The Chardham circuit covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath spans roughly 1,800 to 2,000 kilometres from Delhi and back. Planning the right number of days is critical because underestimating travel time in the Garhwal hills leads to exhaustion and missed darshans.
What Is the Ideal Duration for the Full Circuit
A well-paced Chardham trip from Delhi requires 10 to 12 days. This accounts for actual driving hours on mountain roads, halt points at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Joshimath, plus buffer days for weather disruptions or road closures near Kedarnath. Families planning a Delhi to Chardham Yatra by Tempo Traveller should avoid compressing the trip below 9 days, as hill driving beyond 6 to 7 hours daily becomes unsafe and tiring.
Recommended Route and Key Halt Points
The standard sequence followed by most operators is Delhi to Haridwar, then Barkot, Yamunotri, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Guptkashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and return via Rishikesh. Studying a Delhi to Chardham Yatra Route Map before departure helps identify fuel stops, medical facilities, and altitude gain between halts. Providers like tempotravellerindelhi.in share detailed itineraries that align with this proven sequence.
Vehicle and Cost Considerations
For groups of 8 to 15 pilgrims, a 12 seater or 16 seater handles luggage and mountain terrain effectively. Outstation rates start at Rs 23 per km for a 9 seater, Rs 24 per km for a 12 seater, and Rs 25 per km for a 16 seater, with toll and parking charged separately.
FAQs
Are Tempo Travellers allowed up to Kedarnath base camp at Sonprayag?
Tempo Travellers can reach Sonprayag, which is the last motorable point. From there, pilgrims trek or take a pony or helicopter to the Kedarnath shrine.
Which month is safest for Chardham Yatra by road from Delhi?
Mid-May to June and September to mid-October offer the most stable road conditions. July and August carry landslide risks due to heavy monsoon rainfall across Uttarakhand.
Can a single Tempo Traveller handle the entire Chardham route without mechanical issues?
Yes, provided the vehicle is well-maintained and the operator uses models suited for hill terrain. Reputable providers conduct pre-trip inspections specifically for high-altitude yatra bookings.
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