Char Dham Opening Dates for 2026
Char Dham Yatra is a holy visit to the four Dhams in the Uttarakhand – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. 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).
Char Dham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026
| Temple Name | Opened Dates 2026 | Closing Dates 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | 1 November 2026 |
| Gangotri Temple | 19 April 2026 | 1 November 2026 |
| Kedarnath Temple | 22 April 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
| Badrinath Temple | 24 April 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
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 November 1, 2026 (tentative).
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
Gangotri Opening and Closing Dates
Gangotri Dham will open for Char Dham Yatra on 19 April 2026. The auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya will mark the beginning to this Yatra. The temple will close for Darshan on November 1, 2026 (tentative).
Gangotri Daily Temple Timings
| Gangotri Temple | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 06:00 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:15 AM - 02:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM |
Note: The Gangotri Temple remains closed between 02:00 PM to 03:00 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 November 6, 2026 (tentative).
Kedarnath 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 Chardhams
The best time to visit Chardham is from late April to June as the weather remains sunny and comfortable. The snow melts away, giving way to lush green underneath.
Another great time to go on the Chardham Yatra is from September to October. The post-monsoon period is blessed with crystal blue skies and delightful weather.
Chardham 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
2. Monsoon (July - August) - Risky to Travel
- Heavy rainfall causes landslides and roadblocks
- Risk of flash floods, especially in Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Not recommended for elderly travelers
3. Autumn (September - October) - Best Time
- Cool weather (4°C to 18°C)
- Less crowds compared to May and June months
4. Winter (November - April) - Char Dham Closed
- 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.
