The Chardham Yatra — visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand — is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. Each year, due to harsh Himalayan winters, these temples remain closed for several months. The doors (kapat) reopen in spring and close again in autumn.
For 2026, devotees have clarity on the Yatra window and temple timing schedules, thanks to announcements by the temple committees and traditional panchang (Hindu calendar) calculations.
Below is everything you need to plan your spiritual journey — from opening and closing dates to practical travel tips, best seasons, and what to expect on the ground.
The Yatra doors traditionally open around Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious Hindu festival in April. This year too, that tradition continues:
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri Dham | 19 April 2026 |
| Gangotri Dham | 19 April 2026 |
| Kedarnath Dham | 22 April 2026 |
| Badrinath Dham | 23 April 2026 |
Yamunotri & Gangotri inaugurate the spiritual season together on Akshaya Tritiya — a day considered lucky for starting pilgrimages.
Kedarnath Temple’s opening is linked to ceremonies at its winter seat in Ukhimath, with the Doli (palanquin) carrying the deity arriving just before the kapat opens.
Badrinath Dham traditionally follows a day or two later.
On the ground experience:
Pilgrims often gather at Haridwar and Rishikesh a few days before these dates to avoid last-minute rushes at registration counters and at base camp sites. Early arrival also gives more flexibility to acclimatize to the mountainous roads.
Unlike opening dates (which are tied to specific festivals), closing dates can vary based on weather, accessibility and the Hindu calendar. Still, for 2026 there’s a typical seasonal pattern:
| Temple | Closing Date 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri Dham | 10–11 Nov 2026 |
| Gangotri Dham | 10–11 Nov 2026 |
| Kedarnath Dham | 11 Nov 2026 |
| Badrinath Dham | 13 Nov 2026 |
Yamunotri & Gangotri often close on or around Bhai Dooj/Govardhan Puja, soon after the post-Diwali period.
Kedarnath follows a similar pattern, closing as winter snow approaches.
Badrinath tends to remain open the longest, sometimes closing in mid-November.
⚠️ Important: These closing dates are tentative. The Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti and temple authorities officially confirm exact closing days closer to the time, based on weather predictions.
The Chardham temples are high up in the Himalayas.
Snowfall isolates these regions in winter (Nov–Apr).
Roads like Rishikesh–Yamunotri, Gangotri–Uttarkashi and Sonprayag–Kedarnath become treacherous as cold sets in.
That’s why pilgrimages are limited to 5–6 months annually.
Opening on Akshaya Tritiya isn’t just tradition — astrologically it’s believed to bless new beginnings. The temples’ winter idols are worshipped at their winter abodes (e.g., Ukhimath and Joshimath) until they return to their main shrines in April.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Late Apr – June | Pleasant climate, roads clear | Crowds peak |
| Sept – Oct | Post-monsoon clarity, beautiful landscapes | Weather starts cooling |
| Late Oct – Early Nov | Less crowded | Roads may begin closing |
Many seasoned devotees prefer early May to avoid crowds and ensure smooth darshan and transit.
Here’s a quick summary of common transit routes pilgrims use:
Yamunotri: Drive to Mussoorie → Barkot → Janki Chatti, trek ~6–7 km.
Gangotri: Similar route via Uttarkashi → Gangotri road.
Kedarnath: Drive to Sonprayag → Gaurikund, trek ~14 km or use ponies / porters.
Badrinath: Drive through Joshimath → Badrinath Road.
This clockwise route helps manage acclimatization and reduces road congestion at peak times.
The Uttarakhand Government has emphasized organized pilgrim registration — and in 2026 it may include nominal fees and offline counters to manage traffic and pilgrim numbers effectively.
Waiting till last minute to reach base towns (Haridwar/Rishikesh).
Underestimating road traffic, especially on Akshaya Tritiya week.
Not booking accommodations early in Kedarnath/Badrinath.
Ignoring weather updates — rain/landslides can delay treks.
Plan buffer days and stay flexible. Early morning starts often make a huge difference.
May–June: Green valleys, snow-capped peaks.
Sept–Oct: Clear skies after monsoon with stunning river gorges.
If you want Himalayan vistas and devotional serenity, September is often called the golden window.
Q. Are these opening & closing dates fixed?
Not exactly. Official dates are announced by the temple committees based on the Hindu calendar and Himalayan weather patterns.
Q. Can Badrinath close after Kedarnath?
Yes — Badrinath sometimes closes a few days later, given its lower altitude and better post-monsoon access.
Q. Should I do Char Dham Yatra independently or with a package?
Both work. For first-timers or senior citizens, packages ease logistics. Independent pilgrims can save money but must plan transport, lodging and trek timing carefully.
Chardham Yatra 2026 opens from 19 April for Yamunotri & Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath (22 Apr) and Badrinath (23 Apr).
Closing is typically early to mid-November depending on weather and calendar decisions.
Best travel windows are May–June and Sept–Oct.
Start planning early — accommodations, road permits, registration and local weather updates.
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