Bengal has a long tradition of Himalayan pilgrimage. Today the journey starts with a train from Howrah or a flight from Kolkata, and ends at the four shrines with everything arranged in between.
There is a pleasing symmetry in a Kolkata family travelling to Gangotri. The river that flows past the ghats of Kolkata as the Hooghly begins its journey high in the Garhwal Himalaya, and the Char Dham Yatra takes you right up to it. Pilgrims from Bengal have walked these valleys for generations; today the journey is far easier, but it still needs good planning.
Kolkata is roughly 1,450 km from Delhi by rail and somewhat further from Haridwar. Two plans work well. Take a long-distance train from Howrah to Haridwar and join our 9N/10D Haridwar package, or fly to Delhi and use the 11N/12D Delhi package. Either way, the mountain itinerary is the same.
Kolkata to DelhiAbout 1,450 km by rail
By air to DelhiAbout 2–2.5 hours
Train to HaridwarRoughly a day and a half
Tour length9N/10D or 11N/12D
Popular seasonMay–June, Sep–Oct
From₹21,500 per person
Train, flight or a mix of both
Plan
Approx. time
Join
Why choose it
Train Howrah → Haridwar (where available)
About 30–36 hours
Haridwar 9N/10D
No change of train, lowest cost
Train Howrah / Sealdah → Delhi
About 17–24 hours
Delhi 11N/12D
More trains to choose from
Flight Kolkata → Delhi
2–2.5 hours
Delhi 11N/12D
Saves two days
Flight Kolkata → Dehradun
Direct or one-stop, by season
Dehradun 9N/10D
Shortest total trip
Trains that run through from the Howrah side to Haridwar or Dehradun are popular and fill early, so book as soon as reservations open. If you fly to Dehradun, the Dehradun package uses the same route with Jolly Grant airport as start and end. Neighbours from Howrah can see our Howrah page.
Char Dham Yatra price from Kolkata, 2027
Package
Duration
Budget
Deluxe
Luxury
Char Dham from Haridwar / Dehradun
9N / 10D
₹21,500
₹32,500
₹49,500
Char Dham from Delhi
11N / 12D
₹24,500
₹35,500
₹53,500
Do Dham from Delhi
6N / 7D
₹15,500
₹22,000
₹33,000
Per person on twin or triple sharing, four travellers per vehicle. 2027 estimates; final price depends on dates, hotel category and group size. Rail or air travel from Kolkata is extra.
Travelling solo or as a couple? A seat on a fixed departure group tour from about ₹18,500 shares the vehicle cost with other pilgrims.
Planning around the Puja holidays
Many Bengali families can only take a long break around Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja, in late September or October. This is actually a fine time for the Char Dham: the monsoon has ended, the skies are clear, and the summer crowds have gone. The catch is the calendar. Gangotri closes around Annakoot, and Kedarnath and Yamunotri close on Bhai Dooj, so a yatra planned too close to Diwali may miss a shrine.
Aim to finish Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath at least a week before Diwali.
Nights are cold in October; pack heavier woollens than for a June trip.
Day 1 is the morning after your train reaches Haridwar. Flying to Delhi? Add a Delhi–Haridwar day at the start and a Haridwar–Delhi day at the end.
Day 1
Haridwar to Barkot
210 km7–8 hoursNight: Barkot
After a good night's rest in Haridwar following the long train journey, drive up through Dehradun and Mussoorie. The road descends into the Yamuna valley in the afternoon. Night in Barkot.
Day 2
Yamunotri
45 km + 6 km trek each wayFull dayNight: Barkot
From Janki Chatti, walk or ride the 6 km path to Yamunotri. Take darshan of Goddess Yamuna, sister of Yama, and bathe at the hot springs. Return to Barkot in the evening.
Day 3
Barkot to Uttarkashi
100 km4–5 hoursNight: Uttarkashi
An easy drive to the Bhagirathi, the river that becomes your own Hooghly far downstream. Afternoon free, evening at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Day 4
Gangotri
100 km each wayFull dayNight: Uttarkashi
Drive past Gangnani and the beautiful Harsil valley to Gangotri. Offer prayers to Goddess Ganga and see Bhagirath Shila. Return to Uttarkashi.
