The Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful pilgrimages in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel to the holy Himalayan shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, located in the breathtaking mountains of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, holy rivers, and peaceful valleys, the Chardham Yatra is not just a religious journey—it is a deeply transformational spiritual experience.
For devotees planning their pilgrimage in advance, knowing the official opening and closing dates of Chardham Yatra 2026 is extremely important. These dates are announced according to the Hindu Panchang, astrological calculations, and prevailing weather conditions, as the shrines remain closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Planning your yatra with accurate information helps ensure a safe, smooth, and meaningful journey, especially in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. From senior citizens to first-time pilgrims, everyone benefits from proper planning.
In this guide, you will find the latest, most reliable, and up-to-date information on Chardham Yatra 2026, including expected opening dates, closing timelines, and essential details to help you prepare well in advance for this divine journey.
Stay with us as we bring you everything you need to know to plan your Chardham Yatra 2026 with confidence, devotion, and peace of mind.
Chardham Yatra 2026 Opening and Closing Dates
The Chardham Yatra 2026 is expected to begin in April and continue until November, before heavy snowfall forces the closure of the Himalayan shrines. Every year, the opening and closing of the four sacred temples—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—are decided based on Hindu calendar calculations, astrological traditions, and weather conditions in Uttarakhand.
Generally, the temples open between late April and early May and close between late October and mid-November. Below is the latest tentative opening and closing date schedule for Chardham Yatra 2026, which will help pilgrims plan their journey well in advance.
Tentative Chardham Yatra 2026 Temple Dates
| Chardham Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | April 19, 2026 | November 11, 2026 |
| Gangotri | April 19, 2026 | November 10, 2026 |
| Kedarnath | April 22, 2026 | November 11, 2026 |
| Badrinath | April 23, 2026 (6:15 AM) | November 13, 2026 |
Important Note for Pilgrims
Please note that these Chardham Yatra 2026 dates are tentative and may change slightly due to weather conditions, snowfall, or official announcements by the temple committees and Uttarakhand government. Pilgrims are strongly advised to reconfirm the final dates before booking travel, accommodation, or helicopter services.
Knowing the correct Chardham Yatra opening and closing dates not only helps in better planning but also ensures a safe and comfortable pilgrimage, especially for senior citizens and first-time visitors.
Stay connected for official updates as the final dates for Chardham Yatra 2026 are announced closer to the season.
Yamunotri Dham Yatra 2026: Opening & Closing Dates, Best Time to Visit
Yamunotri Dham marks the first and most sacred stop of the Chardham Yatra and is devoted to Goddess Yamuna, the revered river goddess. Nestled in the high Himalayan region of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, the temple sits at a high altitude and experiences extreme weather conditions. Due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, the Yamunotri Temple remains closed for nearly six months every year.
For devotees planning their pilgrimage, knowing the official Yamunotri Dham Yatra 2026 dates is essential for safe and smooth travel.
Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple Opening Date 2026 | April 19, 2026 |
| Yamunotri Temple Closing Date 2026 | November 11, 2026 |
Yamunotri Temple Opening Significance
The Yamunotri Temple traditionally opens on Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar, symbolizing prosperity, purity, and new beginnings. The opening ceremony attracts a large number of devotees who wish to begin their Chardham Yatra with the blessings of Goddess Yamuna.
The period from late April to early June offers pleasant weather, clear skies, and safer trekking conditions, making it the best time to visit Yamunotri Dham.
Yamunotri Temple Closing Ritual
The Yamunotri Temple closes on Bhai Dooj, which falls two days after Diwali. As winter approaches, special rituals are performed before closing the shrine. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is ceremonially shifted to Kharsali village, also known as Winter Seat of Yamunotri, where devotees continue worship throughout the winter months.
This age-old tradition ensures that daily prayers and religious practices continue even when the main temple becomes inaccessible due to snow.
Why Plan Yamunotri Yatra 2026 in Advance?
With the announcement of Yamunotri Yatra 2026 opening and closing dates, pilgrims can now plan their journey with confidence. Early planning helps in arranging travel, accommodation, registrations, and medical preparations, especially for senior citizens and families.
