Chardham Open Date 2026 – Complete Guide for Your Sacred Yatra
Published on February 18, 2026
By TourMyHoliday | Updated: 2026 | Reading Time: ~7 minutes
Every year, millions of devotees across India and the world eagerly wait for the Chardham Yatra season to begin. The four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — open their doors after months of winter closure, and the announcement of the opening dates marks one of the most spiritually significant moments in the Hindu calendar.
If you're planning your Chardham Yatra in 2026, you're in the right place. This complete guide covers the official opening and closing dates, temple timings, the correct yatra route, registration process, best time to visit, and travel tips — everything you need to plan a smooth, blessed, and unforgettable pilgrimage.
What Is the Chardham Yatra?
The Chardham Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to four holy shrines located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. The word "Char" means four, and "Dham" means holy abode. The four dhams are:
- Yamunotri – Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the source of the Yamuna River
- Gangotri – Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the origin of the holy Ganga River
- Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the final destination of the yatra
The pilgrimage circuit was established by the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to revive and unify Hindu spirituality. Today, over 48 lakh devotees complete this journey every year.
Chardham Open Date 2026 – Official Opening Dates
The opening dates of the Chardham temples are announced based on the Hindu Panchang (calendar) and astrological calculations. The temples open in spring after winter snowfall recedes and close before the harsh Himalayan winter returns.
Here are the confirmed and tentative Chardham opening dates for 2026:
| Temple | Opening Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 | Sunday | Akshaya Tritiya |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 | Sunday | Akshaya Tritiya |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 | Wednesday | As per Panchang |
| Badrinath | 24 April 2026 | Friday | As per Panchang |
Note: Kedarnath and Badrinath opening dates are traditionally announced on Maha Shivratri and Basant Panchami respectively. The dates above are confirmed/widely expected for 2026. Always verify the final date with the temple committee before travelling.
Chardham Closing Dates 2026 (Tentative)
The temples close for the winter season between October and November each year. Below are the tentative closing dates for Chardham 2026:
| Temple | Closing Date (Tentative) | Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 11 November 2026 | Bhai Dooj |
| Gangotri | 10 November 2026 | Diwali |
| Kedarnath | 11 November 2026 | Bhai Dooj |
| Badrinath | 13 November 2026 | As declared on Vijayadashami |
Important: After closing, the deity idols are moved to their winter abodes — Yamunotri's idol goes to Kharsali, Gangotri to Mukhba, Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and Badrinath to Joshimath — where worship continues throughout the winter.
Daily Temple Darshan Timings 2026
| Temple | Morning Darshan | Afternoon Break | Evening Darshan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Gangotri | 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Kedarnath | 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Badrinath | 4:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Timings may vary on special religious occasions. Confirm locally before planning your darshan.
The Chardham Yatra Route 2026
The Chardham Yatra is traditionally undertaken in a west-to-east (clockwise) direction. The sacred journey begins at Yamunotri and ends at Badrinath. Most pilgrims begin their yatra from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
The standard Chardham Yatra route is:
Haridwar / Rishikesh → Barkot (Yamunotri base) → Uttarkashi (Gangotri base) → Guptkashi / Sonprayag (Kedarnath base) → Badrinath → Return to Haridwar / Rishikesh
Here's a quick overview of each dham:
1. Yamunotri (3,291 m) The starting point of the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims trek 6 km from Janki Chatti to reach the temple. A holy dip in Surya Kund hot spring is a must before darshan.
2. Gangotri (3,048 m): The origin point of the sacred Ganga River. The town is accessible by road, making it the most easily reachable dham. Don't miss the evening aarti at the ghats.
3. Kedarnath (3,583 m) Located 16 km from Gaurikund, Kedarnath is accessible by trekking, pony, palanquin, or helicopter. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the energy here is extraordinarily powerful. Book helicopter tickets well in advance.
4. Badrinath (3,133 m) The final dham, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is accessible by road and is the most visited dham. Nearby attractions include Mana Village (the last village before the India-China border), Tapt Kund, and Bheem Pul.
Chardham Yatra Registration 2026
Registration for Chardham Yatra 2026 is mandatory. This rule was made compulsory by the Uttarakhand government to manage pilgrim safety and crowd control, especially after the 2013 floods.
