Definition
What is Chardham Yatra?
The Four Sacred Shrines of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath
Chardham Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage covering four sacred temples — Yamunotri (3,291 m), Gangotri (3,048 m), Kedarnath (3,583 m), and Badrinath (3,133 m) — all located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The yatra is traditionally completed from west to east, beginning at Yamunotri and ending at Badrinath. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha (liberation).
1st Dham
Yamunotri
Altitude: 3,291 m · Source of River Yamuna
2nd Dham
Gangotri
Altitude: 3,048 m · Source of River Ganga
3rd Dham
Kedarnath
Altitude: 3,583 m · Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva
4th Dham
Badrinath
Altitude: 3,133 m · Abode of Lord Vishnu
Quick Facts — Chardham Yatra from Himachal Pradesh
- What is Chardham Yatra: Pilgrimage to four temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath — in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
- Starting point: Haridwar — the gateway to all four dhams. HP pilgrims reach here by road or via Chandigarh.
- Distance from HP cities to Haridwar: Shimla ~250 km (5–6 hrs) · Dharamshala ~330 km (6–7 hrs) · Manali ~280 km (6–7 hrs) · Chandigarh ~210 km (4 hrs).
- Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights (standard). 12-day version for a relaxed pace or senior citizens.
- Cost: Starting from ₹25,000 per person (group of 6–7 in Innova Crysta). Road travel from HP to Haridwar is extra.
- Best months: May–June and September–October. July–August carries landslide risk on Uttarakhand mountain roads.
- Yatra registration: Mandatory at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. We complete this for all our pilgrims free of charge.
- Contact: +91-8057146497 | tourventureindia@gmail.com
From Himachal Pradesh
Chardham Yatra from Himachal Pradesh — Why Choose Tour Venture India?
How Himachal Pradesh Pilgrims Reach Haridwar
Most HP pilgrims drive to Haridwar or reach via Chandigarh. From Shimla, the drive to Haridwar takes about 5–6 hours via Kalka and Roorkee — a comfortable day's drive. From Dharamshala or Kangra, it is 6–7 hours via Pathankot and Roorkee. Chandigarh is a convenient midpoint — those taking the train can get to Chandigarh and then take an onward bus or taxi to Haridwar in 4 hours. We arrange pickup from Haridwar bus stand, railway station, or wherever you arrive.
Why HP Pilgrims Are Some of Our Best-Prepared Travellers
People from Himachal Pradesh often adapt to the Chardham route faster than pilgrims from the plains. You are already used to mountain roads, cold temperatures at altitude, and the physical demands of hill terrain. That said, the Chardham circuit has specific requirements — Yatra registration, medical fitness checks, restricted zones — that require a registered Haridwar-based operator who deals with the Uttarakhand system every day. That is what Tour Venture India provides. We have handled the paperwork, the logistics, and the on-ground management of this circuit over 200 times since 2013.
Expert Note: Chardham Yatra registration is mandatory since 2024. Pilgrims must register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (official Uttarakhand Govt portal) before visiting each dham. Tour Venture India assists all our pilgrims with free registration as part of every package we offer. For official tourism info visit uttarakhandtourism.gov.in.
Opening Dates & Key Facts
Chardham Yatra Opening Dates from Haridwar
Temple Opening & Closing Dates — All 4 Dhams
Temples open on Akshaya Tritiya (late April) each year and close in October–November.
Chardham Yatra temple opening dates, closing dates, and altitude from Haridwar
| Dham |
Opening Date |
Closing Date |
Altitude |
| Yamunotri | Late April | November (Diwali) | 3,291 m |
| Gangotri | Late April | November (Diwali) | 3,048 m |
| Kedarnath | Early May | November (Bhaidooj) | 3,583 m |
| Badrinath | Mid May | November (Vijay Dashami) | 3,133 m |
Best Time to Start from Haridwar: Depart Haridwar on or after 27 April so you reach Barkot/Janki Chatti before Yamunotri opens in late April. May–June and September–October are ideal months. Avoid July–August (monsoon, landslide risk).
