Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates – Temple-wise Start & Closing Schedule

The Char Dham Yatra opening dates mark the official beginning of the annual pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand, when the Himalayan routes become accessible after winter. These dates are determined based on traditional Hindu calendars, temple rituals, and safety assessments, and they signal the start of pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees across India and abroad.

Knowing the correct chardham opening date helps pilgrims plan travel routes, accommodation, transport bookings, and mandatory registrations in advance. Pilgrims planning the full pilgrimage circuit can explore the complete journey structure in the detailed Char Dham Yatra guide before finalising their travel plans.

When Does Char Dham Yatra Start?

The Char Dham Yatra generally begins in late April or early May each year, depending on weather conditions and religious calculations. Each shrine opens on a separate date, announced officially by the respective temple committees and Uttarakhand authorities.

Since road access, helicopter operations, and registration systems become active only after official temple openings, understanding the Char Dham Yatra opening dates is crucial for smooth travel planning. Pilgrims considering air travel options should also align their dates with the availability mentioned in the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter guide.

Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates 2026 (Temple-wise Tentative Schedule)

Yamunotri Temple Opening Date

Yamunotri is traditionally the first temple to open, marking the official start of the Char Dham Yatra season. The opening date is announced on Akshaya Tritiya. The tentative opening date for Yamunotri Dham in 2026 is 19th April, 2026.

Gangotri Temple Opening Date

Gangotri usually opens on the same day as Yamunotri with early morning rituals and Vedic ceremonies. The tentative opening date for Gangotri Dham in 2026 is 19th April, 2026.

Kedarnath Temple Opening Date

Kedarnath Dham opens a few days after Yamunotri and Gangotri due to its higher altitude and weather sensitivity. The tentative opening date for Kedarnath Temple in 2026 is 22nd April, 2026. Pilgrims planning Kedarnath darshan can also refer to the detailed Kedarnath Yatra guide for route planning and travel preparation.

Badrinath Temple Opening Date

Badrinath Dham is generally the last of the four shrines to open for the season. The opening ceremony is grand and attended by thousands of devotees. The tentative opening date for Badrinath Dham in 2026 is 24th April, 2026.

Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates – Tentative Table (2026)

Note: Final opening dates are announced officially by temple authorities closer to the yatra season. Pilgrims are advised to verify dates before making irreversible bookings.

Char Dham Yatra Closing Dates (Tentative 2026)

The Char Dham temples usually close for winter around October or early November, typically after Diwali. Closing dates vary annually depending on weather conditions and religious rituals.

Understanding the closing schedule helps pilgrims avoid last-minute travel disruptions, especially those planning late-season visits or helicopter-assisted journeys explained in the Char Dham Yatra by helicopter guide.

Best Time to Plan Char Dham Yatra After Opening

The period shortly after the Char Dham Yatra opening dates is considered ideal for pilgrims who want relatively pleasant weather and manageable crowd levels.

• Early season offers cooler weather but limited infrastructure in some regions

• Peak season (May–June) experiences high pilgrim footfall

• Post-monsoon (September) is often considered the most balanced period for travel

Planning soon after temple openings also ensures better road conditions and availability of accommodations across major halt towns covered in the Char Dham Yatra route map.

Why Char Dham Opening Dates Matter for Pilgrims

Understanding the official opening dates is essential because:

• Himalayan travel routes open only after temples reopen

• Helicopter services operate seasonally based on temple schedules

• Hotels and transport services function primarily during yatra season

• Mandatory registration systems activate alongside temple openings

Pilgrims must complete the compulsory registration process before starting the journey, as outlined in the Char Dham Yatra registration guide, which becomes active only during the yatra season.

How Char Dham Opening Dates Are Decided

Char Dham Yatra opening dates are finalised based on:

• Hindu Panchang and astrological calculations

• Traditional temple customs and rituals

• Weather conditions and road safety assessments

• Official coordination between temple committees and Uttarakhand authorities

These factors ensure pilgrim safety while maintaining religious traditions associated with the Char Dham circuit.

Planning Your Char Dham Yatra After Opening

Once the chardham opening date is officially announced, pilgrims can begin booking accommodation, transport, and tour packages. Those opting for a guided pilgrimage experience may explore structured travel options through curated Char Dham Yatra packages, which help manage logistics, accommodation, and daily travel schedules efficiently.