Delhi to Chardham Road Trip
The revered road trip from Delhi to Chardham by car takes travellers through the religiously salient areas of Uttarakhand. The Chardham pilgrimage contains the four essential temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. All these places are of great importance to the devotees and, hence, should be visited at least once. This road trip allows you to witness the splendid views of the Himalayas, calm rivers, green mountains, and valleys.
Delhi to Chardham is an all-in-one trip for spiritual people, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts. This guide will cover the distance, travel time, major routes, and other key features to ensure a memorable trip to Chardham by road.
Delhi to Chardham Distance and Travel Overview
Before planning a Delhi to Chardham road trip, know the Delhi to Chardham distance by road distance and overview of the journey to prepare well.
How Far is Chardham From Delhi?
The distance from Delhi to Chardham is around 500 to 600 kilometers, depending on the route taken. From Delhi, the usual route is through Haridwar or Rishikesh, after which the travel is to the temples individually. The distance also depends on the starting point of the Chardham circuit—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, or Badrinath.
While the entire Chardham distance from Delhi is long, it is easily commutable by road due to the numerous routes available—though the landscape ranges from smooth highways to winding mountain roads. The journey offers spiritual views of Uttarakhand’s rivers and mountains.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Chardham From Delhi?
The duration of a road trip to Chardham from Delhi is between 2 to 3 days, while the specific destination within Chardham may impact the total travel time. For example, Rishikesh and Haridwar can be reached after 6-7 hours of travel. However, more time will be needed to reach the temples.
Travelling to the base camps for the Chardham pilgrimage, such as Gaurikund for Kedarnath and Barkot for Yamunotri, is possible by car, but trekking to the temples will also require significant time. The total journey is likely to take up to 2-3 days depending on the route taken, with pauses to soak in the breathtaking views along the way.
Different Ways to Travel
There are several ways to reach Chardham from Delhi, but the most popular is by car. Travelling by road offers an unparalleled experience of comfort and flexibility and enables tourists to savor Uttarakhand’s incredible scenery at their own pace. It is also possible to rent a taxi to visit famous attractions like Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are nearby.
Chiku Cab guarantees comfort, class, and convenience at every stage of your trip, commencing from the moment you start your travels. No matter if you are planning to travel from Delhi to Chardham or any other place, Chiku Cab promises you a hassle-free experience because of their extensive collection of vehicles, trained drivers, and affordable prices.
Chiku Cab also allows you to customise your journey through its online booking portal, which is accessible at all hours, and its 24/7 customer service. This means that whether you need a quiet getaway or an exciting adventure, Chiku Cab will handle all your concerns regarding safety, comfort, and efficiency, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying the journey.
Best Routes for a Road Trip from Delhi to Chardham
Listed below are the popular routes from Delhi to Chardham.
Route 1: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Barkot – Yamunotri
Travellers intending to visit Yamunotri first tend to follow this route. The initial journey from Delhi to Haridwar covers about 6 hours. After spending some time at Haridwar, the next stop is Rishikesh, which is a beautiful destination situated along the banks of the Ganges River. Post Rishikesh, the drive gets interesting as the town of Barkot serves as the point from which the trek to Yamunotri starts.
This route is considered a highway and offers a magnificent view of tributaries as well as hills and valleys. The distance between Yamunotri and Delhi is close to 400 KM. However, given the number of halts and time spent in traffic, the journey can stretch from 10 to 12 hours.
Route 2: Delhi – Haridwar – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Kedarnath
This route is the most appropriate for those travelling to Kedarnath first. The first step is to reach Haridwar and then drive to Devprayag, which is the junction of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. The other point of interest is Rudraprayag, from where Gaurikund marks the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.
The route is dotted with small mountain villages that provide an exceptional view of the flowing rivers and the peaks. Due to multiple sharp turns along with the lay of the land, the 2-3 day drive tends to be longer.
Route 3: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Badrinath
It is ideal if your key destination is Badrinath. From Delhi to Haridwar is approximately a 6-hour drive. After Haridwar, you will proceed to Rishikesh and continue the journey to Srinagar. The route to Badrinath from Srinagar passes through valleys and hills, both of which are incredibly green and breathtaking.
The drive is amazing, but due to the steep hills, sharp turns, and narrow roads, caution is a must. It’s a long journey that can take more than 12 hours, but without a doubt, it’s worth it.
