Senior Special
Senior Citizen Char Dham Yatra 2026 — 12N/13D
📅 12N/13D📍 Haridwar → Haridwar🎯 Easy (pony/palki included at both treks)🚌 AC Tempo Traveller (ground floor priority)📅 May – June & Sept – Oct 2026
✓ 50,000+ pilgrims served✓ Zero commission✓ Est. 2010 · Retd. Army Officer founderFlexible cancellation →
🗓️ Last updated: May 30, 2026 · Season open Apr 19 – Nov 2026✍️ Verified by: Dhanesh Chandra Mishra, Founder, Shiv Ganga Travels (Retd. Army Officer · 15 seasons)
Quick Answer
The Char Dham Yatra — Senior Citizen Special 12N/13D is a 12-night, 13-day pilgrimage from Haridwar priced from ₹27,999 per person. Run by Shiv Ganga Travels, a direct Haridwar operator since 2010, it is all-inclusive: ac tempo traveller (ground floor priority), twin-sharing hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, guide, VIP darshan assistance, and help with the mandatory Char Dham 2026 registration.
- Price: from ₹27,999/person
- Duration: 12N/13D
- Start: Haridwar
- Season: May – June & Sept – Oct 2026
- Operator: Shiv Ganga Travels (est. 2010)
⏱
Duration
12N/13D
👥
Group
10–30 pilgrims (60+ age group)
🏔️
Altitude
Max: Kedarnath 3,583m
🎯
Difficulty
Easy (pony/palki included at both treks)
🚌
Transport
AC Tempo Traveller (ground floor priority)
📅
Season
May – June & Sept – Oct 2026
Package Pricing — Budget, Deluxe & Premium
All packages cover the same temples and itinerary. The difference is the hotel standard and vehicle type. Choose based on your comfort preference and group size.
🚗 Vehicle-wise Private Taxi Fare (Full Char Dham Route)
| Vehicle | Capacity | Total Fare | Per Person (4 pax) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire | 2–3 persons | ₹18,000–24,000 | ~₹10,000 | Budget couple/solo |
| Ertiga / Maruti | 4–5 persons | ₹45,000–60,000 | ~₹12,000 | Small family |
| Innova Crysta | 4–7 persons | ₹55,000–75,000 | ~₹11,000 | Most popular choice |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater | 8–12 persons | ₹90,000–1.2L | ~₹9,000 | Groups & extended family |
| Tempo Traveller 17-seater | 13–17 persons | ₹1.1L–1.5L | ~₹7,500 | Large group |
* Fares include fuel, toll, parking and driver allowance. Prices are indicative for 2026 season.
Package Highlights
- ✓Designed for pilgrims aged 60+ with extra rest days
- ✓Pony/palki at Yamunotri (6 km both ways) — included
- ✓Palki/doli at Kedarnath (16 km both ways) — included
- ✓Medical attendant + oxygen cylinders on board
- ✓Ground floor rooms preferred at all hotels
- ✓Slow driving pace with frequent rest & chai stops
- ✓Light sattvic diet — low oil, Jain options available
🗓️ Brief Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1:
Arrive Haridwar — Medical Check
Day 2:
Haridwar → Rishikesh Acclimatization Day
Day 3:
Haridwar → Barkot (Slow Drive)
Day 4:
Barkot — Rest & Briefing Day
Day 5:
Barkot → Yamunotri (Pony/Palki Both Ways)
Day 6:
Barkot → Uttarkashi
Day 7:
Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi
Day 8:
Uttarkashi → Guptkashi (4 rest stops)
Day 9:
Guptkashi → Kedarnath (Palki Day 1)
Day 10:
Kedarnath — Full Darshan + Rest
Day 11:
Kedarnath → Guptkashi (Palki Descent)
Day 12:
Guptkashi → Badrinath (Comfort Drive)
Day 13:
Badrinath → Mana → Haridwar
🗓️ Day-wise Itinerary (Detailed)
D1
Arrive Haridwar — Medical Check
Receive at Haridwar station. Check in hotel. Medical check by our attendant (BP, oxygen levels). Welcome dinner, group briefing. Optional: Ganga Aarti from ghats (seated viewing).