Starting your Chardham Yatra from Yamunotri is believed to bring spiritual purification and divine blessings, setting a sacred tone for the entire pilgrimage.
Gangotri Dham Yatra 2026: Opening & Closing Dates, Rituals, and Travel Insights
Gangotri Dham is the second sacred stop of the Chardham Yatra and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most revered river in Hinduism. Located in the serene Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is believed to be the place where River Ganga descended from heaven to earth. Devotees firmly believe that taking a holy dip in the Ganga here washes away sins and purifies the soul.
Due to its high-altitude location and extreme winter conditions, the Gangotri Temple remains closed for nearly half the year, making it essential for pilgrims to be aware of the official Gangotri Dham Yatra 2026 dates.
Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Gangotri Temple Opening Date 2026 | April 19, 2026 |
| Gangotri Temple Closing Date 2026 | November 10, 2026 |
Gangotri Temple Opening Ceremony
Like Yamunotri, the Gangotri Temple opens on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the Chardham Yatra season. The opening day is celebrated with special Vedic prayers, rituals, and a grand Ganga Aarti performed on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Thousands of pilgrims gather to witness this divine ceremony and seek the blessings of Goddess Ganga.
The months from late April to June are considered the best time to visit Gangotri, as the weather remains pleasant and travel conditions are favorable.
Gangotri Temple Closing Ritual
The Gangotri Temple closes around Diwali, as heavy snowfall begins to block roads and trekking routes. Before the shrine closes, a series of traditional rituals are performed. The idol of Goddess Ganga is ceremonially shifted to Mukhba village near Harsil, which serves as the winter seat of Gangotri Dham.
Devotees continue worshipping Goddess Ganga in Mukhba village throughout the winter months, ensuring that religious practices remain uninterrupted even when the main temple becomes inaccessible.
Important Travel Note for Pilgrims
After late October, the Gangotri region often experiences heavy snowfall, making travel difficult and unsafe. Pilgrims planning the Gangotri Dham Yatra 2026 are strongly advised to complete their visit well before the closing date and stay updated with official weather and temple announcements.
Visiting Gangotri Dham is believed to bring spiritual cleansing, inner peace, and divine blessings, making it a deeply meaningful part of the Chardham Yatra.
Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026: Opening & Closing Dates, Rituals, and Travel Guide
Kedarnath Dham is one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva and holds a special place among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Located deep in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple sits at a high altitude and is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Among all four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is considered the most physically challenging pilgrimage, requiring both spiritual devotion and physical preparation.
Due to extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall, the Kedarnath Temple remains open only for a limited period each year, making it essential for pilgrims to know the official Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026 dates in advance.
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026 | April 22, 2026 |
| Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2026 | November 11, 2026 |
Kedarnath Temple Opening Ceremony
The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is traditionally announced on Maha Shivratri, one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although the announcement is made earlier, the temple officially opens for devotees after Akshaya Tritiya.
Before the shrine opens, the sacred idol of Lord Kedarnath is brought from Ukhimath to Kedarnath in a grand and spiritual procession known as the Doli Yatra. This journey passes through villages like Guptkashi and Phata, and thousands of devotees gather along the route to seek blessings.
Kedarnath Temple Closing Ritual
The Kedarnath Temple remains accessible only until early November, as snowfall begins to block trekking routes and roads. The temple closes on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali, marking the end of the yatra season.
After the closing rituals, the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which becomes the winter seat of Kedarnath Dham. Devotees continue to offer prayers here throughout the winter months when Kedarnath remains completely snowbound.
Important Advice for Kedarnath Yatra 2026
Pilgrims planning the Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2026 should prepare well in advance, as the journey involves high-altitude trekking, unpredictable weather, and limited facilities. Completing the yatra before the closing date ensures safer travel and better weather conditions.
A visit to Kedarnath is believed to bring spiritual liberation, inner strength, and divine blessings, making it one of the most powerful experiences of the Chardham Yatra.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra 2026
Choosing the right time for Chardham Yatra 2026 plays a major role in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling journey. Since the four dhams—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—are located in the high Himalayan region, weather conditions directly affect accessibility and travel safety.
