Every year heavy snowfall covers the Himalayan Regions, the Winter Char Dham Circuit offers a quieter and sacred way to complete the Char Dham Pilgrimage. If you are someone who is planning this journey from Haridwar, this guide is here to walk you through the exact day-by-day route, the temples you will visit, the expected cost, and what all the things you should be carrying along with you.

Unlike the regular summer Char Dham Yatra, you don’t need to trek to places like Kedarnath and Yamunotri during the winter pilgrimage. The winter route is mostly taken by road, making the journey easier and more comfortable. It can be a good option for senior citizens, families, and anyone who prefers a peaceful pilgrimage with less hassle.

Haridwar is also a convenient place to start the journey. It has good train and road connectivity with Delhi and other parts of the country. Also many travel operators also arrange their vehicles and drivers from Haridwar itself. So whether you are coming from another part of Uttarakhand or from outside the state. Haridwar is a convenient starting point for the Winter Char Dham Yatra.

Winter Char Dham Circuit: At a Glance

Winter Char Dham yatra is a religious pilgrimage route through the Indian state of Uttarakhand where followers make pilgrimages to the winter locations of the four chief gods at lower altitudes. This pilgrimage tour is available throughout the year despite the snow blocking the shrines at higher altitudes.

The Four Winter Abodes

Ukhimath (Rudraprayag): Winter abode of Lord Kedarnath in the Omkareshwar Temple. The idol resides in the temple for six months because of heavy snowfall on the main shrine.
Pandukeshwar / Joshimath (Chamoli): Winter abode of Lord Badrinath. The Uddhav idol is worshipped in the Yogadhyan Badri Temple.
Kharsali (Uttarkashi): A peaceful village which acts as winter abode of Goddess Yamuna. It contains hot water springs and local woodwork.
Mukhba (Uttarkashi): Winter abode of Goddess Ganga. It lies near Harsil.

Travel and Weather Tips

Best Period: November to April, before and after the main temples’ closure and opening period.
People: The site will be much calmer than during the peak summer season.
Accommodation: Guest houses, homestays, and GMVN lodges can be found here. Booking beforehand would be wise due to limited choice.
Clothing: Heavy woollens and warm clothes should be packed here.

Best Time to Undertake the Winter Char Dham Circuit

The Winter Char Dham Yatra usually takes place from December to April. It starts after the main Char Dham temples close for the winter and continues until they reopen again for the summer season.

December and early January are usually busier because the winter season begins around this time and the idols of the deities are brought to their winter homes, and many travelers are seen to visit during this period.

If you want a calmer trip, February and March can be a good time to travel. There are generally fewer pilgrims, and the weather at the lower-altitude winter temples get a little more comfortable during the day.

However you can also plan your trip in late April, just before the main temples open. The temple authorities decide the opening and closing dates according to the Hindu Pachang, so it is better to check the dates before making your plans.

It is also a good idea to avoid travelling on an immediate basis after heavy snowfall. Even though the winter temples remain accessible, snow can sometimes affect the mountain roads, and it may take a day or two for the roads to be cleared.

How to Reach Haridwar (Starting Point)

Haridwar is a convenient place to start your Winter Char Dham Yatra because it is well connected by train, road, and air.

By Train

Haridwar Junction has direct trains to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and several other important cities.

By Road

Haridwae is nearly around a 5-hour drive from Delhi via NH334, so you can easily reach it by car or bus.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, which is around 45 km from Haridwar. From the airport, you can easily take a taxi or other local transport to Haridwar.

Please Note: Many Winter Char Dham tour packages offer pickup facility from Haridwar Railway Station. So once you reach Haridwar, your tour operator can usually take care of the vehicle and other travel arrangements for the rest of the journey.

What Is the Winter Char Dham Circuit?

When Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri close for the winter, usually between late October and November, the idols of the deities are moved to their winter homes. These places are at lower and more accessible altitudes, where regular prayers and worship continue until the main temples open again in spring.

This is the idea behind the Winter Char Dham Uttarakhand circuit. Instead of visiting the main temples high in the mountains, pilgrims can visit all four winter seats in villages and towns that remain accessible during the colder months. The Uttarakhand government officially introduced the Winter Char Dham Circuit in December 2024, to encourage seamless yatra throughout the year instead of limiting it to the summer months.

