Embarking on the Chardham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it's a journey of spiritual rebirth that unites you with the divine. Located in the picturesque Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, the Chardham circuit consists of four sacred sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Thousands of pilgrims and families throng here annually seeking divine enlightenment and blessings. While the journey is extremely satisfying, it does present harsh paths, high altitudes, and variable weather conditions. Organizing a safe Chardham Yatra with family, especially when there are older citizens or children, therefore has to be managed with proper planning.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything that you ought to know—from best travel time, route planning, health precautions, pack essentials, to choosing the right travel package—for a smooth and comfortable Chardham Yatra with family.
If you're traveling with kids or older parents, our Chardham Yatra Family Package are designed with slower-paced itineraries, experienced guides, and carefully selected accommodations to ensure everyone feels safe and blessed.
The Chardham Yatra includes the following four sacred shrines:
Yamunotri – Source of River Yamuna and home of Goddess Yamuna.
Gangotri – Holy source of the sacred Ganges and temple of Goddess Ganga.
Kedarnath – The twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
Badrinath – Sacred temple of Lord Vishnu.
The best order is Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath in a west-to-east direction, which also serves the natural direction of the yatra route.
The Chardham temples are usually open from late April or early May and close in October or November, according to the Hindu calendar and climatic conditions.
May and June: Good climatic conditions, moderate tourist population.
September and October: Clear weather, post-monsoon season, and fewer tourists.
Do not travel in July and August since there will be heavy rains and nearly daily landslides in Uttarakhand.
We provide a number of Chardham Yatra family package. You can choose it accordingly.
A routine Chardham Yatra is 12 to 10 days if a road journey is undertaken from Dehradun or Haridwar. The tour, in general, takes:
Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Rudraprayag → Haridwar
Make shorter travel sessions each day to prevent fatigue.
Include buffer days for potential interruptions based on weather conditions.
Book helicopter services for Kedarnath, if there are older citizens in the group.
The most convenient way to plan a safe and trouble-free Chardham Yatra with family is to book a travel package with a reputed operator. These packages will usually include:
Accommodation in hotels with meals (dinner and breakfast)
Comfortable transport with an experienced driver
Guidance services at temples
Medical assistance and oxygen cylinders (optional)
Helicopter services for Kedarnath
We also provide the Chardham Yatra Tour Package by helicopter starting from Dehradun.
Reviews and testimonials
Acclimatization days covered
Well-rated near-temple hotels
Choices of customization for older citizens or children
Traveling to high altitude can be physically draining. This is how to prepare everyone in the family:
Start walking or gentle cardio a month before travel
Breathing exercises to condition lungs
Healthy food and plenty of water before and during travel
Rest at least a day in Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Barkot before visiting higher altitudes.
Do not rush—climb slowly and allow your body to get used to it.
Get a full health check-up for all members, especially the older ones.
Discuss with your doctor about high-altitude medications or the prevailing sickness.
Personal medication
First-aid kit
Portable cylinders of oxygen (for high-altitude respiratory issues)
Energy bars, glucose powder, and dry fruits
Buy travel insurance with high-altitude coverage and medical evacuation.
Check out our Chardham Yatra Package for a well-organized and smooth journey.
Although most of the hotels en route are budget to mid-range, some tour operators offer luxury or semi-deluxe hotels with additional comfort for families.
Choose hotels near the temple base in order to avoid the long walks
Ask whether there is hot water and power backup
Select lower floors rooms if there are older persons in the group
Proper packing can make your journey safer and more comfortable.
Layered woollens for chilly nights
Thermal innerwear
Waterproof jacket and raincoat
Good walking shoes
Gloves, socks, caps, and sunglasses
Wet wipes and sanitizer
Flashlight or headlamp
Thermos flask
Power bank
Lightweight backpack
For Badrinath and Kedarnath, online registration and biometric verification are typically mandatory.
Go to the official Uttarakhand Tourism website (https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in)
Fill out the Chardham Yatra e-pass registration
Bring a print or softcopy while traveling
Note: Helicopter services to Kedarnath also require prior reservation.
Reserving a good tour vehicle along with a local driver is highly recommended.
We provide a number of Chardham Yatra family package. You can choose it accordingly.
Avoid driving at night
Travel slowly and take time for rest halts
Keep your car full of fuel and water/snacks at all times
Helicopter facility is available for older citizen individuals from:
Phata → Kedarnath
Guptkashi → Kedarnath
Sersi → Kedarnath
Book well in advance in season
Carry original ID and medical certificates
Maintain weight limit (typically 75-80 kg per person)
We also provide the Chardham Yatra Tour Package by helicopter starting from Dehradun.
As most dhabas and hotel restaurants serve vegetarian food:
Have plain vegetarian food
Do not take raw or street foods
Carry dry snacks, biscuits, and energy drinks
Drink bottled or boiled water
Carry your own refillable water bottle with filters
Chardham Yatra is not a vacation—it's a spiritual experience. Self-discipline and respect contribute to the sanctity of your pilgrimage.
Don't litter; carry a rubbish bag and keep the Himalayas clean
Dress modestly in temple complexes
Be considerate of local culture and religious sentiments
Daily weather updates
Local temple announcements
Speak with your tour operator
Be prepared to postpone your plans if necessary. Safety first.
Your tour organizer(Epic Yatra)
Nearest hospital or clinic along your journey
Uttarakhand tourism helpline: 1364
Police and transport officials locally
And also provide a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home.
Family Chardham Yatra is one of the most rewarding and sacred pilgrimages you will ever embark upon. Proper planning, travel buddy, and safety precautions, and you can make this pilgrimage comfortable, memorable, and blissfully divine.
Whether traveling with children or older family members, following the steps in the above will make your Chardham Yatra safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling.