Best Time to Visit Chardham

Visiting the sacred Char Dham—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is a blessing for devotees. This pilgrimage is one of the holiest journeys for Hindus, offering not only spiritual fulfillment but also breathtaking natural beauty. However, the journey comes with its own challenges, such as high-altitude terrains and unpredictable weather.

To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the first step in planning your Char Dham Yatra is choosing the right time to visit. The ideal time helps you avoid extreme weather conditions, manage crowds better, and navigate the mountainous routes safely.

If you're planning your Char Dham Yatra in 2025, let's explore the best time to embark on this divine journey.

Char Dham Temple Locations and Opening & Closing Dates 2025

If you're planning the Char Dham Yatra in 2025, here are the details of the four sacred temples, their locations, and their tentative opening and closing dates:

• Gangotri Temple is located in Uttarkashi District at an altitude of 3,100 meters. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It will open on 30th April 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya) and close on 21st October 2025 (Diwali).

  
  

• Yamunotri Temple is situated in Uttarkashi District at an altitude of 3,293 meters. It is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple will open on 30th April 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya) and close on 23rd October 2025 (Bhai Dooj).

  
  

• Badrinath Temple is located in Chamoli Garhwal at an altitude of 3,300 meters. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Badri Vishal). The temple will open on 2nd May 2025 and close on 2nd October 2025 (Vijayadashami).

  
  

• Kedarnath Temple is situated in Rudraprayag, Garhwal, at an altitude of 3,584 meters. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kedarnath Baba). The temple will open on 2nd May 2025 and close on 23rd October 2025 (Bhai Dooj).

Best Time to Visit Char Dham – A Detailed Guide

Char Dham Yatra in Summer (April – June)

Summer is the best time for the Char Dham Yatra, as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.

• The temperature ranges between 20°C to 35°C. While mornings and evenings are cold due to the high altitude, daytime travel is comfortable.

• Roads are in good condition, making travel smooth and safe. Budget-friendly transport options are available.

• Sightseeing is easy, allowing pilgrims to visit the main temples and nearby attractions without difficulty.

  
  

Char Dham Yatra in Monsoon (July – September)

Monsoon is not an ideal time for the Char Dham Yatra due to heavy rains, landslides, and difficult road conditions.

• The temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C.

• Frequent downpours make the roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides and floods.

• Despite the challenges, the monsoon season enhances the beauty of the Himalayas, covering the region in lush greenery.

  
  

Char Dham Yatra in Winter (October – March)

Winter is not suitable for the Char Dham Yatra as the temples remain closed due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

• The region experiences subzero temperatures, and snowfall makes the roads inaccessible.

• Pilgrims cannot visit the main temples, but the idols are moved to nearby locations, allowing devotees to continue their prayers.

  
  

  Winter Char Dham Temples

  Char Dham portals remain closed for six months in winter, but the idols are transferred to nearby temples for devotees. You can visit these winter abodes:

  • Ukhimath – Omkareshwar Temple: Idol of Lord Kedarnath

  • Pandukeshwar – Yog Dhyan Badri Temple: Idol of Lord Badrinath

  • Mukhba – Ganga Temple: Idol of Goddess Ganga

  • Kharsali – Shani Dev Temple: Idol of Goddess Yamuna

  Auspicious Days to Visit Char Dhams 2025

  • Akshaya Tritiya (April/May): Ideal for visiting Char Dhams, symbolizing prosperity.

  • Ganga Dussehra (June): Best for visiting Gangotri Dham; a holy dip in Ganges purifies sins.

  • Shravan Month (July/August): Ideal for Kedarnath Dham; dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Badri-Kedar Utsav (June): An 8-day religious and cultural festival at Badrinath and Kedarnath.

  Best time to visit: April to June (summer) and September to October (autumn) for a smooth journey.

  
  

  FAQs

  Q1: What are the best months for Char Dham Yatra?
  Ans: April to June and September to October.

  
  

  Q2: When will the Char Dham portals open in 2025?

  • Badrinath – 2nd Feb (Basant Panchami)

  • Kedarnath – 26th Feb (Mahashivratri)

  • Gangotri & Yamunotri – 30th April (Akshaya Tritiya)

    
    

  Q3: Which months are less crowded in Kedarnath Dham?
  Ans: September to October.

  
  

  Q4: When will the Char Dham portals close in 2025?

  • Badrinath – 2nd Oct (Vijayadashami)

  • Kedarnath & Yamunotri – 23rd Oct (Bhai Dooj)

  • Gangotri – 21st Oct (Diwali)