The char dham yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the holy temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand.
If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra 2026, this complete travel guide will help you with opening dates, registration process, route map, itinerary, package cost, and important travel tips.
Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or a returning devotee, this guide will make your char dham yatra smooth and well-planned.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Latest Updates
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 will officially begin in April 2026. The opening dates have been announced, and preparations by the Uttarakhand government are already underway.
Important highlights:
- Online char dham registration will be mandatory.
- The biometric registration system will continue.
- Improved road connectivity under the Char Dham Mahamarg project.
- Helicopter services available for Kedarnath and full dham circuit.
- Medical camps and safety monitoring along routes.
Pilgrims are advised to complete their char dham yatra registration early to avoid last-minute issues.
Char Dham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026
Here are the confirmed char dham opening dates 2026:
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Badrinath | 23 April 2026 (06:15 AM) | 13 November 2026 |
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 (08:00 AM) | 11 November 2026 |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 | 10 November 2026 |
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 |
Kedarnath Opening & Closing Date 2026
The kedarnath opening date 2026 is 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM.
- Closing Date: 11 November 2026 (Tentative)
- Altitude: 3,583 meters
- Trek Distance: 16–18 km from Gaurikund
Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most challenging part of the char dham yatra due to high altitude.
Badrinath Opening & Closing Date 2026
The Badrinath opening date 2026 is 23 April 2026 at 6:15 AM.
- Closing Date: 13 November 2026
- Altitude: 3,133 meters
Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is the final destination of the char dham yatra.
Gangotri Opening & Closing Date 2026
- Opening Date: 19 April 2026
- Closing Date: 10 November 2026
- Altitude: 3,100 meters
Gangotri Temple is the origin place of River Ganga.
Yamunotri Opening & Closing Date 2026
- Opening Date: 19 April 2026
- Closing Date: 11 November 2026
- Altitude: 3,293 meters
Yamunotri is the starting point of the char dham yatra and source of River Yamuna.
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Overview (Distance, Duration & Altitude)
- Total Distance: Approx. 1,600 km (round trip from Haridwar)
- Duration: 10–12 days
- Highest Altitude: Kedarnath (3,583 m)
- Best Starting Point: Haridwar or Rishikesh
The char dham yatra follows this sequence:
Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Why is Char Dham Yatra Spiritually Important?
The char dham yatra holds immense spiritual value in Hinduism.
- Yamunotri – Goddess Yamuna
- Gangotri – Goddess Ganga
- Kedarnath – Lord Shiva (12 Jyotirlingas)
- Badrinath – Lord Vishnu
Completing the char dham yatra is believed to wash away sins and help attain moksha (liberation).
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026
The char dham registration is compulsory for all pilgrims.
Step-by-Step Online Registration Guide
- Visit the official Uttarakhand tourism website.
- Create an account.
- Fill personal details.
- Upload required documents.
- Select travel dates and temples.
- Download registration slip.
Offline Registration Process
Offline counters are available at:
- Haridwar
- Rishikesh
- Sonprayag
- Joshimath
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card / Valid ID Proof
- Passport size photo
- Mobile number
- Medical fitness certificate (recommended for senior citizens)
Without char dham yatra registration, entry may be restricted.
Route from Haridwar
Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Joshimath → Badrinath
Route from Rishikesh
Rishikesh → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
Route from Delhi
Delhi → Haridwar → Continue standard char dham route
Day-Wise Char Dham Yatra Itinerary (10–12 Days Plan)
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Day 2: Yamunotri Darshan
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 4: Gangotri Darshan
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Day 6: Kedarnath Trek
Day 7: Kedarnath Darshan & Return
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 9: Badrinath Darshan
Day 10: Return to Haridwar
This is the standard plan for Char Dham Yatra 2026.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra in 2026
May–June (Peak Season)
- Pleasant weather
- Heavy crowd
- Advance booking required
July–August (Monsoon Advisory)
- Landslide risk
- Travel delays possible
- Not ideal for elderly pilgrims
September–October (Best Season)
- Clear skies
- Less crowd
- Best time for char dham yatra
Char Dham Yatra Package Cost 2026
Budget Package
- ₹25,000–₹35,000 per person
- Basic hotels
- Shared transport
Deluxe Package
- ₹40,000–₹65,000 per person
- 3-star hotels
- Better transport
Helicopter Package
- ₹1.8–2.5 lakh per person
- VIP darshan
- 4–5 days completion
Char dham package cost may vary depending on season.
Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter 2026
Char dham helicopter booking is ideal for senior citizens.
- Duration: 4–5 days
- Departure: Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad)
- Includes VIP darshan & accommodation
Advance booking is recommended for Char Dham Yatra 2026.
Accommodation Options
- GMVN Guest Houses
- Dharamshalas
- Budget hotels
- Deluxe hotels in Guptkashi & Joshimath
Book early during peak char dham yatra season.
Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule
General temple timings:
- Morning: 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Special aarti tickets are available at Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Weather Conditions (Month-Wise Guide)
- April: Cold mornings
- May–June: Pleasant (10°C–20°C)
- July–August: Heavy rainfall
- September–October: Cool and clear
- November: Very cold
Always check the forecast before starting char dham yatra.
Health & Fitness Guidelines
- Start walking practice 1 month before.
- Carry personal medicines.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Stay hydrated.
- Senior citizens should consult a doctor.
Kedarnath trek requires good stamina.
Packing Checklist
- Warm clothes
- Raincoat
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- ID proof
- Power bank
- First-aid kit
- Dry snacks
Packing smartly makes your char dham yatra comfortable.
Travel Tips to Avoid Crowd
- Visit in September.
- Start darshan early in the morning.
- Book accommodation in advance.
- Avoid weekends in peak season.
Safety Guidelines & Government Advisory
- Follow official instructions.
- Register before travel.
- Avoid risky trekking during rain.
- Use authorized helicopter services only.
Distance Chart Between Temples
- Yamunotri to Gangotri: 227 km
- Gangotri to Kedarnath: 270 km
- Kedarnath to Badrinath: 220 km
- Haridwar to Badrinath: 320 km approx.
FAQs About Char Dham Yatra 2026
When will Char Dham Yatra 2026 start?
It will start from 19 April 2026 (Yamunotri & Gangotri opening).
Is registration mandatory?
Yes, char dham registration is compulsory.
What is the kedarnath opening date 2026?
22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM.
What is the Badrinath opening date 2026?
23 April 2026 at 6:15 AM.
How many days are required for char dham yatra?
10–12 days by road.
What will the char dham package cost in 2026?
₹25,000 to ₹2.5 lakh depending on package type.
Is helicopter service available?
Yes, char dham helicopter booking is available from Dehradun.
Which is the best month to visit?
September and October are considered best.
Conclusion
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is a sacred journey that offers spiritual peace and divine blessings. With confirmed opening dates, improved road connectivity, and better facilities, this is the perfect time to plan your char dham yatra.
Complete your char dham registration early, choose the right season, and book accommodation in advance.
Start preparing today and experience the divine journey of the char dham yatra in 2026.
