Route Planning Overview
The traditional Char Dham Yatra follows the clockwise sequence of Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. The routes below begin from Haridwar or Rishikesh and show practical mountain-road travel estimates.
This page provides route and travel-time information only. For day-wise plans, use the package itinerary links provided near the end of this guide.
Char Dham Yatra
Recommended: 10 nights / 11 days
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Do Dham Yatra
Recommended: 6 nights / 7 days
Kedarnath followed by Badrinath.
Kedarnath Yatra
Recommended: 4 nights / 5 days
Road journey plus trek, pony, palki or heli option.
Road-wise Char Dham Route Map
The map follows the main Char Dham circuit from Haridwar through Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Solid lines show road sectors and dashed red lines show the Yamunotri and Kedarnath trekking routes.
Map note: The map is for route planning and orientation. Local diversions, one-way controls and temporary road restrictions may apply. Follow the latest instructions issued by the district administration, police and Uttarakhand Tourism authorities.
Char Dham Route & Travel Time
Recommended duration: 10 nights / 11 days. The full journey includes long mountain-road sectors and two walking routes at Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
| Route sector | Approx. distance | Planning time | Travel note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar to Barkot | 210 km | 8–9 hours | Usually via Dehradun and Mussoorie |
| Barkot to Janki Chatti | 42 km | Around 2 hours | Last motorable point for Yamunotri |
| Janki Chatti to Yamunotri | Approx. 6 km trek, one way | 2–3 hours uphill | Trek / pony / palki |
| Barkot to Uttarkashi | 100 km | 4–5 hours | Mountain road via Dharasu side |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri | 100 km, one way | Around 4 hours | Motorable road via Harsil |
| Uttarkashi to Guptkashi | 210–275 km | 9–12 hours | Long sector; route may vary |
| Guptkashi to Gaurikund sector | 30–35 km | 2 hours or more | Local traffic controls may apply at Sonprayag |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | Approx. 16 km trek, one way | 6–8 hours uphill | Trek / pony / palki |
| Kedarnath to Gaurikund | Approx. 16 km trek | 5–7 hours downhill | Allow extra time for crowds and rest |
| Guptkashi to Badrinath | Around 200 km | 8–10 hours | Preferred route via Rudraprayag |
| Badrinath to Rudraprayag | Around 160 km | 6–7 hours | Via Joshimath and Karnaprayag |
| Rudraprayag to Haridwar | Around 170 km | 6–7 hours | Via Srinagar, Devprayag and Rishikesh |
Two Trek Sectors
The road ends at Janki Chatti for Yamunotri and at the Gaurikund sector for Kedarnath. Gangotri and Badrinath temples are accessible by motorable roads.
Do Dham Route & Travel Time
Recommended duration: 6 nights / 7 days. The regular Do Dham route covers Kedarnath first and Badrinath afterwards.
| Route sector | Approx. distance | Planning time | Travel note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi | 190–220 km | 7–10 hours | Via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag |
| Guptkashi to Gaurikund sector | 30–35 km | 2 hours or more | Sonprayag traffic and shuttle time can vary |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | Approx. 16 km trek | 6–8 hours uphill | Trek, pony or palki option |
| Kedarnath to Gaurikund | Approx. 16 km trek | 5–7 hours downhill | Keep rest and queue buffer |
| Guptkashi to Badrinath | Around 200 km | 8–10 hours | Via Rudraprayag and Joshimath |
| Rudraprayag to Badrinath | Around 160 km | 6–7 hours | Starting point changes total time |
| Badrinath to Rudraprayag | Around 160 km | 6–7 hours | Darshan and Mana visit are additional |
| Rudraprayag to Haridwar/Rishikesh | 140–170 km | 5–7 hours | Return via Devprayag |
Keep the Badrinath Drive Separate
For a comfortable journey, do not combine the Kedarnath descent and the long Guptkashi-to-Badrinath road journey on the same day.
Kedarnath Route & Travel Time
Recommended duration: 4 nights / 5 days. The final journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is completed by walking, pony or palki. Helicopter services normally operate from the Guptkashi, Phata and Sirsi sectors, subject to confirmed booking and operations.
| Route sector | Approx. distance | Planning time | Travel note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar to Kedarnath road base | Around 240 km | 9–10 hours | Plan an overnight halt before the trek |
| Rishikesh to Kedarnath road base | Around 220 km | 9–10 hours | Mountain-road timing |
| Guptkashi to Gaurikund sector | 30–35 km | 2 hours or more | Traffic control at Sonprayag may apply |
| Sonprayag to Gaurikund | Local regulated sector | Depends on queue | Use authorised local transport when required |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | Approx. 16 km trek | 6–8 hours uphill | Trek, pony or palki option |
| Kedarnath to Gaurikund | Approx. 16 km trek | 5–7 hours downhill | Start according to local instructions |
| Guptkashi to Haridwar/Rishikesh | 190–220 km | 7–9 hours | Keep additional traffic buffer |
| Rudraprayag to Haridwar/Rishikesh | 140–170 km | 5–7 hours | Shorter return sector |
Important Travel Time Information
Mountain travel time cannot be calculated like regular city or highway travel. The timings on this page are planning estimates and not guaranteed arrival times.
- Meal and refreshment stops are not included.
- Temple darshan queues can add several hours.
- Sonprayag and Gaurikund traffic controls may cause waiting.
- Weather, rain and landslide clearance can affect roads.
- Police check-posts and local restrictions must be followed.
- Helicopter reporting and weather waiting time is additional.
- Trek time changes according to fitness, crowds and rest stops.
- Begin long mountain-road sectors early in the morning.
Keep a Buffer Day
During peak season or monsoon travel, keep at least one buffer day. Families with senior citizens or children should choose a slower and more comfortable journey.
View Complete Package Itineraries
Day-wise itineraries are available on the main package pages and are not repeated in this route guide.
Char Dham Yatra
Complete package information, day-wise journey, inclusions and travel assistance.
View Char Dham ItineraryDo Dham Yatra
Kedarnath and Badrinath package itinerary, journey information and inclusions.
View Do Dham ItineraryKedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath package itinerary with road, trek and optional travel assistance.
View Kedarnath ItineraryOfficial Information & Route Note
Route sequence, distances and trek information have been prepared with reference to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Tourist Care Uttarakhand portal. Map roads and geographic locations use OpenStreetMap data. Always check current weather, road status, Yatra registration and local authority instructions before departure.
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