Packages from Haridwar
Our Pilgrimage Tour Packages from Himachal Pradesh — Options
4 Dham, Teen Dham, Do Dham & Ek Dham Yatra from Himachal Pradesh
4 Dham Yatra Package
Most Popular
Yamunotri · Gangotri · Kedarnath · Badrinath
10 Days 9 Nights
Starting from ₹40,000/person
Book Now
Teen Dham Yatra Package
Yamunotri · Gangotri · Kedarnath or Badrinath
8 Days 7 Nights
Starting from ₹20,000/person
View Package
Do Dham Yatra Package
Kedarnath · Badrinath
6 Days 5 Nights
Starting from ₹15,000/person
View Package
Ek Dham Yatra Package
Kedarnath · Badrinath · Gangotri
3–4 Days
Starting from ₹8,000/person
View Package
Day by Day Plan
Chardham Yatra Itinerary from Himachal Pradesh — 10 Days 9 Nights
Complete Day-Wise Route: Haridwar (Start) → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar
Day 1: Haridwar → Barkot (220 km · ~7 hrs)
Pickup from Haridwar railway station / hotel. Drive via Rishikesh, Chamba, Uttarkashi to Barkot. Check-in hotel. Evening visit to Har Ki Pauri for Ganga Aarti.
Day 2: Barkot → Yamunotri → Barkot
Drive to Janki Chatti (40 km). Trek 6 km to Yamunotri Temple (3,291 m) — 1st Dham darshan. Cook rice in Surya Kund hot spring. Return to Barkot.
Day 3: Barkot → Uttarkashi (100 km · ~4 hrs)
Drive to Uttarkashi. Visit Vishwanath Temple. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi
Drive to Gangotri (100 km · 3,048 m) — 2nd Dham darshan. Visit Ganga temple, Surya Kund, Bhairon Ghati. Return to Uttarkashi.
Day 5: Uttarkashi → Guptkashi (220 km · ~8 hrs)
Long drive via Tehri, Devprayag, Srinagar to Guptkashi. This is the base for Kedarnath Yatra. Overnight rest.
Day 6: Guptkashi → Kedarnath (trek or helicopter)
Drive to Sonprayag → Gaurikund (shared jeep). Trek 16 km to Kedarnath (3,583 m) or take helicopter from Phata/Sirsi. — 3rd Dham darshan. Overnight at Kedarnath.
Day 7: Kedarnath → Badrinath (200 km)
Trek down from Kedarnath. Drive via Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Chamoli to Badrinath. En route see Nandprayag and Vishnuprayag confluences.
Day 8: Badrinath Darshan
Badrinath Temple darshan (3,133 m) — 4th Dham. Visit Mana Village (last Indian village before Tibet), Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Saraswati River. Tapt Kund bath before darshan.
Day 9: Badrinath → Rudraprayag (160 km)
Begin return journey. Drive via Chamoli, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Day 10: Rudraprayag → Haridwar (190 km · ~5 hrs)
Drive via Devprayag, Rishikesh to Haridwar. Drop at Haridwar railway station / hotel. Chardham Yatra from Haridwar complete — Jai Badri Vishal!
What's Included & Excluded
AC Taxi, Hotel, Meals, Registration Help & 24/7 Support Included
Included
AC Taxi (Round Trip)
Haridwar to Haridwar, full trip
Hotel (9 Nights)
Twin/double sharing, all dhams
Breakfast & Dinner
Daily meals included
Toll & Parking
All toll taxes and parking charges
Yatra Registration Help
Char Dham registration assistance
24/7 Support
Trip support throughout the journey
Excluded
Train/Flight Tickets
To/from Haridwar
Kedarnath Helicopter
Optional, can be arranged
Pony / Palanquin
At Yamunotri & Kedarnath
Entry Fees
Temple entry & monument fees
GST (5%)
Applicable on package cost
Personal Expenses
Tips, shopping, laundry
Choose Your Vehicle
Vehicle Options for the Char Dham Sacred Circuit
Ertiga, Innova, Innova Crysta & Tempo Traveller — All AC, Own Fleet
All our vehicles are well-maintained, AC, and driven by experienced hill drivers who know every mountain stretch on the pilgrimage route. We maintain our own fleet — no third-party vehicles, no surprises.