For travellers, the main advantage is that winter seats can be reached by the road route. The journey is also calmer, without long wait times and heavy crowds that are generally common during the Char Dham season.

Here is the list of names of Char Dham, which you seek quickly: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, these four temples form the whole basis of this winter pilgrimage circuit.

Bonus: Tuganath and Rudranath – Beyond the Main Winter Circuit

In case you get some spare time from your visit to Ukhimath, you will be able to see two other temples which are linked to the Panch Kedar yatra – Tungnath and Rudranath.

Ukhimath is the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath, and this place is linked with all the five temples of the Panch Kedar group.The five temples referred to above are the temples of Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

Tungnath and Rudranath do not come under the four shrines of the Winter Char Dham Circuit; hence there is no need for visiting these places to complete the circuit. But if you have some spare days to explore the region, then you can think of seeing these temples too.

These temples are the optional ones, and you can plan accordingly by considering the route and climatic condition.

Winter Char Dham Locations You Will Visit

Each of the four locations are different, and spending some time at each pace can make the journey more exciting and spiritual.

Kharsali – Winter Seat of Yamunotri

The idol of Goddess Yamuna is taken to Kharsali which is a small village located near the Yamunotri. It is popular for the temple of Shani Dev and the snow-capped mountains that surround it.

Kharsali is the first place where you will come across during your journey from Haridwar. It is a small village, so you can just walk about in the serene environment.

Mukhba – Winter Seat of Gangotri

Mukhba, which lies near Harsil, is where the Goddess Ganga resides in winters. It has been surrounded by deodar trees and is located near the Bhagirathi river.

Another attraction of Harsil valley is that it is full of picturesque hills and apple groves. This place is commonly referred to as “Switzerland of India.” The temple maintains its serene atmosphere throughout the winters with pilgrims coming all through the season.

Ukhimath (Omkareshwar Temple) – Winter Seat of Kedarnath

The idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to the Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath during winters. It is also a significant station on the Panch Kedar journey.

Out of the four stations of winters, Ukhimath generally witnesses many pilgrims visiting. The annual procession of the deity begins and ends here as well.

Winter Abode of Badrinath – Joshimath (Narsingh Temple)

During the winters, the idol of Lord Badrinath stays at the Narsingh Temple of Joshimath. The town also connects to other destinations such as Auli and the Valley of Flowers which become more popular in the summers.

Another temple worth visiting when you are in Joshimath is the Adi Shankaracharya Temple. The location of the town offers great mountain vistas too.

All these four shrines combine together to form the Winter Char Dham Yatra Circuit. The crucial difference is that one can travel here by road without any trekking.

Winter Char Dham Circuit Itinerary from Haridwar (Day-by-Day)

A 5-day, 4 night trip is enough to cover all four winter seats and return to Haridwar.

Day 1: Haridwar to Kharsali (approx. 170 km, 5-6 hours)

Your trip begins early from Haridwar. You will travel to Kharsali village near Yamunotri.

Once you arrive at Kharsali and complete the registration at the hotel, you can also pay a visit to the winter shrine of Yamunotri, where Goddess Yamuna is worshipped in the winter season.

You should take some time for a walk within the village as the calm environment, the scenic beauty, and the roads offer a good opportunity to enjoy your first night.

Overnight halt at Kharsali.

Day 2: Kharsali to Mukhba via Uttarkashi (approx. 210 km, 6-7 hours)

Post breakfast, move to Mukhba. During your travel route, you may halt at Uttarkashi and visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Move further to Mukhba and get to the winter abode of Goddess Ganga. You can also be part of the evening aarti in the temple.

If time permits, you may also take out some time for Harsil. The valley is famous for its apple orchards and pine hills with mountain views.

One night halt at Mukhba or Harsil.

Day 3: Mukhba to Ukimath (approx. 220 km, 6-7 hours)

Day 3 is considered one of the longest days of the trip. From the Gangotri side, you move toward Ukhimath located in the Kedarnath region.

On reaching Ukhimath, check into your hotel and proceed to have a darshan at Omkareshwar Temple. This is the place where the idol of Lord Kedarnath remains during the winters.

