If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra in 2026, let me tell you — this year comes with some important changes that you need to know about before you start booking anything. Biometric registration is now mandatory, the 60-40 online-offline registration split is new, and the helicopter costs for Kedarnath have gone up again. I have been following the Char Dham circuit closely and have traveled to Kedarnath and Badrinath multiple times over the years, so I will share everything I know to help you plan this sacred journey properly.
The Char Dham Yatra covers four sacred temples in Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — and the complete circuit from Delhi takes about 10-12 days by road, covering roughly 1,500-2,000 km. In this guide, I will walk you through the 2026 opening dates, registration process, day-by-day itinerary, budget breakdown, helicopter booking, and everything else you need to know to plan your yatra.
| Yatra Season | April 19 – November 13, 2026 |
| Total Circuit Distance | ~1,500-2,000 km from Delhi (by road) |
| Days Required | 10-12 days (complete circuit) |
| Budget Estimate | Rs 20,000-55,000 per person |
| Registration | Mandatory, free — opens March 20, 2026 |
| Best Months | May-June and September-October |
| Key Altitudes | Kedarnath: 3,583m | Badrinath: 3,133m |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 begins on April 19 with Yamunotri and Gangotri opening first, followed by Kedarnath on April 22 and Badrinath on April 24. All temples close by mid-November. Registration opens March 20, 2026.
Here are the confirmed opening and closing dates for all four Dhams in 2026. Keep in mind that the opening dates are decided based on the Hindu calendar — specifically on Akshaya Tritiya — and may shift by a day or two based on the Panchang. The closing dates are announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
| Temple | Opening Date | Closing Date | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | April 19, 2026 | November 11, 2026 | 3,293m (10,804 ft) |
| Gangotri | April 19, 2026 | November 10, 2026 | 3,100m (10,170 ft) |
| Kedarnath | April 22, 2026 | November 11, 2026 | 3,583m (11,755 ft) |
| Badrinath | April 24, 2026 | November 13, 2026 | 3,133m (10,279 ft) |
The traditional clockwise route starts with Yamunotri, then Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. I would suggest following this sequence because it gradually increases in altitude and difficulty, giving your body time to acclimatize. However, many pilgrims now start with Badrinath and work backwards — the choice is yours.
Registration is mandatory and free for all pilgrims. In 2026, biometric Aadhaar-based registration is compulsory. Register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in starting March 20, 2026. The new 60-40 split means 60% slots are online and 40% at offline counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The Uttarakhand government has introduced some important changes for 2026 that you should know about. Biometric registration linked to your Aadhaar Card is now mandatory. This was optional in previous years but is compulsory starting 2026. Also, there is a new 60-40 registration split — 60% of registrations will be online and 40% at offline counters (30 counters in Rishikesh and 20 in Haridwar).
Alternative registration methods: Send “YATRA” to 8394833833 on WhatsApp, or call the toll-free helpline at 0135-1364. You can also register through authorized travel operators at no extra cost.
At each shrine, your QR code wristband will be scanned at verification centers — Dobata (Yamunotri), Heena (Gangotri), Sonprayag (Kedarnath), and Pandukeshwar (Badrinath). These centers are connected to a central control room in Dehradun for real-time pilgrim tracking. Hence, do make sure your registration is complete before you leave for the yatra.
The best months are May-June (warm weather, all roads open) and September-October (fewer crowds, clear skies, lush green scenery). Avoid July-August due to heavy monsoon rains and landslide risks. May to mid-June sees the heaviest crowds due to school holidays.
Let me break this down month by month so you can pick the window that works best for you:
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late April | 10-20°C, cool nights, some snow at higher altitudes | Low-Medium | Good — early season, roads just opened |
| May | 15-30°C, pleasant days, clear skies | High (peak) | Best weather but heavy crowds |
| June | 18-35°C, warm, pre-monsoon showers late June | Very High | Good weather, maximum rush |
| July-August | 15-25°C, heavy rainfall 400+ mm/month | Low | Avoid — landslides, road closures |
| September | 12-25°C, post-monsoon, green landscapes | Low | Excellent — clear views, fewer pilgrims |
| October | 5-20°C, crisp, clear Himalayan views | Low-Medium | Best for photography and peace |
If I were planning my Char Dham Yatra in 2026, I would go in late September or early October. The weather is perfect, the crowds have thinned out significantly after the monsoon, and the landscapes are lush and green from the rains. The only downside is that nights get cold at Kedarnath — temperatures can drop to 0-5°C — so carry proper woolens.
A complete Char Dham Yatra costs approximately Rs 20,000-25,000 (budget), Rs 35,000-50,000 (mid-range), or Rs 60,000-90,000 (comfort) per person for 10-12 days. This includes transport, accommodation, food, treks, and donations. Helicopter to Kedarnath costs Rs 7,000-10,000 extra per person one-way.
