Char Dham Yatra 2026 starts 19 April (Yamunotri and Gangotri), with Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23-24 April. Taxi packages run Rs 35,000-45,000 for a sedan full circuit
Char Dham Yatra 2026: Opening Dates, Registration and Taxi Fares
The Char Dham Yatra is Uttarakhand's greatest pilgrimage — four Himalayan shrines, roughly 1,100 km of mountain driving, and one of the most organised travel seasons in India. For 2026, the dates are confirmed and the rules are clear. This guide covers everything you need to plan the yatra by taxi: dates, registration, fares, route order and the day-by-day reality of the road.
Quick Answer Char Dham Yatra 2026 opens on 19 April with Yamunotri and Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23-24 April. Full-circuit sedan packages run Rs 35,000-45,000 (10-11 days) from Dehradun. Registration is free and mandatory.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening and Closing Dates
The yatra opens with Yamunotri and Gangotri on Akshaya Tritiya and runs through the season until the temples close for winter. These are the official 2026 dates:
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April (Akshaya Tritiya) | 11 November |
| Gangotri | 19 April (Akshaya Tritiya) | 10-11 November |
| Kedarnath | 22 April | 11 November |
| Badrinath | 23-24 April | 13 November |
Dates are announced by the temple committees each year and can shift by a day — always confirm closer to travel.
Registration Is Mandatory — Do It First
Every pilgrim must register before entering the yatra zone. It is free and takes five minutes:
- Register at the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Keep a printout and a phone copy — registration is checked at multiple points
- Register 2-4 weeks before travel; peak slots fill fast
- Drones and certain personal items are restricted — check the latest rules ## 2026 Char Dham Taxi Fare Table (from Dehradun)
Full-circuit packages include fuel, driver allowance, state taxes and the driver's stay. Fares below are market ranges — our fixed quote is confirmed at booking.
| Car | Seating | Full Yatra (10-11 days) | Per-Day Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Dzire / Sedan | 4 | Rs 35,000-45,000 | Rs 3,000-3,800 |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6 | Rs 45,000-55,000 | Rs 3,500-4,200 |
| Toyota Innova | 7 | Rs 50,000-65,000 | Rs 4,500-5,500 |
| Innova Crysta | 7 | Rs 60,000-75,000 | Rs 5,500-7,000 |
| Tempo Traveller (12-13 seater) | 10-12 | Rs 80,000-1,10,000 | Rs 7,000-9,000 |
Prices from Delhi add roughly Rs 8,000-10,000 for the extra leg. Add 15-20% buffer for palki, pony, helicopter and extra tolls.
The Traditional Route Order (and Why It Works)
| Leg | Base Town | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun to Barkot | Barkot | Night halt, acclimatise |
| Barkot to Yamunotri and back | Barkot | 6 km trek or pony/palki |
| Barkot to Uttarkashi | Uttarkashi | Short easy drive, rest |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back | Uttarkashi | Vehicle-accessible dham |
| Uttarkashi to Guptkashi | Guptkashi | Approaching Kedarnath |
| Guptkashi to Kedarnath and back | Guptkashi | Trek, pony, palki or helicopter |
| Guptkashi to Joshimath | Joshimath | Rest before Badrinath |
| Joshimath to Badrinath and back | Joshimath | Vehicle-accessible dham |
| Joshimath to Dehradun | Dehradun | Return via Rudraprayag |
This west-to-east order follows rising altitude gradually — the same reason seasoned yatra operators recommend it.
Daily Temple Darshan Timings 2026
| Temple | Morning | Break | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 6:00 am - 12:00 pm | 12-2 pm | 2:00 - 8:00 pm |
| Gangotri | 6:00 am - 2:00 pm | 2-3 pm | 3:00 - 9:00 pm |
| Kedarnath | 4:00 am - 3:00 pm | 3-5 pm | 5:00 - 9:00 pm |
| Badrinath | 4:30 am - 12:00 pm | 12-3 pm | 3:00 - 9:00 pm |
Best Time to Go in 2026
- May-June: pleasant weather, roads clear, everything open — the best all-round window
- September-October: post-monsoon, crisp air, fewer crowds — equally good
- Avoid July-August: monsoon landslides and slippery trek paths
- Book vehicles and hotels 3-4 weeks ahead for May-June; earlier for Akshaya Tritiya week ## Packing Essentials for the Yatra
- Warm layers and a shawl — evenings at altitude are cold even in summer
- Rain gear — mountain weather changes within minutes
- Gripping walking shoes — temple paths are uneven
- Medicines, prescriptions, ORS, a small first-aid kit
- ID proof and yatra registration printout
- Small notes and coins — pony, palki and tea stops are cash-only
Plan your 2026 yatra with a team that drives this circuit every season — police-verified pahadi drivers, fixed fares and a day-by-day itinerary built around your pace. Call or WhatsApp us to design your Char Dham trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Char Dham Yatra 2026 typically opens in late April or early May after Akshaya Tritiya and runs until after Diwali.
Registration is done through the official Uttarakhand portal. Fees are nominal and per-person.
A full Char Dham sedan package starts around Rs 35,000-45,000 all-inclusive for 10-11 days.
No, registration is mandatory. It helps authorities manage crowd flow and safety.
The traditional order is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath (west to east).