How to Register:
- Visit the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and upload a valid ID
- Registration is free of cost
- You will receive a registration slip that must be carried throughout the yatra
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card or any valid government-issued photo ID
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Mobile number for OTP verification
TourMyHoliday Tip: Register at least 4–6 weeks in advance. During peak season (May–June), daily limits can fill up quickly.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra 2026
The Chardham season runs from mid-April to mid-November, but not all months are equally good for travel.
May to June – This is the most popular time. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and all four dhams are fully accessible. Ideal for first-time pilgrims and families. Expect large crowds, especially at Kedarnath.
July to August – Monsoon season. Trekking becomes difficult, and landslides are common on mountain roads. Travel is possible but not recommended for the elderly or those with limited physical fitness.
September to October – Arguably the best time to visit. Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are thinner. Highly recommended.
Mid-October to November – The yatra season comes to a close. Temperatures drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes. Suitable for experienced travellers who want a quieter pilgrimage.
How to Reach Chardham
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approximately 24 km from Rishikesh). From there, you can travel by road to all four dhams. Helicopter services to Kedarnath and Badrinath are available from Dehradun.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Haridwar or Rishikesh. These are well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: National Highway 58 (Delhi–Badrinath) is the main route. Buses and shared taxis run from Haridwar and Rishikesh to all the base camps.
Important Travel Tips for Chardham Yatra 2026
Health: Consult your doctor before the yatra if you have blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, or breathing issues. Altitude sickness can affect pilgrims at Kedarnath and Yamunotri.
Clothing: Carry warm woollen clothes, a rain jacket, and comfortable trekking shoes. Temperatures at Kedarnath can dip below 5°C even in summer.
Photography at Badrinath: Note that mobile phones and cameras are not allowed beyond Singhdwar (approximately 100 metres before the sanctum sanctorum) at Badrinath Temple as per the 2026 regulations.
Book in Advance: Hotels, helicopter tickets, and transport near Kedarnath and Badrinath get fully booked weeks ahead of peak season. Plan and book at least 2–3 months early.
Water & Food: Carry sufficient water and light snacks, especially on treks. Avoid spicy or heavy food at altitude. Freshly cooked, simple vegetarian food is recommended.
Mobile Connectivity: Signal can be weak or absent on many mountain stretches. Download offline maps before travelling.
Chardham Yatra 2026 — Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Yatra Start Date | 19 April 2026 (Yamunotri & Gangotri) |
| Yatra End Date | Mid-November 2026 |
| Best Time to Visit | May–June or September–October |
| Starting Point | Haridwar / Rishikesh |
| Total Approximate Distance | ~1,000 km (full circuit) |
| Registration | Mandatory — registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in |
| Minimum Days Required | 10–12 days (by road) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the Chardham Yatra 2026 start?
The Chardham Yatra 2026 officially begins on 19 April 2026 with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri on Akshaya Tritiya.
Q2. What is the Kedarnath opening date in 2026?
Kedarnath is expected to open on 22 April 2026. The exact time is announced on Maha Shivratri based on the Hindu Panchang.
Q3. What is the Badrinath opening date 2026?
Badrinath is expected to open on 24 April 2026 at 6:00 AM.
Q4. Is Chardham Yatra registration mandatory in 2026?
Yes, registration is compulsory for all four dhams. You can register online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in for free.
Q5. What is the best time for Chardham Yatra 2026?
May–June for ideal weather and accessibility, or September–October for fewer crowds and clear skies.
Q6. Can I do the Chardham Yatra by helicopter?
Yes. Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath (from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi) and Badrinath (from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun). Book early as seats fill up fast.
Q7. How many days are needed for the Chardham Yatra?
A minimum of 10–12 days is recommended to comfortably complete all four dhams by road. A helicopter-assisted yatra can be completed in 5–6 days.
Q8. When does Chardham close in 2026?
The temples are expected to close between 10 and 13 November 2026. Gangotri closes around Diwali, while Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath close around Bhai Dooj.
Ready to begin your Chardham Yatra 2026? Let TourMyHoliday help you plan every detail — from registration and travel to hotels and helicopter bookings. Contact us today for a customised Chardham Yatra package.
