Planning your sacred Char Dham Yatra in 2026? This definitive guide covers everything — online registration, temple opening dates, best routes starting from Uttarkashi, accommodation near Gangotri, packing checklist, and what to expect at each of the four holy Dhams. Stay at the best hotel in Uttarkashi for easy access to all Char Dhams.
What is Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism — a circuit of four holy temples (Dhams) nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The four Dhams are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Millions of pilgrims undertake this sacred journey every year between May and November, seeking moksha and divine blessings.
The traditional Char Dham Yatra route starts with Yamunotri (westernmost), then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath (easternmost). However, many pilgrims start from Uttarkashi — staying at our hotel — and begin with Gangotri or Yamunotri first depending on their route.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Registration — How to Register Online
Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting the Char Dhams in 2026. The Uttarakhand government has made online registration compulsory to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety in the high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
All pilgrims MUST register before visiting Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. You will be asked to show your registration slip at multiple checkpoints. Register at: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Register online at least 2–3 weeks before your Yatra. Our hotel staff can also help you complete the registration process when you check in. Just ask at the reception or call +91 7467062536.
Char Dham 2026 Opening Dates & Temple Timings
| Dham | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 | Temple Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌊 Yamunotri | Akshaya Tritiya (May 2026) | Yama Dwitiya (Nov 2026) | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| 🛕 Gangotri | Akshaya Tritiya (May 2026) | Diwali (Nov 2026) | 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| ⛰️ Kedarnath | Akshaya Tritiya (May 2026) | Bhai Dooj (Nov 2026) | 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| 🌸 Badrinath | 4–5 days after Akshaya Tritiya | Vijaya Dashami (Nov 2026) | 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Best Route for Char Dham Yatra from Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is the ideal base for Char Dham Yatra because it is centrally located on the Gangotri Highway and provides easy access to both Gangotri and Yamunotri. Here is the recommended route starting from our hotel — Paradise Point Cottage, Uttarkashi:
- Day 1: Arrive Uttarkashi → Check in Paradise Point Cottage → Rest & Yatra planning
- Day 2: Uttarkashi → Yamunotri (130 km) → Janki Chatti → 6 km trek → Darshan → Return to Uttarkashi
- Day 3: Uttarkashi → Gangotri Temple (25 km) → Darshan + Aarti (6:30 AM / 7:30 PM) → Return
- Day 4: Uttarkashi → Kedarnath via Rudraprayag (220 km) → Stay at Kedarnath base
- Day 5: Kedarnath darshan → Trek down → Drive to Badrinath (120 km from Kedarnath)
- Day 6: Badrinath darshan → Mana Village → Vasudhara Falls → Start return journey
- Day 7: Return to Uttarkashi / Dehradun / Home
Best Hotel in Uttarkashi for Char Dham Yatra
For Char Dham pilgrims, Paradise Point Cottage is the best hotel in Uttarkashi near Gangotri Temple. Located just 25 km from Gangotri Dham at Near GIC Gangotri, Garampani, Uttarkashi, our hotel is the perfect base camp for your sacred journey.
Stay at the Best Hotel Near Gangotri Temple
Paradise Point Cottage · Uttarkashi · Rooms from ₹2,200/night · Free WiFi · Free Parking · Satvik Food · Yatra Assistance
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Packing List
- Aadhaar Card (original + photocopy) & Registration Slip
- Warm woolen clothes — jacket, sweater, thermals (3,000–3,500m altitude)
- Waterproof rain jacket / poncho (especially for Kedarnath)
- Sturdy trekking shoes (for Kedarnath 16 km & Yamunotri 6 km)
- Basic medicines — paracetamol, ORS, altitude sickness tablet (Diamox)
- Personal first aid kit, antiseptic cream, band-aids
- Puja items — flowers, ghee diya, camphor, incense sticks, prasad
- Cash (ATMs not available at Kedarnath/Yamunotri) — carry enough
- Power bank, torch/headlamp (essential for early morning darshan)
- Insulated water bottle + energy snacks for treks
- Trekking stick / walking pole (especially for elderly)
Important Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2026
- Acclimatize for 1–2 days at Uttarkashi (1,158m) before going to higher altitudes
- Elderly pilgrims should get medical fitness certificate from doctor before travel
- Kedarnath helicopter booking: heliyatra.irctc.co.in — book 3–4 weeks in advance
- Best season: May–June and September–October (avoid monsoon July–August)
- Start Gangotri darshan early morning (6:30 AM Aarti is most auspicious)
- Carry enough cash — UPI may not work at all remote Dham locations
- Book return vehicles in advance, especially during peak season weekends