Delhi to Chardham Road Conditions and Driving Tips
The routes you choose determine your driving experience from Delhi to Chardham. Using NH 9 and NH 58, the first leg of the journey from Delhi to Haridwar is smooth but gets progressively more challenging after reaching hill stations such as Barkot, Rudraprayag, and Gaurikund. While the roads may be paved, they pose real challenges during the monsoon with rampant landslides, potholes, and heavily congested traffic. Heavy traffic often makes the already challenging terrain near Kedarnath and Badrinath particularly challenging for inexperienced drivers.
It is important to check the Delhi to Chardham road condition via route beforehand to ensure a pleasant driving experience. Vehicles, especially brakes and tires, need to be serviced and checked for damage before setting out. Leave early in the morning to avoid peak travel hours around highly frequented pilgrim hubs.
Things to Keep in Mind While Driving
- Water and a first aid kit should always be included in a basic emergency supply kit, along with tools such as a wrench, a tire jack and a spare tire.
- Exercise caution while driving in hilly regions since the roads are narrow, curvy, and have poor visibility.
- You should make sure to turn on your headlights if you are driving in the mountains or at night.
- Pay attention to the weather reports and the state of the roads, especially during the monsoon season.
- During long road trips, take regular breaks to avoid exhaustion, particularly on steep ascents.
- Ensure that your mobile devices are fully charged, utilising a power bank or car charger that is kept within easy reach for the duration of the trip.
- Remember to carry all required documents, such as vehicle registration papers and identification documents.
- Ensure you are ready for slower than average traffic, and remain calm when around well-known towns and popular stopping points.
Best Time to Visit From Delhi to Chardham
Summer (April to June)
The best time to visit Chardham is from April to June. The summer months are considered the best time to visit as the weather is usually favorable, ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This allows for partaking in both the spiritual expedition and activities. During this time of summer, the weather is on the clearer side, with sunny days that provide excellent views of the mountains and rivers that are to be enjoyed during the visit.
Summertime is also the prime pilgrimage period, as the temples are open to devotees and tourists, which makes this time colorful. Note that, due to the peak season, there is bound to be larger foot traffic at the more famous temples like Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Monsoon (July to September)
This is not the period to visit Chardham because of the heavy rainfall, which increases the likelihood of landslides in the area. This can lead to the roads becoming risky and the river levels increasing, further escalating the chances of journey disruptions. Additionally, several trekking paths may become too wet and dangerous.
While the Chardham temples do remain functional during this period, unless one possesses the adequate gear to handle such conditions, the risk should ideally be avoided. If you prefer quieter environments away from tourist crowds, the monsoon season has this advantage. However, caution is highly recommended during this period.
Autumn (October to November)
The best time to visit Chardham is from October to November, as this period has comfortable weather ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. During this time, the unprecedented greenery enhances the scenic beauty of the sight. It is perfect for trekking and sightseeing thanks to the amazing clear sky.
During this time, the temples are open for pilgrims after the rush of monsoons. The views that are usually blocked during summers can be seen during this time, leading to mesmerising views of the mountains. The span before summer is not usually jam-packed, allowing peace-loving travellers to enjoy nature’s retreat.
Winter (December to March)
The period from December to March is referred to as the winter season in Chardham. The areas around Chardham experience heavy to severe snowfall, which can create access problems to numerous sites. The temperature drops below freezing, especially in the regions of Kedarnath and Badrinath, which makes the landscape quite beautiful.
The temples close down from November till April, with some limited access via helicopters to Kedarnath. While the serene beauty attracts snow lovers, with solitude-seeking people, for most travellers, the conditions would seem unbearable.
How to Reach Chardham From Delhi
By Road (Car/Taxi)
Cars and taxis are the most flexible and common means of transport when travelling from Delhi to Chardham. The distance between Delhi and Chardham is about 1500-1600 kilometers, depending on the order of the temples. You can easily book a private taxi as they offer comfortable rides through the well-maintained highways leading to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and further towards the Chardham base camps.
It takes approximately 2 to 3 days to complete the trip, depending on the time of day and traffic. The trip is particularly enjoyable owing to the scenic views of the Ganges River along with the picturesque Himalayan foothills. This is perfect for someone wanting to experience the journey at their own pace and make as many stops along the way as they wish.
By Bus
For those trying to save money, private and state buses operate services from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Although economical, the journey may take longer because of multiple stops. Depending on the type of bus and the traffic, the journey can take 2 to 3 days. After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can rent a local taxi to take you to the Chardham temples. This option, while budget-friendly, is not convenient for travelling long distances. Due to the curved roads in the mountainous terrain, it can become uncomfortable.
