What are the 4 Dham Yatra of India? Answered â Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
If you have ever asked, âWhat are the 4 Dham Yatra of India?â â you are not alone. This is the question that thousands of pilgrims seek to find every day.
And the answer is straight forward:
Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - four holy Hindu temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
It is only the beginning to know the names. The answers to: are also needed to make the Chardham Yatra successful.
What is the number of days sufficient?
What do I do in planning the trip?
This guide has all those questions answered with 2026 updates, sample itineraries and pro tips.
What are the 4 Dham Yatra of India? (Names, Deities & Locations)
Here are the four Dhams with their key details:
Yamunotri - named after goddess Yamuna 3293m, with hot water springs and the oldest Dham.
Gangotri - the place of worship of Goddess Ganga at 3,100 m, the source of the sacred River Ganga.
Kedarnath â of Lord Shiva 3,583 m, one of the 12 Jyotilingas.
Badrinath - a shrine of Lord Vishnu at 3,133 m, a Char Dham of Vishnu in all of India.
Note: The âChar Dhamâ sometimes refers to the allâIndia circuit (Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, Rameswaram). In the Himalayan context though, these four are the Uttarakhand Char Dham.
In the opinion of the Hindus, when a person visits all the four Dhams in the right sequence, the sins are washed and moksha (release of the cycle of birth and death) is achieved.
What is the First Char Dham to Visit? (Correct Sequence)
The common question of many first-time pilgrims is: Which of the 4 Dham Yatra of India should I visit first after knowing what the 4 Dham Yatra of India are?
The traditional and logistically correct order is:
Yamunotri -> Gangotri -> Kedarnath -> Badrinath.
Mythological explanation: Begin with Yamunotri (sister of Yama, god of death) to protect, Gangotri to purify, Kedarnath to ask Shiva to forgive and conclude with Badrinath (the home of Vishnu, god of salvation).
Logistical rationale: The road system is a natural circle starting at Yamunotri and finishing at Badrinath. Making it retroactive is an extra burden on the hours of travelling.
helicopter (alternate order)
The majority of helicopter yatras include: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri (or the last two may be omitted because of time). In the complete road yatra, follow the conventional order.
Which is the number of days to spend at Chardham?
The next question after knowing what are the 4 Dham Yatra of India is time.
Helicopter (Badrinath + Badrinath only): 2-3 days minimum, 4 days suggested. Best among the elderly and luxury travelers.
Helicopter (all 4 Dhams): 5-6 days minimum, 7 days suggested. Perfect pilgrims, with a high budget and time constraints.
Standard taxi / private car: 10-12 days (minimal), 14 days (recommended). Best when used by families and groups of 4-6.
Shared taxi + bus (budget): 12 -14 days minimum, 16 days suggested. Ideal when solo travelling or on a backpack trip.
Walking / trekking (full): minimum of 20 days, maximum of 25 days. To those who wish to repent.
Sample 12âday road itinerary (most popular)
Day 1:Â Arrive Haridwar â Drive to Barkot (210 km)
Day 2:Â Barkot â Yamunotri (trek 6 km one way) â back to Barkot
Day 3:Â Barkot â Uttarkashi (100 km)
Day 4:Â Uttarkashi â Gangotri (100 km) â back to Uttarkashi
Day 5:Â Uttarkashi â Guptkashi (220 km)
Day 6:Â Guptkashi â Kedarnath (trek 16 km or helicopter)
Day 7:Â Kedarnath â Guptkashi (down trek)
Day 8:Â Guptkashi â Badrinath (200 km via Joshimath)
Day 9:Â Badrinath darshan & local sights (Mana village)
Day 10:Â Badrinath â Rudraprayag (160 km)
Day 11:Â Rudraprayag â Rishikesh (140 km)
Day 12:Â Rishikesh â Delhi departure
Pro tip:Â Add 2 buffer days for roadblocks, landslides, or altitude rest.
4. How to Plan the 4 Dham Yatra (StepâbyâStep)
With the knowledge of what are the 4 Dham Yatra of India and the proper order, you can plan without stress, here are the 5 steps to plan.
Step 1: Choose your travel dates (weather window)
Best months: May - June (good, high attendance)
Second best: September- October (after the monsoon, less traffic)
Avoid: July â August (heavy rains, landslides)
The temples are opened in April/May and closed in October/ November.
