Best time to travel from Pune
May is popular, but Pune families often prefer late September to October to avoid summer crowds. The weather is crisp then and the post-monsoon views are clearer. Leave a buffer if travelling in the monsoon.
Char Dham Yatra from Pune
Pune yatris have three practical choices: fly from Pune with one stop, drive to Mumbai for a direct Dehradun flight, or take a long-distance train to Delhi. Which is best depends on whether you are saving money or saving days.
Many Pune groups are retirees and senior citizens. For them a flight-based plan with a rest night in Rishikesh before the hills works best. The difference in cost is small compared with the energy it saves for the Kedarnath trek.
How to reach Uttarakhand from Pune
| Mode | Route | Time | Approx. fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | Pune (PNQ) → Dehradun (DED), direct or via Delhi Check for direct flights. Otherwise a one-stop via Delhi still lands you by afternoon. | 2.5–5 hrs | ₹5,000–12,000 |
| Flight | Pune → Mumbai airport by road → Dehradun Worth it when Mumbai fares are much lower or a direct flight suits your timing. | 3–4 hrs drive + 2.5 hrs flight | ₹4,500–11,000 + transfer |
| Train | Pune → Delhi (Jhelum Express / Duronto) → Haridwar The budget route. Add a night in Delhi or Haridwar before the hills. | About 24–28 hrs + 5 hrs | ₹1,500–4,000 |
Fares are approximate one-way, per-person estimates for the yatra season and change with booking date. Check current schedules on IRCTC and airline websites before booking.
Pune to Char Dham itinerary (11–12 days)
Getting there
Pune → Dehradun
Fly from Pune and land at Dehradun by early afternoon. The transfer to Rishikesh takes about 40 minutes, then rest overnight. The circuit starts towards Barkot the next morning. Rail travellers reach Delhi on Day 0 and Haridwar on Day 1.
Day 1
Haridwar / Rishikesh → Barkot
About 210 km (7–8 hrs) via Mussoorie or Vikasnagar into the Yamuna valley.
Day 2
Yamunotri darshan
Drive to Janki Chatti, about 6 km trek (pony or palki available) to Yamunotri temple, return to Barkot.
Day 3
Barkot → Uttarkashi
About 100 km. Evening visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple, Uttarkashi.
Day 4
Gangotri darshan
Day trip to Gangotri via Harsil (about 100 km each way), return to Uttarkashi.
Day 5
Uttarkashi → Guptkashi / Sitapur
Long drive (8–9 hrs) via Tehri and Srinagar to the Kedarnath base.
Day 6
Kedarnath trek
Sonprayag → Gaurikund, then the 16–18 km trek to Kedarnath. Night stay at Kedarnath.
Day 7
Kedarnath → Guptkashi
Morning darshan, trek down to Gaurikund, drive back to the hotel.
Day 8
Guptkashi → Badrinath
Via Chamoli and Joshimath. Evening darshan and Tapt Kund.
Day 9
Badrinath → Rudraprayag / Srinagar
Morning visit to Mana village, then descend towards Rudraprayag.
Day 10
Back to Rishikesh / Haridwar
Via Devprayag, the confluence where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi form the Ganga.
Going home
Return to Pune
Finish at Rishikesh or Haridwar, spend the night there, and fly back from Dehradun the next morning. You reach Pune by evening.
What the trip costs
Your total has two parts: the Pune → Dehradun journey (see the fares above), and the Uttarakhand package covering vehicle, stays and meals for the circuit. The package cost depends on group size, hotel category and season, not on your home city.
Travel tips for Pune yatris
- Compare a Pune one-stop flight with a Mumbai direct flight. Sometimes the drive to Mumbai is worth it.
- Senior groups should add a rest night in Rishikesh before Yamunotri.
- Rail travellers: a Delhi stopover lets you rest before the 5-hour Haridwar leg.
- Pune is at around 560 m, so the jump to Kedarnath is large. Hydrate well and go slowly.
Pickup points and areas served
Start points
- Pune Airport
- Pune Junction
- Dehradun Airport pickup
Also serving
Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hinjewadi, Kharadi, Satara, Ahmednagar, Lonavala
Char Dham from Pune: FAQs
Is there a direct flight from Pune to Dehradun?
Direct flights depend on the airline's current schedule. If there is none, a one-stop via Delhi usually reaches Dehradun by afternoon.
How many days for Char Dham from Pune?
11–12 days door to door with flights. By train, add 2–3 days for the journey to Delhi and back.
Is Char Dham from Pune suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, with a flight-based plan, a rest night before the hills, and pony, palki or helicopter options for Kedarnath. Tell us about any medical conditions when you book.
Can I start the yatra from Mumbai instead?
Yes. Many Pune travellers drive to Mumbai for a direct Dehradun flight. The Uttarakhand part of the trip is the same either way.
Plan more from Pune
Char Dham Yatra from other West India cities
Send Us Your Query
Have questions about Char Dham Yatra from Pune? We're here to help you plan your spiritual journey.