The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus in India. It is one of the most difficult religious pilgrimages to take in India. To complete the Chardham pilgrimage, the pilgrims have to start at Yamunotri Dham and then go to Gangotri Dham, Kedarnath, and finally the Badrinath temple.

It is in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, and the best time to complete the Chardham Yatra is from April or May to October or November. There are two routes to complete the Chardham Yatra. One of them is via road and takes at least 10–12 days to complete, and the other is by helicopter, which takes about 4-5 days. The estimated cost of the Chardham Yatra by road starts at INR 50,000, and that by helicopter starts at INR 1,00,000.

The road route for the Chardham Yatra is:

Delhi-Haridwar-Barkot-Yamunotri-Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Kedarnath-Rudraprayag-Badrinath-Joshimath-Rishikesh/Haridwar-Delhi

The helicopter route for the pilgrimage is:

Dehradun-Kharsali (Yamunotri Helipad)-Harshil (Gangotri Helipad)-Kedarnath Helipad-Sahastradhara Helipad

Here is a complete travel guide for the Chardham Yatra in 2023.

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar


The road journey from Delhi to Haridwar takes around 5 hours. On the route, the biometric registration for the Chardham pilgrimage is completed. Once there, you can choose to relax in the hotel or explore the religious city of Haridwar. Do not miss the Ganga Arti at Hari Ki Paudi.

Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot


After breakfast, get ready for another 5.5-hour road trip to Barkot from Haridwar. Stop at Kempty Falls and enjoy the beauty of water cascading down from a height of 12 meters. Spend the day rejuvenating and preparing for the Yamunotri visit the next day.

Day 3: Barkot to Yamunotri and then back to Barkot


Leave early in the morning to beat the rush. Drive to Jankichatti or Phoolchatti. The 6-kilometer trek to Yamunotri starts from here. You can walk, take a horse, or take a doli, according to your budget. Give your eyes a treat by looking at the lush green meadows and the Himalayan shrubs.

Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi


Take a 3-hour trip to Uttarkashi. Explore this town for its sacred temples, monuments, and ashrams if you have some time on hand. Make sure to visit the Vishwanath Temple in the evening.

Day 5: Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back to Uttarkashi


Proceed to Gangotri Dham, which is a town set on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, where the Ganges originates. This town is nestled between the Garhwal Himalayas and is at an altitude of 3048 meters. Do not forget to take a dip in the holy Ganga and visit the temple. The drive to Gangotri will take you through Harsil Valley, which is famous for its beauty and the view of deodar and chir trees.

Day 06: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi


Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then get moving towards the next destination on your itinerary for the Chardham Yatra. This drive will take approximately 7 hours. Visit the Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhanarishwar Temple. The pilgrims will be checked for their medical fitness before visiting Kedarnath.

Day 07: Guptkashi to Sonprayag


The trip to Kedarnath starts from Sonprayag. It is a 14-kilometer trek. Hire palanquins, ponies, or horses according to your budget. Check into the government-authorized camps or lodges and stay the night.

Day 08: Darshan at Kedarnath


Wake up early and bathe in Gaurikund. Try to visit the temple by 4:45 a.m. for Abhishek to Lord Kedarnath. You can enter the Garbha Griha and touch the feet of the idol. Trek back to Sonprayag after Darshan. Drive back to Guptkashi and stay the night there.

Day 09: Guptkashi to Badrinath


Drive to Badrinath from Joshimath and check in at a hotel. Take a dip in Taptkund, conclude the Darshan of Badrivishal, and witness the majestic Aarti in the evening. There are a number of must-visit places on the Chardham Yatra. Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund, and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River are some of them. Stay the night at Badrinath.

Day 10: Badrinath to Rudraprayag


Move towards Rudraprayag via Joshimath on a 5-hour drive. Take a halt at Karanprayag and visit the town for its religious significance. Visit the local market and stay the night at the hotel.

Day 11: Chardham Yatra Concludes


As the Chardham Yatra 2023 comes to an end. Come back to the yoga capital of the world and relax in Rishikesh. Visit Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Drive back to Delhi from Rishikesh on a 5-hour drive the same day or the next day, as per your wishes.

Registration for the Chardham Yatra 2023 can be done both offline and online. Registration for the Chardham Yatra 2023 is necessary, and it is mandatory for you to hold your biometric cards for a feasible Chardham Yatra.

Mandatory things to keep in mind during the Chardham Yatra 2023 are:

Make sure to prepare well and beforehand for the Chardham pilgrimage.

Book your hotels beforehand, as there is a heavy pilgrim rush. You can also choose packages from various tour companies for hassle-free travel.

Pack a number of woolens and carry a raincoat, torch, and umbrella.

Keep moisturizer and sunscreen handy.

Keep enough first aid with you.

Try to stick to the 10-day itinerary for Chardham Yatra 2023 for the best experience. Try to visit as many local places as you can. We hope you enjoy the Chardham Yatra 2023!