Char Dham Yatra from Bangalore, Mumbai & Other Cities

Updated for the 2027 yatra season (facts checked November 2026).

Every season we receive calls from families in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and many other cities with the same question: “We want to do the Char Dham Yatra, but we live far from Uttarakhand. How do we start?” The answer is simpler than it looks. You do not need a separate package from your own city. You only need to reach Haridwar comfortably, and our team takes care of the yatra from there.

This guide explains how families from each major city can reach Haridwar, which airport to choose, which direct trains exist, when to arrive, the helicopter option, the best months, registration, packing for the change in climate, and tips for elders. Flight and train schedules change often, so please check current timings with the airline or IRCTC before you book.

This page is part of our Char Dham Yatra Places and Route Map guide. Planning the yatra? See our Char Dham yatra packages.

Is there a Char Dham Yatra package from my city?

Yes, in the sense that families from every corner of India join our yatras. But the yatra itself always starts and ends at Haridwar. Haridwar sits at the foot of the hills where the road to all four dhams begins, and it is well connected by train, road and the nearby airport.

So a “Char Dham Yatra package from Bangalore” or “from Mumbai” simply means: you book your own flight or train to Haridwar (or to Dehradun or Delhi airport), and we meet you there. Our Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar is a multi-day road itinerary covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in the traditional order, returning to Haridwar at the end.

Which airport is nearest to Haridwar for the Char Dham Yatra?

You have two good choices.

• Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED): the nearest airport, about 35 km from Haridwar and about 20 km from Rishikesh. Besides Delhi, it has had direct flights from cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and Kolkata. Routes are added and dropped each season, so check what is flying on your dates. From the airport, the drive to Haridwar is short, and we can help arrange a pickup.
• Delhi airport (DEL): the alternative when there is no convenient direct flight to Dehradun, or when fares are better. From Delhi you can continue to Haridwar by train (see the Delhi section below) or by road.

Are there direct trains to Haridwar from Mumbai, Ahmedabad or Kolkata?

Yes. Some well-known long-distance trains run to or through Haridwar Junction:

From Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, the usual rail plan is to travel to Delhi first and then take one of the several daily trains from Delhi to Haridwar. These are long journeys, so many families from the South prefer to fly. Train numbers, days and stops can change, so always confirm on IRCTC before booking.

How do I reach Haridwar from my city?

Here is the short version for each big city. Each city guide has more detail on flights, trains and the number of days to plan.

From Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Most families fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, if a direct flight suits their dates, or fly to Delhi and continue by train or road. By rail, the practical route is via Delhi. See our Char Dham Yatra from Bengaluru guide.

From Mumbai

Mumbai has two direct trains to Haridwar (see the table above) as well as flights to Dehradun. Seats fill fast in May, June, September and October, so book early. See our Char Dham Yatra from Mumbai guide.

From Pune

Check for a direct flight to Dehradun first. Otherwise, go via Mumbai for the direct trains, or via Delhi. See our Char Dham Yatra from Pune guide.

From Hyderabad

Fly to Dehradun if a direct flight suits your dates, or fly to Delhi and take a train to Haridwar. If you travel as a large family group, tell us your numbers early so vehicles and rooms keep everyone together. See our Char Dham Yatra from Hyderabad guide.

From Chennai

Chennai has not usually had a direct flight to Dehradun, so most families connect through Delhi, by air to Dehradun or by train or road to Haridwar. With a connection in the plan, arriving in Haridwar a day early matters even more. See our Char Dham Yatra from Chennai guide.

From Ahmedabad

The Yoga Express from Sabarmati stops at Haridwar, and Ahmedabad has also had direct flights to Dehradun. See our Char Dham Yatra from Ahmedabad guide.

From Kolkata

The Doon Express from Howrah stops at Haridwar. It is a long journey, so book berths early and carry home food and water for elders. Check also for a direct flight to Dehradun. See our Char Dham Yatra from Kolkata guide.

From Delhi NCR

The Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains to Dehradun all stop at Haridwar, and many families simply travel by road. See our Char Dham Yatra from Delhi NCR guide.

When should I arrive in Haridwar before the Char Dham Yatra?

Please arrive in Haridwar a day before your yatra start date. This simple rule solves many problems:

• A late flight or train does not make you miss the group departure, which leaves early in the morning.
• Elders get a night of proper rest after a long journey before the mountain roads begin.
• You can collect your printed registration, buy last-minute items and take darshan at Har Ki Pauri.

Book your return journey for after the yatra ends in Haridwar, with some margin, because landslides or weather can sometimes slow the last day on the hill roads.

Can I do the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter from my city?

