Char Dham yatra 2024: Here's how to apply, route details and all you need to know

DEHRADUN: The registration process for the Char Dham Yatra is now open for devotees. The shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath opened their doors to pilgrims on May 10, which coincided with the sacred day of Akshaya Tritiya. However, the Badrinath shrine will welcome devotees starting from May 12.
Due to the high altitude of these shrines, they remain closed for about six months every year.The opening of the shrines takes place during the summer season (April or May), while the closing occurs as winter approaches (October or November).
Pilgrims have the option to undertake the journey either by road or by air, with helicopter services available for those who prefer aerial transportation. Additionally, some devotees opt for a shorter pilgrimage called the Do Dham Yatra, which involves visiting only two shrines, namely Kedarnath and Badrinath, as stated on the official website of Uttarakhand tourism.
How to register for the Char Dham Yatra online?
Tourists can register through various methods besides the web. One such method is the 'Tourist Care Uttarakhand' mobile application, which is compatible with both Android and iOs devices.
Another option for registration is through WhatsApp. To initiate the process, simply send a message with the word 'Yatra' to the designated number: +91 8394833833.
How to register for the Char Dham Yatra offline?
Offline registration for the Char Dham Yatra is also possible at various physical locations. These registration centers can be found at several convenient spots, including:
How to reach Kedarnath?
To reach Kedarnath, pilgrims can take Yatra Buses from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Taxi services are also available from these cities to Gaurikund, the last road stop before Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, pilgrims must trek 17 km uphill to reach the sacred Kedarnath Dham. You can also easily access pony, doli (palanquin), and helicopter shuttle services.
How to reach Badrinath?
Badrinath is well-connected by road, with buses and taxis readily available from Rishikesh and Haridwar. The distance from Rishikesh to Badrinath is approximately 300 km, while it is around 320 km from Haridwar.
How to reach Yamunotri?
Yamunotri, the first destination in the Char Dham pilgrimage, can be reached by traveling to Janki Chatti, which is about 220 km by road from Rishikesh. From Janki Chatti, pilgrims need to undertake a 5-km uphill trek to reach Yamunotri Dham. "Pony and doli services are offered" for those who require assistance.
How to reach Gangotri?
Gangotri, another important site in the Char Dham pilgrimage, is well-connected by road. The distance from Rishikesh to Gangotri is approximately 270 km, and pilgrims can easily book buses or taxis from Rishikesh and Haridwar to reach the town.
Char Dham yatra 2024: Traffic advisory
Those planning the yatra should be well-informed about the unique traffic regulations in place. The following routes have been designated for the journey:
1) Devotees travelling from Rishikesh to Gangotri Dham will follow this route:
Narendranagar, Chamba, Dharasu Band, Uttarkashi, Gangori, Bhatwadi, Harsil, Gangotri.
2) Those headed to Yamunotri as part of the Chardham Yatra from Rishikesh need to take the route via Narendranagar, Chamba, Dharasu Band to Jankichatti through Brahmakhal and Radi Top, eventually reaching Dobata.
3) Pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Dham from Dehradun will have to travel through Dehradun, Damta, Naugaon, Barkot, Dobata, and Jankichatti.
4) For pilgrims journeying from Yamunotri Dham to Gangotri, the route will be Jankichatti, Dobata, Radi Top, Brahmakhal, Dharasu Band, Uttarkashi, Gangori, Bhatwadi, Harsil, and Gangotri.
5) Vehicles bound from Gangotri to Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham will have to take the following routes: Harshil, Bhatwadi, Gangori, Tekhala, Mando, Manpur, Chowringhee, Lambgaon, Srinagar.
6) Vehicles coming from Gangotri to Rishikesh need to avoid the Harshil, Bhatwadi, Gangotri, and Tekhala bridges. They must take the Mando, Joshiada, Manera, Badethi, Matali, and Dharasu routes.
7)Furthermore, heavy goods vehicles will not be allowed to enter urban areas between 9 AM and 9 PM.
About Char Dham Yatra 2024
The Char Dham Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, encompasses four sacred temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Nestled in the awe-inspiring Himalayas, these shrines hold immense spiritual importance, drawing countless devotees from all over the world each year.