The Char Dham Yatra route from Haridwar follows a clockwise circuit—starting with Yamunotri, then Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. The total driving distance is around 1,200 km with two treks at Yamunotri (6 km) and Kedarnath (16 km). Pilgrims usually follow this traditional route over 10–12 days by private vehicle or bus from Haridwar.
- Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
- Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar
- Ideal for senior citizens with slow-paced travel
- Helicopter option available at Kedarnath for those who can’t trek
- Best done with local drivers familiar with mountain roads
Table of Contents
Why Start Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar?
Haridwar is the most convenient gateway for Char Dham Yatra by road. It has excellent train and road connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. Many pilgrims prefer to start from here due to availability of private taxis, budget hotels, and a spiritual atmosphere to begin the journey.
- Nearest railway head to Char Dham route
- Good number of private taxis and tempo travellers available
- Best place for pre-tour rituals and senior-friendly stays
Char Dham Yatra Route from Haridwar (With Driving Distances)
Here’s the clockwise road route from Haridwar covering all four dhams with approximate distances:
- Haridwar to Barkot (Yamunotri base) – 215 km / 8–9 hrs
- Barkot to Janki Chatti – 36 km drive + 6 km trek
- Barkot to Uttarkashi (Gangotri base) – 100 km / 4 hrs
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri – 100 km / 4–5 hrs
- Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (Kedarnath base) – 235 km / 9–10 hrs
- Guptkashi to Gaurikund – 30 km drive + 16 km trek
- Guptkashi to Badrinath – 190 km / 8 hrs
- Badrinath to Haridwar – 310 km / 10–11 hrs
Total road distance: ~1,200 km by vehicle + 22 km trek
Day-Wise Char Dham Yatra Plan by Road from Haridwar
Here’s a 11N/12D road itinerary from Haridwar covering all dhams at a comfortable pace for seniors and families.
Day 1 – Haridwar to Barkot (215 km / 8 hrs)
Day 2 – Janki Chatti → Yamunotri trek (6 km one way) → Back to Barkot
Day 3 – Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 km / 4 hrs)
Day 4 – Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km) → Return to Uttarkashi
Day 5 – Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (235 km / 9 hrs)
Day 6 – Guptkashi to Kedarnath by trek/helicopter (overnight stay)
Day 7 – Kedarnath to Guptkashi return
Day 8 – Guptkashi to Badrinath (190 km / 8 hrs)
Day 9 – Badrinath Darshan + Mana Village Visit
Day 10 – Badrinath to Rudraprayag (160 km / 7 hrs)
Day 11 – Rudraprayag to Haridwar (165 km / 6 hrs)
Day 12 – Buffer day / Optional stay at Rishikesh
Road Condition and Travel Tips
The Char Dham road route has mixed terrain—hilly, narrow, and winding. NH-107 and NH-58 are the primary highways. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid late evening travel after sunset
- Always check BRO and weather updates for landslides
- Carry motion sickness tablets for winding roads
- Senior citizens should keep walking sticks, glucose, and BP medication
- Rest well at night; avoid overtraveling in a single day
Best Vehicles for Char Dham Road Trip from Haridwar
Depending on group size and comfort, here are your best private vehicle options:
- Swift Dzire – Ideal for 2–3 pax (Budget trip)
- Ertiga or Innova – Best for 4–6 pax (Deluxe)
- Innova Crysta – Premium, high ground clearance (6 pax)
- Tempo Traveller 12-seater – For large family/group tours
All vehicles should be registered for Uttarakhand and driven by local drivers experienced in hill roads.
Private Tour Suggestions for Families & Seniors
Travel Vaidya offers customized road tour packages from Haridwar with hotel, vehicle, and meal plans:
- Budget Tour – Lodges, Swift Dzire, basic stays
- Deluxe Tour – Good 2–3 star hotels, Ertiga/Innova
- Premium Tour – Best available hotels, Innova Crysta, helicopter for Kedarnath
We also offer same-vehicle tours, senior citizen support, and female-friendly drivers (on request).
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 9990383938 to plan your road trip.
Where to Stay on the Route – Hotel Suggestions
Barkot – Yaantra Resort
Uttarkashi – Yaantra Retreat
Guptkashi – Nature Trend Resort
Kedarnath – Bikaner House, Patiala House
Badrinath – Saraswati Retreat
All hotels offer breakfast and dinner. Check for hot water, lift, and senior-friendly rooms.
Plan Your Char Dham Road Tour with Travel Vaidya
With 8+ years of Uttarakhand travel experience, Travel Vaidya offers reliable Char Dham packages with private vehicles, senior-friendly hotels, and on-ground support. Whether you’re planning for parents or coming with a group, we ensure your yatra is safe, peaceful, and well-managed.
📍Based in Dehradun
☎️ Call/WhatsApp: 9990383938
🌐 www.travelvaidya.com
