of these places. Each Dham is more than a destination, it’s a powerhouse of divine energy where you can discover yourself and get spiritual rejuvenation.
Did you know? The Char Dham Yatra is 1607 km long and passes through breathtaking landscapes that will test your body and soul. As you move from one Dham to another, you are not just moving physically but introspectively too and that will lead to your personal transformation.
Char Dham Yatra is a sacred tradition. According to Hindu belief Char Dham Yatra cleanses sins and gives eternal peace. These shrines are believed to be earthly abodes of gods and goddesses each with its own significance in Hindu mythology.
The tradition of Char Dham Yatra is centuries old and was popularised by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. The great philosopher wanted to unite Hindus and emphasized the importance of Char Dham Yatra. The journey starts from Yamunotri and goes to Gangotri, Kedarnath and ends at Badrinath.
At 3,293 meters Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. According to legend a dip in the Yamuna’s water saves you from untimely death. The temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and has been considered auspicious for devotees since then.
Yamunotri is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra and involves a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. The path is surrounded by lush green valleys and snow capped peaks. The main attraction apart from the temple is the Surya Kund, a hot water spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes as an offering to the goddess.
Barsu Village, Hanuman Chatti, Kharsali, Barkot, Raithal Village, Janki Chatti, Dayara Bugyal, Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Temple is at an elevation of 3100 meters dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is where River Ganga is said to have descended from heaven to earth which is considered as the holiest river in Hinduism. The legend of King Bhagirath bringing Ganga to purify the souls of his ancestors is closely associated with this temple.
Pilgrims take a holy dip in the icy waters of Bhagirathi River at Gangotri Ghat before visiting the temple. The spiritual environment and the majestic Himalayas make it a very emotional experience for the devotees.
Dodi Tal, Kedar Tal, Gangotri Temple, Gangotri National Park, Kedartal Patangini Pass Tre, Kalindi Khal Trek, Bhagirathi Glacier, Auden's Col Trek, Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek, Jogin Advanced Base Camp.
Kedarnath Temple is at 3583 meters and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This Dham is the most difficult to access due to its high altitude and the trek from Gaurikund is about 16 km.
As per the legend after the Mahabharata war the Pandavas had to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their brothers. Shiva was not willing to forgive them easily so he disguised himself as a bull and hid in Kedarnath. When Bhima, one of the Pandavas found him, Shiva dived into the earth and his hump emerged at Kedarnath where the temple is now.
The temple is situated amidst awe-inspiring surroundings with towering snow-clad peaks, making it a physically demanding yet spiritually fulfilling experience.
Triyuginarayan Temple, Rudra Cave Kedarnath, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple.
Last of the four Dhams, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At 3,133 meters, it is situated between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. Badrinath is one of the holiest places in Hinduism and the temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. The shrine is associated with Lord Vishnu who is believed to have meditated here for thousands of years.
Tapt Kund, a hot spring near the temple is where devotees take a dip before entering the temple. The temple is open only for six months in a year due to harsh winter and remains closed from November to April.
Badrinath Temple, Narad Kund, Mana Village, Charan Paduka, Vasudhara Falls, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, Trek to Satopanth.
The Char Dham Yatra Route is well-established and covers key stops in Uttarakhand. The route starts from Yamunotri then the route proceeds to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally reaches to Badrinath.
This is the most common route that people generally prefer:
Haridwar-Barkot-Janki Chatti-Yamunotri-Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Rudraprayag-Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Gaurikund-Rudraprayag-Badrinath-Rishikesh-Haridwar
Char Dham Yatra 2025 is opening on Akshaya Tritiya day which falls in late April or early May. On this day special pujas are performed and temples are opened for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims gather at each Dham for the opening ceremonies. Each Dham has its own opening tradition but all are filled with celebrations and devotion.
Although the exact Char Dham Yatra 2025 Opening Dates are subject to change due to weather and calendar. Here are the tentative dates for each Dham:
Badrinath: Late April
Kedarnath: Late April
Gangotri: Late April
Yamunotri: Late April
Note: Dates may change slightly so please check with official sources if you are planning Chardham Yatra from Delhi or any other big city.
Char Dham Yatra 2025 ends after Diwali, usually on Bhai Dooj. By then the weather becomes harsh in the Himalayas and snowfall starts. Temples are closed and idols are shifted to their winter homes for worship. Like the opening ceremonies, the closing rituals are very symbolic and give devotees one last chance to connect spiritually before temples close for winter.
Tentative Closing Dates for Char Dham Yatra 2025:
Badrinath: Early November
Kedarnath: 2 days after Diwali
Gangotri: 2 days after Diwali
Yamunotri: 2 days after Diwali
Best time to visit Char Dham is from May to June and September to October. During these months the weather is mild and roads are open and safe. Heavy rainfall in July and August can make the trek dangerous due to landslides. Peak season is from May to June so if you want to avoid crowds September to October might be ideal.
If you are planning Chardham Yatra from Haridwar or Delhi then it’s recommended to avoid monsoon months and plan your journey during these best months.
Registration is mandatory for all devotees to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage. This registration is managed by Uttarakhand tourism authorities to monitor the flow of pilgrims, ensure safety and provide support during the yatra.
Online Registration
The easiest way to register is online through Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra portal at https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/. Fill in your details, upload a photo and submit your ID proof (Aadhar card). After submission, Yatra pass will be generated. Keep both digital and printed copy of the pass with you throughout the yatra.
On-Site Registration
For those who prefer to register in person, on-site registration counters are available at Haridwar, Rishikesh and other starting points of the Yatra. Here you can register by providing ID proof, recent photo and medical fitness certificate (highly recommended as the yatra is at high altitude).
Travel Tip: Many pilgrims opt to travel Chardham Yatra by Tempo Traveller from Delhi or Haridwar. This is a popular and budget friendly option that can accommodate larger groups and makes the journey comfortable and memorable.
