Char Dham Yatra 2026: opens 19 April (Yamunotri and Gangotri), 22 April (Kedarnath), 23-24 April (Badrinath). Full circuit 1,100 km, 10-12 days. Sedan packages Rs 35,000-45,000. Registration is free and mandatory.
Char Dham Yatra Planning Guide 2026: Routes, Timing, Permits and Costs
The Char Dham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — is one of India's most sacred pilgrimages and a serious logistical exercise. Proper planning makes the difference between a smooth yatra and a stressful one. This guide covers everything: route, timing, registration, costs, what to pack and how to book.
| Dham | Deity | Altitude | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | 3,293 m | 6 km trek from Janki Chatti |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | 3,048 m | Vehicle-accessible |
| Kedarnath | Lord Shiva | 3,583 m | 16 km trek or helicopter |
| Badrinath | Lord Vishnu | 3,133 m | Vehicle-accessible |
2026 Opening and Closing Dates
| Temple | Opening 2026 | Closing 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 |
Registration Is Mandatory
- Register free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Carry a printout and a phone copy — checked at multiple points
- Register 2-4 weeks before travel; peak slots fill fast
- A medical fitness certificate is needed for seniors above 50-60 ## 2026 Taxi Package Costs (from Dehradun)
| Car | Seating | Full Yatra (10-11 days) | Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire) | 4 | Rs 35,000-45,000 | Rs 3,000-3,800 |
| Ertiga | 6 | Rs 45,000-55,000 | Rs 3,500-4,200 |
| 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 | 10-12 | Rs 80,000-1,10,000 | Rs 7,000-9,000 |
Add 15-20% buffer for palki, pony, helicopter and extra tolls. Packages include fuel, driver allowance, state taxes and the driver's stay.
Route Order (West to East)
| 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 | |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back | Uttarkashi | Vehicle-accessible | |
| 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 | |
| Joshimath to Dehradun | Dehradun | Return via Rudraprayag | ## Best Time to Go |
- May-June: pleasant weather, roads clear, everything open — best window
- September-October: post-monsoon, crisp air, fewer crowds
- Avoid July-August: monsoon landslides and slippery paths
- Book vehicles and hotels 3-4 weeks ahead for May-June
Packing Essentials
- Warm layers and a shawl — cold at altitude even in summer
- Rain gear — mountain weather changes fast
- Gripping walking shoes — temple paths are uneven
- Medicines, ORS, first-aid kit, portable oxygen (recommended)
- ID proof and yatra registration printout
- Cash — 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. Call or WhatsApp us to design your Char Dham trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional order is Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and then Badrinath (west to east). Following this order keeps the route smooth and avoids backtracking.
A comfortable Char Dham Yatra from Dehradun takes 10-11 days by taxi with halts at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi and Joshimath. Seniors can take an 11-day version with extra rest days.
The yatra typically opens in late April or early May after Akshaya Tritiya and closes after Diwali (October-November). Kedarnath usually closes first, followed by the other shrines.
A sedan package runs approximately Rs 35,000-45,000 all-inclusive for the full circuit from Dehradun. Costs vary by season, vehicle type and number of passengers.
Yes, yatra registration is required through the official Uttarakhand tourism portal. Your taxi operator can guide you, and we handle route planning and permits for our packages.