The tranquil and mesmerizing, Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand and a major tourist spot. Gateway to other destinations, the city is well-connected with roads, railways and direct flights from any major cities. Nestled in the lush Doon Valleys, it is the route to Char Dham Yatra. Hindus in this region have strong belief of visiting the four cardinal pilgrimages to attain salvation and blessings. Many devotees in Dehradun know the sacredness of these four dhams: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Moreover, Dehradun is believed to be part of Kedar khanda(region).
To make your yatra more organised, cost-effective and convenient, Travel Acharya introduces Char Dham Yatra Package from Dehradun. This package is specially curated for Dehradun people or people from any city/town who want to begin their Char Dham Yatra from Dehradun city. The package features well planned trips with proper arrangements and focuses mainly on darshan of four pilgrimage sites under the budget. Furthermore, the area has Sahastradhara helipad where you can opt for helicopter services from the package. For local and other devotees, it is a budgeted package who want to access the comfort of transportation services, cozy accommodations, local-friendly guides, time-effective with pre-planned itineraries(10 days) and schedule, and best deals for group travellers. Embark with us on the holy journey of four sacred dhams with convenience, comfort and hassle-free transfers.
Best Way to Travel from Dehradun to Char Dham Yatra
Dehradun is well connected with roads and acts a beginning point for various pilgrimages and religious sites in Dehradun. However, inter-state travelling does not require railway connectivity, especially if we are travelling to higher altitudes. Helicopter services still might be accessible where Helipads are installed.
If travelling from other city to Dehradun:
- For instance, if you are from Delhi, reach Dehradun by state bus or travelling car.
- Travelling by train such as Mussoorie Express, Vande Bharat or Jan Shatabdi from Delhi to Dehradun.
- Direct flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun are available.
Char Dham By Road+Trek
Starting road trip from Dehradun, the popular route for Char Dham Yatra goes from:
Dehradun→Barkot→Yamunotri Dham→Uttarkashi→Gangotri Dham→Guptkashi→Kedarnath→Badrinath→Dehradun
It approximately takes 10 to 11 days for completing Char dham Yatra by road and trek.
- In Yamunotri, you have to trek 6 km which is moderate level trek through steep ascents and take 2-3 hours duration.
- In Gangotri, the trek of 0.5 km is there which might take 15-30 minutes.
- In Kedarnath, the 16 km trek has moderate to difficult levels which take approximately 8 hours.
- In Badrinath, there is no trek.
Services like Palki(palanquin), pithus, and mules/ponies are there for senior citizens and people who have physical constraints. Otherwise, you can opt for helicopter services to skip the trek part.
Best Time to travel for Char Dham Yatra by Road is May, June, September and October. It offers convenient road conditions and pleasant weather. Meanwhile, rainy seasons must be avoided due to heavy rains, slippery roads and landslides.
Char Dham by Helicopter starting from Dehradun:
In Dehradun, Sahastradhara Helipad is available to visit different religious sites and tourist places. For Char Dham Yatra, there are many helicopter services providers that let pilgrims for aerial travelling to all four dham and back.
Helipads available for different dhams:
| Pilgrimages | Source to Destination | Duration |
| Yamunotri Dham | Sahastradhara Helipad(Dehradun)to Kharsali Helipad(Yamunotri) | 20 minutes |
| Gangotri Dham | Kharsali Helipad(Yamunotri) To Jhalla Helipad(Gangotri) | 30 minutes |
| Kedarnath Dham | Jhalla Helipad(Gangotri) to Sersi Helipad(Kedarnath) | 11 minutes |
| Badrinath Dham | Sersi Helipad(Kedarnath) to Badrinath Helipad (Badrinath) | 30 minutes |
Authentic Cuisines to try during Char DhamYatra
Being Uttarakhandi, you are familiar with the delicacies and authentic flavours of our Pahadi food. Filled with nutrition and aromatic spices, don’t forget to taste the local vegetarian pahadi cuisines during your Char Dham Yatra:
- Khichdi is a light digestive option in Uttarakhand. There are many types of Khichdi to try like Garhwali Til Khichdi, Ginjudu and Kali Dal ki Khichdi.
- Siddu is a wheat flour fermented bread filled with walnuts, pudina, herbs and peas that is steamed and served hot.
- Kedarnath’s Rajma is a special type of kidney bean which is grown in the Kedarnath region and the locals cooked with special tadka of spices and gravy.
