How to Reach Char Dham Yatra from Delhi

Char Dham Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India. The journey takes you across the 4 iconic Dhams of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri that are located in the Garhwal Himalayas.

During the ancient times, reaching these 4 temples was something unimaginable and there were only very few people who could reach these temples and make it back home. However, over time, with the advent of technology, opening up of accommodations and road building, the route to these places of worship was made easier.

Currently, there are several ways ranging from roads to helicopter rides to reach Char Dham Temples easily, comfortably and effortlessly.

Here is how to go on a successful Char Dham Yatra from Delhi

Char Dham Yatra by Road

A majority of the pilgrims opt for this mode of travelling on a bus or in a rented car, cab or taxi. This is because it is much more flexible, although time consuming, but a pocket friendly option. You can get buses from Rishikesh headed to the Char Dham Temples. The roads are well made and the scenery of the pure untouched Himalayas is impeccable.

As a part of the tradition, the holy Char Dham Yatra starts from the east most temples in the circuit which is Yamunotri located in Uttarkashi. From Delhi you will have to take a bus to Rishikesh which will be a journey of around 6 hours. You will be following the given road route map for char Dham Yatra:

Delhi – Rishikesh – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Rudraprayag – Kedarnath – Joshimath – Badrinath – Rishikesh – Delhi

This will be a round trip of 10 days or more if you decide to go for some additional sightseeing in and around these temples like Bheem Pul, Mana Village, Kedarnath Gufa, hot water springs in Badrinath and Yamunotri etc.

Pro Tip: Do your research beforehand about the way you will be travelling so that you are equipped with information while making bookings for buses, cabs or palkis.

Char Dham Yatra by Train

Train is the 2nd most widely used mode of transportation that connects millions of pilgrims from all over India to the Char Dham Temples. Here is the route you will be following:

Arrival in New Delhi railway station from your hometown. From Delhi there is an option for you to go to Rishikesh railway station which is the closest railway station to reach Char Dham Yatra. You can even travel to Rishikesh from Dehradun railway station. On reaching Rishikesh railway station, you will have the option to choose the mode to connect further to the temples. There are many places where you can go and rent a cab or taxi service, book your bus tickets or even a bike if you are feeling too adventurous. This will be the route that you will be following:

Delhi – Rishikesh – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Harsil – Gangotri – Rudraprayag – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath – Joshimath – Badrinath – Rishikesh – Delhi

Pro Tip: Make sure to get your train tickets confirmed way beforehand. During the peak pilgrimage season, all the tickets get sold out very quickly. Also check out the IRCTC package for Chardham Yatra by train.

Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter

Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter has increasingly become one of the most sought after ways of reaching the holy Char Dham Temples. There are several helicopter Char Dham Yatra packages available that will take you to the holy temples in complete, ease, and comfort and luxury. It is a great option for people who will be travelling with senior citizens, infants or with someone who is physically challenged.

Although a bit on the expensive side, it also makes a great way for people travelling on limited holidays to complete the Yatra in a mere 3 to 4 days rather than 10 days. Along with the helicopter tickets you will also be getting a VIP Darshan Pass that will help you jump the queue and taxi services from the temple helipad to the main entrance. The journey will begin from your arrival in Delhi airport from your place of arrival. From here you will have to take a flight to Dehradun which is the starting point of the helicopter ride to Char Dham Temples.

This is the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter route map that you will be following;

Delhi – Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad) – Yamunotri (Kharsali Helipad) – Gangotri (Harsil Helipad) – Kedarnath (Sersi / Phata / Sitapur / Guptkashi Helipad) – Kedarnath Temple Helipad (Government Protocol) – Badrinath (Badrinath Helipad)

Char Dham Yatra Travel Tips

• Make sure to carry copies of all your ID proofs in a plastic file to keep it safe. If you happen to rent a car then make sure you have a driver’s license.
• Pack a lot of woolen clothing and accessories since no matter which month you decide to visit the weather may change suddenly without any prior warning.
• Make your hotel and transportation bookings way beforehand in order to avoid the possibility of not having any place to live.
• Remember to confirm that you have your pilgrim registration completed and confirmed as you will be asked for it on any occasion during the trip by the authorities.
• If you wish to avoid the traffic or get rid of some extra tourists then it is ideal to travel during the off seasons after the rainy months.
• Be sure to also pack some good amount of snacks and packaged foods in cases of any unexpected emergency.