How to Plan Char Dham Yatra from Bangalore
At Travel Shrine, we have helped hundreds of pilgrims plan their spiritual trips across India. And one trip that people ask us about the most is the Char Dham Yatra from Bangalore.
Honestly, it is one of the most meaningful journeys a person can take. Four sacred shrines — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — all sitting high up in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is not just a trip. For many people, it is a life-changing experience.
But here is the thing — planning it from Bangalore is a little different from planning it from, say, Delhi or Haridwar. The distance is more. The logistics need a bit more thought. And if you are doing this for the first time, you might feel confused about where to even start.
That is exactly why we put this guide together. We want to make sure you go in prepared, calm, and ready to enjoy every moment of this beautiful journey. Let’s walk through everything step by step.
What is Char Dham Yatra?
Char Dham means “four abodes.” In the context of Uttarakhand, these four shrines are:
| Dham | Deity Worshipped | Altitude (approx.) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Goddess Yamuna | 3,291 meters | Uttarkashi district |
| Gangotri | Goddess Ganga | 3,100 meters | Uttarkashi district |
| Kedarnath | Lord Shiva | 3,583 meters | Rudraprayag district |
| Badrinath | Lord Vishnu | 3,133 meters | Chamoli district |
The traditional order of visiting is Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. This sequence is followed for religious reasons and also makes geographical sense.
Best Time to Go for Char Dham Yatra from Bangalore
This is probably the most important planning decision you will make. The Char Dham shrines are open only for a few months every year because they are in high-altitude areas that see heavy snowfall in winter.
| Month | Season | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Summer / Opening season | ✅ Best time — weather is pleasant, shrines just opened |
| July – August | Monsoon | ⚠️ Avoid — landslides, road blocks are common |
| September – October | Post-monsoon / Autumn | ✅ Very good — clear skies, less crowded |
| November onwards | Shrines close for winter | ❌ Shrines closed till next May |
From Bangalore, most people prefer May–June or September–October. If you can take leave during May, the weather is beautiful and roads are in good condition.
How to Reach the Char Dham Starting Point from Bangalore
The Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand typically starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh. From Bangalore, you have three main options to get there:
Option 1: By Flight (Fastest)
You can fly from Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From Dehradun, Haridwar is about 50 km away by taxi or bus (roughly 1–1.5 hours).
- Flight time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours (direct or 1 stop)
- Cost: Rs. 4,000 – Rs. 10,000 one way depending on how early you book
Option 2: By Train
You can take a train from Bangalore (KSR or Yeshwantpur) to Haridwar. There are trains like the Haridwar Express. The journey takes around 36–40 hours, so it is a long ride but cheaper and comfortable if you book a 2AC or 3AC berth.
Option 3: Package Tour with Group Travel
Many travel agencies — including tours organized through Travel Shrine — operate Char Dham Yatra packages from Bangalore. These include transport from Bangalore to Haridwar (usually by flight) and return, along with accommodation and sightseeing. If you are going for the first time or travelling solo, this is often the easiest and safest option.
Char Dham Yatra Registration – Very Important
The Government of Uttarakhand has made registration mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. You must register before you go. Without registration, you will not be allowed entry at the shrines.
Here is how to register:
- Go to the official website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Create an account with your mobile number and email
- Fill in details for all pilgrims in your group
- Upload a government ID (Aadhaar card works well)
- Choose your travel dates and get your registration slip
Char Dham Yatra Itinerary from Bangalore
If you want to add a day or two in Rishikesh or visit places like Vasuki Tal or Mana Village near Badrinath, you can stretch the trip to 16–18 days easily.
