Table of Contents
What Is Char Dham Yatra?
The Char Dham Yatra refers to visiting four holy temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These shrines remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and reopen every year in summer after special Vedic rituals.
The traditional route of Char Dham Yatra
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
Completing this yatra is believed to wash away sins and lead the soul toward moksha (salvation).
Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates 2026 (Tentative)
Important Note: Official opening dates are announced by temple committees based on the Hindu Panchang and Akshaya Tritiya. Below dates are expected/tentative and may change.
| Temple | Opening Date |
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 (tentative) |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 (tentative) |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 (tentative) |
| Badrinath | 24 April 2026 (tentative) |
Also Read: Char Dham Yatra Registration Guide Step By Step guide
Yamunotri Temple Timing
| Morning Darshan Timing | 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break Timing | 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM |
Special Aarti Timings
- Morning Mangala Aarti: Around 5:30 AM (timing varies during festivals)
- Evening Sandhya Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Temple Opening and Closing Season
- The temple remains open from April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to October/November (Diwali). During the winter months, the idol is moved to Kharsali village for worship.
- To avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning is recommended. Let me know if you need travel tips or route details for the yatra.
Gangotri Temple Timing
| Morning Darshan Timing | 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break Timing | 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
Special Aarti Timings
- Morning Mangala Aarti: Around 5:30 AM
- Evening Sandhya Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Temple Opening and Closing Season
- During winter, the idol of Goddess Ganga is moved to Mukhba village, where devotees can continue worship.
- The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Bhai Dooj (October/November).
Kedarnath Temple Timing
| Morning Darshan Timing | 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break Timing | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Special Aarti Timings
- Morning Rudrabhishek Puja: 4:00 AM to 6:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
Temple Opening and Closing Season
- During winter, the idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues.
- The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Kartik Purnima (October/November).
Badrinath Temple Timing
| Morning Darshan Timing | 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break Timing | 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM |
Special Aarti Timings
- Morning Maha Abhishek Aarti: 4:30 AM
- Evening Geet Govind Aarti: 6:00 PM
Temple Opening and Closing Season
- During winter, the idol is moved to Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, where worship continues.
- The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Vijayadashami or Bhai Dooj (October/November).
Why Char Dham Temples Open Only for Limited Months
Char Dham temples are located at high altitudes where winters are extremely harsh. Heavy snowfall blocks roads and makes travel unsafe. Therefore:
Doors reopen with grand rituals, music, and Vedic chants
Temples remain closed from November to April
Idols are ceremonially shifted to winter seats
FAQ About Char Dham Opening Dates 2026
Are Char Dham Yatra 2026 opening dates confirmed?
No, dates mentioned are tentative. Official dates will be announced in early 2026.
Which dham opens first?
Yamunotri and Gangotri open first on Akshaya Tritiya.
How many days are required for Char Dham Yatra?
Typically 9–12 days, depending on route and travel mode.