Vehicle options, seating capacity and best use for Chardham Yatra from Haridwar
| Vehicle |
Capacity |
Best For |
Price |
| Maruti Ertiga | 6 Pax | Small families, couples | Call for Price |
| Toyota Innova | 7 Pax | Families, most popular | Call for Price |
| Innova Crysta | 7 Pax | Premium comfort, seniors | Call for Price |
| Tempo Traveller | 9–14 Pax | Groups, cost effective | Call for Price |
Prices are per person based on sharing.
Contact us for exact quote based on your group size and dates.
Why Choose Us
Best Char Dham Tour Operators for Himachal Pradesh Pilgrims
Haridwar-Based, Registered & Trusted Since 2013 — 4.9 ★ Google Rating, 5,000+ Pilgrims
Himachal Pradesh has its own mountain travel operators, but the Chardham circuit runs through Uttarakhand — a completely different administrative system with its own registration portal, medical checkpoints, and restricted zone rules. Being based in Haridwar since 2013 means we navigate this system every day. We know which dhams are crowded on which dates, which roads need an early start, and which hotels are actually close to the temple versus just claiming to be. For HP pilgrims, booking with us means one less thing to figure out in an unfamiliar state.
Based in Haridwar
Local office, on-ground support throughout Yatra
4.9 Google Rating
5,000+ happy pilgrims, verified reviews
Own Fleet of Vehicles
Well-maintained AC vehicles, experienced hill drivers
Family & Senior Specialist
Special arrangements for elderly pilgrims
Trusted Since 2013
GST registered, certified Chardham tour operator
24/7 Trip Support
Always reachable during your Yatra
Travel Guide
How to Reach Haridwar from Himachal Pradesh for Chardham Yatra
By Train, Bus / Car, or Air — Himachal Pradesh to Haridwar Routes
Chandigarh is the main hub for HP pilgrims travelling to Haridwar. From there, road and rail options are plentiful. Here are the three routes:
By Train
Take a bus or shared taxi to Chandigarh or Ambala, then catch a train to Haridwar (2–3 hrs from Chandigarh). Alternatively, Kalka–Haridwar trains via Saharanpur are a good option for Shimla pilgrims.
Free Haridwar station pickup in all packages
By Bus / Car
HRTC buses run from Shimla and Dharamshala to Haridwar (6–8 hours). Self-driving is very popular among HP families — the route via Chandigarh–Roorkee is straightforward and avoids the hills. We arrange parking and pickup at Haridwar for self-drive groups.
Self-drive parking arranged at Haridwar
By Air
Chandigarh Airport (CHD) has good connectivity and is just 4 hours by road from Haridwar. Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala) and Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali) are options for those flying in from elsewhere to connect to their HP home city first. We arrange road pickup from Chandigarh Airport.
Chandigarh Airport pickup available
Tip for HP pilgrims: Many HP families drive straight from Shimla or Dharamshala and arrive in Haridwar by afternoon. We recommend spending that first evening at Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga Aarti at 7 PM before the Yatra begins the next morning. Since you are already comfortable with mountain living, pack lighter woollens than plains pilgrims — but do carry a proper windproof jacket for Kedarnath (3,583 m) and Badrinath (3,133 m), where wind chill is much stronger than at similar altitudes in Himachal.
Yatra Preparation
What to Carry for the Char Dham Pilgrimage
Packing List: Documents, Clothing, Medical Kit & Essentials
Pack light — mountain roads require minimal luggage. Here is a practical packing list based on our 13 years of experience guiding pilgrims on the Char Dham sacred yatra:
Essential Documents
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID (original + 2 copies)
- Chardham Yatra Registration printout
- Health / Medical certificate (if 60+)
- Emergency contact card (carry in pocket)
- Travel insurance documents
Clothing
- Warm woollen jacket / fleece (Kedarnath gets very cold)
- Waterproof raincoat / poncho
- Comfortable trekking shoes (non-slip sole)
- Light cotton clothes for lower altitude stops
- Warm socks, gloves, woollen cap
Medical Kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness tablet — consult doctor)
- Disprin / paracetamol for headache
- ORS sachets for dehydration
- Personal prescription medicines (10-day supply)
- Knee support bandage (for Kedarnath trek)
Other Essentials
- Walking stick / trekking pole
- Water bottle (1 litre — refill at springs)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and sunglasses
- Energy bars / dry fruits for trek
- Torch / headlamp with extra batteries
Physical Fitness: Chardham Yatra involves high altitude (up to 3,583 m at Kedarnath). Pilgrims with heart disease, BP, diabetes, or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before booking. The Kedarnath trek is 16 km (round trip 32 km) — we recommend pony or helicopter for senior citizens and those with joint problems.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Chardham Yatra from Himachal Pradesh
Cost, Duration, Best Time, Travel from Himachal Pradesh & More
What is the total cost of Chardham Yatra from Himachal Pradesh?
