The great pilgrimage
Four sacred shrines set among the highest peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya. Hindus believe a journey to all four in a single season washes away the sins of a lifetime.
The Char Dham — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — sit between 3,100 and 3,600 metres in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. The traditional route follows the sun: west to east, beginning at Yamunotri on the Yamuna's source and ending at Badrinath on the Alaknanda. Each shrine opens in late April or early May and closes for winter by November, when the deities are ceremonially moved to lower temples.
The yatra draws millions of pilgrims each year, yet with the right timing and local knowledge it remains a profoundly moving journey. We arrange private vehicles, accommodation at each dham, and a guide who knows the quieter hours and the lesser-seen corners of each temple complex.
Goddess Yamuna
The source of the Yamuna river and the westernmost dham. The temple is reached by a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti through a gorge of hot springs and waterfalls. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the Surya Kund hot spring to offer at the shrine.
Highlights: Surya Kund hot spring, Divya Shila rock pillar
Goddess Ganga
The temple marks the spot where King Bhagirath meditated to bring the Ganga to earth. The actual source — the Gaumukh glacier — lies 19 km further up the valley. The town sits beside the roaring Bhagirathi river, surrounded by silver-barked birch and deodar.
Highlights: Bhagirathi gorge, Gaumukh glacier trek (19 km)
Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
The most dramatic of the four dhams, Kedarnath stands at the head of the Mandakini valley beneath the Kedarnath peak. The stone temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old. The 16 km trek from Gaurikund climbs through rhododendron forest and open moorland to one of the most powerful sacred sites in India.
Highlights: Ancient stone temple, Vasuki Tal lake, Bhairavnath temple
Lord Vishnu
The final and most visited dham, Badrinath sits in a narrow valley between the Nar and Narayan peaks, with the Neelkanth massif rising behind the colourful temple facade. The Tapt Kund hot spring beside the Alaknanda river is used for ritual bathing before entering the temple.
Highlights: Tapt Kund, Mana village (last Indian village), Vasudhara Falls
Opening month. Crowds build quickly. Snow still on high passes. Ideal for those who want the opening ceremonies.
Peak season. Very busy, especially at Kedarnath. Book accommodation months in advance.
Our favourite month. Monsoon ends, skies clear, meadows green. Crowds thin significantly.
Golden autumn colours. Closing ceremonies at each dham. Cold nights above 3,000 m.
West to east: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. This is the traditional sequence and also the most logical for road access.
All pilgrims must register on the Devasthanam Board portal before travel. We handle this as part of our service.
Yamunotri requires a 6 km trek each way. Kedarnath requires 16 km each way (or helicopter). Gangotri and Badrinath are road-accessible.
All four shrines are above 3,100 m. Allow at least one acclimatisation day in Haridwar or Rishikesh before beginning the circuit.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and any specific requirements. We'll arrange everything — transport, accommodation, guide and registration.