A Char Dham Yatra by taxi from Haridwar takes about ten days for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, in that order, ending back in Haridwar. Here is the road route, the right car for your group, and the points where the taxi stops and you walk, ride or fly.
The route by road, day by day
| Day | Route | Distance and time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haridwar to Barkot via Mussoorie | 220 km, 7-8 hours |
| 2 | Barkot to Janki Chatti and the Yamunotri trek | 42 km drive, 5 km trek each way |
| 3 | Barkot to Uttarkashi or Harsil | 100 km, about 4 hours |
| 4 | Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back | 200 km round trip, 5-6 hours |
| 5 | Uttarkashi to Guptkashi, Phata or Sitapur | 240 km, 8-9 hours |
| 6-7 | Kedarnath trek and back (taxi waits) | 21 km trek one way from Gaurikund |
| 8 | Guptkashi to Govindghat or Pipalkoti via Chopta and Joshimath | 196 km, 7-8 hours |
| 9 | Badrinath temple and Mana village | Full day |
| 10 | Back to Haridwar via Panch Prayag and Rishikesh | 7-8 hours |
Where the taxi cannot go
- Yamunotri: the road ends at Janki Chatti; the last 5 km is on foot, pony or palki.
- Kedarnath: private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. A shared government taxi runs to Gaurikund, and the 21 km trek starts there.
- Gangotri and Badrinath are reached by road all the way.
Which car to book
- Sedan (Swift Dzire or similar): two to three travellers with luggage.
- Innova Crysta: families and groups of up to six; more legroom for long hill days.
What to ask before you book a Char Dham taxi
- Are toll tax, parking, state permits and the driver's allowance and night stay in the fare?
- Has the driver done the Char Dham route before? Hill experience matters more than the car.
- Is the fare per day or for the full circuit, and what happens if a landslide adds a day?
- Pickup point: Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun or Delhi?
Taxi only, or the full package?
A taxi covers the car and driver. Hotels, meals, the Kedarnath stay and darshan planning are extra. If you would rather have all of it arranged, the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar package includes transport, stays, breakfast and dinner. Every pilgrim must also register with the Uttarakhand government before travel.
For a cab only, get a Char Dham taxi quote with your dates and group size.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Char Dham Yatra take by taxi from Haridwar?
About ten days: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in that order, back to Haridwar on day ten. Allow a spare day for weather or road closures.
Can a taxi go up to Kedarnath?
No. Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. A shared government taxi runs to Gaurikund, and from there it is a 21 km trek, or a pony, palki or helicopter.
Which taxi is best for the Char Dham Yatra?
A sedan for two to three people, or an Innova Crysta for families and groups of up to six. A driver experienced on the hill roads matters most.
Does a Char Dham taxi fare include hotels?
No. A taxi fare covers the car and driver. Hotels, meals and darshan arrangements come with a full Char Dham package.
