Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand
The best time to visit the sacred Char Dhams is hands down in May & June and September & October. Chardham weather is pleasant and ideal for temple tours during this time. The other seasons like monsoons and winters are not suitable for the sacred trip.
Seasonal Breakdown for Char Dham Yatra:
| Season | Months | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Monsoon | May–June |
Ideal weather (5–30°C) Snow melting, lush greenery Peak pilgrimage season with vibrant energy |
Crowded, higher prices Traffic jams, long temple queues Limited accommodation |
| Monsoon | July–August |
Uncrowded, less busy Quick darshan |
Heavy rains Landslides, road blockages |
| Post-Monsoon | Sept–Oct |
Clear skies, autumn beauty Moderate crowds |
Chilly nights (0–15°C) Temples close after Diwali |
| Winter | Nov–April | Heavy snowfall, routes are inaccessible. | Temples are closed |
Peak Season
Summer Season (May to June):
The summers mark an excellent time to embark on the Char Dham Yatra. You’ll be welcomed with sunny afternoons and valleys adorned with full-flower bloom! On average, the temperature will stay between 20°C and 35°C, giving you a pleasant, workable environment. Summers are overall beautiful in the mountains except for nights which can get quite cold. Carry warm clothes with you to deal with the chilly weather.
Off-Monsoon Season (September to October):
After the monsoon subsides, there lies another great season for undertaking a Char Dham trip. You’ll be greeted with lush green valleys and delightfully pleasant weather in the off-monsoon season. Expect clear blue skies with a soft cool breeze. The weather, however, can get a bit cold (might drop down to 10 °C), so pack woollen clothes.
Avoidable Season
Monsoon Season: (July to September)
The mountainous region in monsoons receives heavy rainfalls. While the temperatures stay in the bearable range (15°C – 25°C), the region gets marred with landslides, floods, and constant downpours. The roads get slippery and there are constant road blockages. It’s best if you avoid this season.
Winter Season: (November to March)
The winter season experiences extreme cold with temperatures plunging down to as low as – 15 °C. The unbearable chilly weather and the snow-clad valleys make the Char Dham Yatra impossible. Due to extreme cold, the shrines, too, get closed and are moved to their winter seats.
Opening and Closing Time of Chardham Yatra 2026
Due to the mountainous weather, Char Dhams stay open only for six months a year. The shrines open on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya which falls in April usually. And they are closed on or around Diwali, as winter approaches. Here’s a quick summary of the year 2026 schedule:
What to Avoid
- Monsoon (July–August): Due to Heavy rains cause landslides, roadblocks, and safety risks.
- Winter (November–April): Temples close due to heavy snowfall, and the idol of the deity has shifted to their winter home for 6 months, this 6 months deity worshiped in their winter home. The places are Kharshali (Yamunotri Temple), Mukhba( Gangotri Temple), Ukhimath Kedarnath Temple), and Joshimath ( Badrinath Temple)
- During these days pilgrims can visit char dham temple Idol in their winter home, Every Year Adi Guru Sankararcharay do Winter Chardham yatra – Some are Glimpse of their yatra through pictures
- Now the government has also taken initiative to promote Chardham yatra even our beloved Prime minister Naranedra Modi ji. Also visit Mukhba this year and promote Winter char dham Yatra. Some are a glimpse of their visit
Key Considerations
- Opening Dates: Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples open on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) every year and close on Bhaiya dooj the next day of Diwali (Oct/Nov). On Shivratri, temple committee annonce the day for Kedarnath temple opening and on Basant Panchami, temple committee announce the day for Badrinath temple opening
- Crowd: May–June is busiest and Peak Season ; September & October offers Peaceful visits.
- Health: Acclimatize to high altitudes, carry medications and layered clothing.
- Temperature: May & June – Pleasant days (10–30°C), cool nights (5–20°C).
September to October – Crisp days (10–15°C), chilly nights (0–5°C). - Smart TravelBook a Customized Package: with trusted travel agencies to design a stress free Chardham package covering accommodations, meals, transport, and rituals.
- Expert Guidance: Agencies handle Vehicle, Hotels, weather updates, and emergencies, letting you focus on spirituality.
Final Recommendation
- Ideal Months: May–June for warmer weather and cultural vibrancy, September–October for tranquility and lush scenery.
- Pro Tip: Opt for a well-curated package tailored to your family’s needs. Discuss preferences with your agency—helicopter rides, VIP access, or best stays!
Plan Ahead, Surrender to Faith
Plan ahead, book accommodations and hotels or Let your travel agency craft a blissful journey while you immerse in devotion. The Chardham Yatra isn’t just a trip—it’s a soulful ascent to the Himalayas.
