हरि का द्वार
Haridwar, the gateway to Rishikesh, Dehradun and Char Dham
Haridwar literally means "the gateway to Hari". For most pilgrims heading into the Himalayas, this is where the journey begins.
Photo: Paradise Chronicle, CC BY-SA 4.0
At a glance
- Rishikesh
- About 42 min by car from us, without traffic
- Dehradun ISBT
- About 1 hour by car from us, without traffic
- Char Dham 2026
- Open since April, closing expected 10 to 13 November
- Registration
- Free, compulsory: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Checked 18 October 2026. Timings change with seasons and festivals.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is about 42 minutes by car from us without traffic. Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, the Triveni Ghat aarti and the many ashrams make it a natural next stop.
Dehradun and Mussoorie
Dehradun's ISBT is about an hour by car from us without traffic. Mussoorie is a further climb from there.
Char Dham Yatra
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath open each year around April or May and close around Diwali. In 2026 they opened on 19 April (Yamunotri, Gangotri), 22 April (Kedarnath) and 23 April (Badrinath), with closing expected around 10 to 13 November.
Registration is free and compulsory for every pilgrim, children included. Register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app. Keep Aadhaar handy.
- Start the mountain drive early in the morning.
- Carry warm clothes even in summer.
- Keep a buffer day for landslides or road closures.
दर्शन के बाद, भोजन
After darshan, eat at Chotiwala
Leaving for the hills? Stop with us for breakfast first, or take parathas and dry sabzi for the road. Call ahead and we will have it packed.
- ✓ Pure vegetarian, since 1968
- ✓ 58 years, same family
- ✓ 5,500+ Google reviews
- ✓ Open 8:30 AM to 11 PM, all days
Photos: Garima Choudhary (@deliciousperks)