Ukhimath is covered with forests and mountains, thus providing an ideal environment to spend the night there.

Day 4: Ukimath to Joshimath (approx, 190 km, 3-4 hours)

It will be a shorter day on the road. Start after breakfast from Ukhimath and reach Joshimath.

Upon reaching there, visit the Narsingh Temple where the idol of Badrinath is kept for the winters. Also visit Adi Shankaracharya Temple which lies close by.

The town of Joshimath is surrounded by the mountains. A good place to halt overnight. If possible, also extend your journey to Auli.

Day 5: Joshimath to Haridwar (approx. 280 km, 10-12 hours)

This is also the longest journey of the whole pilgrimage tour. This journey has to be made from Joshimath to Haridwar.

As it is a long journey, therefore, it is better to start this journey early in the morning and take some breaks along the way. You should arrive at Haridwar by the evening, having completed darshans at all the four winter shrines.

If you are with old age people or children, then you can include one or two days more in your pilgrimage journey.

Char Dham in Uttarakhand During Winters: Weather & Travel Conditions

Understanding the weather is the key to planning char dham in winter. The daytime temperature during winter is around 5°C to 15°C. At nighttime, temperature could go down to just above freezing point in places like Kharsali, Mukhba, and Joshimath.

Usually, there would be no problem in accessing the winter seats since they are situated at lower altitudes compared to the actual four Char Dham sites.

But, there could be fog and cold climate conditions which may impede visibility especially in December and January. Hence, it is better to be informed about the road condition every morning in order to allow extra time for delays.

Moreover, beginning the journey early would be beneficial especially on those long drive days, like Mukhba to Ukhimath and Joshimath back to Haridwar.

What Is the Cost of a Winter Char Dham Yatra Package?

The Winter Char Dham Travel Packages depend on the number of people travelling, the type of the vehicle, and the accommodation you choose.

Cost for a normal 5-day road trip that includes visiting all four winter stations is as follows:

Budget Packages: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 per person, which include sharing of transport as well as basic accommodation.
Standard Packages: ₹18,000 – ₹28,000 per person, which include private transport and 3-star accommodation.
Premium Packages: ₹30,000 and above per person, which include good transport and good hotels.

The above-mentioned rates are just approximations, and the final cost will depend upon the dates of travel, cost of fuel, hotel availability, and the size of the group.

However, depending on the number of travellers, the cost per head might be a bit high. It is always advisable to inquire about the cost from the local operator for a better price based on your date and number of travellers.

Here are some factors that may affect the cost of the package:

Vehicle: A shared vehicle such as Tempo Traveller will be cheaper than a private one such as a SUV or sedan.
Hotel: Cheap hotels such as guest houses are cheaper than 3-star hotels.
Group size: Big groups always get reduced cost per head.
Additional destinations: Visiting additional destinations such as Auli or increased sightseeing in Rishikesh will definitely increase the overall cost.

Registration and Permits for Winter Char Dham

Unlike the regular Char Dham Yatra in summers, the Winter Char Dham Yatra does not have the same process of registration. The regular Char Dham Yatra requires biometric registration for each and every traveler, but the winter yatra is situated in lower places.

Nevertheless, the rules might change from season to season, and certain rules might be required during busy times in December.

In case you decide to use a travel agent for organizing the whole tour, better ask them about the required permissions to enter these locations, since the rules can differ between the summer and winter registrations.

Winter Char Dham Travel Packages: What’s Usually Included

In most cases, packages for Winter Char Dham would have all the basic requirements of travel, although the details vary as per the tour operator.

Package details may consist of the following:

Transfer from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun
Vehicle for the whole journey, either personal or share
Accommodation at each winter location
Breakfast and dinner as per meal plan
Driver acquainted with mountain travel
Assistance in visiting the temples and timing the darshans

Some tour operators might even provide additional sightseeing in Haridwar or Rishikesh before the yatra. If you wish to stay longer at Joshimath, you can even have an additional stay in Auli.

Char Dham Winter Yatra vs Regular Char Dham Yatra

If you are planning between Char Dham Winter Yatra and Regular Char Dham Yatra, here’s what you need to know as compared to a traditional summer pilgrimage:

Trekking: Summer yatra involves trekking to Kedarnath and Yamunotri. However, in the winter circuit, trekking is not necessary since it takes place through roads.

