Opening and Closing Dates of Char Dham Temples
Planning a Char Dham Yatra 2026 begins with knowing when the temples open and close. For Indian pilgrims, these dates shape itineraries, travel bookings, and the spiritual rhythm of the journey. This guide compiles traditional opening and closing patterns for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, explains what affects the dates, and gives practical tips for a safe and spiritually fulfilling yatra.
Why opening and closing dates change
The Char Dham temples are high-altitude and weather-sensitive. Traditionally, priests, local administration, and temple trusts set opening and closing dates based on:
- Snowmelt and safe road access
- Monsoon conditions and landslide risk
- Availability of priestly rituals and volunteer staff
- Local administrative orders and seasonal pilgrim management
While a pattern exists (see the typical month ranges below), exact official dates for 2026 are announced by temple authorities and Uttarakhand administration closer to the season. Keep internal links handy for booking and packages: Char Dham packages or browse destinations for logistics.
Typical opening and closing windows
Below are the commonly observed windows for each shrine. These are patterns based on past years and local practice; always verify official announcements before travel.
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Yamunotri
Typical opening: Late April to early May. Typical closing: October to November.
Yamunotri road access depends on snow clearance on mountain passes. Pilgrims often combine Yamunotri with Gangotri as the first phase of Char Dham.
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Gangotri
Typical opening: Early to mid May. Typical closing: October to November.
Gangotri remains accessible once road clearing to Uttarkashi and Gangotri Gomukh routes are confirmed. High-altitude weather is the deciding factor.
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Kedarnath
Typical opening: Late April to early May. Typical closing: November (varies with snowfall).
Kedarnath is unique because it sits at high altitude with short operating months. The trek or helicopter schedules are linked to the temple window.
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Badrinath
Typical opening: May (around Akshay Tritiya or later). Typical closing: October to November (Diwali season often marks closure).
Badrinath has better road access but still follows the seasonal cycle; the shrine timing aligns with accessible pilgrimage windows.
Key dates to watch for 2026 planning
- Akshay Tritiya (May) — often used as a reference for Badrinath opening in many years.
- Summer clearance (April–May) — when roads and passes are cleared after winter.
- Diwali / Kartik month (Oct–Nov) — temples often close around this window due to snowfall risk.
How to check official 2026 dates
Official announcements come from temple committees and Uttarakhand tourism. Trusted sources:
- Uttarakhand Tourism
- Badrinath-Kedarnath Shrine Board
- Authorized tour operators and local temples (book through trustworthy packages).
Step-by-step planning checklist for Char Dham Yatra 2026
- Confirm official opening dates: Check shrine board websites and local news 4–8 weeks before travel.
- Book transport: Reserve trains or flights early; IRCTC releases reservation windows — see IRCTC services.
- Arrange permits: Some routes or helicopter services require advance permits or online registration.
- Pack for high-altitude weather: Layered clothing, sturdy boots, and first-aid essentials.
- Keep contingency days: Allow buffer for landslides or weather delays.
Permits, registration and helicopter options
For Kedarnath and some remote transfers, helicopter services operate from nearby hubs. Helicopter bookings open with temple announcements and early booking is advised. Check the shrine board and IRCTC helicopter bookings where applicable. For many pilgrims, a mix of road, trek, and helicopter yields the best balance between devotion and comfort.
Weather guide and safety
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Key safety tips:
- Travel in daylight on mountain roads.
- Avoid travel during heavy monsoon or forecasted snowfall.
- Carry altitude sickness medication and hydrate.
Sample 10-day itinerary (road + helicopter hybrid)
- Day 1: Arrive Haridwar/Rishikesh — local aarti and rest.
- Day 2: Haridwar to Barkot/Phata — drive and acclimatize.
- Day 3: Yamunotri darshan and return to Barkot.
- Day 4: Barkot to Uttarkashi/Gangotri base.
- Day 5: Gangotri darshan and overnight in Uttarkashi.
- Day 6: Drive toward Rudraprayag — transit day.
- Day 7: Kedarnath (helicopter or trek) — darshan and return to Gaurikund/Phata.
- Day 8: Drive to Joshimath/Badrinath base.
- Day 9: Badrinath darshan and stay.
- Day 10: Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh and depart.
Distance and travel chart (approximate road km)
- Haridwar to Barkot: 200 km
- Barkot to Yamunotri: 40 km (last stretch on mountain road)
- Haridwar to Uttarkashi: 150 km
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund (Kedarnath base): 85 km
- Joshimath to Badrinath: 45 km
Estimated cost guide
Costs vary by travel style:
- Budget road trip: INR 12,000–25,000 per person (shared transport, guesthouses)
- Comfort tour: INR 30,000–60,000 per person (private car, mid-range hotels)
- Helicopter / premium: INR 50,000+ per leg depending on season and demand
FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Char Dham temples open in 2026?
Official opening dates for 2026 are announced by the shrine boards and Uttarakhand administration. Historically, temples open between April and May. Confirm final dates with Uttarakhand Tourism and the Badrinath-Kedarnath Shrine Board.
Can I plan travel before the official opening?
It is risky. Roads may still be closed due to snow. Book refundable tickets and keep buffer days if you plan early travel.
Are permits required?
Some remote or helicopter transfers require permits or online registration. Check local authority portals and authorized tour operators.
What is the best month to travel?
May to September (avoid heavy monsoon periods and late October when snowfall begins). For Kedarnath, plan for summer months when helicopter and trek options are available.
Where can I find official updates?
Watch Uttarakhand Tourism and Badrinath-Kedarnath Shrine Board announcements. For package support, see tour packages.
Conclusion
Opening and closing dates govern the rhythm of the Char Dham Yatra. For 2026, plan around typical windows — spring openings and autumn closures — but treat official announcements as final. Keep flexible bookings, prioritize safety, and allow space for the pilgrimage to unfold slowly and meaningfully. May your Char Dham Yatra 2026 be safe, blessed, and spiritually transformative.
