Planning the Char Dham Yatra? You’re about to experience one of the most spiritual and scenic journeys in India. The sacred circuit covers four holy temples — Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple.
What is the Char Dham Yatra Route?
The traditional route follows a clockwise direction:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Most pilgrims start from Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are known as the gateways to the Himalayas.
Also Read: Char Dham Kaun-Kaun Se Hain? Complete Char Dham Name List and Guide
Char Dham Yatra Route Map with Distance
| Route Segment | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar → Yamunotri | 230–235 km | 6–8 hrs |
| Yamunotri → Gangotri | 220–240 km | 7–9 hrs |
| Gangotri → Kedarnath | 310–340 km | 10–12 hrs |
| Kedarnath → Badrinath | 210–245 km | 7–9 hrs |
| Badrinath → Haridwar | 300–320 km | 10–12 hrs |
Total Distance: ~1,600–1,607 km (full circuit)
Also Read: How to Reach Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun to Kedarnath Temple ?
Char Dham Yatra Route Map from Haridwar
Let’s break down the journey step-by-step so you can plan easily.
1. Haridwar → Yamunotri Route
- Haridwar → Barkot: 180–220 km
- Barkot → Janki Chatti: 36–45 km
- Janki Chatti → Yamunotri: 6–7 km trek
Key Stop: Barkot
Total Distance: ~230 km (plus trek)
“How far is Yamunotri from Haridwar?”
Answer: Around 230 km by road plus a 6–7 km trek.
2. Yamunotri to Gangotri Distance
- Yamunotri → Barkot/Uttarkashi: 80–125 km
- Uttarkashi → Gangotri: ~100 km
Key Stop: Uttarkashi
Total Distance: 220–240 km
This is a fully motorable route — no trekking needed.
3. Gangotri to Kedarnath Distance
- Gangotri → Rudraprayag/Guptkashi: 170–270 km
- Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund: 30–70 km
- Gaurikund → Kedarnath: 16–20 km trek
Also Read: Things to Carry for Kedarnath Trek
Key Stops Gangotri to Kedarnath Distance:
- Rudraprayag
- Guptkashi
Total Distance: 310–340 km (plus trek)
Also Read: Kedarnath Morning Aarti Time : How to Plan ?
“Gangotri to Kedarnath distance by road?”
Answer: Around 310–340 km plus a 16–20 km trek.
4. Kedarnath to Badrinath Route
- Gaurikund → Rudraprayag: ~70–100 km
- Rudraprayag → Joshimath: ~160 km
- Joshimath → Badrinath: ~45 km
Key Stop: Joshimath
Total Distance: 210–245 km
Good thing — no trekking required here.
5. Badrinath to Haridwar Return
- Badrinath → Rishikesh: ~297 km
- Rishikesh → Haridwar: ~24 km
Total Distance: 300–320 km
Char Dham Yatra Route Map from Rishikesh
Starting from Rishikesh reduces your journey slightly.
- Total distance becomes: ~1,550 km
- Route remains the same:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Tips: Rishikesh is ideal if you want to skip Haridwar traffic.
Char Dham Yatra Route Map from Delhi
Starting from Delhi?
Here’s what changes:
- Delhi → Haridwar: ~220 km
- Total Char Dham Yatra distance: ~1,800–1,850 km
Many travelers choose overnight travel from Delhi to Haridwar.
4 Dham Yatra Route Map
Start: Haridwar / Rishikesh
Order: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Total Duration: 10–15 days
Total Distance: ~1,600 km
Trek Distances You Should Know
| Dham | Trek Distance |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 6–7 km (one way) |
| Kedarnath | 16–20 km (one way) |
Options available:
- Pony 🐎
- Palki (palanquin)
- Helicopter (for Kedarnath)
Best Time for Char Dham Yatra
The temples open between April–May and close around October–November.
Best months:
- May to June
- September to October
Tips: Avoid monsoon (July–August) — landslides love drama more than tourists.
Road Conditions & Travel Reality
Let’s be honest — this is not a smooth highway road trip.
- Narrow mountain roads
- Sharp turns
- Ongoing construction (Char Dham project)
- Possible delays due to weather
Night driving is often restricted.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Yatra
Planning Tips
- Book hotels and vehicles early
- Start your journey early in the morning
- Keep buffer days
Health Tips
- Stay hydrated
- Walk slowly at high altitude
- Carry basic medicines
Must-Carry Items
- Warm clothes
- Raincoat
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- ID proof
Faq’s
How long is the Char Dham Yatra route?
The full Char Dham Yatra route map with distance is about 1,600–1,607 km from Haridwar.
What is Yamunotri to Gangotri distance?
The Yamunotri to Gangotri distance is approximately 220–240 km by road.
What is Gangotri to Kedarnath distance?
The Gangotri to Kedarnath distance is around 310–340 km by road, plus a 16–20 km trek.
Can I do Char Dham Yatra by car?
Yes, most of the journey is by road. Only Yamunotri and Kedarnath require trekking.
How many days are required?
You need 10 to 15 days for a comfortable journey.
Final Thoughts
The Char Dham Yatra route map with distance may look long on paper, but every kilometer brings you closer to spirituality, nature, and inner peace.
From the calm rivers of Uttarakhand to the powerful Himalayas — this journey is not just travel, it’s an experience.
And remember — the roads may test your patience, but the destination rewards your soul.