Here is a detailed cost breakdown based on current 2026 prices. Keep in mind that costs vary depending on the season — peak months (May-June) are 20-30% more expensive than shoulder months (April, September-October).
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport (ex-Delhi, 10-12 days) | Rs 5,000-8,000 (bus/shared) | Rs 15,000-20,000 (shared Innova) | Rs 30,000-40,000 (private car) |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | Rs 5,000-8,000 (dharamshala/GMVN) | Rs 10,000-15,000 (mid-range hotels) | Rs 20,000-30,000 (good hotels) |
| Food (10-12 days) | Rs 4,000-5,000 (dhaba meals) | Rs 5,000-8,000 (restaurant meals) | Rs 8,000-12,000 (hotel dining) |
| Trek aids (ponies, doli, porter) | Rs 2,000-3,000 (walk most) | Rs 5,000-8,000 (pony for Kedarnath) | Rs 10,000-15,000 (pony/doli all) |
| Misc (darshan, tips, emergency) | Rs 2,000-3,000 | Rs 3,000-5,000 | Rs 5,000-8,000 |
| Total (per person) | Rs 18,000-27,000 | Rs 38,000-56,000 | Rs 73,000-1,05,000 |
Last verified: February 2026. Prices may vary by 10-20% during peak season (May-June).
Helicopter to Kedarnath (optional but popular): The helicopter ride from Phata/Sitapur/Guptkundi to Kedarnath takes about 7-10 minutes and costs Rs 7,000-10,000 per person one-way (as of 2026). This saves you the grueling 16 km trek. Book early through IRCTC or authorized operators like Himalayan Heli Services or Arrow Aviation — slots fill up fast for the May-June window.
The traditional clockwise route takes 10-12 days starting from Delhi or Haridwar: Delhi to Barkot (Day 1), Yamunotri darshan (Day 2), Uttarkashi (Day 3), Gangotri darshan (Day 4), Guptkashi (Day 5), Kedarnath trek and darshan (Days 6-7), Pipalkoti (Day 8), Badrinath darshan (Day 9), return via Haridwar (Days 10-11).
Here is the most practical day-by-day itinerary that I would recommend. This follows the traditional clockwise route and includes enough buffer for rest and acclimatization:
Start early from Delhi — ideally by 4-5 AM to beat the highway traffic. The drive to Haridwar (220 km) takes about 5-6 hours on the expressway. From Haridwar to Barkot, it is another 180-200 km of winding hill roads that take 6-8 hours. If you are starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh, you save half a day. Overnight stay in Barkot — several decent hotels and dharamshalas are available here.
Drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti (45 km, about 2 hours). From here, it is a 6 km trek one-way to Yamunotri temple. Ponies and dolis (palanquins) are available if you cannot walk. Take a dip in the holy Surya Kund hot spring, offer prayers at the temple, and trek back. Return to Barkot for the night. Start early — the trek gets crowded after 9 AM.
A relatively easy driving day through the beautiful Yamuna valley. In Uttarkashi, visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple — one of the oldest Shiva temples in the region. This is a good day to rest and let your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight in Uttarkashi.
The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri passes through Harsil — one of the most scenic stretches in all of Uttarakhand. The road is narrow but well-maintained. At Gangotri, visit the temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and take a dip in the holy Bhagirathi river. If you have time, walk to Pandavan Gufa (1.5 km from the temple). Return to Uttarkashi for the night.
This is the longest driving day of the yatra. The route goes via Rudraprayag and the roads can be slow due to ongoing construction and narrow stretches. Start early and plan for a lunch stop at Rudraprayag. Overnight in Guptkashi — book your stay in advance as it gets packed during peak season.
Day 6: Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund (35 km). From Gaurikund, begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath — this is the most demanding part of the entire yatra. The trek takes 6-8 hours on foot. Ponies (Rs 3,000-5,000), porters, and doli/palki services are available. Helicopter option: Rs 7,000-10,000 per person one-way from Phata/Sitapur (7-10 minutes). Reach Kedarnath, take darshan at the Jyotirlinga temple, and stay overnight in basic dharamshalas or GMVN accommodation near the temple.
Day 7: Early morning darshan (the temple opens at 4 AM — the early morning aarti is something you should not miss), then trek/helicopter back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi. This day will be exhausting, especially if you are trekking down. Rest well.
Drive through the beautiful Garhwal hills towards Badrinath. You can stop at Chopta for a quick view of the Tungnath ridge if time permits (3.5 km short trek). Overnight in Pipalkoti or Joshimath.
Drive to Badrinath early morning. Take a holy dip in Tapt Kund (natural hot spring right next to the temple), then visit the Badrinath temple for darshan. After that, drive 3 km further to Mana Village — the last Indian village before the Tibet border. Visit the Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and the stunning Vasudhara Falls (5 km trek from Mana). Return to Pipalkoti or drive further to Rudraprayag if you want to save time the next day.
