Yamunotri
Opening date: 19 April 2026
Rishikesh Char Dham Yatra Package Overview
The Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra links four revered Himalayan shrines. Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Gangotri to Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath to Lord Shiva and Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. The circuit combines devotion with long mountain drives, high-altitude conditions and two important trekking sectors.
This programme begins with an arrival and orientation day in Rishikesh. The mountain circuit then travels through Barkot, Uttarkashi, the Kedarnath valley, Badrinath and Rudraprayag before returning to Rishikesh. The additional departure day provides a practical buffer before onward travel.
A balanced 12-day road itinerary
Day 1 is reserved for arrival in Rishikesh and Day 12 for departure. This keeps long intercity connections separate from the mountain route and reduces the risk of missed transport after the Rudraprayag drive.
Char Dham Opening Dates for 2026
The official Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal currently lists these opening dates. Recheck temple timings, closing dates and operating instructions before booking non-refundable flights or trains.
Gangotri
Opening date: 19 April 2026
Kedarnath
Opening date: 22 April 2026
Badrinath
Opening date: 23 April 2026
Official registration is compulsory
Pilgrims and tour vehicles must be registered through the Uttarakhand Tourist Care system. Carry the QR-coded Yatra Registration Letter and a valid government-issued photo ID for verification at checkpoints and the Dhams.
Tour Highlights
Four Sacred Shrines
Complete darshan at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath according to official temple and queue arrangements.
Himalayan Landscapes
Travel through river valleys, forested mountain roads, pilgrimage towns and high-altitude temple regions.
Private Road Transport
Use a vehicle selected for the confirmed passenger count, luggage and prevailing mountain-road conditions.
Flexible Kedarnath Access
Trek from Gaurikund or separately arrange an authorised pony, palki or official helicopter ticket.
12-Day Rishikesh Char Dham Route
Day 1
Arrival in Rishikesh
Day 2
Rishikesh to Barkot
Day 3
Yamunotri excursion
Day 4
Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 5
Gangotri excursion
Day 6
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Day 7
Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Day 8
Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Day 9
Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 10
Badrinath to Rudraprayag
Day 11
Rudraprayag to Rishikesh
Day 12
Departure from Rishikesh
Detailed Char Dham Itinerary from Rishikesh
Distances and travel times are approximate. Weather, traffic, landslides, road controls, temple operations and guest health may require changes.
Day 01
Arrival in Rishikesh
Arrive at the confirmed Rishikesh pickup point and transfer to the hotel. Use the afternoon to rest, complete the official Yatra registration checks and meet the tour representative for a route briefing.
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat when arrival time, traffic and local arrangements permit.
Night stay: Rishikesh
Day 02
Rishikesh to Barkot
Depart after breakfast and travel towards Barkot. The driver will follow the route permitted by current road and traffic controls. A short scenic stop may be included when safe parking and daylight allow.
Check in after reaching Barkot and rest before the Yamunotri trail.
Night stay: Barkot
Day 03
Barkot to Yamunotri and Return
Leave early for Janki Chatti. Continue to Yamunotri on foot or hire an authorised pony or palki at personal expense. Visit Divya Shila, Surya Kund and Yamunotri Temple according to local darshan arrangements.
Return by the same trail and drive back to Barkot. The final walking distance may vary with the operating route and vehicle drop point.
Night stay: Barkot
Day 04
Barkot to Uttarkashi
Drive to Uttarkashi and check in. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple when opening hours and the group's energy allow. The remaining time is reserved for rest before the long Gangotri excursion.
Night stay: Uttarkashi
Day 05
Uttarkashi to Gangotri and Return
Follow the Bhagirathi valley through the Harsil region towards Gangotri. Visit the temple and Bhagirath Shila according to local access and queue arrangements. Safe Harsil or Gangnani stops may be made when they do not delay the return.
Drive back to Uttarkashi after darshan.
Night stay: Uttarkashi
Day 06
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi Region
Travel towards the Mandakini valley. The confirmed hotel may be in Guptkashi, Sitapur, Rampur or another nearby location according to availability and the Kedarnath reporting plan.
Prepare a light overnight bag and reconfirm the next morning's Sonprayag or helipad reporting time.