Char Dham Yatra Cost from Bangalore – Budget Breakdown
This is the question we get asked the most at Travel Shrine. The cost depends a lot on whether you are doing it independently or through a package. Here is a rough breakdown:
| Expense Head | Budget Option (Per Person) | Comfortable Option (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (BLR–Dehradun, return) | Rs. 8,000 – 12,000 | Rs. 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Hotels (10–12 nights) | Rs. 6,000 – 10,000 | Rs. 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Cab/Transport in Uttarakhand | Rs. 8,000 – 12,000 (shared) | Rs. 18,000 – 28,000 (private) |
| Pony/Palki/Helicopter (Kedarnath) | Rs. 0 (trekking) | Rs. 3,000 – 10,000+ |
| Food (all days) | Rs. 3,000 – 5,000 | Rs. 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Misc. (pooja, tips, shopping) | Rs. 2,000 – 4,000 | Rs. 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Total (approx.) | Rs. 27,000 – 43,000 | Rs. 58,000 – 99,000 |
If you book a Char Dham package from Bangalore through a travel agency, you can expect all-inclusive packages to start at around Rs. 30,000–45,000 per person (flight included) for basic packages, going up to Rs. 75,000–1,00,000 for comfortable or VIP packages.
Kedarnath Trek – What You Should Know
The Kedarnath trek is the most physically demanding part of the Char Dham Yatra. The trek is about 16–18 km one way from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple. The path goes uphill at high altitude, so it can be tiring even for fit people.
You have a few options if trekking is not suitable for you:
- Pony (Horse) ride: Available at Gaurikund. Cost is around Rs. 2,000–3,500 one way.
- Palki (Palanquin): Carried by 4–6 porters. Suitable for elderly pilgrims. Costs more than pony rides.
- Helicopter: Multiple operators run helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi. One-way cost starts at around Rs. 3,500–5,500 per person. Book well in advance as slots fill up fast.
Health and Fitness Tips Before You Go
A lot of pilgrims from Bangalore underestimate the physical demands of this trip. Bangalore sits at just about 900 meters above sea level. The Char Dham shrines are between 3,100 and 3,583 meters. That is a big jump, and your body needs time to get used to it.
- Start walking 30–45 minutes every day at least a month before your trip.
- Carry your doctor-prescribed medicines, especially if you have blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues.
- Take altitude sickness medicine (like Diamox) only after consulting a doctor.
- Do not rush. Allow your body time to adjust at each stop.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the trip.
- Avoid alcohol during the yatra — it dehydrates you at high altitude.
What to Pack for Char Dham Yatra
| Category | Items to Carry |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Warm jacket, thermals, woolen socks, gloves, raincoat/poncho, comfortable walking shoes |
| Documents | Aadhaar card (original + copy), registration slip, hotel booking copies, travel insurance |
| Medicines | Personal prescription medicines, basic first aid kit, cold & cough medicines, ORS packets |
| Other Essentials | Walking stick / trekking pole, sunscreen, sunglasses, power bank, torch, water bottle |
| Religious Items | Dhoop, camphor, small offering items, sacred thread, prayer beads |
Char Dham Yatra – Package Tours from Bangalore (Quick Overview)
If you are not comfortable planning everything on your own, many Bangalore-based travel companies including Travel Shrine offer organized Char Dham tour packages. Here is a general idea of what to look for in a package:
- Return flights from Bangalore to Dehradun included
- All accommodation (hotel / guest house)
- Private or shared cab throughout the circuit
- Breakfast and dinner (most packages)
- Experienced local guide who knows the region
- Yatra registration assistance
Always ask your tour operator these things before booking: Is accommodation listed by name? What kind of cab is being arranged? Is the guide local and trained? What is the cancellation policy?
A Few Last Things from Travel Shrine
We have seen many pilgrims return from Char Dham Yatra with tears in their eyes — not from tiredness, but from the experience itself. Something about being in those mountains, at those temples, surrounded by that kind of quiet, changes a person.
Our biggest advice is this: Do not just plan the logistics. Take time during the trip to slow down, breathe, and be present. The temples are sacred, yes. But the mountains themselves, the rivers, the cold morning air at Badrinath — all of it is part of the experience.
Plan early. Register in time. Keep your health in check. And go with an open heart. That is really all you need.
If you need help planning your Char Dham Yatra from Bangalore — whether it is a guided tour, customized itinerary, or just advice — reach out to us at Travel Shrine. We are always happy to help.
