Char Dham Yatra 2025 begins tomorrow: Key dates, stay, routes, expenses, registration, and guidelines inside

The holy Char Dham Yatra is starting tomorrow (April 30). The spiritual voyage will continue until November 6. The portals of Yamunotri and Gangotri will open first on April 30, followed by Kedarnath Dham on May 2 and Badrinath Dham on May 4.

Today, April 29, the idol (doli) of Goddess Ganga will depart from Mukhba for Gangotri Dham. After resting at Bhairav Valley, the doli will reach Gangotri Dham at 9 a.m. on April 30. After this, the yatra will formally begin.

So far, more than 2 million (20 lakh) devotees have registered online. Registration is still ongoing. The Uttarakhand government has suspended VIP darshan for the first month of the yatra.

If you are also planning for the Char Dham Yatra, then this article is for you. How to reach the Char Dham sites, where to stay, expected expenses, how to prepare, and every detail that will be useful to you is covered below.

Char Dham Yatra Calendar 2025

1. Gangotri Dham

• Opening Date & Time: 30th April 2025, 10:30 AM
• Closing Date: 22nd October 2025

2. Yamunotri Dham

• Opening Date & Time: 30th April 2025, 11:55 AM
• Closing Date: 23rd October 2025

3. Kedarnath Dham

• Opening Date & Time: 2nd May 2025, 7:00 AM
• Closing Date: 23rd October 2025

4. Badrinath Dham

• Opening Date & Time: 4th May 2025, 6:00 AM
• Closing Date: 6th November 2025

Chardham Yatra Registration

Registration is mandatory for the Chardham Yatra. Without this, one cannot participate in Yatra registration online or offline.

Steps for Online Registration

Fill in all details related to the itinerary and personal details. Download the registration letter or e-certificate post-validation.

5 Steps for the Online Registration Process

Step 1: Go to: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Step 2: In the “Register for Chardham” section, enter your name, mobile number, and other details, then click LOGIN.

Step 3: Click on the registration option on the Registration Page’s dashboard. The "Plan Your Tour" page will open.

Step 4: Now fill in all details related to your trip, such as destination, email ID, emergency contact number, etc.

Step 5: After this, download the registration letter or e-trip certificate.

Offline Registration:

Over 60 registration centers in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
Required Documents: ID proof, recent photo, medical certificate.

4 Dham Yatra: How to Reach

Road Route

Total Distance: 1700 km
Total Cost: ₹10,000

1. From Delhi

To Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh
Options: UPSRTC, UTC, Private Bus, Taxi
Cost: ₹500-₹1000

2. From Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh

To Gangotri
Options: UTC Bus, Private Bus, Taxi
Cost: ₹450-₹1500

To Yamunotri
Options: UTC Bus, Private Bus, Taxi
Cost: ₹700-₹2000

3. From Gangotri to Uttarkashi
Options: UTC Bus, Private Bus, Taxi
Cost: ₹700-₹2000

4. From Uttarkashi to Haridwar/Dehradun
Options: UTC Bus, Private Bus, Taxi
Cost: ₹700-₹2200

Rail Route

Route from Delhi to Dehradun/Haridwar/Shivpuri: Train connectivity is available; this is the main route for travel.

Main Trains:

• Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express (12055)
• Mussoorie Express (14041)
• Uttarakhand Express (19565)
• Kanya Bharat Express (22457)
  Fare: ₹200 - ₹1400

Air Route

Route for air travel to the nearest airport: Dehradun, where the helicopter can be accessed from the road.

Main Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air
Fare: ₹2000 - ₹5000

Note: For more details, visit: helivatra.irctc.co.in

Hotel, Dharamshala, Homestay Rates

1. Yamunotri:

GMVN Lodge (Standard): ₹150 (Dormitory), ₹500–₹1200 (Rooms)
Private Hotel: ₹400–₹2000

2. Gangotri:

GMVN Lodge: ₹250 (Dormitory), ₹500–₹1500 (Rooms)
Private Hotel: ₹600–₹3000

3. Kedarnath:

GMVN Lodge: ₹250 (Dormitory), ₹500–₹2000 (Rooms)
Private Hotel: ₹500–₹3000

4. Badrinath:

GMVN Lodge: ₹250 (Dormitory), ₹500–₹2000 (Rooms)
Private Hotel: ₹400–₹3500

Booking Options:

GMVN (Uttarakhand Tourism Development Corporation) bookings can be made through the GMVN website.

