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The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages, covering four holy shrines — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath. Every year millions of devotees travel to these Himalayan temples seeking blessings and spiritual peace.
If you are planning your pilgrimage in 2026, knowing the correct opening and closing dates of Char Dham is very important for smooth travel planning. Below is the tentative schedule for Char Dham Yatra 2026, based on traditional Hindu calendar and previous year announcements.
The dates given below are the tentative Char Dham opening & closing dates for 2026, which will be updated after the official committee announcement.
| Yamunotri Opening Date | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Gangotri Opening Date | 19 April 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Kedarnath Opening Date | 22 April 2026 |
| Badrinath Opening Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Yamunotri Closing Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Gangotri Closing Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Kedarnath Closing Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Badrinath Closing Date | 13 November 2026 |
Note:These dates are tentative and based on estimation. The official announcement is made by Temple Committees and Uttarakhand Government during Basant Panchami and Akshaya Tritiya festivals. The schedule may slightly change depending on weather conditions.
The doors of Kedarnath Dham open every year in the month of Vaishakh, the exact date of which is announced on the day of Maha Shivratri as per the Panchang. The Kedarnath opening date for 2026 is believed to be around 22 April 2026, which will be finalised after the weather conditions and official notification. The best time for Kedarnath Yatra is considered to be May-June and September-October, when the weather is comparatively stable and the crowd is also manageable.
| Aarti Timing | 06:00 am and 08:30 pm |
The darshan of Badrinath Dham starts with the start of the summer season, the opening date of which is announced on the day of Basant Panchami at Narsingh Temple, Joshimath. In 2026, the doors of Badrinath temple are likely to open around 24 April 2026, while the closing generally takes place in the last weeks of Kartik/Samvat.
May-June and after September are suitable times for pilgrims, as the road condition and weather are comparatively better during this period.
| Morning Darshan Timing | 4.30 am to 1:00 pm |
| Evening Darshan Timing | 1:00 pm to 9:00Pm |
| Aarti Timing | 4.30 A.M am and 8:30 pm |
The doors of Gangotri Dham open every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on approximately 19 April in 2026. This day is considered the official start of the Char Dham Yatra, and it also marks the auspicious beginning of the journey to the origin of the River Ganga.
The risk of landslides on the Gangotri route increases during the monsoon months (July–August), so it is better to plan the journey in May–June or September–October.
| Morning Darshan Timing | 6:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| Evening Darshan Timing | 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm |
| Aarti Timing | 6:30 am and 7:30 pm |
The Yamunotri shrine also opens on Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage to the source of the Yamuna River. The Yamunotri shrine is expected to open around April 19th in 2026, and the shrine generally closes around Bhai Dooj.
The Yamunotri trek can be a bit challenging, so it's important to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and basic fitness.
| Morning Darshan Timing | 6:15 am to 2:00 pm |
| Evening Darshan Timing | 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Aarti Timing | 6:00 am and 7:45 pm |
Planning Char Dham Yatra 2026 becomes easier when you know the correct opening and closing dates. The yatra is a life-changing experience, offering spiritual fulfilment, natural beauty and divine blessings. Book your travel early, stay updated with official announcements, and prepare well for the Himalayan journey.
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Explore the Unexplored Chardham
Char Dham Yatra is expected to start on 19 April 2026, on Akshaya Tritiya.
Kedarnath is predicted to open around 22 April 2026, morning time.
The temples usually close after Bhai Dooj / Diwali, around 10–13 November 2026.
May–June and September–October are the best months.
Yes, for Kedarnath trek a medical certificate is recommended.