The Ultimate Guide to Chardham Yatra by Road: Your Road Trip to the Divine
The Chardham Yatra is one of the most revered and sought-after pilgrimage circuits in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. The journey takes pilgrims to four sacred shrines nestled in the Himalayas—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—each dedicated to a different Hindu deity.
While the traditional route involves trekking and arduous pilgrimages, Chardham Yatra by road offers a more accessible yet equally spiritual experience. A road trip through Uttarakhand’s pristine landscapes, winding hill roads, and awe-inspiring views makes the Chardham Yatra a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best route for the Chardham Yatra by road, including important stops along the way and a brief map to help plan your journey.
The Chardham Yatra by road typically starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh, the nearest major cities with rail and air connectivity. From here, the journey proceeds in a clockwise direction, covering all four shrines. The most common route is as follows:
Distance: 220 km (approx. 7-8 hours by road)
Start Point: Haridwar or Rishikesh
End Point: Yamunotri
Your journey begins in Haridwar or Rishikesh, both of which are easily accessible by train or flight. From here, travel to Barkot or Janki Chatti (the base for Yamunotri). The drive is scenic, passing through lush forests, small villages, and beautiful valleys.
Once you reach Janki Chatti, you can either trek the remaining 6 km to Yamunotri Temple or hire a pony or palanquin to reach the temple, as it’s perched at an altitude of 3,293 meters.
Key Stop: Yamunotri Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, this is the starting point of the Chardham Yatra.
Distance: 230 km (approx. 8-9 hours by road)
Start Point: Yamunotri
End Point: Gangotri
From Yamunotri, head towards Gangotri, the seat of Goddess Ganga. The road journey offers mesmerizing views of the Bhagirathi River and the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas. As you approach Gangotri, the landscapes become more rugged and beautiful.
Key Stop: Gangotri Temple – Located at an altitude of 3,048 meters, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the icy waters of the Bhagirathi River here.
Distance: 210 km (approx. 8-9 hours by road)
Start Point: Gangotri
End Point: Kedarnath
The drive from Gangotri to Kedarnath passes through Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, and Gaurikund. Once you reach Gaurikund, you will have to trek the remaining 16 km to Kedarnath Temple, as the road ends here. The trek can be challenging, but the views along the way are absolutely spectacular.
Key Stop: Kedarnath Temple – Situated at an altitude of 3,580 meters, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple offers a spiritual experience with its majestic setting amidst snow-capped peaks.
Distance: 230 km (approx. 8-9 hours by road)
Start Point: Kedarnath
End Point: Badrinath
The final leg of the journey takes you from Kedarnath to Badrinath, the last temple on the Chardham Yatra route. The drive is scenic, taking you through beautiful valleys, rivers, and Himalayan landscapes. Once you reach Badrinath, you can rest for the evening before visiting the Badrinath Temple the next day.
Key Stop: Badrinath Temple – Located at an altitude of 3,133 meters, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a major pilgrimage site. It is known for its spiritual importance and stunning beauty, with the Alaknanda River flowing nearby.
To help you visualize the route, here’s a brief map of the Chardham Yatra:
The route follows a circular or clockwise pattern, with Haridwar or Rishikesh as the starting point. Major cities like Uttarkashi and Rishikesh act as transit points between destinations. The road journey is well-paved in most parts, though some stretches can be challenging due to steep ascents and narrow roads.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for Chardham Yatra is from May to June and September to October. The temples are closed during the winter months, and the monsoon season can cause road blockages and landslides.
Road Conditions: Though most of the roads are in good condition, the hilly terrain can sometimes make driving challenging. Hire a local driver familiar with the mountain routes for a smoother experience.
Acclimatization: Since the temples are located at high altitudes, make sure to take necessary precautions for altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.
Travel Insurance: It is advisable to get travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, especially if you plan on trekking to Kedarnath.
Stay and Food: Hotels and guesthouses are available in most towns and near the temple complexes. However, accommodations can get crowded during peak season, so advance booking is recommended.
The Chardham Yatra by road offers a unique combination of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. From the sacred temples to the majestic Himalayan landscapes, the journey promises to be both enriching and fulfilling. Whether you're visiting for spiritual reasons or simply to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Uttarakhand, this road trip will surely be an unforgettable experience.
With the right planning, the Chardham Yatra by road can be a perfect way to explore the divine sanctuaries of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath while enjoying the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain.
