The Chardham Yatra — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri — is the ultimate Hindu pilgrimage in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It's also one of the most demanding, with high altitudes, challenging treks, and unpredictable mountain weather. But with the right preparation and a reliable tempo traveller, the journey is transformative. Here's our complete planning guide, built from 14 years of running Chardham trips.
When to Go
The Chardham temples open in April-May and close in October-November (exact dates vary yearly). The best windows are:
- May-June: Opening season. Weather is pleasant. Roads are clear. Temples just opened — spiritual energy is high. Most popular period.
- September-October: Post-monsoon. Lush green mountains. Fewer crowds. Slightly colder.
- Avoid July-August: Monsoon brings heavy rain, landslides, and road closures. Not recommended.
The Complete Itinerary (11 Days)
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar (230 km, 6 hrs)
Start the yatra with a Ganga snan at Har Ki Pauri. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti. Rest well — the mountain journey begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot (200 km, 8 hrs)
Drive through the Shivalik foothills to Barkot, the base for Yamunotri. Mountain roads start here. Arrive by evening and rest.
Day 3: Yamunotri Darshan
Drive to Janki Chatti (40 km). Trek 6 km to Yamunotri temple. Hot water springs, Surya Kund, and the sacred temple. Return to Barkot by evening. Trek difficulty: moderate.
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km, 4 hrs)
Beautiful drive along the Yamuna river to Uttarkashi — the base for Gangotri. Visit the Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Gangotri Darshan
Drive to Gangotri (100 km, 4 hrs). Temple darshan at the origin of the Ganges. Stunning glacial landscape at 3,100 metres. Return to Uttarkashi. No trekking required — temple is road-accessible.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (220 km, 9 hrs)
The longest driving day. Cross through Srinagar and Rudraprayag to Guptkashi — the base for Kedarnath. Rest well for tomorrow's trek.
Day 7: Kedarnath Darshan
Drive to Gaurikund (30 km). Trek 16 km to Kedarnath temple at 3,583 metres (or take a helicopter). The most physically demanding day. Overnight at Kedarnath or return to Guptkashi.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath (200 km, 8 hrs)
Drive through stunning Garhwal valleys to Badrinath. Arrive by evening. Hot springs (Tapt Kund) dip. Rest.
Day 9: Badrinath Darshan
Morning temple darshan. Visit Mana Village — the last Indian village before the Tibet border. Bhim Pul, Vyas Gufa, and Saraswati River origin. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 10: Badrinath to Rudraprayag (160 km, 6 hrs)
Start the journey back. Stop at the sacred confluences — Devprayag, where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi form the Ganges. Overnight at Rudraprayag.
Day 11: Rudraprayag to Delhi via Haridwar (395 km, 11 hrs)
Final leg. Stop at Haridwar for a farewell Ganga Aarti. Continue to Delhi. Arrive by late night. Yatra complete.
Fitness Requirements
- Yamunotri trek: 6 km each way. Moderate. Most people can do it with regular fitness.
- Kedarnath trek: 16 km each way. Strenuous. Requires good cardiovascular fitness. Helicopter option available (Rs. 7,000-12,000).
- Gangotri and Badrinath: No trekking required — road-accessible.
- Altitude sickness is possible above 3,000 metres. Acclimatise slowly, stay hydrated, and carry Diamox if prescribed by your doctor.
What to Pack
- Warm layers — temperatures can drop below 5°C at high altitudes
- Rain gear — mountain weather changes rapidly
- Comfortable trekking shoes (essential for Yamunotri and Kedarnath)
- Walking stick (available for rent at trek starting points)
- Medicines — personal prescriptions, pain relievers, altitude sickness tablets
- Cash — ATMs are unreliable in the mountains
- Small backpack for the treks (leave heavy luggage in the tempo traveller)
Transport: Why a Tempo Traveller?
The Chardham route involves serious mountain driving — narrow roads, steep climbs, and hairpin bends at high altitude. A tempo traveller's Force Motors chassis is built for this terrain. More importantly, our drivers are Chardham specialists who've done this circuit dozens of times. They know where to slow down, where to honk, and where the road might be fragile after rain. For a pilgrimage of this magnitude, experienced driving isn't just comfort — it's safety.
Plan your Chardham Yatra with us. Call +91-9999999999 for a detailed itinerary and quote.
