There are innumerable independent taxi operators in Haridwar as well as the more established taxi services specializing in char Dham tours. In the case of the former you have to be careful to negotiate each tiny detail in advance in order to avoid disputes along the way. If there are disputes, there are chances you shut up and pay or the taxi driver drives off and leaves you stranded at any of the char Dham. Established taxi services are better in that they offer well maintained vehicles along with a driver who is knowledgeable and polite. You must, however, discuss each tiny detail such as overnight halt, extra charges for stay for the driver and his meals, side trips for sight-seeing and what happens if the car breaks down on the way. Do you pay the driver cash each day or pay for the entire trip of 10 or 8 days in advance? Check and confirm each tiny detail.
Timing is of importance. During high season, which is summer, there is a rush and due to high demand the rates may be high. The low season is when demand dies down a bit and you can get a better price for taxi for Chardham Yatra from Haridwar. Shop around and do not finalize with the first taxi service in Haridwar offering Chardham transportation.
Which vehicle to choose is also an important consideration. If you choose a compact car it may cost less, say Rs. 2200 to Rs. 2400 per day. However, such cars may not be able to negotiate rough terrain or when road is strewn with rocks and has deep ruts. Given that you will have some baggage it might become cramped inside, especially if you are a family of three. A better option is the SUV. It costs more to rent SUV for Chardham Yatra but it is more spacious. Six people can fit in comfortably. There is ample leg room and also space for baggage. For a group of 8 to 10 or more, it is best to hire a tempo or van that can seat 12 to 15. You will like this because there is plenty of room and the journey that can sometimes last a few hours or the better part of the day is comfortable. While you are at it, take in the sights at nearby points of interest at each Yatra Dham and along the way.
Char Dham by Road from Dehradun:
Going on a holy journey of Char Dham by road is the most convenient option to opt for. The roads are in good condition and maintained well making it one of the most chosen modes of transportation for pilgrims. Here is some information about how you can visit the Char Dhams by road from Dehradun:
- Dehradun to Yamunotri - Yamunotri Dham shrine will be reached in 6 hours and 20 mins since it is located at a distance of 172 kms. You will be following this route map: Dehradun - Mussoorie - Barkot - Hanuman Chatti - Janki Chatti - Yamunotri
- Dehradun to Gangotri - Gangotri Dham shrine will be reached in 7 hours and 15 mins and it is located at a distance of 242 kms. You will be taking up the following route: Dehradun - Mussoorie - Dharasu - Uttarkashi - Dharali - Gangotri
- Dehradun to Badrinath - Badrinath is situated at a distance of almost 335 kms and can be covered in almost 11 hours. This is the route that you will be following:
- Dehradun to Kedarnath - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Dhanaulti - Chamba - Tehri - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Guptkashi - Gaurikund
Char Dham by Road from Haldwani:
Situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand Haldwani is one of the most populous cities in Uttarakhand. There are a number of convenient roads leading up to the Char Dham shrines. Here is detailed information about how to reach Char Dham from Haldwani by road:
- Haldwani to Yamunotri - Yamunotri can be reached in almost 13 hours since there is no other simpler or a shorter option. It is located at a distance of 441 kms. You will be covering the following route:
- Haldwani to Gangotri - Gangotri is located at a distance of 14 hours and 30 mins from Haldwani. During the journey you will be covering a distance of 505 kms. Here is the route that you will be following:
- Haldwani to Badrinath - you will be covering a distance of 337 kms which will be done in 11 hours and 30 mins. here is a route map that you will be taking for this journey:
- Haldwani to Kedarnath - you will be covering a distance of almost 317 kms which will take around 11 hours and 15 mins to cover. here is a route map that you will be covering:
Char Dham by Road from Rishikesh:
The twin holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar are known all over the world for its immense spirituality. Pilgrims make Rishikesh their starting point for the Char Dham Yatra since this is the place where the last railway station is situated.
- Rishikesh to Yamunotri - you will be covering a distance of 215 kms which will take almost 7 hours and 30 mins to cover. you will be covering the following route on your journey:
- Rishikesh to Gangotri - you will be covering a distance of 269 kms which will take a time of almost 8 hours and 10 mins. the route that you will be following will be:
- Rishikesh to Badrinath - time taken to cover the distance will be of almost 10 hours where you will be covering a journey of 295. Here is a route map of your journey:
Rishikesh to Kedarnath - Rishikesh - Shivpuri - Devprayag - Srinagar - Augustmuni - Ukhimath - Phata - Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Kedarnath