The holy Char Dham Yatra in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand remains open for Darshan just for a very brief period of 6 months. As the snow melts away and gives way for the blissful spring season to shine through, the temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri open their gates for the devotees to arrive and complete the 4 Dham Yatra. Each year devout Hindu pilgrims from across the world make it a point to complete the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter or roadways to achieve moksha or the ultimate freedom.
Best Months to Visit Char Dhams
Chardhams remains closed during winter months (November to Early April) due to heavy snowfall. The peak pilgrimage months to visit the holy Chardhams are summer months (Mid-April to June) and autumn Months (September to October). Avoid Monsoon season (July-August) as the heavy rains, landslides and slippery roads might make travel unsafe for pilgrims.
Date Announcement Process of Char Dhams
Opening Date Announcement
- As a part of traditions, the opening dates are decided and announced by the head priest of the Char Dham Temples on the holy day of Basant Panchami.
- Each year on the holy eve of Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej the doors of all the Dham Temples of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri open their doors for the pilgrimage to begin.
Closing Date Announcement
- When it comes to the closing dates, they all close on different dates but on some holy days or the others like Bhai Dooj, Diwali and Vijayadashami.
- These opening and closing dates are fixed after reading the Hindu calendar or the Panchang and are declared to the devotees by the Char Dham Temple committee along with the Kedar Badri Mandir Samiti.
Note– Keep in mind that the doors of Char Dham open for Darshan for a very limited period so devotees should book their Char Dham Yatra Packages way beforehand.
Chardham Yatra Opening Closing Dates 2026
| Char Dham Temples Name | Opening Dates | Closing Dates |
| Badrinath Mandir | 24 April 2026 (Tentative) | 13 November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kedarnath Mandir | 22 April 2026 (Tentative) | 11 November 2026 (tentative) |
| Gangotri Mandir | Akshaya Tritiya, 19 April, 2026 | 10 November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Yamunotri Mandir | Akshaya Tritiya, 19 April, 2026 | 11 November 2026 (Tentative) |
Kedarnath Opening and Closing Dates
- Opening Date – 22 April 2026 (Tentative)
- Closing Date – 11 November 2026 (Tentative)
- The opening date of Kedarnath Dham is announced on the holy occasion of Maha Shivratri which is set to take place on 15 February 2026.
- It opens its doors on Akshaya Tritiya and shuts down for the season after Diwali on Bhai Dooj.
- The most secure, luxurious and easiest way of reaching Kedarnath Dham is via a helicopter package for Kedarnath.
Winter Home Of Lord Kedar – Once the doors of Kedarnath shuts down; the presiding deity of the temple is then transferred to his winter home in Ukhimath for the rest of the season. Pilgrims can continue to go there and offer their prayers to lord Kedar.
Badrinath Opening and Closing Dates
- Opening Date – 24 April 2026 (Tentative)
- Closing Date – 13 November 2026 (Tentative)
It is relatively easier to reach as compared to the other Dhams due to the availability of several roadways that increase easy connectivity between the temple and other nearby towns.
Winter Home Of Badri Vishal – As the snow envelopes the Badri Kshetra, the idol of Lord Badri is transferred to his winter home in Joshimath among great excitement and fun singing and dancing. During his stay at his winter home, pilgrims continued to visit and offer their prayers to the Lord.
Gangotri Opening and Closing Dates
- Opening Date – Akshaya Tritiya, 19 April, 2026
- Closing Date – 10 November 2026 (Tentative)
Remember that the nearest helipad for Gangotri is in Harsil and it takes almost an hour to reach the temple from the helipad by road.
Winter Home Of Gangotri – The nearby village of Mukhba is the winter abode of goddess Ganga of Gangotri Dham temple. Pilgrims looking for the blessings of Ganga Mata of the famous Char Dham Yatra can continue their pilgrimage by going to Mukhba during the winter months.
Yamunotri Opening and Closing Dates
- Opening Date – Akshaya Tritiya, 19 April, 2026
- Closing Date – 11 November 2026 (Tentative)
The trek up to Yamunotri is 8 kms long and starts from Janki Chatti. It is believed that taking a dip in the Yamuna River will rid you of your sins.
Winter Home of Yamunotri- The winter home of goddess Yamunotri is Kharsali located in Uttarkashi district at a small Shani Dev Temple. It is also known as Khushimath. Since the temple of Yamunotri is inaccessible in Winter due to heavy snowfall, pilgrims visit Kharsali at the Shani Dev Temple to get the divine blessings of Goddess Yamuna.
FAQ
Q1- Why are Chardhams of Uttarakhand Significant?
Ans: Chardhams are significant for Hindu devotees as it is considered the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India for spiritual salvation and attaining Moksha according to Hindu belief system. Devotees from all over India undertake a very difficult journey of Chardham for spiritual purification of soul and self-discovery.
Q2- Who can do Chardham Yatra?
Ans: There is no official age restriction for Chardham Darshan. Children below 5 years and senior citizens above 60 years must undertake a medical checkup before the journey.
Q3- What are the opening dates of Chardhams for 2026?
Ans: The opening dates for Chardham yatra 2026 are yet to be announced by temple committee and priests according to Hindu Panchang in festivals such as festivals such as Mahashivratri (Kedarnath), Basant Panchami (Badrinath), and Akshaya Tritiya (Yamunotri & Gangotri).
Q4- What are the closing Dates of Chardhams for 2026?
Ans: The closing dates for the portals of Chardhams for 2026 is yet to be announced by the Temple committee and Hindu priests according to Hindu Panchang in festivals like Hindu festivals such as Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Bhai Dooj, or Diwali.
Q5- How are the accommodation options in Chardhams?
Ans: To be honest, in Chardhams, don’t expect luxury accommodations as the sites are located in the High-altitude region of Himalayas where climate is very harsh. You may not get very high-end infrastructure but you will not be disappointed by the hotel arrangements of basic amenities and meals. Living in ashrams, Dharamshalas and even in tents would be a spiritually fulfilling experience.
Q6- What is the recommended route/order for Chardham Yatra?
Ans: The recommended route for Chardham yatra is -Haridwar/Rishikesh → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Haridwar/ Rishikesh are the major gateways to prepare for your Chardham journey.
Q7- How long is Chardham Yatra?
Ans: Generally, it will take 10-14 days to cover Chardham Yatra by road even at a slow pace. But if you have limited time., opt for Helicopter services for Chardham yatra.
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