One of the four religious Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand is the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams (holy sites) of Vishnu followers. The snow and the cold winters of the region ensure that the temple is not available throughout the year. It remains open for six months and closes in winter. Nestled between Nar and Narayan ranges, the beauty of Badrinath Dham is a sight of pure bliss.
Why Opening and Closing Date of Badrinath Dham Matter?
It is essential to know the opening and closing dates of Badrinath Dham for safe pilgrimage experience in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Planning the pilgrimage without knowing about the appropriate weather, season and time challenges like extreme cold, road closures and lack of relevant services. Hence you need to know everything about opening and closing time of Badrinath Dham for safe and comfortable journey.
- Closing Season- Badrinath Dham is located in the high-altitude Himalayan region between the scenic Nar and Narayan Mountain ranges at an elevation of 10,279 feet. So, in winters, (October to Early November) the sacred site is inaccessible to the devotees due to heavy snowfall.
- Peak Pilgrimage Months It is typically open around the end of spring, in May. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee determines the exact date of opening and closing of the temple, in consultation with the priests.
- Winter Seat- The winter seat of Badrinath Temple is Narsimha Temple in Joshimath.
- What to Pack- It is advisable to pack warm clothes with layers, woolens, jackets to endure the cold temperatures of the high- altitude region. Also wear comfortable shoes for trekking. Also, carry medications like Diamox if you have altitude sickness and pain relievers, and rehydration salts.
Note: Some local sources also suggest 24 April 2026 as a tentative opening date for Badrinath Temple. Additionally, 13th November is a predicted Badrinath closing date 2026.
Badrinath Kapat Opening- Closing Dates 2026
| Opening Date | Closing Date |
| 24 April 2026 (Tentative) | 13 November 2026 (Tentative) |
Badrinath Temple Timings for 2026
Although the exact 2026 schedule has not been finalized, the timings might be similar to previous years and will be as follows:
| Activity | Timing |
| Morning Aarti | 04:30 AM – 06:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Midday / Break | 01:00 PM – 03:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan / Aarti | 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM
|
Note: These are the indicative ones and therefore can vary. Badrinath, in earlier years, had a midday opening and closing time.
Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The opening and closing of the Badrinath Temple are performed by locals and priests with full enthusiasm and joy.
Opening (Kapat-Udghatan) of Badrinath Dham
- A set of rituals is done before the temple is reopened. To begin with, there is the Tel Kalash Yatra, a journey parade with an oil container. After that, a ceremony of the Gadu Ghada is performed, followed by Vedic chanting.
- The inner sanctum doors (Kapat) are opened at an auspicious time (Muhurat), and the idols are installed by the head priest of the shrine. Mostly, the final declarations are made on Basant Panchami after taking into consideration the astrological calculations.
Closing (Kapat‑band) Ceremony Badrinath Dham
- Special rituals are done on the Badrinath temple closing day that typically falls on Vijayadashami or on the day near Bhai Dooj/Diwali. The doors to the temple are closed after the last aarti.
- The idol (Vigraha) is then transferred to its winter station- Joshimath at the Narasimha Temple or Pandukeshwar, where it is worshiped during the winter. An eternal presence is maintained by having a divine lamp (Jyoti) burning in the closed temple.
Why is Badrinath Temple is Closed in Winter?
Badrinath Dham is located in high-altitude Himalayan ranges. The temperature in that region drops down to subzero levels making the climate extremely harsh for pilgrimage experience. Moreover, due to heavy snowfall, the road to Badrinath is inaccessible for the devotees. The entire path will be covered with thick sheet of snow, making it impossible for the pilgrims to start Badrinath Yatra. Hence, The Badrinath Temple is closed in winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: When will Badrinath Temple open in 2026?
Ans- The doors of Badrinath Temple are expected to open at 6 am on 24 April 2026.
Q-2: When will the doors of Badrinath Temple close in 2026?
Ans- The final closing date will be decided near Vijayadashami / Diwali. For more updated information, you can visit https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/
Q-3: Who gives the final decision on the opening and closing dates of the pilgrimage?
Ans. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee and the priests of the temple decide the date by checking the best Muhurat by using the Hindu Panchang.
Q-4: How to reach Badrinath Temple from Haridwar/Rishikesh?
Ans- You can either select to travel by a bus or hire a private vehicle to add more comfort.
Q-5: Why is this revered pilgrimage closed during the winter months?
Ans- The high elevation (3133 meters above sea level) and the bone-chilling climatic conditions in the winter months make it difficult for travelers to reach here. Also, the entire area gets covered with a thick sheet of snow, resulting in road blockages.
Q-6: Where is the statue of the main deity kept when the temple is closed?
Ans- The idol is shifted to its winter abode in Joshimath (Narasimha / winter seat) or Pandukeshwar for almost 6 months.
Q-7: What is the best way to reach Badrinath Dham if traveling with senior citizens?
Ans- As stated above, Badrinath can be accessed easily by travelers of any age. However, if your parents or other group members are unable to walk, then they should opt for helicopter packages for the Badrinath Dham Yatra.
Call
WhatsApp
Enquiry