The Char Dham Yatra — comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — is the most sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. At altitudes between 3,000 and 3,600 metres, these four divine shrines represent the complete spectrum of the Hindu divine — the life-giving rivers, the ascetic power of Shiva, and the preserving grace of Vishnu.
The yatra follows a clockwise route: beginning at Yamunotri (source of Goddess Yamuna), moving to Gangotri (origin of the sacred Ganga), ascending to Kedarnath (one of the 12 Jyotirlingas), and concluding at Badrinath (eternal abode of Lord Vishnu). Traditionally completed in 10–12 days, this journey has transformed the souls of millions across centuries.
For 2026, the Uttarakhand government has made online registration mandatory and free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Pilgrims above 55 require health screening at base camps, and night vehicle movement is banned between 10 PM and 4 AM — measures designed not to restrict the yatra, but to keep every devotee safe on this sacred path.
