Chardham — literally "four abodes" — is Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, this yatra is believed to wash away a lifetime of sins and grant moksha (liberation). The journey winds through snow-capped peaks, roaring glacial rivers, and ancient stone temples that have drawn pilgrims for over twelve centuries. Understand the four dhamsWhen to goGet inGet aroundEat & SleepStay safeRespect The Chardham circuit was established by the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE to revive and unify Hindu spirituality across the subcontinent. Today, lakhs of devotees from across the world undertake the yatra each summer season, making it one of the world's largest annual pilgrimages.

The circuit is also called Chota Char Dham (Small Four Abodes) to distinguish it from the four pan-India dhams (Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, Rameswaram) established by Shankaracharya across the four corners of India.

Tradition: The yatra is completed west-to-east — Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Pilgrims often carry sacred water from Yamunotri and Gangotri to perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivalinga at Kedarnath.

Yamunotri

The source of the sacred Yamuna river, nestled in a narrow valley. The main attraction is the hot sulphur spring Janki Chatti and the goddess temple. Getting there: drive/bus to Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti, then 5–6 km trek (or pony/palki available). No motorable road to the temple.

Gangotri

Origin of the holy Ganga. The temple sits at the point where the river emerges from the mountains; the actual glacier (Gaumukh) is 18 km further on a trek. Getting there: motorable road all the way from Uttarkashi — one of the easier dhams to access.

Kedarnath

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, set dramatically against towering peaks. This is the most physically demanding dham. Getting there: drive to Gaurikund, then a 20 km trek uphill (or helicopter from Phata / Sirsi / Guptkashi). The 2013 Kedarnath floods destroyed much of the area; rebuilding is largely complete but the terrain remains challenging.

Badrinath

The grand finale — the most revered of all four, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is flanked by the Nar and Narayan mountain peaks. The nearby Mana village is the last Indian settlement before the Tibet border. Getting there: motorable road from Joshimath via NH-58; regular buses and taxis available.

When to go

The shrines are closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and open every spring. Temples are shut from late October/November until the following April.

May–June: Best weather, clear skiesJuly–Aug: Monsoon, landslide riskSept–Oct: Fewer crowds, post-monsoon clarity

Avoid July and August if possible — the monsoon brings frequent landslides and road closures throughout the Garhwal hills.

Get in

Gateway cities

Haridwar and Rishikesh are the primary starting points, well-connected by train and road from Delhi (approx. 5–6 hrs, 220 km). Dehradun with its Jolly Grant Airport is useful for those flying in; helicopter services to Kedarnath and Badrinath also depart from here.

By road

State buses (GMOU, UTTC) and shared jeeps connect Rishikesh/Haridwar to all major transit points. Private taxis are comfortable but expensive. National Highway 58 (Rishikesh–Badrinath) and NH-94 (Rishikesh–Yamunotri) are well-maintained outside monsoon season.

By helicopter

Helicopter services cover Kedarnath (from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi) and Badrinath (from Dehradun). Ideal for elderly or less mobile pilgrims. Book several months in advance — seats fill up extremely fast, especially for Kedarnath.

Registration — mandatory

All pilgrims must register before travelling. Online registration opened on 6 March 2026. Visit registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, download the "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" app, or call the toll-free number 0135-1364. Registration is completely free. Beware of fake websites charging for registration.

After registration you receive a QR-based Yatra Pass, which is checked at multiple checkpoints along the route. Offline registration is available from 17 April at centres in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Get around

A complete yatra by road takes a minimum of 10–12 days from Haridwar and back. Allow extra days for acclimatisation, weather delays, and long darshan queues at peak times.

Haridwar/Rishikesh → Barkot/Janki Chatti — Drive to Yamunotri base, trek up

Janki Chatti → Uttarkashi → Gangotri — Road all the way

Gangotri → Guptkashi/Gaurikund → Kedarnath — Drive to Gaurikund, 20 km trek

Gaurikund → Joshimath → Badrinath — Drive via Chopta or direct NH-58

Eat and sleep

Accommodation options have improved significantly since 2013. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses operate at or near all four dhams and are reliable mid-range options. Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) managed by temples offer basic, inexpensive rooms. Private hotels have expanded around Badrinath, Kedarnath (Gaurikund), and Gangotri. Book well in advance for May–June travel.

Food along the route is almost entirely vegetarian — dal, rice, roti, sabzi, and khichdi are the staples. Langar (free community meals) is available at several points, particularly near Kedarnath. No alcohol or non-vegetarian food is permitted in the temple towns.

Stay safe

Altitude: All four dhams are above 3,000 m. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid exertion on the first day. Those with heart conditions or breathing difficulties should consult a doctor before travel and consider helicopter options.

Weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable even in summer — carry warm layers regardless of the season. Start treks and drives early in the morning; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Monsoon landslides can close roads for hours or days — always have a buffer day in your itinerary.

Cash: ATMs exist in Uttarkashi, Joshimath, and Guptkashi but can be unreliable and often run out of cash during peak season. Carry sufficient cash (at least ₹5,000–10,000) before leaving the larger towns.

Trek fitness: The Kedarnath trek (20 km one-way, significant elevation gain) requires reasonable physical fitness. Ponies and palanquins (dolis/palkis) are available for those who cannot trek; helicopter is the third option.

Respect

Dress modestly — cover shoulders and legs when entering temples. Remove footwear before entering any shrine. Photography is usually prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum. Follow the queue system patiently; darshan times can be long, especially at Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Avoid garlic and onion on the days you visit the temples — this is a traditional practice observed by most pilgrims. Keep temple premises clean and do not litter. The Himalayan ecosystem is fragile; carry your waste back rather than leaving it on trekking trails.