Short answer: The usual Do Dham route goes Haridwar or Dehradun to Barkot, Yamunotri (via the 6 km walk from Janki Chatti), back to Barkot, then via Uttarkashi to Harsil and Gangotri. Allow at least 6 days from Haridwar. Stay in Harsil for Gangotri - it is 25 km below the temple, easier to sleep at, and has better rooms than the temple town.
Do Dham at a glance
| Leg | Distance (approx.) | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar to Barkot | About 220 km | 6-7 hours |
| Barkot to Janki Chatti | About 40 km | 2 hours |
| Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple | About 6 km on foot (pony, palki available) | 3-4 hours up |
| Barkot to Uttarkashi | About 90 km | 3 hours |
| Uttarkashi to Harsil | About 73 km | 2-3 hours |
| Harsil to Gangotri | 25 km | About 1 hour |
A 6-day plan
- Day 1: Haridwar or Dehradun to Barkot.
- Day 2: Drive to Janki Chatti, walk to Yamunotri and back, return to Barkot.
- Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi; darshan at Kashi Vishwanath. See Uttarkashi on the way.
- Day 4: Uttarkashi to Harsil, stopping at Gangnani hot springs. Rest.
- Day 5: Early to Gangotri; back via Bhairon Ghati. Evening at Mukhba.
- Day 6: Harsil back to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun (a long day - start early).
Add a day if you can: a spare day in Harsil absorbs road delays and makes the trip far less tiring.
Registration and rules
Yatra registration is mandatory and free on the official Uttarakhand portal or app, and is checked on the route. Rules change each season - see Gangotri yatra registration for how it works.
Tips for Do Dham pilgrims
- Yamunotri walk: the 6 km path is steep; ponies, palkis and kandis are available at Janki Chatti. Start early.
- Altitude: Gangotri is about 3,100 m. A night in Harsil (2,620 m) first helps older pilgrims especially.
- Season: May-June is busiest; September-October is quieter with clear weather. Avoid July-August.
- Book Gangotri-side rooms early for May and June. See where to stay for Gangotri.
Rest well on the Gangotri leg at Harsil Village Resort, or send us your yatra dates.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for the Do Dham yatra?
At least 6 days from Haridwar for Yamunotri and Gangotri; 7 is more comfortable.
What is the route for Yamunotri and Gangotri?
Haridwar or Dehradun - Barkot - Janki Chatti (walk to Yamunotri) - Barkot - Uttarkashi - Harsil - Gangotri.
How long is the Yamunotri trek?
About 6 km from Janki Chatti to the temple. Ponies, palkis and kandis are available.
Where should I stay for Gangotri on the Do Dham yatra?
Harsil, 25 km below Gangotri, is the most comfortable base, with a lower altitude and better rooms than the temple town.
Is registration required for the Do Dham yatra?
Yes. Registration is mandatory and free on the official Uttarakhand portal or Tourist Care Uttarakhand app.