Chardham Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2026
The opening dates for the Char Dham Yatra of 2026 were announced by the temple committee of Char Dham. Given below are the dates that will mark the opening of the Char Dham portals (Doors/Kapat) and when the idol will be transferred from their winter homes to the main temple.
Char Dham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026
| Temple Name | Opened Dates 2026 | Closing Dates 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | Will Update Soon |
| Gangotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | Will Update Soon |
| Kedarnath Temple | 22 April 2026 | Will Update Soon |
| Badrinath Temple | 24 April 2026 | Will Update Soon |
Yamunotri Opening and Closing Dates
The Yamunotri Temple will open on April 19, 2026, for the Char Dham Yatra. Every year, the temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya. Yamunotri Dham will close for pilgrims on October 23, 2026 (tentative), the day of Bhai Dooj.
Yamunotri Daily Temple Timings
| Yamunotri Temple | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 06:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 07:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Note: The Temple in Gangotri is not open between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Kedarnath Opening and Closing Dates
The Kedarnath temple will open on April 22, 2026. The date is announced on Maha Shivratri. The temple closes for the winter season on October 23, 2026 (tentative), the day of Bhai Dooj.
Daily Temple Timings
| Kedarnath Temple | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
Note: The Kedarnath temple is closed from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every day
Badrinath Opening and Closing Dates
Badrinath Dham opens for Char Dham on April 24 2026. The closing date will be announced on Vijayadashami, and the tentative closing date is November 6, 2026.
Badrinath Daily Temple Timings
| Badrinath Temple | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 04:30 AM – 06:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 07:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
Note: The Badrinath temple stays closed between 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM every day.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chardham is from April to June as the weather remains sunny and comfortable. The snow melts away in small rivulets unveiling the lush green underneath. The mountains muffled in white clouds, whispering cedars, blooming flowers, crystal blue sky, dancing rivers together make a picture-perfect mountainscape.
The journey continues- the journey from ignorance to Enlightenment, from Death to Immortality.
Season-Wise Guide:
1. Summer (May – June) – Best Time- Best weather (8°C to 30°C)
- Snow starts melting, making travel easier
- Good for trekking and sightseeing
- Heavy rainfall causes landslides and roadblocks
- Risk of flash floods, especially in Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Not recommended for elderly travelers
- Cool weather (4°C to 18°C)
- Less crowds compared to May and June months
- Heavy snowfall closes temples and roads
- Deities are shifted to winter homes
Planning Your Chardham Yatra
These are some tips to help you plan your Chardham Yatra :
- Check the Dates: Confirm the opening and closing dates before planning your Chardham Yatra.
- Weather Conditions: The best time to visit is between May and June or September and October when the weather is pleasant.
- Registration: Ensure you complete the mandatory registration for the Chardham Yatra.
- Health Precautions: Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness, and carry necessary medications.
- Travel Arrangements: Book your hotels and car well in advance, as the Yatra attracts a large number of devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Who decides the opening and closing dates for the Chardham Yatra each year?
Ans: The temple committees and local authorities decide the opening and closing dates of the Char Dham Yatra. These dates are chosen according to the religious calendar and special festivals.
Q-2: What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Ans: The festival of Akshaya Tritiya celebrates the opening of the four Dham temples.
Q-3: What special rituals are performed at the opening of Badrinath?
Ans: When Badrinath opens, priests do a special ceremony called “Abhishek” to purify the temple. They also pray, light lamps and decorate Lord Vishnu’s idol.
Q-4: Why do the dates for Char Dham Yatra change every year?
Ans: Dates change every year because they follow the Hindu lunar calendar, so some festivals happen on different days each time.
Q-5: Can I visit Chardham temples during winter time?
Ans: No, the temples remain closed during winter due to extreme weather conditions. The Yatra season typically runs from May to October/November. But you can visit their winter homes: Badrinath’s idol is worshipped in Joshimath, Kedarnath in Ukhimath, Gangotri in Mukhba, and Yamunotri in Kharsali.
Summary
The Chardham Yatra is a divine journey that offers spiritual solace and a chance to connect with natures grandeur. By planning your Chardham Yatra according to the opening and closing dates, you can ensure a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. We have showcased our best and regular package for Chardham Yatra below from where you can choose as days, budget and temples. For more information or assistance with bookings, feel free to contact us.