D2
Haridwar → Rishikesh Acclimatization Day
Gentle sightseeing — Triveni Ghat, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula. Parmarth Niketan for Ganga Aarti. Return Haridwar. Rest afternoon. This is an energy conservation day before the mountains.
D3
Haridwar → Barkot (Slow Drive)
Depart 7 AM at gentle pace. Rest stop every 90 mins. Lunch en route. Arrive Barkot 4 PM. Evening flat walk near hotel. Early dinner 7 PM. Recommended 9 PM bedtime.
D4
Barkot — Rest & Briefing Day
Full rest day. Acclimatize to altitude 1,220m. Optional gentle walk to Saptarishi Kund. Medical check. Briefing about Yamunotri pony/palki arrangements tomorrow.
D5
Barkot → Yamunotri (Pony/Palki Both Ways)
Drive to Janki Chatti. All pilgrims on pony or palki (both ways, included). Temple darshan, Surya Kund puja. Return. Overnight Barkot.
D6
Barkot → Uttarkashi
Relaxed drive. Arrive Uttarkashi by lunch. Afternoon rest. Evening Vishwanath temple (flat walking, manageable). Early dinner. Overnight.
D7
Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Uttarkashi
Drive to Gangotri. 400m flat walk from parking to temple. Ganga puja, river dip optional. Return Uttarkashi. Rest afternoon.
D8
Uttarkashi → Guptkashi (4 rest stops)
Long drive with 4 comfort breaks. Arrive Guptkashi 5 PM. Hot water bag for tired muscles. Early dinner. Overnight.
D9
Guptkashi → Kedarnath (Palki Day 1)
4 AM departure. Drive Gaurikund. Hot spring ritual dip. All pilgrims on palki (doli) for 16 km ascent. Rest stops at Bheem Bali and Linchauli. Arrive Kedarnath 2 PM. Rest. Evening darshan.
D10
Kedarnath — Full Darshan + Rest
Morning VIP darshan (seated arrangement). Shankaracharya Samadhi visit. Oxygen available. Afternoon rest at 3,583m altitude.
D11
Kedarnath → Guptkashi (Palki Descent)
Morning palki descent at gentle pace. Drive Guptkashi. Medical check. Rest.
D12
Guptkashi → Badrinath (Comfort Drive)
Drive via Joshimath with frequent stops. Arrive Badrinath 2 PM. Tapt Kund soak (excellent for elderly joints, 45°C). Evening darshan.
D13
Badrinath → Mana → Haridwar
Morning puja (seated VIP). Mana village 3 km paved road walk. Return drive Haridwar via Rishikesh. Ganga Aarti. Tour ends.
✅ What's Included / Excluded
✅ Included
✓Accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis at hotels/lodges
✓Daily vegetarian breakfast & dinner (Jain options available)
✓Private AC vehicle — Tempo Traveller / Innova Crysta / SUV
✓Local experienced guide + pujari for temple darshans
✓All toll charges, parking, state taxes, driver allowance
✓Basic first-aid kit + oxygen cylinder on vehicle
✓Yatra biometric registration assistance
✓Pickup & drop at Haridwar railway station / bus stand
✓Pony/palki at Yamunotri — both ways included
✓Palki/doli at Kedarnath — both ways included
✓Certified medical attendant on mountain stretches
✓Extra oxygen cylinders + pulse oximeters on vehicle
✓Ground floor rooms preferred
✓Compression socks and walking sticks
❌ Not Included
✗Train / flight tickets to / from Haridwar or Dehradun
✗Pony, palki or porter charges at Yamunotri & Kedarnath
✗Helicopter charges (available at extra cost)
✗Personal expenses — laundry, tips, room heater, phone calls
✗Temple donations, special puja or abhishek fees
✗Medical expenses and travel insurance
✗Lunch on road journey days
✗Anything not specifically mentioned in inclusions
📖 Related Guides & Resources
🔄 You Might Also Like
🎒 Packing List for This Yatra
Clothing
✓Heavy jacket / down vest
✓Thermal inner layers (2 sets)
✓Woollen cap, gloves, socks
✓Waterproof poncho / raincoat
✓Comfortable trekking shoes
Health
✓Personal medicines (with extra)
✓Altitude sickness tablets
✓ORS sachets & glucose tablets
✓Pulse oximeter (small, cheap)
✓Sunscreen SPF 50+
Documents
✓Aadhaar card / valid ID
✓Char Dham registration QR
✓Medical fitness certificate (50+)
✓Travel insurance document
✓Emergency contact card (printed)
Practical
✓Power bank (20,000 mAh)
✓Cash (₹5,000–10,000 minimum)
✓Reusable water bottle (1L)
✓Light torch / headlamp
✓Walking stick (collapsible)
💡 We share a detailed packing checklist PDF with every confirmed booking. WhatsApp us to receive it in advance.