The Haridwar-to-Haridwar package (10 Days 9 Nights) starts from ₹25,000 per person for a group of 6–7 in Innova Crysta, including AC taxi, hotel, breakfast and dinner, toll, parking, and Yatra registration help. Your travel cost from HP to Haridwar (fuel or bus fare) is separate. Optional Kedarnath helicopter is ₹4,000–₹8,000 one way per person. Call +91-8057146497 for a quote tailored to your group.
How many days does the full trip take from HP to Chardham and back?
The Chardham circuit is 10 Days 9 Nights from Haridwar. Add one travel day each way from your HP city to Haridwar — so the total from home and back is typically 12–13 days. HP families who drive can reach Haridwar in a single day from Shimla or Dharamshala, making the overall trip very manageable.
Is it safe for Himachal Pradesh pilgrims to drive to Haridwar?
Absolutely. The route from Shimla or Dharamshala to Haridwar goes through Chandigarh and Roorkee — mostly flat, well-maintained national highway. It is far easier than the mountain driving you are used to in HP. From Shimla, leave by 6–7 AM and you reach Haridwar comfortably by 1–2 PM. We can arrange parking for your vehicle at Haridwar for the duration of the Yatra.
Is Kedarnath helicopter available and how should HP pilgrims book it?
Yes. Helicopter services to Kedarnath run from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi, and Agastyamuni. Booking is on heliservices.uk.gov.in. Slots sell out fast — sometimes within hours of opening. We assist with helicopter booking for all our pilgrims at no service charge. One-way fare: ₹4,000–₹8,000 per person. Recommended to book 2–3 months before your trip.
Do HP pilgrims need altitude sickness medicine for Chardham?
HP pilgrims generally acclimatise better than those from the plains because you already live at altitude. That said, Kedarnath at 3,583 m and Badrinath at 3,133 m are higher than most HP hill stations, and the trek to Kedarnath is 16 km. We still recommend carrying Diamox (consult your doctor), ORS sachets, and a basic medical kit. Pilgrims with cardiac conditions should get a fitness certificate from their doctor before booking — this is checked at medical posts on the Yatra route.
When is the best time for Chardham Yatra from HP?
May–June and September–October are ideal. May is best if you want to be among the first after opening — crowds are lower in the first two weeks. September–October is our recommendation for HP pilgrims specifically because the post-monsoon scenery in Uttarakhand is spectacular and the mountain roads are clear. Avoid July–August — heavy monsoon causes road closures and landslides, even on routes HP people consider manageable.
Can senior citizens from HP do Chardham Yatra comfortably?
Yes, and HP senior citizens often manage better than those from the plains due to existing altitude fitness. We arrange helicopter for Kedarnath, pony or palki at Yamunotri, hotels near temple gates, and a 12-day relaxed itinerary. The most important preparation is a pre-trip doctor visit for anyone with BP, heart, or respiratory conditions — medical fitness checks are conducted at certain points on the Chardham route.
Written & Verified By
Tour Venture India — Chardham Yatra Experts
Haridwar-based Char Dham Tour Operator serving Himachal Pradesh pilgrims · Registered with Uttarakhand Tourism Board · GST: 05AAXFT6496L1Z1
This page is written by the Tour Venture India team, Haridwar-based Chardham specialists since 2013. We serve pilgrims from across India, and Himachal Pradesh families are among those we work with regularly. The travel advice here — routes from Shimla and Dharamshala, altitude acclimatisation notes, Kedarnath helicopter booking, packing for HP pilgrims — comes from real experience running this circuit over 200 times, not from generic content. Package costs, temple dates, and logistics are verified from on-ground operations and official Uttarakhand government sources.
Uttarakhand Tourism Registered
4.9 ★ Google Verified
200+ Circuits Completed
5,000+ Pilgrims Served