- Aloo Puri is an authentic aloo dish eaten with fried bread called puris. The aloo are either cooked dried or with little gravy giving it a kicking taste.
- Aloo Ke Gutke is a dry Pahari potato snack or side dish with tadka made by mixing spices like cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chillies, salt, coriander, etc.
- Mandua(Ragi) Ki Roti is a chapati, flatbread or tortilla made with Ragi or finger millet, often served with cooked vegetables or chutney.
- Chainsoo is a lentil made of whole urad dal or black urad dal with the tadka of cumin seeds, garlic, red chillies, coriander, bay leaf, kalonji and Pahari spices.
- Kumaoni Raita is a fusion of spices, cucumber, mustard seeds, turmeric and tadka in mustard oil spilled over fresh curd.
- Phaanu is made from gahat ki dal, a soaked horse-gram lentil mixed with Pahari spices, and eaten with rice.
- Jakhya Aloo is a special type of potato dish that is tempered with the Jakhya seeds with the mixing of tamarind(imli), tomatoes and pinch of lemon taste.
- Bhang Ki Chutney is a liquid jam made of dry bhang leaves, hemp seeds, green chillies, coriander and spices.
- Kumaoni Bhatt ki Churkani is a dish made with soyabeans blended with curd and tomatoes giving it a tangy flavour.
Uttarakhandi Sweets
- Bal Mithai is a chocolate-fudge-like sweet made with roasted Khoya(made with milk) in brown colour and covered with white poppy seeds.
- Singori is a Kumaon sweet dish similar to Kalakhand, made with Khoya and wrapped with Maalu leaf.
- Jhangora Ki Kheer is a sweet dessert made with Jhangora(bajra or barnyard millet), milk and dry nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, and raisins.
- Arsa is a traditional Pahari dish made with rice flour and then cooked in mustard oil.
- Gulgule is a special snack made from jaggery water and wheat flour kneaded with it. Then it is fried in oil and also is given as offerings to the deities.
- Pahadi Cookie Roat is a healthy cookie made with wheat, semolina or suji and jaggery cooked in desi ghee. It is used as offering to the deities, especially Baba Balaknath Ji as prasad and paina as gift for sasural by the bridal.
Check Out Char Dham Experiences from Our Travel Clients…
Things to Pack For Trip
Before going for Char Dham, you must be prepared with the essentials required during your trip. Check list all the items given below to carry for ease in travelling and personal convenience:
- Carry an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, etc.
- A Yatra Pass for the Char Dham route is necessary. You need to register at Click Here However, we will arrange an E-Pass for Char Dham.
- Warm clothes and essentials like gloves, socks, sweaters, scarves, caps, etc. because of hilly region
- Raincoats for any unexpected wet day.
- Acclimatise yourself to adjust to the environment at higher altitudes. For this you can practise breathing exercises and yoga. Also, consult doctors for any recommendation or fitness tip that will be beneficial for your health during yatra.
- Polyester Joggers for lightweight feel while trekking in Yamunotri and Kedarnath. However, if you are using palki or helicopter services, then also it will be fine.
- You can wear traditional attire or your favourite clothing, if you wish. But still, for a safer side, take a warm fleece jacket to protect from chilly winds.
- Waterproof jackets
- Trekking boots or Non-slip footwear
- Trekking Pole(optional) or walking stick for support.
- Backpack/Rucksack to keep your things.
- Medicines and a small medical kit.
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Light snacks for the trip like namkeens, biscuits and nuts.
- Water for hydration and ORS or energy liquid(non-alcoholic) for trekking.
- Hygiene essentials and toiletries
- Travel insurance covering your health emergencies and evacuation
- Mobile and electronic gadgets
- Carry cash for remote areas as e-payments might not be available.
- You can take puja essentials or purchase it from nearby stalls.
Budget-Friendly Char Dham Yatra Packages
Embarking on a journey comes with decision-making and miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, meals, accommodations, etc. Logistics planning, scheduling and managing budget can also be a challenging part and lack right choices. With Travel Acharya, you can take advantage of these services under one budget. All you need is to seek darshan of Char Dham and we will plan and organise your yatra with convenience. Our Char Dham Package from Dehradun completes all your basic requirements with limited cost. For group travellers we have special discount offers that cover your transportation, accommodations, meals, and other add-on services. We prioritize our travel devotees and compromise on cost. Below is the listing of size of traveller package costs and you can contact us for more details:
With our hassle-free services and customer-based services, you must take advantage of our limited deals and offers on Char Dham Package from Dehradun. Contact Us to know more about the packages and add on services and grab the amazing deals for Char Dham darshan.