💡 15 Essential Travel Tips for This Yatra
1Complete Char Dham biometric registration before leaving home — you cannot proceed past Rishikesh/Haridwar checkpoints without it.
2Start driving by 6 AM every day. Night driving is prohibited on Himalayan roads after 9 PM for safety reasons.
3Pack warm clothes even in May–June. Mornings and evenings at Kedarnath and Badrinath drop to 4–8°C year-round.
4Carry at least ₹7,000–10,000 in cash. ATMs are sparse, unreliable, and frequently out of cash in peak season.
5Book hotels in advance at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, and Joshimath — all four fill up by noon in May-June.
6Pre-book Kedarnath helicopter from the IRCTC portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in) 60+ days in advance for peak season.
7Eat light vegetarian food throughout — heavy meals worsen altitude sickness. Dhabas along the route serve dal-rice and rotis.
8Stay hydrated — drink 3–4 litres of water daily at high altitude. Avoid alcohol entirely; it worsens acclimatisation.
9Jio and Airtel work better than Vi/BSNL on the Char Dham route. Airtel is more reliable near Kedarnath.
10Poncho / raincoat is essential even in May. Afternoon showers are common at all four dhams.
11For Kedarnath trek, start no later than 6 AM. The path gets crowded and unsafe to return after 2 PM.
12Senior citizens and those with BP / heart / diabetes must carry a medical fitness certificate — it is checked at Sonprayag and Pandukeshwar.
13Respect the "no photography inside temple sanctum" rule strictly. Cameras and phones are banned inside Kedarnath temple from 2026.
14Hire only government-registered pony wallahs and porters at Gaurikund (Kedarnath) and Janki Chatti (Yamunotri) — avoid touts.
15Keep your Char Dham registration QR code (printed AND digital) accessible at all times — it is checked at 8–10 points on the route.
🚨 Emergency Contacts & Yatra Helplines
Uttarakhand Disaster Helpline
1070
24/7 emergency
Police Helpline
100
All districts
Ambulance / Medical
108
Free, 24/7
Kedarnath Control Room
+91-1364-222-734
During yatra season
GMVN Enquiry
+91-135-2746817
Accommodation
Shiv Ganga Travels
+91-7817996730
24/7 on-ground support
Save the Uttarakhand Disaster Helpline (1070) and ambulance number (108) in your phone before departing. Mountain networks can be patchy — also note numbers on paper. Our team at Shiv Ganga Travels is on WhatsApp 24/7 during your yatra.
📅 Best Season to Book — Price & Crowd Guide
| Month | Season | Crowd level | Typical package price | Weather at Kedarnath | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | Opening | Very high | ₹22,000–₹28,000 | 5–18°C, clear | High demand — book 3 months early |
| June | Peak | Very high | ₹22,000–₹28,000 | 8–18°C, some rain | Peak pilgrim rush — book 2–3 months early |
| July–Aug | Monsoon | Low | ₹16,000–₹20,000 | 10–15°C, heavy rain | Landslide risk — not recommended |
| September | Post-monsoon | Medium | ₹18,000–₹22,000 | 0–15°C, crisp | Hidden gem — best skies, fewer crowds |
| October | Last season | Medium-low | ₹17,000–₹21,000 | -2 to 10°C | Great value — dhams open till Nov 11 |
| November (1–13) | Closing | Very low | ₹14,000–₹18,000 | -5 to 5°C | Last chance — temple closes mid-November |
💡 September and October are our most consistently rated months across 15 years. Fewer crowds, lower prices, cleaner mountain air, and still fully open temples. Many repeat pilgrims specifically choose October.