Duration: The duration of summer yatra lasts for about 10-12 days, while the winter circuit usually takes 5-6 days.

Crowds: May and June are some of the most crowded months during the regular yatra. In contrast, the winter circuit has a lesser number of people.

Cost: Packages for winter time are relatively inexpensive compared to packages for summer time because the cost depends on many factors like the operator, hotel, mode of transport and size of the group.

Physical exertion: Due to lack of trekking in the winter circuit unlike the summer yatra, less physical exertion is involved in the journey.

Both journeys hold different levels of religious significance, but the winter circuit just offers an alternate route to worship at four sites of the winter season.

Tips for a Comfortable Winter Char Dham Uttarakhand Trip

A little preparation can make the journey much easier, especially because you’ll be travelling through the mountains during winter.

Carry warm clothes: Pack thermals, a warm jacket, gloves, woollen socks, and a cap.
Start early: Try to begin your drive early so you can cover the longer stretches before it gets dark.
Carry medicines: Keep basic medicines for cold, motion sickness, and any regular medicines you may need.
Keep an extra day: Fog, road work, or bad weather can sometimes delay the journey, so having a spare day can be helpful.
Book hotels in advance: There are fewer accommodation options at some winter destinations, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Check temple timings: Darshan timings may change during the colder months, so confirm them before visiting.
Carry a power bank: Mobile network coverage can be weak in some parts of the route, particularly between Mukhba and Ukhimath.
Use an experienced local driver: If you’re not familiar with mountain roads, travelling with a local driver can make the journey easier, particularly during winter.

With these simple precautions, you can spend less time worrying about travel problems and more time enjoying the temples, mountains, and the pilgrimage itself.

Plan Your Winter Char Dham Circuit with YatraKey

For those planning their Char Dham Yatra in the winter, YatraKey is a local travel agency in Haridwar that will be able to help them plan the tour. The package can be planned depending upon the number of people in your group and the dates on which you intend to go for your Yatra.

Our team will take care of all the basic things such as transportations and stay at the various winter sites, leaving you free from all the hassle.

You can contact YatraKey for information regarding the availability and prices of the package.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Winter Char Dham Circuit

What is the cost of a Winter Char Dham Circuit Package?

The cost depends on the size of your group, transport facilities, and accommodation requirements, as well as the type of package booking that you make; government-run package or a private tour package. Many winter Char Dham packages include visits to the four winter seats and not the shrines as they remain closed during this period.

What is the Winter Seat of Badrinath?

The winter seat of Badrinath is Narsingh Temple located in Joshimath, Uttarakhand; here, the idol of the god is relocated from its original place after the high-altitude shrine closes down in winter.

Where is the Winter Place of Kedarnath Located?

The winter seat of Kedarnath is Ukhimath located in Rudraprayag district — one of the important places in the Winter Char Dham yatra.

What is the Itinerary for the Char Dham Yatra in 2026?

The itinerary for the year 2026 may follow the usual traditional route — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — but dates will be made known nearer to the season by the state government of Uttarakhand.

Important information

Season: Yatra in normal seasons usually takes place from April/May till October/November.

Winter shift: Outside this period, pilgrims still visit through Winter Char Dham yatra.

How Risky is Char Dham Yatra?

As the yatra route is characterized by difficult terrains and unpredictable weather conditions, it is safe to say that risk is greatly dependent on preparedness, physical fitness, and time.

Key Facts:

Potential risks: Altitude sickness, changing weather patterns, and roads that are either very steep or susceptible to landslides.

Risk mitigation: It is advisable to undergo a medical examination, acclimatize yourself, and also take travel insurance before undertaking the journey.

How Much Does Char Dham Yatra Cost Per Person?

Individual cost depends on the means of transport chosen, the type of accommodation, and the season.

Packages can be budgetary or premium.

What is the Cost of VIP Darshan at Badrinath?

VIP Darshan pricing differs according to the season and demand; it is usually pre-booked through temple committee counters or portals.

Can I Visit Kedarnath in 2 Days?

Visitors can undertake the journey for two days; however, the schedule would have to involve a helicopter ride for at least one part of the tour.