Char Dham Yatra 2026 – Complete Opening Dates, Temple Timings & Travel Guide
In India, the Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages. Four holy shrines are located in Uttarakhand, namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
All four Dhams have just released their scheduled opening dates for 2026 through their temple committees so that devotees can plan ahead for their spiritual journey.
With Shobha Travels, we want you to experience the Char Dham Yatra with safety, comfort, and spiritual well-being through our careful tour packages, transportation, and local support.
Char Dham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026
| Temple Name | Opening Date (2026) | Closing Date (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 Dham – Opening & Timings
On April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya), Yamunotri Temple will open; tentative close November 1, 2026.
Yamunotri Daily Temple Timings
| Ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 06:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 07:00 AM – 02:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 07:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 03:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
Note: The temple remains closed between 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM.
Gangotri Dham – Opening & Timings
Gangotri Temple will also open April 19, 2026, and will officially mark the commencement of Char Dham Yatra; approximate closing date November 1, 2026.
Gangotri Daily Temple Timings
| Ritual | 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: Temple remains closed from 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM.
Kedarnath Dham – Opening & Timings
Kedarnath Temple will open April 22, 2026; date announced during Maha Shivaratri; approximate closing date November 6, 2026.
Kedarnath Daily Temple Timings
| Ritual | 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: Temple is closed between 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM.
Badrinath Dham – Opening & Timings
Badrinath Dham will open April 24, 2026. Official closing date to be announced on Vijayadashami; approximate closing date November 6, 2026.
Badrinath Daily Temple Timings
| Ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 04:30 AM – 06:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 04:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
Note: Temple remains closed from 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra
The best times of year to complete the Char Dham Yatra are:
Late April to June (Ideal for 1st time Pilgrims): Great weather, great accessibility of roads.
Sep. – Oct: (Not as crowded, better scenic view than peak season after the Monsoon season.)
Season Travel Guide To Char Dham Yatra
- Summer – May/June: Best Season – 8C to 30C. Ease of road access, no snow, great trekking/sightseeing opportunities.
- Monsoon – July/Aug: Not Recommended – Heavy Rainfall & Landslides, Dangerously Bad Road Conditions, Not a destination for older pilgrims.
- Autumn – Sept./Oct: Best Time- 4 – 18 degrees Celsius. Clear skies with little traffic.
- Winter (Temples are closed) Nov-Apr): Temple inaccessible due to heavy snow. Deities are moved to winter shrines.
How To Prepare For Your Char Dham Yatra With Shobha Travels.
Planning and preparing for your trip is necessary to have a safe and smooth experience.
- Confirm opening and closing dates prior to booking
- Complete mandatory government registration prior to visiting
- Depending on the best weather conditions, you must choose either May/June or Sept/Oct
- Bring and take with you your personal medication and sufficient time for acclimatization (in the event of elevation)
- Book in advance for lodging and transport.
Shobha Travels offers customizable chardham yatra packages, including a reliable vehicle, verified hotels, and qualified drivers that will make the trip comfortable and worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who decides Char Dham opening & closing dates?
Temple committees and religious authorities decide the dates based on the Hindu calendar.
Q2. What is Akshaya Tritiya?
It is an auspicious Hindu festival that marks the opening of the Char Dham temples.
Q3. What rituals take place at Badrinath opening?
Special Abhishek, lamp lighting, and prayers are performed for Lord Vishnu.
Q4. Why do Char Dham dates change every year?
Dates depend on the Hindu lunar calendar, which changes annually.
Q5. Can Char Dham be visited in winter?
No, temples remain closed. However, devotees can visit winter seats:
Badrinath – Joshimath
Kedarnath – Ukhimath
Gangotri – Mukhba
Yamunotri – Kharsali
Final Summary
Official Dates For The Char Dham Yatra 2026
The Char Dham Yatra is a very spiritual experience in the majestic Himalayas and provides God’s blessings on your journey. To ensure you have a safe and rewarding trip, plan your pilgrimage around the official dates and seasonal weather conditions.
Shobha Travels presents carefully crafted Char Dham Yatra packages that cater to various price points, lengths of stay, and travel interests.