Char Dham Yatra 2026

Four temples. Four rivers. Four corners of the divine. Every year when the Himalayas thaw and the passes open, millions of devotees begin a journey that Adi Shankaracharya established twelve centuries ago: the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

The Char Dham Yatra, comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is one of the most spiritually significant pilgrimages in Hinduism. In 2026, the yatra begins on 19 April and all four dhams are open by 23 April.

When Do the Four Dhams Open?

Official 2026 opening dates

All four opening dates for 2026 have been officially confirmed by the temple committees.

Yamunotri

Goddess Yamuna, source of River Yamuna. Opens 19 April 2026. Closes around 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj). First dham on the traditional route at 3,293 m; 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. Full guide

Gangotri

Goddess Ganga, origin of River Ganga. Opens 19 April 2026. Closes around 10 November 2026 (Diwali). Road-accessible dham at 3,100 m with onward route to Gaumukh glacier. Full guide

Kedarnath

Lord Shiva, one of 12 Jyotirlingas. Opens 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. Closes around November 2026 (Bhai Dooj). 16 km trek from Gaurikund; helicopter option available. Full guide

Badrinath

Lord Vishnu in Badrinarayan form. Opens 23 April 2026. Closes around 13 November 2026 (Vijay Dashami). Road-accessible final dham at 3,133 m. Full guide

The Clockwise Sequence

Traditional route

The classic order is Yamunotri, then Gangotri, then Kedarnath, then Badrinath.

Registration: key facts

Registration opened on 6 March 2026
Official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Free registration and QR-coded e-pass required
Offline counters available at major gateway points

Key Dates This Year

2026 season at a glance

6 March 2026: Yatra registration opens
15 April 2026, 6:00 PM: Kedarnath helicopter booking opens
19 April 2026: Yamunotri and Gangotri open
22 April 2026, 8:00 AM: Kedarnath opens
23 April 2026: Badrinath opens

Best time to visit

May–June: Peak season with stable weather and full services
July–August: Monsoon; higher landslide and disruption risk (avoid if possible)
September–October: Post-monsoon clarity and lighter crowds

"By registering, you are integrated into a real-time monitoring system, so help can reach you faster during weather emergencies."

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board