Char dham opening dates and registration 2026

June 16, 2026

Trip Registration

Char Dham Opening Date 2026: Official Travel Information

Everything you need to know before you begin. Registration, temple opening dates, routes, health advice, and what to pack for one of Hinduism’s holiest journeys. Seyon Tours

What is Chardham Yatra?

Everything you need to know before you begin. Registration, temple opening dates, routes, health advice, and what to pack for one of Hinduism’s holiest journeys.

The pilgrimage is typically undertaken in a clockwise sequence from west to east, following the flow of the sacred rivers and ancient scriptural tradition. Millions of pilgrims complete this circuit every season between late April and November.

2026 temple opening & closing dates

Temple dates are set each year by the Hindu calendar, primarily around Akshaya Tritiya. All four temples close in October–November for winter due to heavy snowfall making access impossible. Below are the confirmed 2026 dates:

19 APRIL 2026

Gangotri & Yamunotri open

The yatra season officially begins. Thousands of pilgrims attend the kapat (door) opening ceremony.

22 APRIL 2026

Kedarnath opens

The highest of the four dhams. Helicopter services also commence from Phata and Sersi.

23 APRIL 2026

Badrinath opens

Lord Vishnu's abode opens with grand ceremonies. Motorable road access right up to the temple.

13 NOVEMBER 2026

All temples close for winter

Closing dates announced on Vijayadashami. Badrinath closes first, followed by the other three.

Note on Badrinath timings: The Badrinath temple closes daily from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for the afternoon prayer. Plan your visit timing accordingly.

How to Register — 2026

Registration is compulsory for all pilgrims. Indian and foreign nationals alike visiting any of the four dhams or Hemkund Sahib. You will be stopped at checkpoints and denied entry without a valid QR-coded e-pass. The good news: registration is completely free of charge.

Official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in Online registration opened: 6 March 2026 at 7 AM. Offline registration available from 17 April 2026 at Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Important: Register as early as possible. Over 1.26 lakh registrations were completed on the very first day of the 2026 season. Popular dates fill up fast.

Best time to visit

Timing your yatra well makes a significant difference in safety, comfort, and spiritual experience. The season runs from late April to early November, but not all months are equally advisable.

May – June: Summer (Peack season)

Pleasant weather, clear roads, all temples open. Ideal for families, seniors, and first-time pilgrims. Snow has melted, revealing lush greenery.

Highly recommended

July – August: Summer (Monsoon season)

Significantly reduced crowds but high risk of landslides, flooding, and road closures especially near Kedarnath.

Not recommended

SEPT – OCTOBER: Autumn (Off-peak)

Crystal-clear post-monsoon skies, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. Best for those seeking calm and solitude.

Highly recommended

NOV – MARCH: Winter (Closed)

Temples are closed. Extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and roads blocked. Not accessible for pilgrimage.

Temples Closed

Route & travel logistics

The traditional yatra follows a west-to-east sequence. Most pilgrims begin at Haridwar or Rishikesh the gateway cities to the Himalayas before proceeding to each dham.

Haridwar / Rishikesh > Yamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath

Yamunotri: Drive to Janki Chatti, then trek 6 km on foot. Palanquins and ponies available for those who need them.
Gangotri: Motorable road all the way. Easily accessible by taxi or bus from Uttarkashi.
Kedarnath: Trek 16–22 km from Gaurikund, or take a helicopter from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi. Helicopter is the fastest option for those with mobility issues.
Badrinath: Motorable road reaches the temple directly. Most accessible of all four dhams.

Travel tip: Book hotels, helicopter tickets, and transport at least 2–3 months in advance. Kedarnath and Badrinath accommodations get fully booked weeks before peak season begins.

Health & altitude safety

All four dhams are above 3,000 metres. Altitude-related illness is a real risk, particularly at Kedarnath (3,583 m). Proper preparation is not optional it could save your life.

Heart patients, those with respiratory conditions, and pregnant women are advised to consult their doctor before undertaking the yatra. Children under 10 years of age may find high altitudes challenging.

What to Pack - Packing checklist

Clothing: Warm woollen layers thermal inner-wear Rain jacket / poncho Comfortable trekking shoes Socks (several pairs) Temple shawl.
Health: Altitude sickness tablets pain & cold medicines antacids & ORS sachets personal prescriptions sunscreen SPF 50+ Lip balm.
Documents: Printed e-pass / QR code Government-issued ID Passport (foreign nationals) Travel insurance card Emergency contact list.
Essentials: Water bottle (insulated) Light snacks / energy bars Trekking pole / walking stick Headlamp & batteries Power bank Small backpack.

Photography note: Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted beyond Singhdwar (approximately 100 metres before the sanctum sanctorum) at Badrinath Temple as per 2026 regulations. Respect temple guidelines.

FAQ answered

1. Is registration for Chardham Yatra 2026 free?

Yes. Registration is entirely free of charge. Online registration opened on 6 March 2026 via the official Uttarakhand government portal. Over 1.26 lakh registrations were completed on the first day alone.

2. Can I visit only one or two dhams instead of all four?

Yes. You can visit one, two, three, or all four dhams. Registration is required for each temple you plan to visit. Many pilgrims do a "Do Dham" or single-dham visit, especially for Kedarnath.

3. How long does the full Chardham Yatra take?

The complete circuit typically takes 11 to 12 days, including travel between the dhams. It is advisable to add 1–2 buffer days to account for weather delays and road conditions.

4. Is there a helicopter option for Kedarnath?

Yes. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi to Kedarnath. It is the fastest and most accessible option for elderly pilgrims or those unable to trek. Book well in advance as slots fill quickly.

5. When do the Chardham temples close in 2026?

All four temples are expected to close around 13 November 2026, following Diwali and Bhai Dooj. The exact closing dates will be announced on Vijayadashami. Temples close for winter due to extreme snowfall and inaccessible roads.

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