For millions of Hindu families, the Char Dham Yatra is not just a holiday — it is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. For families from Gandhidham, Kutch, Anjar, and Bhuj, organising this journey from Gujarat adds its own set of questions: How do we get there? When should we go? How much will it cost? Is it safe for senior family members?
At Rajal Tourism, we have been organising Char Dham tours from Gandhidham for over 15 years. In this guide, we will answer every question you might have — honestly and practically.
What is the Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham refers to four sacred shrines in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Together, they form one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism. The route is typically covered in 10–12 days, though our 14-night package from Gandhidham allows for comfortable travel, rest days, and buffer for weather delays.
Each shrine has its own significance. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna river; Gangotri, the source of the Ganga; Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva; and Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. Completing all four in one yatra is considered among the most meritorious acts in Hindu dharma.
Best Time to Visit — Especially from Gujarat
The Char Dham shrines are open only between May and November each year — the temples close for winter due to heavy snowfall. From Gandhidham and Kutch, the ideal months are:
- May–June: Most popular season, pleasant weather, all shrines open. Book 45–60 days in advance.
- September–October: Crowds are lower, weather is clear, and the Himalayas look stunning after monsoon. This is our personal favourite for families with seniors.
- Avoid July–August: Heavy monsoon in Uttarakhand causes landslides and road closures. We do not recommend this period.
Route and Transport from Gandhidham
From Gandhidham, most families travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train — the Kutch Express connects directly to Haridwar in about 22 hours. From Haridwar, the Char Dham circuit begins. Our group departs together from Gandhidham station, so you travel with familiar faces from day one.
All road travel within Uttarakhand is by dedicated AC tempo travellers or Innova Crystas, depending on group size. The mountain roads are narrow and require experienced drivers — all our drivers have at least 5 years of Char Dham route experience.
What is Included in Our Package
Our 14-night Char Dham package from Gandhidham includes all train travel, all road transfers within Uttarakhand, accommodation (twin-sharing), all meals cooked by our own Kutchi chefs (dal, bhaat, shaak, rotli from Gandhidham to Kedarnath), puja arrangements at all four shrines, and a dedicated tour guide throughout.
Special Arrangements for Senior Citizens
Many of our Char Dham travellers are grandparents making this journey as a lifelong wish. We understand the physical demands, especially at Kedarnath (3,583 metres altitude). We arrange:
- Pony and doli (palanquin) bookings for the Kedarnath trek for those who need them
- Helicopter bookings at Kedarnath and Yamunotri on request (additional cost)
- Rooms on ground or first floor wherever possible
- A dedicated group WhatsApp where Vikas bhai stays available 24/7 during the trip
Practical Tips for Families from Kutch
- Carry warm clothes even in May — Kedarnath can drop to 5°C at night
- Book your train tickets as early as possible — Tatkal quota fills within minutes during peak season
- Carry a small first-aid kit with altitude sickness tablets (Diamox) — ask your doctor before travel
- Keep cash handy — ATMs in the Char Dham area are unreliable
- Bring your own dry snacks (chikki, mathri, mukhwas) — you will not find Gujarati farsan in the mountains!
- Wear comfortable shoes — no heels, no new footwear on the trek day
Why Families from Gandhidham Trust Rajal Tourism
We are a Gandhidham-based agency — not a big corporate tour operator from Ahmedabad. When you book with us, you are booking with your neighbour. Vikas bhai (our founder) has personally done the Char Dham Yatra multiple times and coordinates every batch himself.
