The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel to the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand to seek blessings at four divine shrines:
- Yamunotri Temple
- Gangotri Temple
- Kedarnath Temple
- Badrinath Temple
If you are planning your pilgrimage, this detailed guide covers Char Dham Opening Date 2026, Closing Date 2026, temple-wise schedule, best time to visit, and travel tips.
📅 Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening Date (Temple-Wise)
The Char Dham temples open every year around April–May after winter closure. Based on announced schedules:
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 |
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 |
Yamunotri Opening Date 2026
The first temple of the Yatra, Yamunotri Dham, opens on 19 April 2026 on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
Gangotri Opening Date 2026
Gangotri Temple also opens on 19 April 2026, marking the spiritual beginning of the Himalayan pilgrimage.
Kedarnath Opening Date 2026
Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, will open on 22 April 2026 after a grand ceremonial procession.
Badrinath Opening Date 2026
Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, opens on 23 April 2026.
📌 Char Dham Closing Date 2026 (Tentative)
The temples close during October–November due to heavy snowfall.
| Temple | Tentative Closing Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 11 November 2026 |
| Gangotri | 10 November 2026 |
| Kedarnath | 11 November 2026 |
| Badrinath | 13 November 2026 |
⚠️ Note: Closing dates are generally announced around Dussehra/Diwali and depend on weather conditions.
🛕 About the Four Char Dham Temples
1️⃣ Yamunotri Dham
Located in Uttarkashi district at high altitude, Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The trek to the temple offers scenic Himalayan beauty and hot water springs.
2️⃣ Gangotri Dham
Situated at 3,100 meters, Gangotri Temple honors Goddess Ganga. The Bhagirathi River originates nearby at Gaumukh Glacier.
3️⃣ Kedarnath Dham
Nestled at 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath Temple is surrounded by snow-covered peaks. It is one of the holiest Shiva temples in India.
4️⃣ Badrinath Dham
Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River at 3,133 meters, Badrinath Temple is part of both Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuits.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Char Dham 2026
✅ May – June (Peak Season)
- Pleasant weather
- Ideal for family pilgrimage
- High rush, advance booking required
⚠️ July – August (Monsoon)
- Heavy rainfall
- Landslide risks
- Travel disruptions possible
✅ September – October (Best Recommended)
- Clear skies
- Less crowd
- Comfortable temperature
🚁 Char Dham Yatra Packages 2026
You can choose from:
- Standard Char Dham Yatra Package
- Deluxe / Luxury Package
- Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter
- Kedarnath Helicopter Package
- Do Dham (Kedarnath & Badrinath) Package
Advance booking is highly recommended for 2026 as accommodation and helicopter slots get sold out quickly.
🧭 Travel Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2026
- Carry warm clothes even in summer
- Book hotels in advance
- Start early morning for temple darshan
- Register for Yatra (mandatory)
- Keep ID proof handy
- Check weather updates regularly
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Char Dham Yatra 2026 start?
The Yatra begins from 19 April 2026, starting with Yamunotri and Gangotri temples.
When will Kedarnath open in 2026?
Kedarnath Temple will open on 22 April 2026.
What is the closing date of Badrinath in 2026?
Badrinath Temple is expected to close around 13 November 2026.
How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra?
Typically, 10–12 days are required by road. Helicopter packages can complete it in 4–5 days.
🕉️ Final Words
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is not just a pilgrimage — it is a divine journey through the majestic Himalayas that combines spirituality, devotion, and breathtaking natural beauty. Planning your trip according to the official opening and closing dates ensures a smooth and fulfilling experience.
If you are planning your spiritual journey, book early and prepare in advance for a comfortable and blessed pilgrimage.
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