Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates
By Indian Pilgrim Yatra Desk · Updated 6 October 2026 · 4 min read
In short
The four shrines open between late April and mid-May and close around Diwali and in mid-November. For 2026, Kedarnath and Yamunotri close on Bhai Dooj (11 November) and Badrinath is expected to close around 13 November. The 2027 opening dates will be announced on Basant Panchami (Badrinath), Maha Shivratri (Kedarnath) and Akshaya Tritiya (Yamunotri and Gangotri).
How the dates are decided
| Shrine | Opening date announced | Usually opens | Usually closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Fixed by tradition | Akshaya Tritiya | Bhai Dooj |
| Gangotri | Fixed by tradition | Akshaya Tritiya | Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali) |
| Kedarnath | Maha Shivratri, at Ukhimath | Late April / early May | Bhai Dooj |
| Badrinath | Basant Panchami, at Narendra Nagar | Late April / May | Mid-November, announced on Vijayadashami |
Where the deities stay in winter
- Yamunotri: Kharsali (Khushimath)
- Gangotri: Mukhba village
- Kedarnath: the Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath
- Badrinath: Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath (Narsingh temple)
Winter darshan at these seats is possible, and is promoted by the state as a winter Char Dham. Ask us about winter pilgrimage trips.
Planning around the dates
The first two weeks after opening are the most crowded. The last two weeks before closing are cold, but much quieter. If you want the 2027 opening weeks, start planning in January, before hotels near Kedarnath fill up. See Char Dham Yatra packages for 2027.
Official sources
Rules and dates are set by these authorities and can change. Always check them before you travel.