Customize Your Char Dham Yatra Package
Plan your trip with our Customisation Package…
Other than Char Dham if you are willing to visit any other destination or attraction in Uttarakhand and you want to make choices on any services like choice of transfers, accommodations, and trip duration; this package is absolutely meant for you. Plan your trip itineraries, schedules, trip length and other add-ons services you want. With our customisation Char Dham Package from Dehradun, you have freedom to create your own package rather than choosing standardized packages. Services include:
- Destinations and plan itineraries
- Trip duration
- Travel preferences
- Accommodations.and stay options
- Meal options
- VIP passes for darshan(it depends on availability)
- Other add on services
- Any personalised request(that we can make, if possible)
.Enjoy our exclusive deals and services on Char Dham Yatra customised package for Dehradun. Join us on the spiritual journey to sacred four pilgrimages on your own conditions and services by us. Contact us to know more about the customisation packages, from your Travel Acharya.
Emergency Contacts:
- State Emergency Operation Centre: 0135-2710334, 1070 (Toll Free)
- Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee: support-ucdb.uk.gov.in
- Tourism/Yatra Control Room: 0135-2559898
- RTO Office Rishikesh: 0135-2430623
- Medical Emergency: 104
- Police Department: 112
- Ambulance: 108
- Women Helpline: 1090
Feedback Matters…
The views and thoughts given by you are very helpful for us and other travellers. For us, feedback is a room for improvement and enhancing our services to retain our position as Uttarakhand’s best trip organisers and travel agents. Travel Acharya consistently works to make our facilities better for the sake of our client’s convenience and comfort. We appreciate you for taking time to give us honest reviews and suggestions where we can possibly improve. Thank you for your valuable comments and opinions for the travel experiences with us.
FAQs
1. What is important about Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham is the holy pilgrimage site in Hinduism where the devotees have to visit four sacred dhams: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The yatra is the gateway to salvation, self-actualisation and rinses off sins. The journey is a spiritual enhancement one must do once in their lifetime.
2. What is the best time to travel for Char Dham Yatra?
The favourable time to travel for Char Dham Yatra is May, June, September and October. Rainy seasons like July and August must be avoided for yatra due to landslides and chill weather.
3. What norms must follow while travelling for Char Dham Yatra?
Norms to be follow while you are on Char Dham Yatra:
- The person must visit the dhams with full faith and devotion.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and non vegetarian food.
- Be humble and polite with locals.
- Respect the traditional beliefs of the people.
- Wear decent clothes and follow temple rules.
4. How can I skip trekking in Char Dham Yatra?
There are two options available for skipping or avoiding trek in Char Dham Yatra:
- Either use services like ponies, palkis or pithus
- Opt for helicopter services
5. What essential things must pack for Char Dham yatra?
The senior citizens must keep these things in their bags from your homes to avoid any inconvenience in the yatra:
- Warm clothes like sweaters, body warmers, mufflers, caps, socks, etc.
- Waterproof jackets or Raincoats to avoid getting wet during unexpected rains.
- Sunglasses and sunscreens to protect from sun.
- Footwear with friction or grip
- Medication
- Stick or pole for support.
- Water for hydration
- Light snacks
- Personal hygiene products like toothpaste and brush, soap or body wash, sanitizers, wet wipes, etc.
- Cash for payments.
6. How to keep yourself fit during Char Dham Yatra?
- Acclimatise yourself. For this you can stay 2-3 days in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Practice breathing exercises and yoga.
- Keep yourself warm with hot clothes and mild food.
- Keep medicines for altitude sickness and prevailing ailments you have.
- Keep yourself hydrated with water and energy drinks.
7. What is the best way to travel for Char Dham Yatra from Dehradun?
The best, convenient and cheaper way to travel for Char Dham Yatra from Dehradun is by road trip. Road trips offer scenic views, budgeted costs and you stop in between to see the attractions coming in your way. If budget is not an issue, then you can utilize helicopter services. Otherwise, you can skip the Kedarnath trek by helicopter and rest by road.