⛰️ Altitude & Health — What Every Pilgrim Must Know
🩺 Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Kedarnath (3,583m) and Badrinath (3,133m) are high-altitude shrines. AMS symptoms — headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness — can affect anyone regardless of fitness. Our driver carries an oxygen cylinder. Spend one night at Guptkashi (1,319m) before ascending to acclimatize. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.
📱 Network & Connectivity
BSNL works best throughout the Char Dham route and at Kedarnath temple. Jio works at Gaurikund and lower altitudes. Airtel/Vi have limited to no signal above Sonprayag. Buy a BSNL SIM before departure if you need to stay connected during the trek.
💊 Medical Preparation
Carry: Diamox (altitude medication, consult doctor first), Dolo 650 (fever/pain), ORS sachets, antacid, personal prescription medicines. Medical camps are placed every 3–5km on the Kedarnath route. Our vehicle carries a basic first aid kit and oxygen.
🍽️ Food & Hydration
Eat light vegetarian meals — dal, rice, sabzi, chapati. Avoid oily or heavy food at altitude. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily. Do NOT drink tea/chai at altitude as it dehydrates. Packaged biscuits and dry fruits for energy during the trek.
📍 Why Start Your Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar?
🏠 Base city for all 4 dhams
Haridwar is equidistant from all four dhams — Barkot (Yamunotri, 210km), Uttarkashi (Gangotri, 180km), Guptkashi (Kedarnath, 200km), Joshimath (Badrinath, 275km). Rishikesh is only 24km from Haridwar and adds 1 hour. Starting from Delhi adds 250km (4–5 hours) each way.
🚂 Best rail connectivity
Haridwar Railway Station has direct trains from Delhi (Mussoorie Express, Jan Shatabdi), Mumbai (Dehradun Express), Kolkata (Doon Express), Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh and almost every major city. Rishikesh station is 3km further. Dehradun station adds 55km drive.
🙏 Sacred start — Ganga Aarti
Every Char Dham Yatra begins with the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar — a spiritual ritual that has been performed daily since the 6th century. The sight of the lamp-lit Ganga at dusk is, for most pilgrims, the first spiritually powerful moment of the yatra.
🏢 Our office is here
We are based at Saptrishi Road, Bhupatwala, Haridwar — 5 minutes from Har Ki Pauri. Starting from Haridwar means you meet us, meet your driver, check the vehicle, and confirm all arrangements in person before setting off. This is not possible if we send a vehicle from Delhi.
📋 Char Dham Yatra 2026 Registration — and How We Handle It For You
Registration is compulsory in 2026. No pilgrim is allowed darshan at any of the four dhams without a valid Tourist Care Uttarakhand registration, and at Kedarnath and Yamunotri the QR slip is checked before you start the trek. The good news: if you book this package, we do the whole registration for you. You send us your photo and a government ID, and we hand you the printed QR slips at Haridwar before departure. You never touch the portal.
If you would rather register yourself, it is free and takes about ten minutes on the official government site — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in. Register one ID per traveller, pick your darshan dates, and save the slip to your phone. Avoid the dozens of look-alike sites that charge a fee; the government portal never asks for payment.
🗓️ Char Dham 2026 Opening & Closing Dates (Confirmed)
| Dham | Opens (Kapat) | Closes | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | Mandatory |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 | 10 Nov 2026 | Mandatory |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | Mandatory |
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 | 13 Nov 2026 | Mandatory |
Yamunotri and Gangotri open together on Akshaya Tritiya; Kedarnath and Badrinath follow a day or two later. Dates are set by the temple committees each year and are confirmed for 2026. Keep a digital and a printed copy of your registration slip — network drops on the higher stretches and a paper backup saves trouble at the check posts.
