Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening Dates – Temple Timings & Schedule
- Epic Yatra
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, generally begins with temple openings in late April or early May each year. Every year, lakhs of people come to worship at this site. The Char Dham Yatra 2026 opening dates are set: Yamunotri and Gangotri will open on April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya), Kedarnath around April 21, and Badrinath on April 28. This is what the Royal Tehri said.
Epic Yatra makes sure that your trip goes smoothly by keeping you up to date on plans, helping you register for the Chardham Yatra, and taking care of all of your travel needs.
Char Dham Temple Opening Date 2026
Yamunotri – April 19, 2026 (Sunday) – Akshaya Tritiya
Gangotri – April 19, 2026 (Sunday) – Akshaya Tritiya
Kedarnath – Around April 21, 2026 (Monday, estimated)
Badrinath – Date announced separately by Royal Tehri Palace
Please note, these dates are tentative. Final official announcements are made closer to the Yatra season after consultations with priests and astrologers. The Char Dham and Do Dham temples typically close around October or November before winter sets in.
Char Dham Temple Closing Date 2026
The Char Dham temples—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—generally close for the winter between mid-October and mid-November 2026. The exact closing dates are determined according to Hindu religious rituals, the Panchang (Hindu calendar), and local weather conditions in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude Himalayan regions.
Yamunotri & Gangotri: Usually close on the day of Bhai Dooj or soon after, depending on priest consultations.
Kedarnath: Closes on Kartik Purnima after special prayers, with the idol of Lord Shiva carried to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, for winter worship.
Badrinath: Closes on Vikram Samvat Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha, after the royal Tehri family’s final rituals, with the idol moved to Nar Singh Temple, Joshimath, for the winter.
During the closure period, heavy snowfall makes the routes inaccessible, and all temple activities shift to their respective winter seats.
Epic Yatra ensures pilgrims receive accurate updates on official closing dates well in advance so they can plan their darshan before the season ends. Our team also organises special last-darshan packages for devotees who wish to visit during the closing ceremonies, which are considered highly auspicious.
Char Dham Temple Timings
1. Yamunotri
Morning: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2. Gangotri
Morning: 6:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
3. Kedarnath
Morning: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Afternoon: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
4. Badrinath
Morning: 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Temple Visit Schedule
1. Morning Darshan—Ideal for fewer crowds, cooler weather, and peaceful spiritual time.
2. Afternoon Visits—Perfect for relaxed temple exploration and nearby sightseeing.
Epic Yatra customises itineraries so pilgrims can enjoy optimal temple visit timings while covering nearby holy sites without rush.
Planning Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2026
1. Follow the Clockwise Route: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.
2. Best Months: May–June (pleasant weather) or September–October (post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds).
3. Avoid the July–August monsoon period due to landslide risks.
4. Accommodation: Book in advance, especially for peak season.
5. Registration: Mandatory for all pilgrims—can be done online or at government counters.
6. Travel Options: Road transport (bus/taxi/private vehicle) or helicopter services for faster access.
Best Time to Book Char Dham Yatra Package 2026
To secure your preferred travel dates and accommodation, book your package during May–June or September–October. Epic Yatra offers early booking discounts, luxury Char Dham 2026 and Budget Packages 2026, and complete on-ground support.
Why Choose Epic Yatra for Char Dham Yatra 2026?
1. 11+ years of successfully organising Char Dham pilgrimages.
2. Well-planned itineraries with accurate opening/closing updates.
3. Trusted by thousands of satisfied pilgrims.
4. Transparent pricing, certified guides, and 24x7 support.
Book your Char Dham Yatra Package 2026 with Epic Yatra and embark on a journey of devotion, peace, and spiritual awakening.
Frequently Asked Questions – Char Dham Yatra 2026
Q1. When does the Char Dham Yatra 2026 start?
The Char Dham Yatra in 2026 is expected to start on April 19, 2026, with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath will likely open around April 21, 2026, while Badrinath’s opening date will be announced separately by the Royal Tehri Palace. (Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Department).
Q2. When will the Char Dham Yatra 2026 end?
The temples usually close between mid-October and mid-November each year, before heavy snowfall begins. The exact 2026 closing dates will be announced towards the end of the Yatra season.
Q3. Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra 2026?
Yes, registration is compulsory for all pilgrims, whether travelling by road or helicopter. Epic Yatra provides free assistance with registration to ensure you meet all official requirements without hassle.
Q4. What are the daily darshan timings for Char Dham temples?
1. Yamunotri: 6:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM
2. Gangotri: 6:15 AM–2:00 PM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM
3. Kedarnath: 4:00 AM–3:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
4. Badrinath: 4:30 AM–1:00 PM, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
Q5. Which route should I follow for Char Dham Yatra?
Traditionally, the Yatra follows a clockwise route: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Epic Yatra designs itineraries that respect this sequence while maximising comfort and efficiency.
Q6. What is the best time to book a Char Dham Yatra 2026 package?
The best booking windows are May–June and September–October. Epic Yatra offers early booking Chardham Yatra deals and priority hotel allocations for these peak travel months.
Q7. How can I get real-time weather updates for Char Dham Yatra?
You can check official forecasts on the IMD Uttarakhand Weather Portal. Epic Yatra also provides daily weather alerts to its registered travellers.
Q8. Why choose Epic Yatra for Char Dham Yatra 2026?
Epic Yatra offers accurate date updates, reliable transport, experienced guides, priority temple darshan, and 24x7 support. Our packages combine spiritual fulfilment with safe, comfortable travel arrangements.
Q9. Can older citizens or disabled pilgrims undertake the Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, but careful planning is essential. Epic Yatra provides customised travel assistance, including helicopter services, pony/palanquin arrangements, and medical support for older people or disabled pilgrims.
Q10. How do I book my Char Dham Yatra 2026 package?
You can visit the Epic Yatra Official Website or call +91-8510003060 to reserve your package. Our travel experts will guide you through date selection, itinerary planning, registration, and payment.
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