Introduction
Everyone is eagerly awaiting the Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026, as it is the most anticipated spiritual journey in India. Yatra involves visiting four sacred shrines, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
These four holy temples are nestled in the remote region of Uttarakhand, with great spiritual significance. At a very high altitude, indicating that weather and accessibility are the primary factors in determining the Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026.
The Chardham tour starts between April/May and October/November every year, as this period offers great accessibility and pleasant weather conditions. The Yatra pauses during the monsoon season due to heavy rain and landslides, and it closes from November to April in winter, due to harsh weather and heavy snowfall.
The exact Chardham opening and closing dates are determined by the Chardham committee based on celestial movements, the Hindu panchang calendar, and weather conditions. Let's review more about the Chardham yatra dates 2026 further.
Chardham Yatra Opening And Closing Date 2026
Here are the tentative Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026, which may vary due to changes in weather conditions or auspicious movements.
Note: The Exact (Kapat Udhgathan and Kapat Bandh) Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026 is announced by the temple authorities, considering the Hindu calendar, auspicious movements, and weather conditions.
Chardham Yatra Opening Date 2026
The Chardham Yatra opening date 2026 is expected to begin around late April to early May during the summer season. The official Chardham start date confirmation occurs close to Akshay Tritya.
Declaration time: The Chardham opening date is generally declared around the occasion of Basant Panchami and Mahashivratri, from February to March, by the temple committee.
Chardham Yatra Closing Date 2026
The Chardham Yatra closing date 2026 is predicted to be around early to mid-November during the winter season. The official Chardham closing date occurs close to Bhai Dooj.
Declaration time: The Chardham closing date is usually announced on the auspicious day of Dussehra, aligning with Bhai Dooj. The Chardham closing time is decided according to the Hindu Panchang by the temple committee.
How The Chardham Yatra Opening And Closing Date Is Decided
The Chardham Yatra opening and closing dates are decided by the respective temple committees and head priests after considering various factors. Considerable factors that influence the Chadham Yatra start and end date include:
Rituals & Celestial Movements: The Kapat Udhghatan Tithi (opening date) and Kapat bandh Tithi (closing date) are decided through the Hindu panchang and auspicious moments.
Occasions & Festivals:
Chardham Opening Date: The Kapat of the Yamunotri, along with the Gangotri, typically opens on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritya (held in April). For Kedarnath, the opening date is determined on Mahashivratri, and for Badrinath, it is announced on Basant Panchmi.`
Chardham Closing Date: The Chardham Kapat closing dates are associated with auspicious festivals such as Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Generally, the Kapat of the temples closes on Bhai Dooj, the day after Diwali, and it is officially announced on Dussehra (Vijaydashmi).
Weather & Accessibility: The unpredictable weather conditions of the Himalayas may force delays and early closures.
Local Administration: Accessibility of the roads, forest clearances, helicopter services, and registration also vary in terms of dates and readiness.
About Chardham Temple
The Chardham pilgrimage circuit, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, holds great significance in Hinduism. Every year, many devotees undertake this Yatra during the Chardham opening time for their spiritual and soul’s fulfillment.
Here is a short overview of the Chardham Temples, along with their winter seats during the Chardham Yatra closing date in winter, ensuring a smooth and well-planned trip.
Yamunotri: The very first temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,797 feet) above sea level. During the Chardham closing date, the idol is shifted to Kharsali village.
Gangotri: The Second stop of this Yatra, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. During the Chardham closing time in winter, idols are shifted to Mukhba village.
Kedarnath: Most popular among the Chardham temples, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level on the banks of the Mandakini River. The idol of this temple is worshipped at the Ukhimath, during the Chardham Yatra closing date.
Badrinath: The last and significant stop, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level. The idol of this temple is worshiped at the Narsingh temple in Joshimath during the Chardham closing time.
Temples Of Chardham Yatra Opening And Closing Date 2026
Here are the tentative Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026 for each temple, with the ritual, ceremony, and information about the Chardham Yatra dates 2026:
1) Yamunotri Dham
Opening Date & Ceremony
Date: For the year 2026, the door of the Yamunotri Dham generally opens on 19 April 2026 on Akshay Tritiya.
Rituals: The opening ceremony features a grand Kapat opening puja, attended by thousands of devotees and led by the head priest of the temple committee. The idol of the Goddess Yamuna is carried through a grand procession (Palki) from her winter home in Kharsali village to the Yamunotri.
The priest conducts ancient Vedic rituals during the ceremony, chanting “Jai Maa Yamuna” along the trails. After the arrival, the priest and visitors take a first holy dip in the Yamuna River after its winter closure.
Closing Date & Ceremony
Date: In 2026, the Yamunotri temple will be closed on 2 November 2026 on the occasion of Goverdhan, the day after Diwali.
Rituals: The idol of Goddess Yamuna shifted to the Kharsali temple (winter abode) in Kharsali village. The evening Aarti and closing prayers are performed during the ceremony, and the kapat of the temple is sealed till the next Akshay Tritya.
Note: For more details, read our blog on “Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026”
2) Gangotri Dham
Opening Date & Rituals
Date: 19 April 2026, similar to the Yamunotri temple, the Kapat of the Gangotri Dham generally opens on 19 April 2026 on Akshay Tritiya.
Rituals: The opening ceremony of the Gangotri temple is very similar to that of Yamunotri; the idol of Goddess Ganga is carried through a grand procession called Utsav Murti mela from her winter home, Mukhba village, to the Gangotri. The Vedic rituals, Ganga Aarti, and devotional music, with devotees, priests, and villagers, are part of the opening ceremony.