By Train
Travelling by train is an option that can be started from New Delhi Railway Station, where you can choose any train going toward Haridwar Junction or Rishikesh. The trip by train takes anywhere from 6 to 7 hours. Once in the region, Haridwar is also well-served by numerous trains that connect with Delhi. You will have to take a taxi or a bus to reach the test base camps of Chardham. The advantage of this option is that it offers less strenuous travel by road to the temples.
By Air (Helicopter Services)
If you are looking to have a more relaxing journey to Kedarnath while also averting the difficult walk, a helicopter ride may be ideal. With bases of operation in Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi, helicopter services provide direct access to the Kedarnath Temple. Afterward, you may continue your road journey to other temples. While expensive, this service certainly saves time, and the views from the helicopter are jaw-dropping. Keep in mind that flights are weather dependent, and poor weather may limit service.
Attractions for Sightseeing in Chardham
Explore Chardham like a local – a handy guide for you to plan your trip hassle-free.
1. Yamunotri Temple (Yamunotri)
The Yamunotri temple, which is the first of the temples in the Chardham circuit, is dedicated to the Yamuna River and forms one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of the Hindu religion. With the Yamunotri Temple located at a height of 3,293 meters, one can get breathtaking views of the surrounding area with the capped peaks and snow. Moreover, they can also enjoy the famous hot water springs located close to the temple, where they can rejuvenate themselves with a dip. The trek to Yamunotri is a beautiful journey through forests that offer unparalleled views.
2. Gangotri Temple (Gangotri)
The holy Ganges River has its origin at Gangotri, which is located at the stunning elevation of 3,048 meters. ‘Goddess Ganga’ has been given the title of the deity of the temple, and the Gangotri Temple is built facing the sacred Bhagirathi River. Every year, thousands of devotees pilgrimage here to worship Goddess Ganga and also enjoy the astonishing view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the religious importance attached to the place, makes it a calm location for tourists searching for divine intervention and mental peace.
3. Kedarnath Temple (Kedarnath)
Shiva’s Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirilngas. As the temple is situated at an elevation of 3,583 m above sea level, it is surrounded by towering mountains and the Kedarnath Glacier. The trek to Kedarnath starts with a steep climb from Gaurikund, which promises one of the best views of the temple and its surroundings. The temple has great historical importance and is situated in a region with breathtaking landscapes, which combine to create its incredible reputation among spiritually curious adventurers.
4. Badrinath Temple (Badrinath)
One of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, Badrinath is situated on the beautiful Neelkanth Peak at an altitude of 3.133 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. This temple, which is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu, is known for its divine spiritual offerings, especially when evening Aarti is held, which is synchronised with ringing bells and prayers.
Tourists can also relish the hot water springs from Tapt Kund, which lie close to the temple and are known for their curative properties. The combination of beauty and a tranquil atmosphere make Badrinath an essential visit throughout the Chardham Yatra.
5. Tapt Kund (Badrinath)
Tapt Kund is one of the famous attractions of Badrinath, which is a warm water spring situated near Badrinath temple. Pilgrims travelling from far places to the Badrinath area are always in need of the refreshing and soothing experience that Tapt Kund provides. The water in Tapt Kund is said to have medicinal properties because it contains sulphur and is believed to be soothing after a long, hectic journey.
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Conclusion
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FAQs
1. How do I book a cab with Chiku Cab?
Booking a cab is simple via the Chiku Cab website or mobile app. All that you have to do is enter your journey details, choose a cab, and pay through their secure payment gateway.
2. Are Chiku Cab vehicles comfortable and well-maintained?
Indeed, all the vehicles under Chiku Cab are serviced regularly, are well cleaned, and have modern comforts to guarantee smooth travels during your trip.
3. Can I customise my trip with Chiku Cab?
Yes, with Chiku Cab, preset travel plans can be customised. You are free to modify the routes and add new stops to ensure that your travel experience is the way you wish it to be.
4. Is Chiku Cab available 24/7 for bookings and support?
Yes, Chiku Cab functions 24/7, which means that you can book a cab anytime and receive customer support whenever you need assistance during your trip.
5. Are the drivers at Chiku Cab professional?
Indeed, Chiku Cab has the most experienced and trained drivers who know the local routes very well. They will make sure that your journey is safe and worry-free.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
