The Char Dham Yatra—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages. Every year, millions of devotees begin their journey from Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas. If you’re planning your Char Dham Yatra in 2025, this guide will help you understand routes, stays, permits, timings, safety tips, and more.
Why Start Char Dham Yatra From Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is the official starting point of the Char Dham route and offers:
✔ Government and private transport
✔ Helicopter booking assistance
✔ Hotels and homestays for night stay
✔ Medical shops & essentials
✔ Registration centers for the yatra
If you’re traveling from outside Uttarakhand, staying a night in Rishikesh helps you acclimatize and prepare.
Char Dham Yatra Route Map From Rishikesh
Traditional route sequence:
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
Distance Overview from Rishikesh
- Rishikesh → Yamunotri: 210 km
- Yamunotri → Gangotri: 250 km
- Gangotri → Kedarnath: 300 km
- Kedarnath → Badrinath: 225 km
- Badrinath → Rishikesh: 295 km
Total duration: 10–14 days (depending on weather and rush)
1. Yamunotri Travel Guide
How to reach:
- Rishikesh → Barkot → Janki Chatti
- Trek: 5 km easy-to-moderate trek from Janki Chatti
Important Tips:
- Carry trekking shoes
- Ponies & palki available
- Start early morning
2. Gangotri Travel Guide
Route:
Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Gangotri (No trek required)
Highlights:
- Scenic Himalayan drives
- Holy dip in Bhagirathi River
- Gangotri Temple Darshan
- Gaumukh trek (optional)
3. Kedarnath Travel Guide
Kedarnath is the most challenging and most visited dham.
How to reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh:
Option 1: Rishikesh → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → 18 km trek
Option 2: Helicopter from Phata / Sersi / Guptkashi
Must-Know Tips:
- Trek needs basic fitness
- Oxygen drops as altitude increases
- Weather changes quickly
- Book helicopter early in peak season
4. Badrinath Travel Guide
Route:
Kedarnath → Chopta → Joshimath → Badrinath
Why visit Badrinath?
- One of the 108 Divya Desams
- Tapt Kund hot springs
- Mana Village – Last Indian village
Yatra Registration
Every devotee must register.
How to register:
- Official government portal (online)
- Yatra registration centers in Rishikesh
- Upload ID + basic details
Tip: Register early to avoid long queues.
Transport Options From Rishikesh
You can start your Char Dham Yatra via:
✔ Private taxi
✔ Shared cabs
✔ GMOU buses
✔ Tourist buses
✔ Helicopter (for Kedarnath)
Best Stay Options in Rishikesh Before Yatra
Choose a stay that is:
- Near the highway (easy pickup)
- Offers early morning checkout
- Has parking availability
- Provides 24/7 hot water
Staying in Rishikesh the night before the yatra ensures a relaxed start.
What to Pack for Char Dham Yatra
- Woolen clothes
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes
- Power bank
- First aid kit
- Raincoat
- Glucose + dry fruits
- ID proofs
Health & Safety Tips
- Avoid heavy food while driving in mountains
- Drink warm water regularly
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours
- Avoid travel at night
- Follow local weather updates
- Carry medicines for altitude sickness
Best Time for Char Dham Yatra
- May to June (Peak season)
- September to October (Best weather & low crowd)
Avoid July–August due to monsoon landslides.
Estimated Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹15,000–₹22,000 |
| Standard | ₹25,000–₹40,000 |
| Luxury | ₹50,000+ |
| Helicopter for Kedarnath | ₹7,000–₹14,000 |
Final Thoughts
Starting your Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh ensures a smooth, well-planned, and safe pilgrimage. Whether you are traveling with family, elders, or solo, Rishikesh offers every facility to begin this divine journey.