Char Dham Yatra from Major Cities

The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage that takes devotees to four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Set in breathtaking landscapes of lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and serene mountains, this spiritual journey offers both deep religious significance and thrilling adventure. Each destination, dedicated to Hindu deities like Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, provides a profound spiritual experience.

Char Dham Yatra from Major Cities

The Char Dham Yatra is accessible from major cities like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, offering a transformative journey for pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and an immersion in the natural beauty of Uttarakhand. While the pilgrimage is highly rewarding, it often involves a longer duration of travel, especially for those coming from distant locations like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, to Char Dham - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, pilgrims from these cities should plan their itinerary carefully. Organizing travel schedules in advance whether by flights, trains, or buses dhelps in managing time effectively and reducing travel stress. This thoughtful planning ensures that the yatra remains spiritually enriching and physically comfortable.

Below is a guide on how pilgrims can undertake the Char Dham Yatra from these cities for a comfortable, memorable, and spiritual experience.

1. Char Dham Yatra from Gujarat

Pilgrims from Gujarat have several options to reach the Char Dham Yatra from Gujarat. For a convenient and hassle-free experience, they can book Char Dham tour packages from Gujarat that include transportation, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey. Additionally, pilgrims can choose to book their packages through local operators or travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh independently, and then join Char Dham tour packages from these locations.

For those who prefer to travel independently, they can arrange their own transportation and accommodation, making their way to Char Dham at their own pace.

How to Reach Char Dham from Gujarat

For pilgrims traveling on their own, here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach Char Dham from Gujarat:

By Air : The nearest airport to Char Dham is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Pilgrims from Gujarat can take connecting flights via major cities like Mumbai or Delhi to reach Dehradun. From there, taxis or buses can be hired to continue the journey to the Char Dham destinations. Alternatively, pilgrims can fly from Gujarat to Delhi and then start their Char Dham Yatra by road, or travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh and proceed by road to the Char Dham.
By Train : Pilgrims can take a train from Gujarat to Haridwar or Rishikesh, both of which are well-connected by rail. From either station, pilgrims can continue the journey by buses, shared taxis, or private cabs. Alternatively, travelers can take a train from Gujarat to Delhi and then proceed by road to Char Dham.
By Road : For those traveling by private vehicle or cabs, the distance from Gujarat to Haridwar or Rishikesh is approximately 1,300 km, by road which takes around 22-23 hours. Once in Haridwar or Rishikesh, pilgrims can continue their journey by road, taking buses, shared taxis, or private cabs to reach the Char Dham destinations.

2. Char Dham Yatra from Maharashtra

Pilgrims from Maharashtra have multiple options to undertake the Char Dham Yatra, whether they prefer the ease of organized tour packages or the freedom of independent travel. For those opting for convenience, booking Char Dham tour packages from Maharashtra offers a hassle-free experience with transportation, meals, accommodations, and sightseeing included. On the other hand, for those who prefer to travel independently, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach the Char Dham Yatra from Maharashtra.

How to Reach Char Dham from Maharashtra

For pilgrims choosing to travel independently, here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reach Char Dham from Maharashtra:

By Air : The nearest airport to Char Dham is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Pilgrims can take flights from major cities in Maharashtra, such as Mumbai or Pune, to either Delhi or Dehradun (with a layover in Delhi if necessary). From Dehradun, taxis or buses can be hired to continue the journey to the Char Dham destinations. Alternatively, pilgrims can fly to Delhi and then travel by road to Haridwar or Rishikesh, before proceeding towards the Char Dham.
By Train : Travelers from Maharashtra can board trains from cities like Mumbai, or Pune, to Haridwar or Rishikesh, both of which are well-connected by rail. From these locations, pilgrims can take buses, shared taxis, or private cabs to reach the Char Dham sites. Another option is to travel to Delhi by train and then continue the journey by road. Buses and taxis operate on a regular basis from both Haridwar and Rishikesh to the Char Dham.
By Road : The distance from Mumbai (or other cities in Maharashtra) to Haridwar or Rishikesh is approximately 1,600-1,700 km, depending on the starting point. The journey by car typically takes around 30-35 hours, making it a long and hectic option for travel. Once you arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can continue your journey to the Char Dham destinations by road, using buses or taxis that operate regularly.

3. Char Dham Yatra from West Bengal

Every year, thousands of pilgrims from West Bengal embark on the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Travelers from West Bengal have multiple options to reach the Char Dham destinations. If you’re looking for a hassle-free journey without worrying about accommodation, transportation, and other arrangements, you can book Char Dham tour packages from Bengal. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel on your own, here’s a guide on how you can reach the Char Dham destinations.

How to Reach Char Dham from West Bengal

For those beginning on the journey independently, here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to travel from West Bengal to Char Dham.

By Air : The nearest airport to Char Dham is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Pilgrims can take flights from Kolkata to Delhi or directly to Dehradun. From Dehradun, taxis and buses are available to travel to the Char Dham sites. Alternatively, pilgrims can fly to Delhi and continue their journey by road to Haridwar or Rishikesh, and then proceed to Char Dham.
By Train : Pilgrims from West Bengal can board trains from Kolkata or Howrah to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Both destinations are well-connected by rail. From there, they can take buses, shared taxis, or private cabs to the Char Dham. Another route is traveling via Delhi by train and continuing the journey by road.
By Road : For travelers choosing to drive, the distance from Kolkata to Haridwar or Rishikesh is about 1,500-1,600 km and takes roughly 28-30 hours by road. Once at Haridwar or Rishikesh, pilgrims can take buses or taxis to reach the Char Dham destinations.

Things To Do Before Beginning on Char Dham Yatra from Major Cities

If you’re starting from a major city, like Gujarat, Maharashtra, or West Bengal, here are the important things to do before you begin the pilgrimage:

Plan Your Travel Itinerary : There are different routes for the Char Dham Yatra, typically starting from either Haridwar or Rishikesh. Pilgrims should decide where the yatra will start from: Haridwar or Rishikesh. Alternatively, they should plan an itinerary, considering how many days are enough for the Char Dham Yatra. The days for travel and sightseeing should be planned in advance. It is also recommended to include 1–2 extra days in case of emergencies or weather conditions.

Book Accommodation in Advance : Char Dham is a popular pilgrimage, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. Many temples offer basic guesthouses and dharamshalas, but you can also book private hotels or lodges in towns like Barkot, Uttarkashi, Sonprayag, and Joshimath, or even closer to the Char Dham temples.

Medical Preparation : Char Dham is at a high altitude (especially Kedarnath and Yamunotri), so it’s important to ensure that you are physically fit. A medical check-up before you travel can help identify any conditions that might require special attention during the yatra. Be sure to stock up on basic medications such as painkillers, anti-nausea tablets, and altitude sickness medication.

Book Transportation in Advance : For Char Dham travel, book transportation in advance. Depending on your starting point, you can travel by air, train, or road. Major cities like Delhi have excellent connectivity to Haridwar and Rishikesh via trains and buses. It is recommended to book your transportation in advance, especially during the peak season, for a smooth and comfortable journey.

Get the Necessary Permits : It’s mandatory for all Char Dham Yatra pilgrims to register at the respective counter in Haridwar or Rishikesh (online registration is also available). For certain places like Kedarnath, if you’re trekking, you’ll need to register with the local authorities for the yatra.