Char Dham Yatra 2023: From Duration To Budget – Here's All You Need To Know To Travel Via Air

The four holy sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, & Badrinath comprise Char Dham. This year, the government has launched a number of initiatives to ensure that the Yatra goes off without a hitch.

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples and welcomes devotees all year. The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important religious sites and circuits visited by devotees in Uttarakhand. This Yatra, or pilgrimage, takes you through four holy sites in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. In Hindi, 'char' means four, and 'dham' refers to religious destinations.

The high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months each year, starting in the spring (April or May) and ending as winter approaches (October or November). This year, the opening date of Char Dham Yatra is from April 22, 2023.

The Char Dham Yatra is supposed to be completed in a clockwise rotation. As a result, the pilgrimage begins in Yamunotri, travels through Gangotri, Kedarnath, and ends in Badrinath. The trip can be completed by air (helicopter services are available) or by road.  

If you are planning to take the air route this year, the following details curated from the official website of Uttarakhand tourism might help you to plan accordingly: 

Char Dham Yatra: Here's All You Need To Know To Take Air Route

Destinations: Haridwar, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath

Duration: 4 nights, 5 days

Distance: From Delhi 550 km

Budget: Approx INR 1.5 lakh per person 

Daywise Schedule:

Day 1: Dehradun To Yamnotri 

You must arrive at the government helipad on Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun, which serves as the trip's starting and ending point. Flight schedules are specified in advance. The helicopter service company's pilots and ground staff brief passengers on what to expect during the trip, during the flight, off-ground, and other pertinent information. The flight departs for Kharsali. When you arrive in Kharsali, take a palanquin to the Yamunotri temple, which is only 5 kilometres away.

Day 2: Kharsali To Gangotri

After breakfast, you will fly to Harsil. After landing, you can take a taxi to the Gangotri temple, which is 25 kilometres away and takes about 45 minutes. You will return to Harsil by road after praying at the temple. In the evening, explore Harsil before returning to your hotel to rest.

Day 3: Gangotri To Kedarnath

The helicopter will take you to the Phata helipad, where it will be changed to continue to Kedarnath. The Kedarnath temple is only 30 minutes away by helicopter, and the walk will take about 15 minutes. After praying at the temple, you will fly to Guptkashi for the night.

Day 4: Guptakashi To Badrinath

The chopper will take you to Badrinath. From the Badrinath helipad, you can either check into your hotel, freshen up, and then visit the temple, or you can go straight to the temple for prayers. Explore the town of Badrinath in the evening before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Day 5: Badrinath To Dehradun

Prepare to witness the Maha Abhishek of Lord Badrinarayan, a divinely sublime ritual, at 4 am. Return to your hotel, eat breakfast, and then fly to Dehradun.