Yes. Families with limited time, or elders who cannot manage long road journeys, often choose the helicopter yatra. Helicopter Char Dham yatras start from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun, not from Haridwar. So if you choose the helicopter option, fly into Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and stay in Dehradun the night before. Helicopter services depend on weather and usually pause during the peak monsoon. Seats are limited and book up quickly, so contact our team early if you are considering this option.

What are the best months for the Char Dham Yatra?

The four temples open around Akshaya Tritiya (late April or May) and close for winter around Diwali and Bhai Dooj (October or November). The 2027 opening dates are announced by the temple authorities closer to the season. Within that window:

• May and June: pleasant weather and the biggest crowds. Book travel and stays well in advance.
• July and August: monsoon. Landslides and road closures are common; we generally do not recommend this period for families with elders.
• September and October: clear skies after the rains, cooler nights and fewer crowds. Many families from the South prefer this window.

Do I need to register for the Char Dham Yatra?

Yes. Registration with the Uttarakhand government is compulsory and free. Every yatri, including children and elders, must register through the official portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app. Checkpoints on the route ask for the pass, so carry a printed copy as well as one on your phone. Offline counters also run in Haridwar and Rishikesh, but registering from home before you travel is far easier. Our Char Dham registration guide walks you through each step.

What should I pack when travelling from the South or West to the Himalaya?

This is where families from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad are most often caught out. You may leave home in 30-degree heat and stand at a dham in near-freezing cold the next week, especially at dawn and at Kedarnath. Weather in the mountains changes within hours.

• Layers, not one heavy coat: thermal innerwear, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof or padded jacket.
• Rain protection: a good raincoat or poncho, even outside the monsoon.
• Head, hands and feet: woollen cap, gloves, warm socks and comfortable walking shoes with a good grip.
• Medicines: your regular medicines for the whole yatra plus extra, with prescriptions.
• Documents: photo ID and the printed registration for each person.

See our full Char Dham packing list for a printable checklist.

Tips for senior citizens travelling from far-off cities

• See your doctor first: get a check-up before booking, especially for heart, blood pressure, breathing or diabetes conditions, because all four dhams are above 3,000 metres.
• Break the journey: a direct flight to Dehradun or a night in Haridwar before the yatra makes a big difference.
• Book lower berths and aisle seats: mention senior citizens when booking trains and flights, and ask for wheelchair help at airports if needed.
• Plan for the walks: Yamunotri and Kedarnath involve a trek; ponies, palkis and, at Kedarnath, helicopter services are available for those who cannot walk.
• Go slowly and drink water: rest well, avoid rushing at altitude, and tell the team leader at once if you feel unwell.

Our Char Dham guide for senior citizens covers health, pace and support in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Yatra To Temples Char Dham Yatra start?

Our road Char Dham Yatra starts and ends at Haridwar. Families from any city travel to Haridwar on their own by air, train or road, and we take care of the yatra from there. Helicopter yatras are different: they start from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun.

Which is the nearest airport for the Char Dham Yatra?

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest, about 35 km from Haridwar. Besides Delhi, it has had direct flights from cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad; routes change each season. Delhi airport is the main alternative if no suitable direct flight is available.

Is there a direct train from Bangalore or Chennai to Haridwar?

For most families from Bengaluru and Chennai, the practical rail route is via Delhi, changing to one of the several daily trains from Delhi to Haridwar. Because the train journey is long, many families from the South prefer to fly to Dehradun or Delhi instead.

Which train goes from Mumbai to Haridwar?

The Bandra Terminus–Haridwar Express runs from Mumbai to Haridwar, and the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Haridwar AC Superfast Express runs on set days of the week. Check days, timings and availability on IRCTC before booking, as schedules can change.

How many days before the yatra should we reach Haridwar?

Reach Haridwar a day before your yatra start date. The group leaves early in the morning, so arriving the day before protects you from flight or train delays and gives elders a night of rest before the mountain roads.

Is registration compulsory for yatris coming from other states?

Yes. Every yatri, from any state, must register with the Uttarakhand government. Registration is free and done online through the official portal or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app. Carry a printed copy, as checkpoints on the route ask to see it.

What is the best time to do the Char Dham Yatra from South India?

May–June and September–October are the best windows. May and June are the busiest months; September and October are calmer, with clear skies after the monsoon. July and August bring heavy rain and landslides, so they are best avoided, especially with elders.

Can we book only the yatra and arrange our own travel to Haridwar?

Yes, that is how most of our families from other cities travel. You book your flight or train to Haridwar, Dehradun or Delhi, and we handle the yatra from Haridwar. Call or WhatsApp us through our Contact page and we will help you choose the best connection.