General guidance only. Rules, timings and fees change - confirm with the official sources listed at the end before you travel.
What the yatra covers
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand visits four Himalayan shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The usual order follows the direction of the mountain routes: Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, then Badrinath.
Each shrine is reached by road followed, in several cases, by a trek or ride. Kedarnath in particular involves a steep trek or alternative transport arranged on the day.
Season and opening dates
The shrines are open for only part of the year, typically from spring or early summer until after Diwali, when heavy snow closes them. The exact opening and closing dates are announced each year by the temple committees and the state, so do not fix your dates until they are published. Monsoon months bring landslide risk on the roads.
Registration
Registration is compulsory for the yatra and is done through the Uttarakhand government's official portal. You normally register each traveller and receive a registration slip or card that you must carry. Daily limits for some shrines can apply, so register early. Use only the official site or an authorised helpdesk, and be careful of look-alike websites.
Planning the route
A full circuit by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh commonly takes around ten days or more, depending on weather and your pace. Allow buffer days for road closures. Helicopter services exist for Kedarnath and some other sectors and must be booked through authorised operators; availability is weather-dependent.
- Book hotels in advance during peak weeks; accommodation near the shrines is limited.
- Keep an itinerary that can absorb a day lost to weather.
- Use a registered driver and vehicle for mountain roads.
Health and safety
The altitude and long road days are physically demanding. Speak to a doctor before you go, especially if you are elderly or have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions. Carry regular medicines, warm clothing, rain gear and comfortable shoes, and follow the advice of local authorities and police on road and weather conditions.