The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered and spiritually uplifting pilgrimages in Hinduism. Every year, thousands of devotees from across India embark on this journey to seek divine blessings, spiritual purification, and inner peace. The pilgrimage covers the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, located in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Visiting these dhams is believed to cleanse one’s sins, strengthen faith, and provide lifelong spiritual fulfillment.
Starting the Char Dham Yatra from Kolkata, the City of Joy, provides devotees from Eastern India and nearby regions a well-planned, comfortable, and scenic route to reach the Himalayan shrines. Traveling in a Tempo Traveller ensures comfort, convenience, and safety, especially when covering long distances across plains and hilly terrains.
A 12-day Char Dham Yatra from Kolkata is thoughtfully designed to balance spiritual darshan, scenic travel, and rest, making it ideal for families, senior citizens, and first-time pilgrims.
Why Choose a Tempo Traveller for Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham pilgrimage involves long-distance travel, steep climbs, and winding mountain roads, which can be exhausting if done via public transport. A Tempo Traveller is ideal for this journey because it offers:
- Comfortable reclining seats for long journeys
- Spacious seating for 9–17 passengers with ample luggage space
- Experienced drivers familiar with Himalayan roads
- Flexibility to stop for meals, rest, and sightseeing
- Cost-effective travel for groups compared to multiple taxis or cars
Traveling in a Tempo Traveller allows pilgrims to enjoy the journey together, soak in scenic landscapes, and focus fully on the spiritual experience.
Char Dham Yatra Overview from Kolkata
- Total Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Starting & Ending Point: Kolkata
- Vehicle Used: Tempo Traveller (based on group size)
- Major Destinations Covered:
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Best Time to Travel: May to June & September to October
- Ideal For: Families, senior citizens, and groups of devotees
Day 1: Kolkata to Haridwar
The journey begins with pilgrims departing from Kolkata to Haridwar. Covering a distance of over 1,500 kilometers, it is recommended to combine train or flight travel to Delhi or Dehradun, followed by a Tempo Traveller transfer to Haridwar. The route passes through the scenic plains of West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, providing glimpses of rivers, farmland, and towns.
Upon arrival in Haridwar, pilgrims check into their hotel and spend the evening visiting Har Ki Pauri, the sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganga. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti, with floating lamps and Vedic chants, is a spiritually enriching experience and sets the tone for the yatra. Overnight stay in Haridwar.
Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot
After breakfast, the journey continues to Barkot, the base town for visiting Yamunotri, the first dham of the pilgrimage. The road gradually ascends into the Himalayan foothills, passing through green valleys, rivers, and pine forests, offering scenic views and fresh mountain air.
Upon arrival, pilgrims check into their hotel and rest to prepare for the trek to Yamunotri the next day.
Day 3: Barkot – Yamunotri – Barkot
Early morning, pilgrims drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point of the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple. Devotees can choose to trek on foot or hire ponies or palkis for assistance.
At Yamunotri, devotees worship Goddess Yamuna, take a holy dip in the Surya Kund hot springs, and offer prayers amidst snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The spiritual ambiance of Yamunotri makes this visit profoundly divine.
After darshan, pilgrims return to Barkot for overnight stay.
Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi
The journey continues to Uttarkashi, a sacred town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, often called the “Kashi of the North.” Uttarkashi is home to ancient Shiva temples and offers a serene environment for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Pilgrims visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and rest to acclimatize to the Himalayan climate, preparing for the journey to Gangotri.
Day 5: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
Early morning, pilgrims drive to Gangotri, the source of the River Ganga, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. At the Gangotri Temple, devotees perform rituals and offer prayers to Ganga Mata, absorbing the pure and serene Himalayan energy.
After darshan, pilgrims return to Uttarkashi for overnight stay.
Day 6: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi / Sitapur
The pilgrimage continues to Guptkashi or Sitapur, the base town for visiting Kedarnath. The drive along the Mandakini River provides stunning views of valleys, rivers, and forests, giving pilgrims time to reflect and relax.
Upon arrival, pilgrims check into their hotel and rest in preparation for the Kedarnath trek the next day.
Day 7: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
Early morning, pilgrims drive to Gaurikund, the starting point of the 18 km trek to Kedarnath Temple. For those who need assistance, ponies, palkis, and helicopter services are available.
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the ancient temple radiates immense spiritual energy.
Overnight stay near Kedarnath Temple.
Day 8: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
After morning darshan, pilgrims trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi by Tempo Traveller. This day is reserved for rest and recovery after the physically demanding Kedarnath trek.
Day 9: Guptkashi to Badrinath
The pilgrimage continues to Badrinath, passing through Joshimath, a significant spiritual town. The route offers breathtaking views of Himalayan valleys, rivers, and snow-covered peaks.
Upon arrival, pilgrims take a holy dip in the Tapt Kund and visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight stay at Badrinath.
Day 10: Badrinath – Mana Village – Joshimath
In the morning, pilgrims attend temple rituals and perform darshan at Badrinath. Later, they visit Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Indo-Tibetan border, rich in mythology and linked to the Mahabharata.
After sightseeing, pilgrims drive to Joshimath for overnight stay.
Day 11: Joshimath to Haridwar / Rishikesh
The return journey begins via Tempo Traveller toward Haridwar or Rishikesh. The scenic drive provides time for reflection on the spiritual experiences and majestic Himalayan landscapes witnessed during the pilgrimage.
In Rishikesh, pilgrims may visit Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and attend the evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay en route or in Haridwar.
Day 12: Haridwar – Kolkata
On the final day, pilgrims are transferred to Haridwar railway station or Dehradun airport for the onward journey back to Kolkata, marking the completion of the 12-day Char Dham Yatra. Devotees return spiritually rejuvenated, blessed, and with lifelong memories.