Step 2: Decide your mode of transport
There are a number of ways you can travel when deciding to go on your Chardham Yatra. One of the most comfortable and flexible options is a private car (an Innova), which is also quite costly and can cost between âš45,000 and 70,000 during a 12-day trip. A shared taxi (per seat) is significantly more affordable, between âš12,000 and âš18,000 per person, but you will be less private and have a fixed schedule. The cheapest option is a state bus, which only costs âš5,000 to âš8,000, but is uncomfortable and slow. Lastly, the Kedarnath leg can be saved in two days of walk with a helicopter that will cost you âš5,000 to 10,000 per way.
Step 3: Book accommodations in advance
GMVNÂ â government run, basic but clean. Book 2â3 months ahead.
Private camps/hotels â more comfort, double the price.
Dharamshalas â very cheap (âš200ââš500) but firstâcome basis.
Step 4: Register online (mandatory)
Uttarakhand Tourism requires online registration for all pilgrims.
đ Register at:Â registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Step 5: Prepare health & packing
Medical: Diamox (altitude), painkillers, ORS, first aid.
Paperwork: ID, registration printout, travel insurance.
Equipment: Warm clothes, raincoat, hiking boots, power bank.
5. What is the Cost of 4 Dham Yatra? (2026 Estimates)
All the expenses mentioned below will be per person without travel to your home city to Haridwar.
In the case of economy or a backpacker traveler, it amounts to about âš24,600. This includes âš12,000 for a shared taxi from Haridwar back to Haridwar, âš4,000 for 10 nights in a dharamshala or GMVN dorm, âš3,600 for simple meals over 12 days, âš3,000 for an optional pony or palki, and âš2,000 for temple donations and miscellaneous expenses.
A typical or family trip with a personal vehicle and low end hotels costs approximately âš46,500 per capita. This translates to 17,500 in a private SUV and sharing four persons, 15,000 in 10 nights in a low-end hotel or GMVN cottage, 6,000 in moderate restaurant meals, 5,000 in an optional pony or one-way helicopter, and 3,000 in miscellaneous.
To have a luxury or helicopter tour that takes you through the four Dhams, it will cost around 182,000. This includes âš1,20,000 for a fullâcircuit helicopter package, âš40,000 for 10 nights in a luxury camp or 5âstar property, âš12,000 for gourmet meals, and âš10,000 for a personal guide with VIP darshan.
Among these totals, there are some additional costs that may go unnoticed, including tips to drivers and guides, additional nights because of road closures, and oxygen cansisters (âš50001000).
6. Bonus: Pro Tips for FirstâTime Pilgrims
Wake up at 4:00 AM - Temple lines may take 3-4 hours in the middle of the day.
Take your time over the Kedarnath trek - Have a day of acclimatization at Guptkashi.
Bring cash- ATM machines often run out of cash.
Weekend arrivals to be avoided - Local pilgrims throng the roads Friday/Saturdays.
Purchase travel insurance- Helicopter evacuation can be 1 lakh and above.
Be a good steward of the environment - Do not litter. Bags made of plastic are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Chardham Yatra safe for senior citizens?
Yes, with precautions. Take ponies/palkis, bring oxygen and see a doctor.
Q2: Is it possible to do Chardham Yatra on a motorcycle?
Yes, but don't get monsoons. Ride on a bike that has a good ground clearance (e.g., Royal Enfield).
Q3: Do I require a guide?
Not mandatory, but recommended for firstâtimers. Guides cost âš1,000â1,500 per day.
Q4: What happens to be missing one Dham because of bad weather?
You will have a chance to visit it the next year, some pilgrims finish more than 2-3 seasons.
Q5: Does it have mobile network?
BSNL/Jio are available in majority of areas except deep trek routes. Keep a real SIM.
So, what are 4 Dham Yatra of India?
These are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri one time in a lifetime spiritual pilgrimage along the Himalayas.
It is only the beginning to know the names. Use this guide to:
Tour in the right order (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath)
Budget realistically (âš25,000 to âš1,80,000)
Make your plans (at least 7 days, preferably 12 days).
Sign up and train like a pro.
Getting your Chardham Yatra 2026 Ready?
đ call us at +91 9725808882 or contact Spottygo.com to customize a package. We provide individual cars, helicopter arrangements and itineraries that are senior citizen friendly.