🏔️ Why 50,000+ Pilgrims Choose Shiv Ganga Travels
🎖️ Founded by a Retired Army Officer
Shiv Ganga Travels was founded in 2010 by Dhanesh Chandra Mishra, a retired officer of the Indian Army. Military discipline, punctuality, and duty-of-care are not values we advertise — they are values we operate by. Every single departure runs on schedule.
📍 Based in Haridwar — Not Delhi
Our office is at Saptrishi Road, Bhupatwala, Haridwar — 5 minutes from Har Ki Pauri. We are the operator, not a broker. When something goes wrong on the mountain (road closure, weather, medical emergency), we respond in minutes, not hours. Delhi-based aggregators call a subcontractor. We call our own driver.
⭐ 4.6/5 · 38 Verified Google Reviews
Every one of our 38 reviews is from a real pilgrim — verifiable on Google Maps (Place ID: 16074078434377735602). We do not ask for reviews; pilgrims leave them unprompted, and the rating has held at 4.6/5 over 15 seasons. Verify on Google Maps →
📋 Uttarakhand Tourism Registered
Registered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Member of IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators). All our vehicles have valid tourism permits and are insured. Our drivers hold Uttarakhand hill-route licences. You can verify our registration at the Haridwar Tourism office.
What our pilgrims say (from verified Google reviews):
★★★★★ Rakesh Sharma, Delhi
"Zero commission as promised. Hotel stays were clean, driver was respectful and knowledgeable about every temple on the route. The VIP darshan at Kedarnath saved us 4 hours of queue. Will do Char Dham again next year with Shiv Ganga."
★★★★★ Priya Mehta, Mumbai
"My 72-year-old mother did Char Dham with them. They arranged pony at Kedarnath, ground-floor rooms everywhere, slower walking pace. Dhanesh ji personally called twice to check on her. This is not what you get from an online aggregator."
★★★★★ Suresh & Kamla Gupta, Jaipur
"We did the senior citizen package. The driver Ramesh ji was with us for 12 days like family. When my wife had mild altitude sickness near Gangotri, they had oxygen ready and adjusted the schedule immediately. No panic, complete professionalism."
Why 50,000+ Pilgrims Choose Shiv Ganga Travels
🎖️ Founded by a Retired Army Officer
Shiv Ganga Travels was founded in 2010 by Dhanesh Chandra Mishra, a retired officer of the Indian Army. Military discipline and duty-of-care are not values we advertise — they are values we operate by. Every departure runs on schedule.
📍 Based in Haridwar — Not an Aggregator
Our office is at Saptrishi Road, Bhupatwala, Haridwar — 5 minutes from Har Ki Pauri. We are the operator. When something goes wrong on the mountain (road closure, weather, medical), we respond in minutes. Delhi-based aggregators call a subcontractor. We call our own driver.
⭐ 4.6/5 · 38 Verified Google Reviews
Every review is from a real pilgrim — verifiable on Google Maps. We do not solicit reviews; pilgrims leave them unprompted. Our 4.6/5 rating over 15 years has currently at 4.6/5.
📋 Uttarakhand Tourism Registered
Registered with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. Member of IATO. All vehicles hold valid tourism permits and hill-route licences. Registration verifiable at the Haridwar Tourism office.
What pilgrims say (verified Google reviews):
★★★★★ Rakesh Sharma, Delhi
"Zero commission as promised. Hotel stays were clean, driver knowledgeable. VIP darshan at Kedarnath saved us 4 hours of queue. Will return next year."
★★★★★ Priya Mehta, Mumbai
"My 72-year-old mother did Char Dham with them. Pony at Kedarnath, ground-floor rooms, slower pace arranged. Dhanesh ji personally called twice to check on her. This is not what you get from an online aggregator."
★★★★★ Suresh & Kamla Gupta, Jaipur
"When my wife had mild altitude sickness near Gangotri, they had oxygen ready and adjusted the schedule immediately. No panic, complete professionalism. 12 days felt like travelling with family."
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