Chardham Yatra from Dehradun
The Chardham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas, encompassing four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This journey is a spiritually enriching experience that attracts thousands of devotees every year. Starting your Chardham Yatra from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand is a convenient and popular choice due to its excellent connectivity and proximity to the pilgrimage sites.
Also Read: Chardham Yatra from Delhi
Chardham Yatra Itinerary from Dehradun
Day 1: Dehradun to Yamunotri
- Distance: 175 km by road, 6 km trek
- Highlights: Kempty Falls, Barkot
- Accommodation: Barkot
Begin your journey early in the morning from Dehradun to Barkot, passing through picturesque landscapes. After reaching Barkot, proceed to Janki Chatti, the base camp for the Yamunotri trek. The 6 km trek to Yamunotri can be undertaken on foot, by pony, or by palanquin. Visit the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and take a holy dip in the thermal springs.
Day 2: Yamunotri to Gangotri
- Distance: 232 km by road
- Highlights: Uttarkashi, Vishwanath Temple, Harsil
- Accommodation: Uttarkashi
Travel to Gangotri, with a stop at Uttarkashi, a town with significant religious importance. En route, visit the Vishwanath Temple. Upon reaching Gangotri, pay homage at the Gangotri Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The evening aarti at the temple is a mesmerizing experience.
Day 3: Gangotri to Kedarnath
- Distance: 223 km by road, 19 km trek
- Highlights: Tehri Dam, Guptkashi, Gaurikund
- Accommodation: Kedarnath
Depart early from Gangotri to reach Guptkashi, a major stopover for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath. From Guptkashi, drive to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. The 19 km trek to Kedarnath is strenuous but rewarding. Ponies and helicopter services are also available. Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated amidst the stunning backdrop of the Kedarnath range.
Day 4: Kedarnath to Badrinath
- Distance: 218 km by road
- Highlights: Joshimath, Vishnuprayag, Pandukeshwar
- Accommodation: Badrinath
After an early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple, trek back to Gaurikund and drive to Badrinath. The route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and several important religious sites. Visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the nearby Tapt Kund hot springs.
Day 5: Badrinath to Dehradun
- Distance: 332 km by road
- Highlights: Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul
On the final day, explore the nearby attractions of Badrinath, including Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibet border, Vyas Gufa, and Bhim Pul. After sightseeing, embark on the journey back to Dehradun, marking the end of the Chardham Yatra.
Chardham Yatra Route Map from Dehradun
- Dehradun to Barkot (Yamunotri): Dehradun – Mussoorie – Kempty Falls – Barkot – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri
- Barkot to Gangotri: Barkot – Dharasu Bend – Uttarkashi – Gangotri
- Gangotri to Kedarnath: Gangotri – Uttarkashi – Tehri Dam – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath
- Kedarnath to Badrinath: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi – Joshimath – Badrinath
- Badrinath to Dehradun: Badrinath – Joshimath – Srinagar – Rishikesh – Dehradun
Best Route for Chardham Yatra from Dehradun
Recommended Route
The recommended route for the Chardham Yatra from Dehradun is:
- Dehradun to Yamunotri
- Yamunotri to Gangotri
- Gangotri to Kedarnath
- Kedarnath to Badrinath
- Badrinath to Dehradun
This route ensures a logical and comfortable progression from one shrine to another, minimizing travel time and maximizing the spiritual experience.
Chardham Yatra from Dehradun 2024 in Low Budget
Travel Tips
- Advance Booking: Book your transportation and accommodation well in advance to avail of discounts.
- Group Travel: Travel in groups to share costs for transportation and accommodation.
- Public Transport: Use public buses for intercity travel to reduce expenses.
- Budget Accommodation: Opt for budget hotels, dharamshalas, or guesthouses, which offer basic amenities at affordable rates.
- Food: Eat at local dhabas and avoid expensive restaurants. Carry snacks and water to minimize costs.
Budget Breakdown
- Transportation: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (for buses and shared taxis)
- Accommodation: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (for budget hotels and dharamshalas)
- Food: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 (for local eateries and snacks)
- Miscellaneous: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 (for temple donations, tips, etc.)
Total estimated budget for the Chardham Yatra from Dehradun: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 per person.
How to Plan Kedarnath from Dehradun
Travel Arrangements
- By Road: Take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun to Guptkashi or Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, proceed to Gaurikund by shared taxi and start the trek to Kedarnath.
- By Helicopter: Book helicopter services from Dehradun to Phata or Guptkashi, from where you can take another helicopter to Kedarnath.
Accommodation
- In Guptkashi: Numerous budget hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas are available.
- In Kedarnath: Limited accommodation options including GMVN guesthouses, dharamshalas, and tents. It is advisable to book in advance.
Trekking Tips
- Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit for the 19 km trek. Regular exercise and cardio training can help.
- Packing Essentials: Carry warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, rain gear, first-aid kit, water, and snacks.
- Pony/Palanquin: If trekking is challenging, hire a pony or palanquin for assistance.
Best Time to Visit
- May to June: The weather is pleasant, and the temple is open for darshan.
- September to October: Ideal time post-monsoon with clear skies and fewer crowds.
Safety Precautions
- Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
- Weather: Check weather forecasts and avoid trekking during heavy rainfall.
- Health: Carry necessary medications and consult a doctor before embarking on the journey.
How to Reach Dehradun
By Air
Dehradun is well-connected by air through the Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center.
- From Major Cities: Regular flights are available from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
- Airport Transfers: Taxis and shuttle services are readily available at the airport for a comfortable transfer to your destination in Dehradun.
By Train
Dehradun has a major railway station, Dehradun Railway Station, which connects it to various parts of the country.
- From Delhi: Several trains run daily between Delhi and Dehradun, including the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Nanda Devi Express.
- From Mumbai: The Dehradun Express and other long-distance trains connect Dehradun to Mumbai.
- From Kolkata: The Doon Express and Upasana Express provide direct connectivity.
By Bus
Dehradun is accessible by road through a network of national highways and state roads.
- From Delhi: Frequent buses, including luxury and Volvo services, operate from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Dehradun. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.
- From Chandigarh: Direct buses are available from Chandigarh to Dehradun, taking approximately 4-5 hours.
- From Other Cities: Regular bus services connect Dehradun to cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Lucknow, Jaipur, and more.
Top Bus Routes to Dehradun
Here are some of the frequently travelled bus routes by people to reach Dehradun. You can easily book Dehradun bus tickets on AbhiBus and travel hassle free.
- Delhi to Dehradun bus
- Jaipur to Dehradun bus
- Lucknow to Dehradun bus
- Agra to Dehradun bus
- Rishikesh to Dehradun bus
- Haridwar to Dehradun bus
Travelers can choose from a range of options to reach Dehradun conveniently, making it an accessible starting point for the Chardham Yatra.
Embarking on the Chardham Yatra from Dehradun is a spiritually fulfilling experience that combines devotion with the natural beauty of the Himalayas. By following the recommended itinerary and route, planning your travel and accommodation wisely, and adhering to safety precautions, you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free pilgrimage. Whether on a low budget or seeking a comfortable journey, the Chardham Yatra promises to be an unforgettable journey of faith and discovery.
