The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is a spiritual journey to the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Below is a detailed description of the route, distances, and road conditions for each part of the journey. This comprehensive guide includes important landmarks, travel times, and the condition of the roads to help you plan your pilgrimage effectively.
Overview of the Route
The Char Dham Yatra typically begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are well-connected by road and rail to major cities like Delhi. The recommended sequence of visiting the shrines is:
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
Detailed Route Information
1. Yamunotri
- Altitude: 3,293 meters
- Deity: Goddess Yamuna
- Important Places to Visit: Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund, Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Hanuman Chatti, Kharsali
- Distance from Delhi:
- Delhi to Haridwar: 210 km
- Haridwar to Barkot: 220 km
- Barkot to Janki Chatti: 36 km (drive) + 7 km (trek)
Route and Distances to Yamunotri
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Haridwar | 210 | 6 hours | Good, NH 334 |
| Haridwar to Barkot | 220 | 7 hours | Good, NH 34 |
| Barkot to Janki Chatti | 36 (drive) | 1.5 hours | Moderate, steep and narrow |
| Janki Chatti to Yamunotri | 7 (trek) | 4-5 hours (trek) | Trekking path, moderately challenging |
Road Conditions
- The roads from Delhi to Haridwar are well-maintained with smooth driving conditions.
- From Haridwar to Barkot, the roads are generally good but can be narrow and winding in some sections.
- The drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti is more challenging with steep climbs and narrow roads.
- The trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is well-marked but can be strenuous.
2. Gangotri
- Altitude: 3,415 meters
- Deity: Goddess Ganga
- Important Places to Visit: Gangotri Temple, Bhaironghati, Gangnani, Kedartal, Gaumukh
- Distance from Yamunotri:
- Yamunotri to Uttarkashi: 100 km
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: 100 km
Route and Distances to Gangotri
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri to Uttarkashi | 100 | 4 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri | 100 | 4 hours | Good, scenic but narrow in parts |
Road Conditions
- The road from Yamunotri to Uttarkashi is mostly good but includes some narrow and winding sections.
- The route from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is scenic and generally in good condition, but expect some narrow stretches and potential landslides during the monsoon season.
3. Kedarnath
- Altitude: 3,583 meters
- Deity: Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
- Important Places to Visit: Kedarnath Temple, Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Distance from Gangotri:
- Gangotri to Rudraprayag: 180 km
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund: 74 km (drive) + 20 km (trek)
Route and Distances to Kedarnath
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri to Rudraprayag | 180 | 7-8 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
| Rudraprayag to Gaurikund | 74 (drive) | 3-4 hours | Moderate, narrow and winding |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 20 (trek) | 6-7 hours (trek) | Trekking path, challenging |
Road Conditions
- The road from Gangotri to Rudraprayag is generally good, but it can be narrow and winding in several sections.
- The drive from Rudraprayag to Gaurikund involves narrow and steep roads that require careful driving.
- The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is rigorous, especially after the 2013 floods which altered the original path. It is advisable to be physically prepared for this trek.
4. Badrinath
- Altitude: 3,133 meters
- Deity: Lord Vishnu
- Important Places to Visit: Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund, Neelkanth Peak, Mana Village, Vyas Gufa
- Distance from Kedarnath:
- Gaurikund to Rudraprayag: 74 km (drive) + 20 km (trek)
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath: 160 km
Route and Distances to Badrinath
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaurikund to Rudraprayag | 74 (drive) | 3-4 hours | Moderate, narrow and winding |
| Rudraprayag to Badrinath | 160 | 6-7 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
Road Conditions
- The road from Gaurikund to Rudraprayag is narrow and requires cautious driving.
- The route from Rudraprayag to Badrinath is generally in good condition, with some sections being narrow and subject to landslides, especially during the monsoon season.
Complete Char Dham Yatra Route
Total Distance: 1,607 km
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Haridwar | 210 | 6 hours | Good, NH 334 |
| Haridwar to Barkot | 220 | 7 hours | Good, NH 34 |
| Barkot to Yamunotri | 36 (drive) + 7 (trek) | 1.5 hours + 4-5 hours (trek) | Moderate, steep and narrow |
| Barkot to Uttarkashi | 100 | 4 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri | 100 | 4 hours | Good, scenic but narrow in parts |
| Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag | 180 | 7-8 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
| Rudraprayag to Gaurikund | 74 (drive) | 3-4 hours | Moderate, narrow and winding |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 20 (trek) | 6-7 hours (trek) | Trekking path, challenging |
| Rudraprayag to Badrinath | 160 | 6-7 hours | Good, some narrow sections |
| Badrinath to Rishikesh | 297 | 10-11 hours | Good, NH 7, some narrow sections |
| Rishikesh to Delhi | 230 | 6 hours | Good, NH 334 |
Road Conditions Summary
- Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: Smooth highways (NH 334), easy driving conditions.
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot: Good roads but can be narrow and winding in places.
- Barkot to Yamunotri: The drive is moderate with some steep sections; trekking path is well-maintained but can be challenging.
- Yamunotri to Uttarkashi: Generally good roads with some narrow parts.
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: Scenic route, well-maintained but prone to landslides in monsoon.
- Gangotri to Rudraprayag: Good condition but narrow in parts.
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund: Narrow, steep roads requiring careful navigation.
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: Challenging trek, requires physical preparation.
- Rudraprayag to Badrinath: Good condition, narrow sections, potential for landslides.
- Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar: Well-maintained highways, some narrow stretches.
- Rishikesh/Haridwar to Delhi: Smooth highways, easy drive.
FAQs
- Are All Char Dhams Connected by Road? Yes, all are connected by road except for the trekking sections to Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
- Major Routes to Reach Char Dham:
- Yamunotri & Gangotri: Via Rishikesh – Chamba or Dehradun – Mussoorie.
- Kedarnath & Badrinath: Via Rishikesh – Rudraprayag and Rishikesh – Joshimath.
- Correct Order of Visit: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Driving Directions for Char Dham Yatra:
- Delhi → Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rishikesh → Delhi (return)
This detailed route map, distance, and road condition information will help ensure a smooth and well-planned Char Dham Yatra.
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