Char Dham Yatra Guide 2025: The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most spiritual journeys for Hindus. It includes visits to four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees travel to the Himalayas to seek blessings. These shrines are located in beautiful regions in Himalayas and open only for a few months in a year due to extreme weather conditions. Depending on the weather, the yatra typically lasts from April through October or November.
The government has made registration, which can be completed online or offline, mandatory to guarantee a safe and easy travel experience. There are various ways for pilgrims to get to these dhams from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh, including by air, train or road. This article will assist you with important steps and information that you need to know before travelling to the Char Dham Yatra 2025.
Opening and Closing Dates of Char Dham 2025
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Kedarnath temple (Image: Canva)
The Char Dham Yatra 2025 begins in late April and ends in October or November. Each dham opens in summer and closes before winter begins. Here is the date when these sacred Char Dham will be opening and closing in 2025.
| Char Dham | Opening date | Closing Date |
| Yamunotri | 30 April | 23 October |
| Gangotri | 30 April | 22 October |
| Kedarnath | 2 May | 23 October |
| Badrinath | 4 May | 6 November |
How to Register for Char Dham Yatra 2025- Online and Offline
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Badrinath temple (Image: Canva)
To ensure a safe and organised pilgrimage, registration for the Char Dham Yatra 2025 is mandatory for all devotees. Pilgrims can register either online through official portals or offline at designated centres. This process helps track pilgrims, manage crowd flow, and provide timely assistance during the sacred journey. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims. You can register both online and offline.
Online Registration:
Pilgrims can register online for the Char Dham Yatra 2025 by going to the official website at "https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in" or by using the "services.india.gov.in" portal. The procedure is easy to use and straightforward. Basic information like your ID, phone number, and anticipated travel dates must be provided. You will receive a Yatra ID and confirmation upon registration, which you will need to keep with you throughout the journey.
Offline Registration:
There are 60 registration centres in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun where people can register offline for the Char Dham Yatra 2025. Pilgrims need to bring identification, a passport-size photo, and a medical certificate attesting to their suitability for the trip to finish the registration process. About 40% of pilgrims still prefer the offline registration process, even though the majority choose online. This guarantees that everyone, irrespective of internet access, has access to the required registration facilities.
How To Reach Char Dham By Air, Train And Road
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Gangotri temple (Image: Canva)
Reaching the Char Dham shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is possible through air, train, and road travel. The journey usually begins from Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. While the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, major railway stations include Haridwar and Rishikesh. Well-connected roadways lead to the base points of each dham, from where local transport or trekking routes begin.
By Air:
The closest airport to all Char Dham locations is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, providing pilgrims with convenient access. It has excellent connections to India's major cities, making it simple for visitors to get to the dhams by car or taxi.
By Train:
Travelling to Char Dham by train is a convenient option for many pilgrims. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh for Yamunotri and Gangotri, Dehradun for Kedarnath, and Haridwar or Joshimath for Badrinath. Several trains like Vande Bharat Express, Jan Shatabdi, and Uttaranchal Express connect these stations to major cities, offering comfortable and timely services. From these stations, pilgrims can continue their journey by road or shared transport.
By Road:
Travelling to Char Dham by road offers a scenic and spiritual experience. The journey usually begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. First, travel to Janki Chatti to visit Yamunotri, then proceed via Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri. From Gangotri, head to Rudraprayag and Gaurikund to visit Kedarnath. Finally, travel through Chamoli and Joshimath to reach the sacred shrine of Badrinath. All four dhams are well-connected by roads. Buses and taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
Where To Stay At Each Dham
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Yamunotri temple (Image: Canva)
Accommodation options are available near all Char Dham sites to suit every budget. Finding a place to stay is important during this holy journey. Here are the best areas near each dham:
Yamunotri: Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Kharsali
Kedarnath: Gaurikund, Rambada, Jungle Chatti (tent accommodations available)
Badrinath: Badrinath town, Mana Gaon, Joshimath
Gangotri: Gangotri City, Harsil, Mero Ghati, Sukhi Top
Many guesthouses, ashrams, and GMVN rest houses are available. Book early for better options.
Aarti and Darshan Timings Of Char Dham 2025
Every dham has fixed aarti and darshan timings. Here is a general schedule:
| Char Dham | Aarti Timing | Darshan Timing |
| Yamunotri | Morning 6:30 AM to 7 AM | Morning 6 AM to Afternoon 2 PM |
| Gangotri | Morning 6 AM to 6:30 AM | Morning 6 AM to Afternoon 2 PM |
| Kedarnath | Morning 4 AM to 4:30 AM | Morning 7 AM to Afternoon 3 PM |
| Badrinath | Morning 4:30 AM to 5 AM | Morning 4:30 AM to Afternoon 1 PM |