Most guides and the state tourism office say the first dham is Yamunotri. Then go to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finish at Badrinath and This is the traditional order. It runs west to east in Garhwal. It is simple to plan this way.
You can have a splendid journey to Badrinath with our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter tour!. Also check our Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour, To visit Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji in one day.
Why this order?
People say it follows the rivers and the old route. It helps with road travel and hotel booking. Many tour plans use this order. But you can choose a different order too. We will explain the reasons and when to change the plan. If you still ask, Which Char Dham to Visit First? this guide will help you pick.
Understanding the Char Dham Pilgrimage
Char Dham means four holy places. They are parts of a spiritual trip. Each place has its own story. Each dham has a temple and a river or source. Ask yourself, Which Char Dham to Visit First for my family? and read on.
- Yamunotri is the source of Yamuna river.
- Gangotri is the source of Ganga river.
- Kedarnath is a form of Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath is a form of Lord Vishnu.
People do this yatra for faith. They also enjoy the mountain views. The journey is both easy and hard. Some parts need trekking. Some parts can be done by road or helicopter.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding the Sequence
Pick the order based on your body, time, weather, and budget as Here are simple checks. These will help you decide which Char Dham to Visit First for your trip.
- Your health: If you have weak knees or heart issues, choose a route with less walking. Kedarnath needs a trek unless you take a helicopter. Badrinath and Gangotri are easier by road.
- Time you have: If you have little time, do the two-dham helicopter plan (Kedarnath + Badrinath). Many companies offer this. But always check official helicopter booking sites before paying.
- Season and weather: The dhams open and close by season. Most are open from late April or May to October or November. Heavy rain or snow can close roads. Check Uttarakhand tourism updates before you go. Weather will change your answer to “Which Char Dham to Visit First.”
- Road condition: Roads can be long and slow. Landslides can block the way. Keep extra days in your plan. Recent years had road blocks and landslides. Plan with that in mind.
Common Routes for Char Dham Yatra
Here are the common ways people travel. Use these to figure out Which Char Dham to Visit First.
Traditional route (most common)
Start at Haridwar or Dehradun → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → return. This is the classic path. It is simple to book. Hotels and guides expect this route.
Reverse route
Some start from Badrinath and go back to Yamunotri. This can work if road or weather forces a change. It may suit people who fly into North and want less trekking.
Do Dham (two dham) helicopter option
You can do Kedarnath and Badrinath by helicopter in a short time. Many packages call this “Do Dham by Helicopter.” It saves travel time and less walking. But check safety, recent news, and booking rules first. Use official heli sites for tickets. Use official heli sites for tickets. If you ask, “Which Char Dham to Visit First when I fly by heli?” then Kedarnath or Badrinath may come first.
Quick Route Table
Yamunotri – The Starting Point
Yamunotri is often the first dham. People go there first for many reasons. The road goes up from Haridwar side. You reach Janaki Chatti or Janki Chatti. From there you walk a short path to the temple. The trek is not very hard for fit people. There are hot springs near the temple. Many pilgrims take the holy dip in Surya Kund. Think, “Which Char Dham to Visit First?” and Yamunotri often fits the plan.
Tips:
- Wear good shoes for the small trek.
- Carry warm clothes. Mountains get cold fast.
- Carry light food and water for the walk.
- Check road status before travel; some roads can close.
Gangotri – The Sacred Source of Ganga
Gangotri is the home of the river Ganga. The temple sits by the Bhagirathi river. The road goes through Uttarkashi. The place is calm and pure. Pilgrims offer water and prayers here. Ask, “Which Char Dham to Visit First if I want peaceful rivers?” Gangotri may come early.
Tips:
- Keep a slow pace, high places tire you.
- Dress in layers, mornings are cold.
- Respect local rules and temple timings.
- Watch for sudden rain or hail in the hills.
Kedarnath – The Abode of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath is high and special. The main temple sits near big peaks. You must go to Gaurikund or Sonprayag by road. From there you walk a steep trail to the temple. This trek is long and can be hard for some.
You can also book a helicopter to Kedarnath. Helicopters are popular for those who cannot trek. Use the official IRCTC heliyatra site or the Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee page for booking and rules. Safety checks are important. Recent years had helicopter incidents, so check news and govt orders before booking. If you wonder “Which Char Dham to Visit First when weather is tight?” Kedarnath may need to be timed right.
Tips:
- If you plan to trek train a bit before the trip.
- Carry a small first-aid kit and medicines.
- Keep extra days for bad weather.
- Use only official heli services if you fly.
Badrinath – The Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu
Badrinath is the last stop in the classic order. The temple sits near the Alaknanda river. The road goes through Joshimath. Badrinath has guest houses and small markets. You can visit Mana village nearby. There are hot springs called Tapt Kund for a warm bath.
Tips:
- Finish your darshan here; many end the trip with prayers at Badrinath.
- Check temple opening and aarti times.
- Keep enough cash; some places may have poor net coverage.
If you asked “Which Char Dham to Visit First to end calm?” you might still end at Badrinath.
Choosing the Right Sequence for Your Char Dham Yatra
Here are easy rules to pick the start point. These help you answer which Char Dham to Visit First for your trip.
Choose Yamunotri first when:
- You want the classic route.
- You plan to travel by road.
- You have time for the full trip.
Badrinath (or reverse) when:
- Roads near Yamunotri are blocked.
- You land near Joshimath or have plans in North.
- You prefer to end at a river that gives a calm finish.
Choose Kedarnath first when:
- You must reach Kedarnath in good weather window.
- You booked a helicopter for Kedarnath early. But note helicopter rules change fast; check official pages.
Family vs Solo
- For elders and kids, choose less trek. Use heli for Kedarnath or skip long walks.
- For solo young pilgrims, the classic route gives a good mix of walk and temple time.
Safety and Recent Travel Notes
This is very important. In the last seasons, there were road blocks, heavy rains, and a helicopter crash. These events showed that weather can change fast. Always check official updates and news before you travel. The state tourism page and temple committee pages post real-time notices. If you plan a helicopter, use the IRCTC heliyatra site or temple committee site for bookings and safety rules.
Simple safety tips:
- Check weather and road news one day before travel.
- Carry a list of local emergency numbers.
- Keep extra days as buffer in your plan.
- Keep copies of ID, permits, and heli tickets.
- Drink water and rest; high places tire you.
Conclusion
So, Which Char Dham to Visit First? The usual first dham is Yamunotri. Then go to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and end at Badrinath and This order is the classic route and is also the one the Uttarakhand tourism office lists.
You can have a splendid journey to Badrinath with our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter tour!. Also check our Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour, To visit Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji in one day.
But you may change the order for health, time, or weather reasons as Some people do Do Dham (Kedarnath and Badrinath) by helicopter. Some go in reverse. The most important thing is safety. Check official sites for temple and heli bookings. Keep extra days for delays. Pray, rest, and enjoy the trip.
