New Delhi: Char Dham Yatra holds a deeply sacred place in Hindu belief, when devotees travel through four revered Himalayan shrines nestled in Uttarakhand’s
Garhwal region. The journey covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each representing spiritual purification and devotion. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims undertake this demanding yet fulfilling pilgrimage, balancing faith with physical endurance. With official dates now announced for 2026, devotees can begin preparing early for one of India’s most spiritually significant journeys.
The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is scheduled to begin on April 19, coinciding with Akshay Tritiya. The announcement by the Char Dham Temple Committee has set the stage for registrations, travel planning, and ritual preparations, especially for pilgrims visiting the shrines during the peak summer season. Here are the important details.
Key details of Char Dham Yatra 2026
Char Dham Yatra 2026 dates
The Char Dham Yatra officially begins with the opening of Yamunotri and Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath later in April. These dates are decided through traditional Panchang calculations and ceremonial rituals.
Temple-wise opening and closing dates
- Yamunotri Dham: April 19, 2026, to November 11, 2026
- Gangotri Dham: April 19, 2026, to November 10, 2026
- Kedarnath Dham: April 22, 2026, to November 11, 2026
- Badrinath Dham: April 23, 2026, to November 13, 2026
Why Char Dham yatra follows fixed sequence
The Char Dham pilgrimage traditionally follows a clockwise route, starting with Yamunotri, then Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. This sequence is believed to hold spiritual importance and is followed by most devotees.
Char Dham meaning and belief
- ‘Char’ refers to four sacred sites
‘Dham’ signifies holy abodes in the high Himalayan regions
The journey symbolises spiritual cleansing and devotion through discipline
Mandatory registration for Char Dham Yatra 2026
Registration is compulsory for all pilgrims and is monitored by the Uttarakhand government for safety and crowd management.
How to register online
- Visit registrationandtourist.uk.gov.in
- Enter personal and travel details
- Upload a government-issued ID
- Complete OTP verification
- Download the registration slip with QR code
Pilgrims can also register via WhatsApp by sending YATRA to 8394833833 and following automated instructions. Assistance is available through the helpline 0135-1364.
Phones and cameras are banned inside temples
- Authorities have imposed a complete ban on mobile phones and cameras inside all Char Dham temples.
What pilgrims should know?
- The ban applies to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- Devices must be deposited outside the temple premises
- The decision aims to preserve sanctity and manage crowd flow
- Arrangements will be made at entry points to ensure smooth enforcement.
Kedarnath Temple: Dates and winter worship
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath remains one of the most revered shrines in the circuit.
Ritual details
- Opening: April 22, 2026, around 6:20 am
- Closing: Around November 11, near Bhai Dooj
- