The Yamunotri Temple in Uttarakhand is one of the prominent temples among the Chardhams (Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham). Situated at an elevation of 3293 meters, the journey to the sacred site of Yamunotri is very challenging. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the sister of Yamraj (God of Death). The Yamuna is the second largest and the holiest river in India. To the north of Yamunotri Dham, lies Bandarpunch Parvat in the Lower Himalayas. Near this majestic mountain lies Yamunotri Glacier, which is the source of the Yamuna River.
This blog is a guide to knowing about the important opening and closing dates of the portal of Yamunotri Dham for 2026. Book your pilgrimage tour in advance to enjoy the divine Darshan of goddess Yamuna in peak pilgrimage season.
Yamunotri Dham Temple Information
| Temple | Details |
| Yamunotri Dham Location | Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand |
| Prominent River | Yamuna River |
| Historical Name | Jamnotri |
| Elevation | 3293 mts |
| Part | Part of Chardham Circuit |
| Best Time to Visit | May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Nearest Train Station | Dehradun Station, 186 kms |
| Trek Route | 6 km trek from Jankichatti |
| Official Online Registration Portal | Uttarakhand Gov |
| Yamunotri Dham nearby attractions | Surya Kund, Jankichatti, Kharsali, Shani Dev Temple, Saptrishi Kund, Divya Shila and Hanuman Chatti. |
Opening and Closing Dates of the Portal of Yamunotri Dham 2026
| Yamunotri Dham Opening Date | Yamunotri Dham Closing Date |
| Tentative April 19th, 2026 | November 11th, 2026 |
Yamunotri Temple Aarti Timings
| Yamunotri Temple Timings | Details |
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM (5:30 AM Sundays) |
| Mangal Aarti | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM |
| Shayan Aarti | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Closing Time | 8:00 PM (8:30 PM Sundays) |
- Announcement of the opening date of Yamunotri Dham: The announcement of the opening of the portals of the sacred Yamunotri is made by the Chardham Temple Committee after checking Panchang and astrological combinations.
- Yamunotri Dham opens on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and closes its portal after Diwali on Bhai Dooj.
Peak Pilgrimage Season for Yamunotri Darshan
- The best time to plan Yamunotri pilgrimage tour is in the months of April, May, June, September, and October. These are the peak pilgrimage months for a hassle-free pilgrimage experience in the high-altitude mountain region.
- Avoid monsoons (July to August) for the Yamunotri tour. You will experience heavy rainfall, landslides, and slippery roads, which will make your trek very challenging and dangerous.
- Yamunotri Dham is closed for six months in winter (November to early April) due to heavy snowfall. The temperature goes down to sub-zero levels. During that time, a thick blanket of snow covers the entire landscape of Yamunotri Dham, rendering the path inaccessible for the devotees.
Kapat Opening Ceremony of Yamunotri Dham
The Kapat opening ceremony of Yamunotri Dham is the most awaited ritual for Hindu devotees. It is considered very lucky if any devotee gets a chance to witness the Kapat opening ceremony of Yamunotri Temple. The Kapat opens during Mangala Aarti for the devotees in the early hours. The priests chant mantras and install the Yamunotri Idol. The Aarti takes place with Vedic chants and rituals to honor the goddess, Yamuna. Devotees take a holy dip at Janki Kund, located near the temple, and receive Prasad (sacred offering); the event also marks the starting of the pilgrimage season.
Kapat Closing Ceremony of Yamunotri Dham
The Kapat closing ceremony of the sacred Yamunotri Temple is also known as the Kapat Band ceremony. It occurs on the festival of Bhai Dooj, which falls a day or two after Diwali, the festival of lights. This ritual also marks the end of the pilgrimage season. Priests chant Vedic mantras and do the final Aarti worship to honor Goddess Yamuna before closing the doors for the next six months in the winter due to heavy snowfall.
Winter Seat of Yamunotri Dham
The winter home of goddess Yamunotri is Kharsali, located in the Uttarkashi district at a small Shani Dev Temple. Due to heavy snowfall and harsh temperature, the idol of Yamuna is shifted to Kharsali to maintain the continuity of worship even in winters. Pilgrims visit Kharsali at the Shani Dev Temple to receive the divine blessings of Goddess Yamuna.
FAQ
Q-1: Why is it important to know the opening and closing time of Yamunotri Temple?
Ans: If you know the opening and closing time of the Yamunotri temple, you will be able to plan your pilgrimage journey during the operation period of the temple and avoid visiting it in the off-season or winter months.
Q-2: When will the portal of Yamunotri Dham open in 2026?
Ans: The Yamunotri Dham Temple portals will open on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, which will be celebrated on April 19th, 2026.
Q-3: When will the portal of Yamunotri Dham close in 2026?
Ans: The Yamunotri Dham Temple portals will close on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, which will be celebrated on Nov 11th, 2026.
Q-4: How to plan the Yamunotri Dham pilgrimage Yatra?
Ans: Contact us through our WhatsApp number or check our website, Namaste India Trip, to book a safe Chardham Yatra or Yamunotri Dham Yatra at the best price. If you prebook your journey with us 5 months in advance, you will get an INR 5000 discount.
Q-5: Who can do the Yamunotri Dham Yatra?
Ans: There is no official age restriction for Yamunotri Dham Darshan. Children below 5 years and senior citizens above 60 years must undertake a medical checkup before the journey. You need to be physically fit to start Yamunotri Yatra. If you have mobility issues or age-related issues, then you can also opt for Chardham Helicopter Services.
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