What the Char Dham actually is
Four high-altitude Hindu shrines in Uttarakhand, between 3,000 and 3,600 metres, open only May to early November. Yamunotri (source of the Yamuna river), Gangotri (source of the Ganges), Kedarnath (a Shiva shrine surrounded by 6,000-metre peaks), Badrinath (a Vishnu shrine near the Tibet border). Hindus consider the circuit one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Foreign visitors are welcome at all four — only the inner sanctum at Badrinath has any restriction, and that varies year to year.
The standard route, the time it takes
Most pilgrims start at Haridwar or Rishikesh and follow the traditional clockwise order: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath. The full circuit takes 11–13 days by road. Helicopter packages (Dehradun-based, ₹85,000–₹1,20,000 per person depending on season) compress it to 5–6 days. We arrange both — most foreign visitors prefer the road version for the landscape between shrines, the village stays, and the time it takes to actually feel the journey.
Registration and biometrics
Since 2022, the Uttarakhand government requires every pilgrim to register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before the trip — name, ID copy, dates, route. Free, takes 15 minutes online. We handle this for booked guests. Biometric verification happens at the trailhead for Kedarnath and Yamunotri.
The treks (this is where foreign travellers are surprised)
Yamunotri: 6 km uphill trek from Janki Chatti, or a horse, palki (porter chair) or palanquin. Allow 3–4 hours up. Gangotri: car reaches the temple, no trek needed. Kedarnath: 16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund, or helicopter from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi. Most foreign visitors use the helicopter to avoid the trek. Badrinath: car reaches the temple.
Helicopter slots for Kedarnath fill up months ahead. We book yours along with the road component.
Altitude, weather, and what to pack
All four shrines sit between 3,000 and 3,600 m. Daytime in May–June: 12–20°C. Nighttime: 4–10°C. October: snow likely at Kedarnath. Pack heavy fleece, waterproof jacket, woollen socks, sun protection (the sun at altitude burns much faster than at sea level). For temple visits: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes inside, no leather belts at Kedarnath's inner sanctum.
What it costs
Full road circuit, 12 days, mid-range hotels, Innova Crysta with driver, fuel, tolls, helicopter for Kedarnath only: about ₹95,000–₹1,15,000 per person for a group of four. Full helicopter circuit (Dehradun base): ₹85,000–₹1,20,000 per person depending on whether you use Aryabhatt, Pawanhans or another operator. We quote in INR, all-in, before you commit.