🛕 Chardham Yatra Opening and Closing Dates 2026

The Chardham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, undertaken in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The journey follows a traditional clockwise route, beginning at Yamunotri, moving on to Gangotri and Kedarnath, and finally concluding at Badrinath.

Every year, devotees eagerly wait for the announcement of the Chardham Yatra opening dates, as all four temples remain closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.

Chardham Yatra Opening Dates 2026

• • Yamunotri Temple – 19 April 2026

• • Gangotri Temple – 19 April 2026

• • Kedarnath Temple – 22 April 2026

• • Badrinath Temple – 24 April 2026

These dates officially mark the beginning of the Chardham Yatra season 2026.

Chardham Yatra Closing Dates 2026 (Tentative)

• • Yamunotri Temple – 11 November 2026

• • Gangotri Temple – 10 November 2026

• • Kedarnath Temple – 11 November 2026

• • Badrinath Temple – 13 November 2026

Closing dates are decided according to traditional rituals and weather conditions in the Himalayan region.

Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026

Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is regarded as the spiritual starting point of the Chardham Yatra. Nestled in the western Garhwal Himalayas, the temple remains inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall.

• • Opening Date: 19 April 2026

• • Closing Date: 11 November 2026

After the temple closes, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is ceremonially moved to the winter seat, where devotees continue worship during the colder months.

Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026

Gangotri Temple is revered as the spiritual origin of the holy River Ganga. Located at a high altitude, the temple opens for a limited period each year, allowing devotees to perform sacred rituals at this holy site.

• • Opening Date: 19 April 2026

• • Closing Date: 10 November 2026

During winter, Goddess Ganga is worshipped at her winter abode in Mukba village.

Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026

Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds immense religious importance. Surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks, Kedarnath remains open only for a few months each year due to extreme weather conditions.

• • Opening Date: 22 April 2026

• • Closing Date: 11 November 2026

Quick Update: The Kedarnath Temple opening date 2026 is expected to be around 22 April 2026 (Near Akshaya Tritiya). The official date will be announced by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) on Maha Shivratri (15 Feb 2026).

After closure, the sacred idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Ukhimath, where daily rituals continue throughout winter.

Kedarnath Opening Date: Kedarnath Dham is expected to open around 22 April 2026. For complete details about the official announcement, timings, and booking price, check our detailed guide on Kedarnath Opening & Closing Dates 2026.”

Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026

Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the final destination of the Chardham Yatra. Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple completes the sacred pilgrimage circuit.

• • Opening Date: 24 April 2026

• • Closing Date: 13 November 2026

With the closure of Badrinath Temple, the Chardham Yatra season officially comes to an end.

Chardham Temples Darshan & Aarti Timings

Darshan and aarti timings at Chardham temples follow a structured daily schedule. However, timings may change slightly depending on weather, crowd flow, and special religious occasions.

Chardham Temple Timings Table

Ground Report: Char Dham Yatra 2026 Preparation Update

Based on on-ground coordination and recent updates from key transit points across Uttarakhand, preliminary preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2026 are expected to begin from early March, subject to weather and snowfall conditions.

Road clearance work on routes leading to Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple usually starts once snowfall reduces. This includes highway snow removal, pedestrian route safety checks, and basic infrastructure readiness.

Following these preparations, the Char Dham Yatra registration system is activated, typically soon after the official opening dates are announced on religiously auspicious days. Pilgrims planning their journey around the Char Dham opening dates are advised to keep identity documents, photographs, and medical fitness certificates ready in advance, as registration slots tend to fill quickly once the portals go live.

Note: While the Char Dham Yatra officially begins in late April or early May, all groundwork and administrative preparations start from March every year to ensure a safe and well-managed pilgrimage season.

People Also Asked : 

What are the Char Dham Yatra opening dates for 2026?

The Char Dham Yatra 2026 begins on 19 April 2026 with Yamunotri and Gangotri temples. Kedarnath Temple opens on 22 April 2026, followed by Badrinath Temple on 24 April 2026, as per traditional announcements.

2. Which temple opens first during the Char Dham Yatra?

Yamunotri Temple opens first and marks the official start of the Char Dham Yatra. It usually opens on Akshaya Tritiya, along with Gangotri Temple, before Kedarnath and Badrinath temples open on later dates.

3. Do all Char Dham temples open on the same day?

No, all Char Dham temples do not open on the same day. Yamunotri and Gangotri generally open together, while Kedarnath and Badrinath open a few days later, based on religious rituals and temple committee decisions.

4. When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2026?

Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to open on 22 April 2026. The official announcement is traditionally made on Maha Shivratri, and the opening follows the completion of the Panchmukhi Doli Yatra and temple rituals.

5. When will Badrinath Temple open in 2026?

Badrinath Temple is expected to open on 24 April 2026, a few days after Kedarnath. The date is announced by the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee after consulting priests and Hindu Panchang calculations.

6. When will the Char Dham Yatra close in 2026?

The Char Dham temples are expected to close between 10 November and 13 November 2026, depending on individual temple rituals. Final closing dates are announced closer to the end of the yatra season.

7. Are Char Dham Yatra 2026 dates final or tentative?

The opening dates are considered final, as they are announced according to religious tradition and Panchang calculations. However, closing dates remain tentative and may change depending on weather and administrative conditions.

8. Is registration mandatory for Char Dham Yatra 2026?

Yes, registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Char Dham temples in 2026. Registration is done through the Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal or official app and usually opens soon after the dates are announced.

9. Is it safe to visit Char Dham during the opening week?

The opening week experiences heavy crowds, cold weather, and limited facilities, especially at Kedarnath and Yamunotri. While spiritually significant, many pilgrims prefer visiting 10–15 days after opening for better comfort and safety.

10. Where can pilgrims check official updates for Char Dham Yatra 2026?

Official updates regarding Char Dham Yatra 2026 are released by temple committees, Uttarakhand government portals, and local administration. Pilgrims should avoid unofficial sources and rely only on verified announcements.

Final Words

The Chardham Yatra opening dates 2026 clearly define the pilgrimage window for devotees visiting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. With temple-wise dates, detailed timings, and clear FAQs, this page serves as a complete and authoritative guide for Chardham Yatra 2026.