The Chardham Yatra, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages, takes devotees through four holy shrines nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This spiritual journey is not just about visiting temples but also about experiencing divine serenity amidst breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re planning this pilgrimage, one of the most common questions is: How many days does the Chardham Yatra take? The answer depends on your travel mode, itinerary, and physical endurance. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan efficiently.
Standard Duration of Chardham Yatra
1. By Road (Standard Itinerary) – 10 to 12 Days
Most pilgrims complete the yatra in 10–12 days when traveling by road. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Day 1: Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh to Yamunotri (Travel + Acclimatization)
- Day 2: Yamunotri Darshan (Return to Barkot/Uttarkashi)
- Day 3: Travel to Gangotri (Darshan & return to Uttarkashi)
- Day 4: Travel to Guptkashi/Sitapur (En route to Kedarnath)
- Day 5: Kedarnath Trek (16 km) or Helicopter (Stay overnight)
- Day 6: Return from Kedarnath to Guptkashi/Sitapur
- Day 7: Travel to Badrinath (Darshan & overnight stay)
- Day 8: Explore Badrinath (Mana Village, Vasudhara Falls)
- Day 9-10: Return to Rishikesh/Haridwar
2. Helicopter Yatra – 5 to 7 Days
For those short on time, helicopter services reduce travel time significantly:
- Day 1: Delhi/Dehradun to Yamunotri (Helicopter)
- Day 2: Gangotri (Helicopter)
- Day 3-4: Kedarnath (Helicopter + Short Trek)
- Day 5: Badrinath (Helicopter)
- Day 6-7: Return
3. Extended Yatra (With Nearby Sightseeing) – 14 to 15 Days
If you wish to explore nearby attractions like Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, or Chopta, the journey can extend to 14–15 days.
Factors Affecting Chardham Yatra Duration
- Mode of Travel (Road vs. Helicopter)
- Weather Conditions (Monsoon delays, landslides)
- Physical Fitness (Kedarnath trek difficulty)
- Crowd & Waiting Time (Peak season vs. off-season)
- Customized Itineraries (Adding spiritual stops like Tungnath, Guptkashi)
Best Time for Chardham Yatra
- May to June (Ideal weather, less rain)
- September to October (Post-monsoon clarity)
- Avoid July-August (Heavy rains, landslides)
Tips for a Smooth Chardham Yatra
✔ Book accommodations & transport in advance (Peak season gets crowded)
✔ Carry woolens & rain gear (Unpredictable mountain weather)
✔ Stay hydrated & acclimatize (High altitude sickness risk)
✔ Opt for registered tour operators (Avoid last-minute hassles)
