Chardham Yatra Overview
Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India, taking devotees through four holy shrines nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This spiritual journey is believed to wash away sins and lead to salvation (moksha). Starting your Chardham Yatra from Delhi offers excellent connectivity and well-maintained roads through scenic mountain landscapes.
The yatra typically takes 10-12 days and covers approximately 1,500 km round trip. Delhi serves as the perfect starting point with good road connectivity via Haridwar and Rishikesh, making it accessible for pilgrims from across India.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
May to June and September to October. The temples remain closed during winter (November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
Chardham Yatra from Delhi by Car
Traveling for Chardham Yatra from Delhi by car is the most popular and convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort throughout the journey.
Our Chardham Yatra packages from Delhi are customizable based on group size, comfort preferences, and budget. Group bookings get special discounts.
Chardham Yatra from Delhi Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Barkot (250 km / 8-9 hours)
Start your spiritual journey with an early morning departure from Delhi around 5-6 AM. Drive through Meerut where you can stop for breakfast. Continue your journey to the holy city of Haridwar and visit the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat for a quick darshan. After lunch in Haridwar, proceed towards Barkot via Dehradun, enjoying the scenic mountain roads. Reach Barkot by evening, check into your hotel, and rest after the long drive. Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and Back (36 km drive + 6 km trek)
After breakfast, drive to Janki Chatti, which takes about 2 hours covering 36 km. From here, begin your trek to Yamunotri Temple, approximately 6 km uphill taking 3-4 hours. You can also hire ponies or palanquins for the trek. Visit the sacred Yamunotri Temple, take blessings at Surya Kund and Divya Shila, and witness devotees cooking rice and potatoes in the hot spring. After darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti and drive to Barkot. Overnight stay in Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi (90 km / 4 hours)
Post breakfast, check out and drive to Uttarkashi, a beautiful town situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River. En route, you can make an optional stop at Kempty Falls if time permits. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and explore the local markets. The town offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Back (100 km / 4 hours one way)
Wake up early and drive to Gangotri through the picturesque Harsil Valley, known for its apple orchards and scenic beauty. Reach Gangotri and visit the revered Gangotri Temple situated at the origin of River Ganga. Take a holy dip in the ice-cold Bhagirathi River and attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. You can also visit nearby attractions like Pandava Gufa. After spending time in divine atmosphere, drive back to Uttarkashi. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km / 8-9 hours)
Today is a long drive day covering 220 km through beautiful mountain terrain. After breakfast, depart for Guptkashi passing through the magnificent Tehri Dam, one of Asia’s highest dams. Stop for lunch at Srinagar or Rudraprayag. Continue your journey along the Alaknanda River enjoying breathtaking valley views. Reach Guptkashi by evening and visit the Ardh Nareshwar Temple. This town serves as the base for Kedarnath journey. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (30 km drive + 16 km trek/helicopter)
Start early and drive to Gaurikund, the base point for Kedarnath. From here, you have options: trek on foot (6-8 hours), hire a pony (5-6 hours), book a helicopter (30 minutes), or take a palanquin. The 16 km trek is moderately difficult with steep climbs. Upon reaching Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, check into your accommodation and rest. In the evening, have darshan at the ancient Kedarnath Temple set against stunning snow-capped peaks. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Wake up early around 4 AM for the morning darshan when crowds are less. After pooja, visit the Bhairav Temple located uphill, which is considered mandatory after Kedarnath darshan. Return to your lodge, have breakfast, and begin your descent to Gaurikund. The downhill trek is easier and takes 4-5 hours. From Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi and relax after the tiring trek. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (190 km / 8-9 hours)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Badrinath, the final dham of your yatra. En route, stop at Joshimath for lunch and visit the famous Narsingh Temple. The drive offers spectacular views of the Alaknanda Valley and surrounding peaks. Reach Badrinath by evening and take a dip in the natural hot water spring, Tapt Kund, believed to have medicinal properties. Attend the evening aarti at Badrinath Temple. Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Day 9: Badrinath Sightseeing and to Rudraprayag (160 km / 6 hours)
Start your day with early morning darshan at the sacred Badrinath Temple. Visit Brahma Kapal for performing rituals for ancestors. Drive 3 km to Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibet border, and explore Vyas Gufa where Ved Vyas composed Mahabharata, Ganesh Gufa, and Bhim Pul. See the origin point of Saraswati River. Return to Badrinath for lunch and then drive to Rudraprayag or Srinagar for overnight stay.
Day 10: Rudraprayag to Haridwar (160 km / 6 hours)
After breakfast, visit the Rudraprayag Sangam where Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. Begin your return journey towards Haridwar, stopping at Devprayag to witness the beautiful confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers forming the holy Ganga. Reach Haridwar by afternoon and enjoy shopping for souvenirs, religious items, and local handicrafts. In the evening, attend the grand Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a spiritually uplifting experience. Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 11: Haridwar to Delhi (220 km / 5-6 hours)
On the final day, have breakfast and check out from your hotel. Begin your return journey to Delhi with beautiful memories of the completed Chardham Yatra. Stop en route for lunch at a highway restaurant. Reach Delhi by evening, concluding your divine pilgrimage with blessings from all four dhams. The yatra ends with a promise to return again.
Frequently Asked Questions – Chardham Yatra
Q1: When is the best time for Chardham Yatra from Delhi?
A: May-June and September-October are ideal. Avoid monsoon (July-August) due to landslides.
Q2: Is the yatra safe for elderly people?
A: Yes, but consult a doctor first. Helicopter services available for Kedarnath. Ponies/dolis available at all treks.
Q3: Can we complete Chardham in 7 days from Delhi?
A: Minimum 10 days required. 7 days is too rushed and risky for health at high altitudes.
Q4: What is the cost by car from Delhi?
A: ₹20,000-₹35,000 per person for a group of 4-6 people, including everything.
Q5: Are ATMs available on the route?
A: Limited ATMs in major towns (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Joshimath). Carry sufficient cash.
Q6: Mobile network connectivity?
A: BSNL works best in mountains. Limited or no connectivity near temples. Jio/Airtel available in major towns.
Q7: Do we need trekking experience?
A: No special skills needed. Basic fitness is sufficient. Alternatives like ponies and helicopters available.
Q8: Can we do Chardham during monsoon?
A: Not recommended. High risk of landslides, road blockages, and leeches. Plan for pre-monsoon or post-monsoon.