Frequently Asked Questions

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage circuit in the Indian Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It covers four holy shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrims traditionally visit them in a clockwise sequence, starting with Yamunotri, moving to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath.

The shrines open annually in late April or early May (on Akshaya Tritiya) and close shortly after Diwali (October or November) due to severe winter snowfall and freezing temperatures in the high altitudes. For the 2026 season, Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines open on May 8, 2026, followed by Kedarnath on May 9, 2026, and Badrinath on May 10, 2026.

For devotees with limited time or health concerns, we offer shorter itineraries. Ek Dham packages focus on a single shrine (such as just Kedarnath or Badrinath). Do Dham packages cover two shrines—the most popular being the Kedarnath & Badrinath combination, or the Yamunotri & Gangotri combination.

Yes, the Government of Uttarakhand has made tourist/biometric registration mandatory for all pilgrims. Devotees must carry a printed copy or a mobile QR-code of their Tourist Care Registration (e-Pass) at checkpoints. We assist all our booked clients with this online registration process free of cost.

For each traveler, you need to provide a government-issued photo ID. The preferred document is an Aadhar Card, but a Voter ID, Passport, or PAN Card is also accepted. We also require a functional mobile number per family/group for emergency alerts and government notifications.

Yamunotri involves a 6 km steep trek from Janki Chatti. Kedarnath involves a 16 km strenuous trek from Gaurikund. For pilgrims unable to trek, local options include ponies (Ghodi), palanquins/dolis, porters (Kandi), and helicopter services.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone above 2,500 meters. Prevent it by drinking plenty of water, ascending slowly, avoiding overexertion on arrival, and carrying portable oxygen canisters (available in local markets). Consult a physician before traveling, especially if you have asthma, hypertension, or heart conditions.

Helicopter tickets for Kedarnath are booked exclusively online through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal. Tickets open in phases and sell out quickly. We assist our package guests by coordinating schedules and helping secure slots as soon as they open.

To build trust and secure local bookings, we operate on a transparent payment system: pay a 30% advance fee to confirm vehicle, driver, and hotel bookings. The remaining 70% balance is payable 1–3 days before your departure when you start the journey from Haridwar.

Cancellations 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a 5% handling charge. Cancellations 15-30 days prior receive a 50% refund. Cancellations under 7 days are non-refundable. However, if the Yatra is suspended by government orders due to landslides or weather, we offer free date shifts or vouchers for future use.

Pack heavy woolens, thermal innerwear, windproof jackets, and raincoats (monsoon showers are common). Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, woolen socks, gloves, and a cap are essential. Do not forget personal medications and basic first aid.

Airtel and Jio provide excellent 4G/5G coverage in Haridwar, Badrinath, and Gangotri. Kedarnath temple has solid Jio network connectivity. In remote trekking routes and around Yamunotri, BSNL remains the most stable network.