Total Distance and Route Breakdown for Char Dham Yatra
This detailed guide explains the total distance and route breakdown for the Char Dham Yatra in 2026. It is written for Indian pilgrims who want a clear, practical, and spiritually rich plan. The guide covers starting point options, classic route sequences, exact road and trekking distances between key points, suggested itineraries, transit tips, vehicle choices, and safety notes. Images and helpful internal links are included to make planning simpler.
Why understanding distances matters for Char Dham
Knowing exact distances helps pilgrims plan travel days, book hotels, estimate fuel or ticket costs, and avoid exhaustion on high altitude legs. Distances determine whether to split travel over more days for acclimatisation and for ensuring darshan at all four shrines in comfort.
Overview of the four shrines and common base towns
- Yamunotri near Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti
- Gangotri near Uttarkashi
- Kedarnath via Gaurikund and a 16 km trek or pony/helipad options
- Badrinath accessible by road from Joshimath
Popular route orders and total distances
Two common sequences exist. Each gives different total driving distances and trekking requirements. Exact distances below are road distances between key waypoints rounded to nearest kilometre. Trekking distances are noted separately.
1. Classic Haridwar start, clockwise via Yamunotri first
- Haridwar to Barkot (gateway to Yamunotri) by road: 210 km
- Barkot to Yamunotri trek start point (Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti): 40 km
- Trekking from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple: 6 km one way
- Yamunotri to Uttarkashi (start towards Gangotri): 165 km
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri road: 100 km
- Gangotri to Guptkashi or onward to Gaurikund region for Kedarnath approach: 200 km
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek: 16 km one way
- Kedarnath to Sonprayag and then to Guptkashi or drive towards Joshimath: 210 km
- Joshimath to Badrinath road: 40 km
- Badrinath to Haridwar return: 310 km
Approximate total road distance for this clockwise itinerary: ~1490 km (excluding trekking stretches). Total trekking distance for Yamunotri and Kedarnath combined: ~44 km round trip.
2. Haridwar start, counterclockwise via Gangotri first
- Haridwar to Uttarkashi: 150 km
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: 100 km
- Gangotri to Barkot (towards Yamunotri): 165 km
- Barkot to Yamunotri access and trek: road 40 km and trek 6 km
- Yamunotri to Uttarkashi or straight to Rudraprayag area: 200 km
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund for Kedarnath approach: 130 km
- Kedarnath trek: 16 km one way
- From Kedarnath to Guptkashi to Joshimath then Badrinath and finally Haridwar by road: combined ~600 km
Approximate total road distance for this counterclockwise route: ~1450 km. Trekking distances similar to clockwise route.
Detailed segment by segment breakdown
Below is a practical table style list for key segments most pilgrims worry about. These numbers are realistic for 2026 road alignments and common routes used by tour operators.
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: 20 km
- Rishikesh to Devprayag: 70 km
- Devprayag to Srinagar (Uttarakhand): 55 km
- Srinagar to Rudraprayag: 43 km
- Rudraprayag to Ukhimath / Gaurikund region: 40 km
- Ukhimath to Kedarnath base (Gaurikund): 14 km
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple trek: 16 km one way
- Rudraprayag to Joshimath: 150 km
- Joshimath to Badrinath: 40 km
- Haridwar to Barkot: 210 km
- Barkot to Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti: 40 km
- Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple trek: 6 km one way
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri: 100 km
Practical itinerary templates with distances
Choose an itinerary based on time available. Each day list includes approximate driving kms.
8 day express plan
- Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot 210 km
- Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri visit and back to Barkot 52 km plus 12 km trekking
- Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi 165 km
- Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri return 200 km
- Day 5: Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag 200 km
- Day 6: Rudraprayag to Gaurikund and trek to Kedarnath or stay at Gaurikund overnight 16 km trek next day
- Day 7: Kedarnath darshan and return towards Rudraprayag 200 km
- Day 8: Rudraprayag to Joshimath to Badrinath then return to Haridwar segment next day 350 km
12 to 14 day relaxed plan
Spread the same segments over more days to allow for rest days and weather delays. This plan totals roughly the same kilometres but reduces average daily driving and adds acclimatisation for high altitude.
Vehicle and transport tips
- Prefer sturdy SUVs for mountain stretches due to variable road quality and steep gradients.
- For Kedarnath trek, plan porter, pony, or helicopter options in advance. Helicopter removes the 16 km trek but adds cost and booking complexity.
- Book permits and online registrations where applicable. See official portals for updated rules and timings. For train options, check IRCTC and for local tourism details use Uttarakhand tourism resources.
Useful internal resource: Book Char Dham packages or explore destinations in Uttarakhand for accommodation options.
Safety, weather and best travel windows
Char Dham season typically opens in late April or May and closes by late October or November depending on weather and temple trustees. Monsoon months have higher risk of landslides. For 2026 plan early bookings for summer months. Monitor local weather updates and government advisories.
Estimated fuel and time calculations
For rough budgeting assume average road speed 30 to 40 km per hour in hilly sections. For a 1500 km road trip, expect 40 to 50 hours of driving time spread across multiple days. Fuel consumption depends on vehicle. Carry emergency cash, copies of ID, and required permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometres is the full Char Dham Yatra?
The full road distance for a typical loop starting and ending at Haridwar ranges between 1400 and 1550 kilometres depending on the chosen route and detours. Trekking distances for Yamunotri and Kedarnath add roughly 44 kilometres round trip.
Which route has the least driving?
Routes vary but starting with Gangotri often reduces backtracking. The difference is usually within 50 kilometres. Choose based on weather and accommodation availability.
Do I need to trek for Kedarnath and Yamunotri?
Yes, Kedarnath requires a 16 km trek from Gaurikund unless you book a helicopter. Yamunotri has a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti. Alternative pony or palanquin services are available on these trails.
Is 8 days enough?
Eight days is possible but tight and physically demanding. A 10 to 14 day plan is recommended to enjoy darshan and to allow rest and acclimatisation.
Conclusion
Understanding the total distance and the route breakdown for Char Dham Yatra makes planning practical and spiritually rewarding. Whether pilgrims choose an express itinerary or a relaxed two week plan, the key is to balance daily distances with rest and local conditions. Use trusted tour operators, prebook key segments, and carry medical kits. For packages and lodging options see recommended resources and explore tailored itineraries at tour packages. May the journey be safe and the pilgrimage fulfilling.
