Char Dham Temple Closing Dates 2026: Last Darshan Window Approaches

Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 4 November 2026: Char Dham Yatra 2026 is approaching its final phase as the four Himalayan shrines are scheduled to close between November 10 to November 16. Pilgrims hoping to visit Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath or Badrinath before winter now have only a limited window to complete their darshan.

According to closing schedules announced by the respective temple authorities and reported by The Times of India, Gangotri will close first on 10 November, followed by Yamunotri and Kedarnath on 11 November. Badrinath will be the last of the four shrines to close, on 16 November.

As the high-altitude shrines close for winter, worship continues at their designated winter temples in the villages, keeping the Char Dham pilgrimage traditions alive throughout the season.

Char Dham Temple Closing Dates 2026

The announced closing dates and timings are as follows:

The dates were announced by temple authorities around Vijayadashami on 20 October. Pilgrims should reconfirm the ceremonial timings before travelling, as closing-day arrangements may affect public darshan.

For official temple information, visit the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee at https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/ and Uttarakhand Tourism at https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/experiences/char-dham.

Char Dham Temples Closing Timing & Final Rituals

The closure of Char Dham temples is not simply a seasonal shutdown. Each temple follows its own traditions, with special prayers, rituals and ceremonies before the deities are moved to their winter worship locations.

Gangotri: 10 November

Gangotri Temple will close at 12:05 PM on Annakoot, following special prayers dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The ceremonial idol of the goddess will then be carried in a decorated palanquin to Mukhba village, where the winter worship will continue.

Yamunotri and Kedarnath: 11 November

Yamunotri will close at 10:28 AM on Bhai Dooj, an occasion associated with Goddess Yamuna and her brother Yama. The goddess’s ceremonial idol will be carried to Kharsali village.

Kedarnath Temple will close at 8:30 AM on the same day. Following the traditional ceremonies, Lord Kedarnath’s ceremonial representation will begin its journey towards Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Badrinath: 16 November

Badrinath Temple will close at 9:37 PM on 16 November, concluding the Char Dham pilgrimage season.

The traditional Panch Puja ceremonies begin on 12 November, leading up to the final rituals and winter closure. The associated ceremonial procession is scheduled for 17 November.

Planning a Char Dham Yatra Before the Temples Close

With Gangotri Temple closing on 10 November and two more temples closing the next morning, pilgrims planning a last-minute visit should consider travel time, accommodation and weather conditions before starting their journey.

Those already in Uttarakhand may still have time to visit one of the temples before it closes. However, completing the entire Char Dham Yatra at this stage could be difficult, as there is very little time to manage travel delays.

The traditional Char Dham route starts from Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri and Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath, completing the entire circuit by road in 10–12 days.

If you’re still planning to visit any of the temples before they close, first complete your registration through the Uttarakhand Government’s Tourist Care portal (https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/) and carry valid ID proof during your journey.

Winter clothing, waterproof footwear and adequate travel buffers are particularly important in November. Travellers should also confirm hotel availability, local transport arrangements and road conditions before departure.

Winter Seat of all Char Dham Temples

Devotees can continue worshipping the Char Dham deities during winter at their designated winter temples, where traditional rituals and prayers are performed.

These winter destinations allow devotees to continue offering prayers without travelling to the snowbound main shrines. The winter pilgrimage also provides an opportunity to explore the cultural and religious traditions of Uttarakhand’s mountain communities.