Introduction
The Char Dham of Uttarakhand — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — open from late April or May and close for winter around Diwali. The 2027 opening dates are fixed by tradition on Basant Panchami (Badrinath), Mahashivratri (Kedarnath) and Akshaya Tritiya (Gangotri and Yamunotri). We will update this page as soon as each date is officially announced.
Last updated: 19 October 2026.
Char Dham 2027 Opening Dates
| Dham | 2027 opening date | When and where the date is announced |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | To be announced (Akshaya Tritiya, May 2027) | Opens on Akshaya Tritiya by tradition |
| Gangotri | To be announced (Akshaya Tritiya, May 2027) | Opens on Akshaya Tritiya by tradition |
| Kedarnath | To be announced | On Mahashivratri, at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath |
| Badrinath | To be announced | On Basant Panchami, at the Raj Mahal in Narendra Nagar (Tehri) |
2026 Season: Opening and Closing Dates
In 2026 the yatra began on Akshaya Tritiya, 19 April, when Gangotri opened at 12:15 PM and Yamunotri at 12:35 PM. Kedarnath opened on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM and Badrinath on 23 April 2026.
The closing dates below are tentative, as reported in early October 2026. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee confirms the final dates around Vijayadashami.
| Dham | Opened in 2026 | Expected closing (tentative) | Winter seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 | 10 November 2026 | Mukhba village, near Harsil |
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 | Kharsali |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) | Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath |
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 | 13 November 2026 | Narsingh Temple, Joshimath |
During winter, devotees can take darshan of the deities at these winter seats.
How the Dates Are Decided
Badrinath — Basant Panchami
The opening date of Badrinath Dham is announced on Basant Panchami at the Raj Mahal in Narendra Nagar, in the presence of the Tehri royal family.
Kedarnath — Mahashivratri
The Kedarnath date is announced on Mahashivratri at the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, along with the schedule of the Panchmukhi Doli's journey to the Dham.
Gangotri and Yamunotri — Akshaya Tritiya
Gangotri and Yamunotri open on Akshaya Tritiya. The opening time (muhurat) is announced in advance each year.
Registration Is Compulsory
Every pilgrim and vehicle must be registered before starting the Char Dham yatra, and registration is checked at each shrine. Register on the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app, and download your Yatra Registration Letter. The tourist helpline is 1364 (toll-free).
Planning Tips for 2027
- The yatra is usually done from west to east: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, then Badrinath.
- The first weeks after opening are the most crowded; book stays and helicopter tickets only through official channels.
- Register as soon as registration opens for 2027, and carry a photo ID.
- Monsoon months bring landslide risk on mountain roads; keep buffer days in your plan.
- Carry warm clothes even in May and June, and basic medicines for altitude.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the Char Dham open in 2027?
Gangotri and Yamunotri open on Akshaya Tritiya (May 2027). Kedarnath's date will be announced on Mahashivratri and Badrinath's on Basant Panchami 2027.
2. When do the Char Dham close in 2026?
Tentatively between 10 and 13 November 2026, around Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Final dates are confirmed by the temple committee.
3. Where can I do darshan in winter?
At the winter seats: Ukhimath for Kedarnath, Joshimath for Badrinath, Mukhba for Gangotri and Kharsali for Yamunotri.
4. Is registration required?
Yes. Registration is compulsory for every pilgrim and vehicle on the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal or app.
Explore the Char Dham
Dham guides: Yamunotri · Gangotri · Kedarnath · Badrinath · 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra Guide
Worship at home: Shri Shiv Ji Ki Aarti · 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala · Rudraksha Collection
Sources
- All India Radio News – Gangotri and Yamunotri open on Akshaya Tritiya (19 April 2026)
- Asianet Newsable – Kedarnath to reopen on 22 April 2026
- ETV Bharat – Badrinath date announced on Basant Panchami at Narendra Nagar
- DharmikVibes – Tentative Char Dham closing dates 2026
- Times Now Hindi – Kedarnath closing date 2026
- Uttarakhand Tourism – Yatra registration portal