Day 10: Drive from Pipalkoti/Rudraprayag to Haridwar (250 km, 8-10 hours via Rishikesh). Take evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Day 11: Haridwar to Delhi (220 km, 5-6 hours on the expressway). You can also extend the trip by spending a day in Rishikesh for offbeat Uttarakhand exploration if you have the time.
The Char Dham Yatra is generally safe with proper preparation. Pilgrims above 50 years must carry a medical fitness certificate. Key risks include altitude sickness at Kedarnath (3,583m) and Badrinath (3,133m), monsoon landslides (avoid Jul-Aug), and the demanding 16 km Kedarnath trek. Acclimatize gradually and carry warm clothing.
Please take utmost caution with altitude sickness — I have seen people underestimate it on the Kedarnath trek. The symptoms range from mild headache and nausea to severe breathlessness and vomiting. Here is what I always suggest:
Pack warm layers (temperatures drop to 0-5°C at Kedarnath), rain gear, comfortable trekking shoes, a small daypack for treks, basic medicines, and enough cash. Keep luggage light — you will be trekking 6-16 km stretches and heavy bags make it miserable.
If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra, these guides will help you with specific parts of the journey:
A complete Char Dham circuit takes 10-12 days from Delhi or 9-10 days from Haridwar. If you want a more relaxed pace with rest days, plan for 13-14 days. You can also do individual Dhams separately — Kedarnath-Badrinath takes 5-6 days and Yamunotri-Gangotri takes 4-5 days.
Yes, registration is completely free. Do not pay anyone for registration. You can register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, via WhatsApp (send “YATRA” to 8394833833), or at offline counters in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Beware of agents who charge money for this — it is a free government service.
Yes, but with precautions. Pilgrims above 50 years should carry a medical fitness certificate. For the Kedarnath trek (16 km), helicopter, pony, or doli/palki services are available. Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are accessible by road with shorter treks (6 km for Yamunotri, road access for others).
In May-June (peak season), yes — book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. GMVN guesthouses can be booked at gmvn.in. Hotels in Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Pipalkoti fill up fast. In September-October, you can find accommodation more easily but advance booking is still recommended.
If you are not physically fit for a 16 km uphill trek or are short on time, the helicopter (Rs 7,000-10,000 one-way) is absolutely worth it. The ride takes 7-10 minutes versus 6-8 hours of trekking. Book early — slots fill up weeks in advance during May-June. Operators include IRCTC, Himalayan Heli Services, and Arrow Aviation.
The 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is moderate to difficult. It gains about 1,500 meters in altitude over steep, paved paths. A reasonably fit person can complete it in 6-8 hours. The last 2-3 km are the most demanding. Carry a walking stick, start early (by 5-6 AM), and take regular breaks. Ponies and porters are available throughout.
Yes, several operators offer complete Char Dham by helicopter packages covering all four temples in 4-5 days. These start at Rs 1,50,000-2,50,000 per person from Dehradun. This is the most comfortable option for senior citizens or those with limited time.
The main highway to Badrinath via Joshimath is generally well-maintained and sedans can manage it during May-June and September-October. However, in case of rain or construction zones, ground clearance can be an issue. I would recommend an SUV or high ground clearance car for the complete Char Dham circuit, especially the stretches to Yamunotri and the Guptkashi-Gaurikund road.
Only vegetarian food is available in all four Dham areas — this is a religious zone. Dhabas and small restaurants serve rice, dal, roti, sabzi, Maggi, and chai at every major stop. Expect to pay Rs 100-200 per meal at dhabas and Rs 300-500 at hotel restaurants. Food gets limited and expensive near Kedarnath temple — carry dry fruits, energy bars, and snacks.
Registration opens on March 20, 2026. I suggest registering as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel in May-June. With the new 60-40 split (60% online, 40% offline), online slots may fill up faster than previous years. You can register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app.
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred and rewarding pilgrimages you can undertake in India. Whether you are going for spiritual reasons or simply to experience the raw beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, this journey will leave a lasting impression. My biggest advice — do not rush it. Take your time at each Dham, acclimatize properly, and soak in the experience rather than treating it like a checklist.
If you are planning the yatra in 2026, start your registration on March 20 to secure your preferred dates. Book your accommodation early if traveling in May-June. And please, take the altitude warnings seriously — I cannot stress this enough. Carry warm clothes, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
Join the Discover With Dheeraj community of mountain travelers for more Uttarakhand travel guides, road status updates, and honest reviews. If you have done the Char Dham Yatra before, I would love to hear about your experience — share your tips in the comments so other pilgrims can benefit from it too.
If you have any questions about planning your Char Dham Yatra 2026, feel free to ask in the comments section below 🙂
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