Private hotel bookings can be made through platforms like MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, etc.

Travel Guidelines

• Wearing seatbelts and helmets is mandatory while traveling.
• Traveling by vehicle is permitted only within designated hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Travel Advisory

• Wearing Shoes/Slippers: Shoes or slippers are allowed only during travel.
• Timing: The bus service will be operational from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Documents Required: All passengers must have their documents, special train tickets, etc., ready.

Necessary Documents List

Travel registration form, ID card, boarding pass, travel itinerary, medical certificate, and insurance paper.

8 Important Things for Travelers…

• Register in advance.
• Every traveler’s health check-up is essential.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.
• Follow the local guidelines for safety.
• Keep copies of necessary documents.
• Carry essentials like toiletries.
• Keep your hotel information handy.
• Carry a power bank for charging devices.

Helpline Numbers

1. Tourist Helpline:
0135 - 2559898
0135 - 2552627
0135 - 3520100

2. Toll-Free Helpline:
1364 (for residents of Uttarakhand)
9113751364 (for outsiders)

3. Other Emergency Numbers:
Police (Control Room): 112
Fire: 101
Women Helpline: 1090
Medical Emergency: 108

Timings for Darshan and Aarti at the Temples  

1. Yamunotri:

Darshan: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aarti: 6:30 AM to 7 AM; 7:30 PM to 8 PM

2. Gangotri:

Darshan: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aarti: 6:30 AM to 7 AM; 7 PM to 7:30 PM

3. Kedarnath:

Darshan: 6 AM to 3 PM
Aarti: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM; 6 PM to 6:30 PM

4. Badrinath:

Darshan: 4:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.;
Aarti: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Darshan Token Center

Badrinath: ISBT Badrinath/BRO Circle/Mana Park
Yamunotri: Janaki Chatti
Gangotri: Gangotri Temple
Kedarnath: Kedarnath Temple

Important Points…

• In the first month, only VIP entry and tickets will be available.
• There is a token and slot system for visiting all temples.

4 Dham Yatra 2025 Weather

1. Yamunotri:

• May-June: Pleasant weather, temperature 5°C to 15°C
• July-September: Moderate rainfall, landslides possible.
• October-November: Cool weather, temperature 3°C to 20°C

2. Gangotri:

• May-June: Pleasant weather, temperature 6°C to 16°C
• July-September: Heavy rainfall and landslides may occur.
• October-November: Frequently snowy, temperature 4°C to 18°C

3. Kedarnath:

• May-June: Pleasant weather, temperature 5°C to 17°C
• July-September: Rainy and landslides may occur.
• October-November: Cold weather, temperature -2°C to 12°C

4. Badrinath:

• May-June: Pleasant weather, temperature 8°C to 20°C
• July-September: Heavy rainfall and landslides are possible.
• October-November: Cold weather, temperature 8°C to 12°C

Gangotri Dham

Altitude: 3200 meters | District: Uttarkashi
Gangotri is known as the origin of the holy Ganges River. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath brought the Ganges to Earth for the benefit of humanity. The swift flow of the Ganges created a path for Shiva to descend and bless the world. Here, Ganga Ji's temple is constructed and receives many visitors.

Yamunotri Dham

Altitude: 3235 meters | District: Uttarkashi
Yamunotri is considered the origin of the Yamuna River. It is believed that a visit to Yamunotri is auspicious and beneficial, as the goddess Yamuna is honored here. It is also the starting point for many pilgrims who undertake the sacred journey.

Kedarnath Dham

Altitude: 3584 meters | District: Rudraprayag
Kedarnath is also dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is believed that pilgrims find salvation here through devotion to Shiva, who is worshipped in his manifested form at Kedarnath.

Badrinath Dham

Altitude: 3133 meters | District: Chamoli
It is a popular belief that Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he was incarnated as Badrinarayan. It is also said that the goddess Lakshmi adored him here, and therefore it is named "Badrinath."