Image space images/gangotri.jpg 1200 × 675 px
Day 5
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
220 km8–9 hoursNight: Guptkashi
A long transfer via Tehri and Rudraprayag to the Mandakini valley. Your driver will plan breaks. Overnight in Guptkashi.
Day 6
Kedarnath
30 km drive + 16 km trek7–9 hoursNight: Kedarnath
Drive to Sonprayag and take the jeep to Gaurikund. Trek 16 km, or ride a pony or palki; if you hold an IRCTC helicopter ticket, fly from the helipad. Stay overnight near the temple.
Day 7
Kedarnath to Guptkashi
16 km trek + 30 km driveFull dayNight: Guptkashi
Early darshan of Lord Kedarnath and a walk to the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. Walk down and drive to Guptkashi.
Day 8
Guptkashi to Badrinath
200 km8–9 hoursNight: Badrinath
Cross to the Alaknanda via Ukhimath, then climb through Joshimath to Badrinath. Bathe in the Tapt Kund and attend the aarti.
Day 9
Badrinath and Mana
160 km6–7 hours after darshanNight: Rudraprayag / Srinagar
Darshan of Badri Narayan, then Mana village and Bhim Pul. Perform pind daan at Brahma Kapal if you wish. Drive down to Rudraprayag.
Day 10
Rudraprayag to Haridwar
165 km6–7 hoursNight: Tour ends
Drive via Devprayag and Rishikesh to Haridwar for your train back to Howrah. If your train leaves the next day, we can book an extra night.
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
9 nights' hotels, twin or triple sharing
Breakfast and dinner (all meals on Luxury)
Private vehicle with hill driver, Haridwar to Haridwar
Fuel, tolls, parking, permits and driver allowance
Haridwar station pick-up and drop
Registration help
Phone and WhatsApp support
Not included
Train or flight from Kolkata
Pony, palki, pithoo, helicopter
Sonprayag–Gaurikund jeep
Puja and VIP darshan
Lunch on Budget and Deluxe
Extra nights due to landslides
Insurance and personal expenses
Tips for Bengali pilgrims
Food: the shrine towns serve vegetarian food only. Fish and rice will have to wait until you are home; carry muri and other light snacks for road days.
Kedarnath helicopter: seats are sold only on IRCTC HeliYatra. Read the IRCTC booking guide and ignore unofficial sellers.
Clothing: layers, rain gear and good shoes; see things to carry.
How to book from Kolkata
Send dates and group size on WhatsApp +91-99111 77951.
Get a day-wise quote for a Haridwar, Delhi or Dehradun start.
Book train or flight tickets early, especially for May and October.
Pay the advance to confirm.
Register each traveller.
Meet your driver at Haridwar station, Delhi or Dehradun airport.
Char Dham Yatra from Kolkata: FAQ
What is the Char Dham Yatra package cost from Kolkata?
From about ₹21,500 per person from Haridwar, or ₹24,500 from Delhi, for four travellers on budget hotels. Train or flight from Kolkata is extra. These are 2027 estimates.
Is there a direct train from Kolkata to Haridwar?
Yes, some long-distance trains run from the Howrah side to Haridwar or Dehradun. Check the current timetable and book early, as they fill quickly in season.
Can we do the Char Dham Yatra during Durga Puja?
Yes, October is a good month with clear weather. Make sure the yatra ends before the closing dates around Diwali and Bhai Dooj.
How many days do we need from Kolkata?
About 13–14 days by train both ways, or 11–12 days if you fly.
Is the trek to Kedarnath possible for older parents?
Many manage it with a pony or palki. The IRCTC helicopter shuttle is another option. A medical check-up is advised before the trip.
Do you sell Kedarnath helicopter tickets?
No. Shuttle seats are sold only on IRCTC HeliYatra. We help you prepare and plan the trip around your slot.
Can we combine the yatra with a stay in Rishikesh?
Yes. Add a night in Rishikesh at the end for the Triveni Ghat aarti, Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula before your train from Haridwar. We include it in your quote on request.
