One of the four religious Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand is the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The snow and the cold winters of the region ensure that the temple is not available throughout the year. It is typically open around the end of spring, in May, and closes at the beginning of November. 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.
Note: Some sources also suggest 12th May 2026 as a tentative opening date for Badrinath Temple. Additionally, 4th November is a predicted Badrinath closing date 2026.
Badrinath Kapat Opening Clsoing Dates 2026
| Opening Date | Closing Date |
| Yet to be declared | Yet to be declared |
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)
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
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.
How to Reach Badrinath Temple?
Reaching Badrinath Dham is pretty easy compared to other holy sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The journey doesn’t involve challenging treks, which attracts millions of travelers every year.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, is the closest airport, approximately 318km. The divine temple of Lord Badri can be easily accessed from there by taxi or bus.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to the pilgrimage is in Haridwar, which is about 300km away from Badrinath. From the railway station, pilgrims can either take a bus or a taxi to reach Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand.
By Road
Badrinath has motorable roads, which remain unaffected during the pilgrimage season. Tourists pass through places such as Joshimath, but the last part is frequently comprised of mountainous paths that are steep and curvy.
Helicopter Options
Helicopter flights operating between the nearby helipads cut the last part of the route. This makes the journey shorter and more comfortable. However, the availability of Char Dham Yatra helicopter services is based on weather and necessary permits.
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 4th May 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.
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