How to Plan a Char Dham Yatra from Delhi 

 Spiritual awakening is the most beautiful experience that takes a person away from the pain, sorrow, and troubles of life. If you are someone, who is often in search of divine experiences, then you should plan Char Dham yatra at least once in your lifetime. This journey to the most sacred sites will definitely bring transformation from within. Consisting of four holy shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, millions of people visit Char Dham every year. Not only Indians, but pilgrimage to these sites also attracts foreign travelers. It is believed that one, who visits these four holy temples once in their lifetime, will get rid of all the sins and attain salvation by the blessings of almighty. 

Located in Garhwal, Char Dham temples attract people to seek the blessings and experience their divine aura. Surrounded by the majestic and snow-capped mountains, these temples have unique vibes and spiritual aura to dive in. In 2025, this yatra is going to start soon. If you are looking to plan this journey from Delhi, then this post will indeed answer everything that pops up in your mind and ensure you get the most out of your journey. 

Know the Opening and Closing Dates in 2025

Situated at the higher altitudes, the Char Dham are visited in a clockwise manner and starts from Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. If you are eagerly waiting for this journey, ensure you know the opening and closing dates in 2025. 

These holy shrines are open for a few months every year and experience heavy rainfall during winter. This is the reason why the temples remain closed for the pilgrims for around six months. Well, if you are planning to visit there, you must know the opening and closing dates of the temples. 

Usually, the yatra begins in the months of April or May and ends by November before heavy snowfall. Here are the tentative opening and closing dates: 

Temple	Opening Date	Closing Date
Yamunotri	30 April 2025	5 Nov 2025
Gangotri	30 April 2025	8 Nov 2025
Kedarnath	2 May 2025	10 Nov 2025
Badrinath	4 May 2025	13 Nov 2025

So, these are the tentative opening and closing dates and you can plan your journey accordingly. 

The Route Map of Char Dham Yatra from Delhi 

For travelers’ convenience, there are two routes to cover this holy journey: by road or by helicopter. The average time you need to complete the yatra of four holy shrines is a minimum of 10 to 12 days if you choose to complete it by road. On the other hand, the journey can be covered in 4 to 5 days if you choose a helicopter ride to reach the shrines. 

The temples are easily reachable and many Char Dham tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities are conveniently available to suit one’s budget and travel needs. 

Here’s the route of Char Dham yatra starts from Delhi by road: Delhi – Haridwar – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Rudraprayag – Badrinath – Joshimath – Haridwar – Delhi.

On the other hand, if you choose to travel by helicopter, you have to start your journey from Delhi and arrive in Dehradun. Then, your journey begins from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun – Kharsali (Helipad for Yamunotri) – Harshil (Helipad for Gangotri) – Kedarnath Helipad – Sahatradhara Helipad (helipad to Badrinath and back). 

Itinerary Skeleton for Char Dham Yatra from Delhi 

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar 

Day 2: Drive from Haridwar to Barkot 

Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot 

Day 4: Transfer from Barkot to Uttarkashi 

Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi 

Day 6: Transfer from Uttarkashi to Guptkashi 

Day 7: Drive from Guptakashi to Sonaprayag 

Day 8: Darshan at Kedarnath 

Day 9: Trip to Badrinath via Joshimath

Day 10: Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag 

Day 11: Drive from Rudraprayag – Rishikesh 

Day 12: Rishikesh – Delhi – Char Dham Yatra Concludes 

Choose the Best Time to Visit 

Since the shrines are located at higher altitudes and open for a few months only, you must opt for the best time to visit. Generally, the early months when the yatra begins are considered the best time when the weather is pleasant in the months of April, May, and June. Avoid monsoon season because the roads get slippery and the chances of landslides are quite high in the months of July, Aug, and September. Finally, the closing time of the shrines is near. You can plan the journey in October and November also when the weather is favorable and the skies are clear. However, you will expect chilly weather during this time. Now, you know what is the best time to visit. Thus, plan your journey accordingly. 

Things to Keep in Mind While Preparing for the Journey 

Char Dham yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one should keep certain things in mind while preparing for the journey. Here’s what to keep a few things in mind: 

• Physical Fitness 

Keep yourself physically fit as the journey includes trekking. Thus, it is advisable to start regular exercise to keep yourself fit.

• Clothing and Essentials 

Pack warm clothing even if you are going in summer. Keep a pair of sturdy shoes ready and don’t forget to carry a medical kit with essential medications. 

• Documentation and Permits 

Ensure you carry all the necessary and valid documents for identification such as voter ID, and Aadhaar Card, and obtain required permits for trekking and visiting the region. 

• Book Accommodations in Advance 

To avoid the rush and last-minute hassle, make sure to book accommodations in advance as it gets difficult to arrange accommodation upon arrival and you’ll end up wasting time and struggling to get the lodge. 

• Safety Tips 

• Weather Conditions: Before you depart for Char Dham yatra, make sure you check weather forecast for a smooth journey. 
• Travel Insurance: You can consider purchasing travel insurance to cover emergencies and other mishaps. 
• Local Guidance: You can hire a local guide that provides valuable insights into the pilgrimage. 

Conclusion

Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage but it’s a journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. To get the most out of your experience, planning your journey efficiently is crucial and you can ensure a convenient and spiritually fulfilling experience for yourself. Now, consider all the points mentioned in this post and bring yourself closer to the divine and witness its transforming effects on your mind and soul.