6 must-visit places near the Char Dham route you shouldn't miss

Planning a trip to the holy shrines of Gangotri Yamunotri Kedarnath and Badrinath? The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage but a journey through mountains rivers and peaceful towns of Uttarakhand.
The Delhi to Char Dham distance is about 1800 - 2000 km. Many pilgrims choose a Delhi to Char Dham cab or a family car on rent in Delhi to travel comfortably and stop wherever they like.
Here are six lovely places to visit as you make your way to the Char Dham

1. Haridwar – Start Your Journey with a Holy Dip

Haridwar is one of India’s most sacred cities and marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra. The Ganga flows here in full glory. At Har Ki Pauri you can join the evening Ganga Aarti. Take a dip in the river for purification. Visit the Mansa Devi temple and roam the old bazaar. Haridwar sets the tone for your pilgrimage and brings calm to your mind. For an effortless journey, book Delhi to Haridwar Cab.

Delhi to Dehradun distance: 240 km

Route: NH334 via Meerut and Roorkee

2. Rishikesh – Riverfront Peace and Yoga Vibes

Rishikesh lies 25 km upstream of Haridwar. It is famous as the Yoga Capital of the World. You can walk across the suspension bridges Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Enjoy a riverside cafe or join a yoga class. This town has a peaceful rhythm that prepares you for higher altitudes ahead.

Haridwar to Rishikesh: 25 km

Route: NH7 along the Ganga

3. Barkot – A Quiet Town Before Yamunotri

Barkot is set amid apple orchards and pine forests. It serves as a base before the trek to Yamunotri temple. The roads offer mountain views that soothe the mind. Simple guest houses and family-run inns make for a restful night. Wake to fresh air and head out early for the short drive up to the shrine.

Rishikesh to Barkot: 191 km

Route: NH134 through Dharasu Bend

4. Uttarkashi – On the Road to Gangotri

Uttarkashi stands on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. It is home to the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple. The town has a tranquil atmosphere perfect for rest and prayer. Many pilgrims spend a night here before heading to Gangotri. The riverside walk offers views of the distant peaks.

Barkot to Uttarkashi: 82 km

Route: NH34 along the Bhagirathi

5. Guptkashi – Before You Trek to Kedarnath

Guptkashi lies in the Mandakini valley. It is the last town by road before the trek to Kedarnath begins. Visit the Vishwanath temple and the Ardhnarishwar shrine. Local guest houses and lodges welcome pilgrims for a good rest. From here you drive on to Gaurikund and then start the 16 km walk to Kedarnath.

Uttarkashi to guptkashi distance: 200 km

Route: NH107 via Tilwara and Agastyamuni

6. Joshimath – Rest Stop Before Badrinath

Joshimath sits at the foot of the Himalayas just before Badrinath. It hosts the Narsimha temple and the Shankaracharya Math. Pilgrims often pause here to rest and stock up supplies. If you have time you can take the ropeway to Auli for panoramic mountain views. A night in Joshimath readies you for the final stretch to Badrinath.

Guptkashi to joshimath distance: 155 km

Route: NH7 via Chamoli and Pipalkoti

Travel Tip

Long drives in the mountains demand comfort and flexibility. A Delhi to Char Dham cab or a family car on rent in Delhi lets you stop as you wish and enjoy each town at a relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts

The Char Dham Yatra is more than a sequence of shrines. Each stop along the way brings new sights sounds and stories. Let these towns guide you with their history beauty and calm as you make your way to the divine.