Based on climate, crowd levels, and road conditions, the following periods are considered the best time to plan Chardham Yatra 2026:
May to June – Ideal for First-Time Pilgrims
The months of May and June offer pleasant weather, clear roads, and full access to all temples. Snow begins to melt, making trekking routes safer, especially for Kedarnath Dham. This period is perfect for families, senior citizens, and first-time visitors.
September to Early October – Peaceful and Scenic
After the monsoon ends, September to early October is another excellent time for the Chardham Yatra. The weather remains stable, crowds are comparatively fewer, and the Himalayan landscape looks exceptionally beautiful after the rains. This period is ideal for devotees seeking a calmer and more peaceful pilgrimage experience.
Months to Avoid – July and August
The monsoon season (July to August) is generally not recommended for Chardham Yatra. Heavy rainfall often leads to landslides, roadblocks, and travel delays, increasing safety risks in mountainous areas.
Important Tips for Chardham Yatra Pilgrims 2026
Following a few essential tips can make your Chardham Yatra 2026 safe, smooth, and spiritually rewarding:
- Maintain good physical fitness, especially if you plan to trek to Kedarnath Dham
- Always carry warm clothes, even during summer, as temperatures drop sharply at night
- Book hotels, transport, and helicopter services early to avoid last-minute issues
- Respect local customs, temple rules, and environmental guidelines
- Regularly check official Chardham Yatra updates and weather alerts before traveling
Conclusion: Plan a Safe and Meaningful Chardham Yatra 2026
The Chardham Yatra 2026 offers a rare and powerful combination of deep devotion, breathtaking natural beauty, and spiritual awakening. Although the temples remain closed during winter due to extreme snowfall, worship continues at their respective winter seats, ensuring that the spiritual connection remains alive throughout the year.
With proper planning, awareness of temple opening and closing dates, and respect for the fragile Himalayan environment, pilgrims can experience a peaceful and fulfilling journey. Always verify the final dates and guidelines with official authorities before starting your Chardham Yatra.
A well-prepared yatra not only ensures safety but also allows you to truly absorb the divine energy and serenity of the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions on Chardham Yatra 2026 Dates
When will Chardham Yatra 2026 start?
Chardham Yatra 2026 is expected to start in April 2026, beginning with Yamunotri and Gangotri on Akshaya Tritiya.
What are the opening dates of Chardham temples in 2026?
The Chardham temples are likely to open between April 19 and April 23, 2026.
When will Yamunotri Temple open in 2026?
Yamunotri Temple is expected to open on 19 April 2026.
What is the opening date of Gangotri Temple 2026?
Gangotri Temple is likely to open on 19 April 2026.
When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2026?
Kedarnath Temple is expected to open on 22 April 2026.
When will Badrinath Temple open in 2026?
Badrinath Temple is expected to open on 23 April 2026.
What are the closing dates of Chardham Yatra 2026?
The Chardham temples are expected to close between 10 November and 13 November 2026.
When will Kedarnath Temple close in 2026?
Kedarnath Temple is expected to close in November 2026, around Bhai Dooj.
Which is the best month for Chardham Yatra 2026?
May, June, and September are considered the best months for Chardham Yatra due to stable weather.
Which months should be avoided for Chardham Yatra?
July and August are generally avoided because of heavy rainfall and landslide risks.
Are Chardham Yatra 2026 dates confirmed?
The dates are tentative and may change slightly based on weather and official announcements.
Why do Chardham temples close every year?
Chardham temples close due to heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and unsafe travel conditions during winter.
Is registration required for Chardham Yatra 2026?
Yes, official registration is mandatory for all pilgrims before starting the yatra.
Can senior citizens visit Chardham Yatra?
Yes, but senior citizens are advised to undergo health checks and plan the journey carefully.
Is Kedarnath accessible during winter?
No, Kedarnath remains closed and inaccessible during winter months due to snow.