Closing Date & Rituals
Date: 3 Nov 2026, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. Usually announced on Dussehra.
Rituals: The idol of the Goddess Ganga is dressed in woolen clothes, and the Grand Ganga Aarti is performed during the closing ceremony, and the idol is shifted to Mukhba village.
Note: For detailed information, check out our blog on “Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026”
3) Shri Kedarnath Temple
Opening Date & Ceremony
Date: 22 April 2026; the exact date is announced on Mahashivratri.
Rituals: The opening ceremony for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra involves a grand Kapat Opening Puja, which is led by the head priest of the Badri-Kedar temple committee. Before the opening day, the idol of Shri Kedarnath Temple returned in a grand Palki from Omkareshwar temple (Winter abode of Kedarnath) in Ukhimath to the main Kedarnath temple.
Closing Date & Rituals
Date: 6 Nov 2026; the exact date is announced on Dussehra.
Rituals: The closing ceremony of Kedarnath involves the Last Puja with special rituals and prayers. The idol of Baba Kedar is shifted to his winter home in Ukhimath at Omkareshwar temple, and the shrine is closed until the next opening.
Note: To know more information, read our blog on “Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026”. Also, check out our Kedarnath Tour Package for a comfortable travel, quality stays, and guided darshan for a peaceful journey.
4) Shri Badrinath Dham
Opening Date & Ceremony
Date: 24 April 2026, most probably announced on Basant Panchmi.
Rituals: The opening ceremony of the Shri Badrinath temple is led by the Tehri royal family (Traditional caretaker of the temple) and the Badri temple committee. The idol of Lord Vishnu is returned from his winter home, the Narsingh temple Josimath, and it is purified in the Tapt kund in Badrinath before the opening date.
Closing Date & Ceremony
Date: 13 Nov 2026, usually determined on Dussehra.
Rituals: The closing ceremony involves the last grand puja, including Mahaabhishek and Maha Aarti, attended by many thousands of devotees. The idol took place in the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath town.
Note: Check out our blog on “Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Date 2026”. Moreover, review our Badrinath Yatra Package for a comfortable and smooth pilgrimage experience, with ideal facilities.
Best Chardham Temple Timings To Visit
The Chardham Temples remain open for six months, from April to October, and pause during the monsoon due to heavy rain and landslides, and it closes during the winter due to harsh weather and snowfall. Ideal months to visit according to the Chardham Yatra dates include:
Summer Season (May to June): During the summertime, experience pleasant weather with clear skies and views, and temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it the perfect time to visit during the Chardham opening time.
Autumn Season (September to October): Another ideal time to visit is post-monsoon, when the weather is pleasant, the views are clear, and visibility is good, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploration.
Months to Avoid: The monsoon months from July to August experience heavy rainfall that leads to landslides and flash floods, which make travel risky at this time.
Tips For Peak Chardham Yatra Dates 2026
Required Registration: The Chardham registration process is mandatory to ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable pilgrimage journey. The 2026 Chardham opening dates for registration are expected around February-March 2026.
Choose Travel after Chardham kapat opening date 2026: Plan buffer days; if you plan to visit when the Yatra is open, aim to arrive a few days after the 2026 Chardham opening dates.
Weather & Safety consideration: weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable; it is necessary to plan the trip at the best Chardham temple timings.
Stay updated & connected: Be aware of the Chardham Yatra opening and closing date before visiting the temples, and ensure to connect with your family, as networks are limited in remote regions.
Book Hotels or packages in Advance: Book your hotels or packages in advance, especially if you're visiting at the peak Chardham temple timings due to limited facilities at this time.
Conclusion
The Chardham yatra opening and closing date 2026 are yet to be known, but the tentative Chardham yatra dates 2026 have been defined in this blog to help you plan your journey to the sacred Garhwal Himalayas in 2026.
Plan your comfortable and secure journey with Manchala Mushafir by knowing the best Chardham temple timings, along with the performed rituals and ceremonies during the Chardham kapat opening date 2026.
FAQs
When Chardham Yatra start in 2026?
The exact Chardham Yatra start date 2026 has not been determined yet. The expected Chardham opening date 2026 is from early May to October. It can vary; the exact date is announced just before the occasion of Akshay Tritiya. It is advisable to be aware of the official announcement of the Chardham Yatra opening and closing date 2026 by the temple committee.
What is the Chardham Yatra closing date 2026?
Generally, the Chardham closing date occurs from October to April due to harsh weather and heavy snowfall. The tentative Chardham Yatra closing date 2026 is scheduled on Bhai Dooj, the day after Diwali. In 2026, Bhai Dooj occurs on 3 November.
How are the Chardham opening and closing dates decided?
The opening and closing dates for the Chardham Yatra are decided by the temple committee and the head priests of the temples, on the basis of celestial movements, Hindu panchang, and weather conditions.
Can I visit Chardham in April?
Yeah, April is the ideal time to visit Chardham Temples, as it offers pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it a favorable time to visit. But it experiences huge crowds as the peak Yatra season starts at this time, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
Is the Chardham Yatra open now?
Chardham Yatra is open for six months from April/May to October/November throughout the year. The summer season from April to June is considered the peak yatra season. Chardham Yatra closing time is from late December to early April during the winter season.
What are the Kapat opening timings for Kedarnath and Badrinath?
Generally, the Kapat of Kedarnath and Badrinath open early in the morning, around 7.00 a.m., for daily darshan and Aarti. For the year 2026, the Kapat of Kedarnath opens on 22 April 2026 at 6.20 a.m., and for Badrinath, it opens on 24 April 2026 at 6.20 a.m.
