Chardham Yatra from Haridwar – A Complete Overview
The Chardham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, covering the four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Starting your journey from Haridwar, also known as the “Gateway to God,” adds a deeply spiritual dimension, as the city itself is considered a holy entry point to the Himalayas.
Pilgrims from across the country gather here to embark on this life-changing yatra, seeking divine blessings and inner peace.
Significance of Chardham Yatra
The Chardham Yatra holds immense religious importance in Hinduism. Each of the four dhams represents different deities and natural elements:
- Yamunotri – the source of River Yamuna, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Gangotri – the origin of River Ganga, dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
- Kedarnath – Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath – dedicated to Lord Vishnu, regarded as the most sacred of all.
Undertaking this yatra is believed to wash away sins, liberate the soul, and pave the way to salvation (Moksha).
Starting the Yatra from Haridwar
Haridwar is the most popular starting point for the Chardham Yatra due to its accessibility and spiritual aura. Located on the banks of the holy River Ganga, Haridwar is well-connected by rail and road, making it convenient for pilgrims arriving from different parts of India.
Before beginning the yatra, many devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri, seeking purity and blessings for the journey ahead.
Route and Travel Itinerary
The Chardham Yatra from Haridwar generally follows this sequence:
- Haridwar to Yamunotri – via Barkot, covering approximately 220 km. Pilgrims trek about 6 km from Janki Chatti to reach the Yamunotri temple.
- Yamunotri to Gangotri – travel through Uttarkashi to reach the Gangotri temple, about 240 km.
- Gangotri to Kedarnath – drive to Gaurikund and then trek 16 km or opt for pony, palanquin, or helicopter services to reach Kedarnath temple.
- Kedarnath to Badrinath – via Joshimath, covering around 230 km. The Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the final dham of the pilgrimage.
The entire journey takes about 10 to 12 days, depending on travel pace and route.
Best Time to Undertake the Yatra
The Chardham Yatra usually begins in May and continues until October, with the temples closing around Diwali due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayas.
The best time to travel is during May–June and September–October, as the weather remains pleasant and roads are relatively safer. Pilgrims should avoid the peak monsoon season (July–August) because of the risk of landslides and floods.
Facilities and Travel Options
Several tour operators provide Chardham Yatra packages from Haridwar, including transportation, meals, and accommodation. Pilgrims can choose between road trips, helicopter packages, or a mix of both based on their preference and budget. For elderly devotees, helicopter services to Kedarnath and Badrinath are especially convenient.
Spiritual Experience of the Yatra
The Chardham Yatra from Haridwar is not just a religious journey but also a soul-stirring Himalayan expedition. Pilgrims witness serene rivers, snow-clad peaks, and peaceful valleys, all while immersing themselves in chants, prayers, and rituals. It is a path of devotion, endurance, and self-realization.
✅ In summary, beginning your Chardham Yatra from Haridwar ensures a spiritually enriching and well-connected journey to the four divine shrines. With proper planning and devotion, this pilgrimage becomes a lifetime experience of faith and inner transformation.
- Haridwar.
- Yamunotri.
- Gangotri.
- Kedarnath.
- Badrinath.
- Rishikesh.
This morning depart for Barkot, located on the foot of Yamunotri. Drive via Mussoorie and visit Kempt Falls on the way. On arrival at Barkot, check-in to your hotel/camp. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the Pahad (hiII) Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot.
After breakfast, depart for Hanumanchatti (40 Km), Janki Chatti (8 km). Here you will begin the First Pahad Yatra of Yamunotri (6 Km trek). You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs.
after finishing the morning meal check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in into the hotel. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is famous for its historical monuments, Temples & Ashrams. In the evening, witness aarti at Vishwanath Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Today we’ll drive towards Gangotri. After performing Pooja Late afternoon drive back to
Uttarkashi. Dinner & Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
After the morning meal check out from the hotel and drive for Guptkashi. On arrival check in at hotel. Later get your medical checkup done for your next day’s travel to Kedarnath. Dinner and Overnight stay in Guptkashi hotel/Camps.
Very early morning leave the hotel and drive to Gaurikund. From where, you will start your 17 km trek to Kedarnath. You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Trudging with you are pilgrims chanting “Jai Bholenath.” Sometimes the mist would envelop the mountains and slowly lift away, revealing a shiny blinding-white peak that threatens to rupture the skies. On arrival check in at Govt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Lodges. (Accommodation and food provided by Uttarakhand Govt. in Kedarnath).
Today, get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After darshan and puja you come out of the temple and return to the Govt. Camps / Lodges. Later you’ll start the return trek of 20 km from Kedarnath to Guptkashi. The vehicles wait for you in Guptkashi Car Parking and you’ll drive to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Guptkashi.
This morning, you check out of the hotel at 08:00 am and drive to Badrinath via Joshimath. After driving through some wonderful Ghat road you arrive at Badrinath. On arrival check into the hotel. After some rest and refreshments you are all set to go to Badrinath Temple for darshan in the evening. But first you have to go to Tapt Kund (Hot Spring), take bath and then go to the temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinath Ji is 15 meters in height, built in the form of a cone with a small cupola of a gilt bull and spire. Later back to hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Next Day, go for Badrinath darshan. After darshan return back to hotel, breakfast at hotel and proceed for Badrinath local sightseeing visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, and Mata Murti temple. Afternoon driver back to Rudraprayag via Karanprayag. Rudraprayag is a small pilgrim town on the holy confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the Rudraprayag town. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
Have breakfast, you drive downhill to Rishikesh a spiritual city and the Yoga capital of the world. On reaching Rishikesh you’ll do the Rishikesh sightseeing visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Evening drive to Haridwar and drop in Haridwar Railway Station.
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