Night stay: Guptkashi, Sitapur, Rampur or nearby
Day 07
Guptkashi Region to Kedarnath
Trek option: Drive before dawn to Sonprayag, continue by authorised local shuttle to Gaurikund and begin the approximately 16 km uphill walk. The trek commonly takes 6–8 hours and may take longer in rain or heavy pilgrimage traffic.
Alternative services: Authorised pony or palki can be hired locally. Helicopter services may operate from Guptkashi, Phata or Sirsi, but tickets must be separately confirmed through the official system and remain subject to weather and operational clearance.
Complete Kedarnath darshan according to current temple and queue arrangements.
Night stay: Basic hotel, lodge or camp in Kedarnath
Day 08
Kedarnath to Guptkashi Region
Attend early darshan when practical and descend to Gaurikund. Continue by local shuttle to Sonprayag and meet the driver at the pre-agreed pickup point. Helicopter guests follow the reporting instructions printed on their confirmed tickets.
Mobile coverage and parking can be difficult around Sonprayag, so the driver and guests should agree on a meeting point and backup procedure before starting the Kedarnath journey.
Night stay: Guptkashi, Sitapur, Rampur or nearby
Day 09
Guptkashi Region to Badrinath
Start early for Badrinath using the route allowed by current road and traffic controls. A Joshimath or Narsingh Temple stop may be included only when it does not delay safe arrival.
Check in at Badrinath. Attend temple darshan or evening aarti when arrival time, official arrangements and guest wellbeing permit. Mana village should normally be visited the next morning.
Night stay: Badrinath
Day 10
Badrinath, Mana and Rudraprayag
Complete Badrinath darshan according to the confirmed timing. Bathing in Tapt Kund is optional and should be avoided when medically unsuitable, overcrowded or restricted.
Visit Mana, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa or Bhim Pul when road access and time permit. Continue towards Rudraprayag. Stops near Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag or Karnaprayag depend on traffic, daylight and safe parking.
Night stay: Rudraprayag
Day 11
Rudraprayag to Rishikesh
Drive towards Rishikesh through Srinagar and Devprayag. Maa Dhari Devi Temple or a Devprayag viewpoint may be visited when opening hours, traffic and daylight permit.
Check in after reaching Rishikesh. The final overnight stay provides recovery time after the mountain circuit and a safer buffer before the next day's onward journey.
Night stay: Rishikesh
Day 12
Departure from Rishikesh
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the confirmed Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun departure point. Transfer timing depends on the selected train or flight reporting time and current traffic.
Depart with memories of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Tour ends: At the confirmed departure point
Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter from Dehradun
Dehradun Departure
Full Char Dham helicopter programmes generally begin from a designated Dehradun helipad. A Rishikesh–Dehradun transfer can be quoted separately.
Subject to Operations
Flying depends on weather, government permissions, passenger weight rules, aviation procedures and the operator's confirmed schedule.
Separate Package
The helicopter itinerary, accommodation, baggage allowance, transfers, refund rules and darshan assistance must be quoted separately in writing.
Not included in the 12-day road package
The road itinerary on this page does not include a full Char Dham helicopter circuit. Never promise guaranteed flying, unrestricted VIP darshan or a specific aircraft until the authorised service provider has issued written confirmation.
Kedarnath Trek and Helicopter Options
Trekking
The official Gaurikund–Kedarnath route is approximately 16 km. Start early, walk steadily and follow local safety instructions.
Pony or Palki
Hire services only through authorised local counters. Charges, availability and reporting procedures are controlled locally.
Helicopter
Tickets must use the official IRCTC HeliYatra channel and remain subject to weather, passenger requirements and operational clearance.
Darshan access is authority-controlled
No unrestricted VIP darshan is guaranteed. Any assisted or priority arrangement applies only when officially authorised and expressly stated in the final TravelTrek voucher.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Included When Confirmed
- Eleven nights' accommodation at confirmed properties
- Vegetarian meals according to the selected meal plan
- Private vehicle suitable for the confirmed group size
- Road transportation described in the itinerary
- Toll taxes, parking and driver allowance
- Pickup and drop at the confirmed land-tour points
- Guide or tour assistance when stated in the quotation
- Temple visits and sightseeing printed on the final voucher
Normally Excluded
- Airfare, railway tickets and unconfirmed arrival transfers
- Kedarnath helicopter tickets
- Pony, palki, porter and local shuttle charges
- Meals not included in the selected plan
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Ritual, priest and priority-access charges
- Travel insurance, medical care and evacuation
- Extra costs caused by weather or route disruption
Air conditioning is used where road and weather conditions permit. It may be switched off on steep mountain sections. Lunch is included only when the selected quotation specifically lists a full-board meal plan.
Best Time for Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh
May and June are popular for family travel but can be crowded. September and October can be quieter after the main monsoon, although temperatures fall sharply at Kedarnath and Badrinath. July and August carry greater rain, landslide and road-delay risk.
- Reserve peak-season accommodation and transport early.
- Keep buffer time around flights and trains.
- Check official weather and road advisories before every mountain sector.
- The Yatra may be delayed or suspended during severe-weather alerts.
- Temple opening does not guarantee helicopter operation.
Travel Tips and Packing Checklist
- Obtain medical advice before booking the pilgrimage
- Complete pilgrim and vehicle registration before departure
- Carry the QR-coded registration letter and valid photo ID
- Pack prescribed medicine and a personal first-aid kit
- Carry warm layers, gloves, rainwear and sun protection
- Use broken-in walking shoes with dependable grip
- Carry a light day bag, reusable water bottle and energy snacks
- Disclose mobility limitations and relevant health conditions
- Do not consume alcohol or tobacco during the pilgrimage
- Follow all district, police, temple and weather instructions
Important Package Terms
- Booking is confirmed only after receipt of the stated advance and issue of a written TravelTrek confirmation or voucher.
- Hotels, meals, vehicle, pickup points, payments and cancellation terms are governed by the final quotation.
- Arrival or departure transfers beyond the confirmed Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun points are included only when expressly printed in the final package.
- Pilgrims must carry valid registration, identity documents and any health documentation required by the authorities.
- Helicopter, pony, palki, porter and local shuttle services are separately payable unless confirmed in writing.
- Weather, landslides, road closures, traffic controls and government orders may alter or shorten the route.
- Additional accommodation, transport or meals required because of disruption are payable unless otherwise stated.
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude travel, trekking, cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Why Book with TravelTrek?
Realistic Itinerary
Mountain driving, trekking and return connections are explained clearly before non-refundable travel is booked.
Custom Group Planning
Vehicle, rooms and meal arrangements can be adjusted for couples, families, senior citizens and private groups.
Clear Service Inclusions
The final quotation identifies the confirmed road tour, Rishikesh pickup and separately payable local services.
Rishikesh Char Dham Package FAQs
How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh?
This package uses 11 nights and 12 days, including an arrival day, the complete mountain circuit, a final Rishikesh night and a separate departure day.
Does the tour begin and end in Rishikesh?
Yes. Day 1 begins at the confirmed Rishikesh pickup point and Day 11 returns to Rishikesh. Day 12 is reserved for onward departure.
When do the four temples open in 2026?
The official portal lists Yamunotri and Gangotri on 19 April, Kedarnath on 22 April and Badrinath on 23 April 2026. Recheck official information before departure.
Is Char Dham registration compulsory?
Yes. Pilgrims and vehicles must be registered, and pilgrims should carry their QR-coded registration letter and valid photo ID.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The official route is approximately 16 km uphill from Gaurikund and the same distance back. Walking commonly takes 6–8 hours each way.
Can I use a helicopter for Kedarnath?
Yes, subject to official ticket availability, passenger requirements, weather and operational clearance. Tickets must use the official IRCTC HeliYatra system.
Are all meals included?
The included meals depend on the selected plan. Breakfast and dinner are common; lunch is included only when the quotation states full board.
Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
Suitability depends on health, mobility and medical advice. Senior travellers may need a slower itinerary, accessible rooms and authorised pony, palki or helicopter arrangements.
Can the itinerary change because of weather?
Yes. Rain, landslides, snow, road closures, traffic or government orders may delay, reroute, shorten or suspend the pilgrimage.
How can I request a quotation?
Call +91 9958308506 with travel dates, passenger count, ages, room requirements, Rishikesh pickup point and Kedarnath access choice.
