Four sacred pilgrimage destinations—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—are part of the Char Dham Yatra, situated in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Each temple is located at a high elevation, Yamunotri situated at an altitude of 3293 meters, Gangotri- 3415 meters, Kedarnath- 3583 meters, and Badrinath is at 3300 meters.
Each temple has been dedicated to different gods and goddesses, like Yamunotri dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Gangotri dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath dedicated to lord Shiva, and Badrinath dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Every year, millions of people and devotees visit the Char Dhams to express their faith in the idols of temples and to take darshan.
There are lots of people and beginners who don’t even know about whether, and don’t even search for the best time to visit Char Dham while planning their trip.
Going to Char Dham without knowing about the best time to visit can be your stressful journey.
So, in this blog, I’ll guide you about the best time to visit the Char Dham Yatra. Also, I’ll guide you about the Char Dham Yatra Package.
Char Dham Yatra: Opening & Closing Dates
Char Dham Yatra is open from late April/early May to September/October, which depends on the weather.
Every year, the actual dates are announced by the government of Uttarakhand on behalf of the Hindu Calendar.
- Opening: On the basis of the Hindu calendar, the open ceremony of Kedarnath and Badrinath Akhand Jyoti lightning starts in Akshaya Tritya, which means April/May.
- Closing: Diwali (October/November) sees the closure of many shrines. Kedarnath shuts first (early November), while Badrinath shuts off on Bhai Dooj. Gangotri and Yamunotri follow soon after.
Also, mostly the time opening and closing of the char dham depend on weather conditions like heavy snowfall, which happens in October/November, and heavy rain and landslides, which happen in the monsoon season in July/August.
Best Time to Visit Char Dham (Month-by-Month Guide)
A. Summer (May to June)
This season is one of the best seasons to do the trek for Char Dham because during this season weather so pleasant, which means pilgrims can easily complete their trek without any hassle or can take enjoyment of pleasent days and cold nights.
B. Monsoon (July– mid-September)
These seasons are tough and risky to trek for Char Dham or any pilgrimage sites from Char Dham because july is monsoon season, which is known for rainfall.
During this season, you can face heavy rainfall and landslides, also in starting of september month, that’s why this season is not-suggestive for trekking.
So, avoid the monsoon season to visit for Char Dham.
C. Autumn (Late September- November)
Between these months, weather conditions are stable and you can enjoy snowfall, cool and crisp air.
These months are best for a peaceful pilgrimage who want to visit before winter closure.
Month-Wise Breakdown for Each Dham
- Visiting Yamunotri and Gangotri during May to June and September. October is the best time to visit for those who love a pleasant season and snowfall.
- Visiting Kedarnath is ideal to visit in May to June. Avoid visiting in July to August because these months are risky to visit due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
- May to June is perfect for Badrinath.
Tips for Choosing Your Travel Time
Here are the tips to plan your Char Dham Yatra:
- Check Official Updates – Visit uttarakhandtourism.gov.in or temple trust announcements for real time opening dates, weather alerts, and road conditions.
- Avoid Peak Rush (May-June) – Weather is good but crowds are massive. If you want a peaceful experience, consider September-October, just before the temples close.
- Monsoon Caution (July-August) – Heavy rains cause landslides and block roads to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Only experienced travelers should attempt this period.
- Pre-Book Helicopters for Kedarnath – If trekking is difficult, book helicopter tickets months in advance, especially for peak season.
- Dress in Layers – Even in summer, mornings and evenings are chilly. Carry rain gear if traveling in monsoon or autumn.
- Health & Fitness – High altitudes require acclimatization. Seniors or those with health issues should opt for May-June or September when conditions are mild.
- Flexible Itinerary – Roadblocks or sudden weather changes can delay travel. Keep buffer days in your schedule.
Plan well and you will have a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey to the Char Dham temples.
Is Booking the Char Dham Yatra Package Good or Not?
If you book a Char Dham Yatra package, you don’t have to worry about anything else during your visit to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
These are typically packages that include transportation, lodging, meals, and a guided hand so you don’t have to figure everything out yourself.
These packages are very helpful for the first-time travelers, senior citizens, and kids who want to make their journey through the Himalayas safer and smoother.
If you desire convenience, security, and organized travel, then you should book a Char Dham Yatra package. But if you crave flexibility or have some of your own must-see goals, you might want to plan your own trip.
Always compare packages and read reviews, and pick a good tour operator to ensure a smooth and trouble-free pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The Char Dham Yatra is a soulful journey, but timing is everything to make it a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage.
The best time is May-June (good weather, open roads) and September-October (fewer crowds, autumn bliss).
Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to landslides and the winter months (December-April) when temples are closed.