Chardham Yatra from Haridwar with Bharat Taxi » Bharat Taxi Blog
Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by admin
The Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in India. It covers the four holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This journey through the Himalayas holds great spiritual significance for Hindus. Starting your Chardham Yatra from Haridwar adds a unique touch of tradition, as Haridwar itself is one of the 7 holiest religious places in Hinduism. With Bharat Taxi, you can experience this spiritual journey with the ease of reliable cab facilities along with skilled drivers and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
1. Why Plan the Chardham Yatra from Haridwar?
Haridwar is a spiritual gateway to the Himalayas and is often the starting point for devotees heading to the Chardham temples. Situated on the banks of the Ganga River, it is easily accessible by train and road. When starting your trip from Haridwar, it makes the chance to first purify your soul by taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganga at Har Ki Pauri. On the way, you will explore the gorgeousness of the routes in Uttarakhand.
Bharat Taxi offers a range of well-maintained cars and experienced drivers who are familiar with the hilly roads of Uttarakhand. This makes the long journey smoother, more comfortable, and safer. You get full flexibility to stop at sacred spots, eat at local dhabas, and admire the natural beauty without being bound by bus schedules.
2. Route of the Chardham Yatra from Haridwar
The Chardham route generally follows this order:
- Haridwar to Barkot (Yamunotri base)
- Barkot to Yamunotri and back to Barkot
- Barkot to Uttarkashi (Gangotri base)
- Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back to Uttarkashi
- Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (Kedarnath base)
- Guptkashi to Kedarnath and back (or overnight at Kedarnath)
- Guptkashi to Badrinath via Joshimath
- Return to Haridwar from Badrinath
Each step of the trip takes you deeper into the Himalayas. You pass through forests, valleys, and rivers that add a different charm to the religious experience.
1. Haridwar to Barkot (190 KM / 6-7 Hours)
This Chardham journey begins with a ride from Haridwar that take you firstly to Barkot. It is a peaceful hill town in Uttarkashi district. The road passes through Mussoorie, where you can take a short break and enjoy gorgeous views of the Doon Valley. Kempty Falls is a popular attraction here. Barkot serves as the base for Yamunotri.
Suggested Stops:
Tips:
- Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic.
- Carry light snacks and drinking water.
2. Barkot to Yamunotri and back (90 KM drive + 6 KM trek)
From Barkot, you will drive to Janki Chatti, which is the last motorable point. From there, a 6 km trek takes you to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. You can trek, hire ponies, or take a palki.
Yamunotri is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and hot springs. The Surya Kund is a natural hot water spring used for cooking prasad.
Highlights:
- Yamunotri Temple
- Surya Kund
Tips:
- Start early for the trek.
- Hire local guides or ponies in advance.
3. Barkot to Uttarkashi (100 KM / 4-5 Hours)
After returning to Barkot, the next drive is to Uttarkashi. This town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River is the base for Gangotri. It is also home to the Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Suggested Stops:
- Vishwanath Temple
- Kuteti Devi Temple
Tips:
- Rest well before the next day’s journey to Gangotri.
- Carry warm clothes as temperatures drop.
4. Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back (100 KM one way / 3-4 Hours)
Gangotri is the starting source of the holy Ganga River and is one of the most scenic stops of the yatra. The drive offers majestic views of mountains and the Bhagirathi River. Once at Gangotri, take time to pray at the Gangotri Temple and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Highlights:
- Gangotri Temple
- Bhagirath Shila
- Pandava Gufa
Tips:
- Wear good walking shoes.
- Take some time to sit by the river.
5. Uttarkashi to Guptkashi (230 KM / 8-9 Hours)
This is one of the longer drives in the Chardham Yatra. Guptkashi is the base for Kedarnath and is located in a scenic valley. On the way, you can stop at places like Tilwara and Agastmuni.
Suggested Stops:
- Agastmuni Temple
- Local viewpoints for Himalayan peaks
Tips:
- Keep a buffer day in case of road delays.
- Pre-book a hotel in Guptkashi.
6. Guptkashi to Kedarnath and back (or overnight)
From Guptkashi, drive to Sonprayag, and then take a shared jeep to Gaurikund. The 16 km trek to Kedarnath is steep and scenic. You can also take a helicopter ride from Phata or Sersi.
Kedarnath Temple, which belongs to Lord Shiva, is located in a setting. Snow peaks surround the temple, and the Mandakini River flows nearby.
Highlights:
- Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple
Tips:
- Start trekking early in the morning.
- Overnight stay at Kedarnath is possible (book in advance).
7. Guptkashi to Badrinath (210 KM / 7-8 Hours)
After Kedarnath, the next and final Dham is Badrinath. The road takes you through Chopta (mini Switzerland of India), Joshimath, and Vishnuprayag. You can also see the confluence of the Alaknanda with other rivers.
Badrinath Temple especially belongs to Lord Vishnu and is located between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges. The Tapt Kund hot spring and Mana Village (last Indian village) are nearby attractions.
Highlights:
- Badrinath Temple
- Tapt Kund
- Mana Village
- Saraswati River
Tips:
- Visit the temple early in the morning or evening.
- Spend some time exploring Mana Village.
8. Return from Badrinath to Haridwar (320 KM / 10-12 Hours)
The return journey is long but scenic. You can take short breaks at Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. These “prayags” (river confluences) are sacred and offer lovely views.
Suggested Stops:
- Devprayag (confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda)
- Rudraprayag (Mandakini joins Alaknanda)
3. Why Choose Bharat Taxi for Chardham Yatra
- Experienced Drivers: You will get a driver who will be familiar with mountain roads and pilgrimage routes.
- Well-Maintained Cabs: You will find clean & well-maintained cabs and choose from hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and tempo travellers.
- Fix Taxi Packages: Bharat Taxi offers flexible & fix taxi packages for your long journey. You can also customise your trip based on your schedule.
- Affordable Pricing: With Bharat Taxi, you will get transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- 24/7 Support: Bharat Taxi offers 24-hour support for any booking queries during your trip.
4. Important Travel Tips
- Best Time: May to June and September to October.
- Health: Carry basic medicines; altitude can cause breathlessness.
- Clothing: Pack woollens, rain gear, trekking shoes.
- Permissions: Register for Chardham Yatra online through the Uttarakhand government portal.
- Mobile Network: Limited coverage in some areas; BSNL and Jio work best.
The Chardham Yatra from Haridwar is a spiritual journey for pilgrims and a life-changing experience. You will find yourself closer to nature and the divine at each km. Each of the stops has a unique story and a blessing from the gurgling rivers to the quiet temple and ashrams. When you ride with Bharat Taxi, you will get safety, comfort, and affordability to your spiritual journey to Chardham. Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, or in a group, Bharat Taxi makes sure that you only focus on the blessings and beauty of the Himalayas.
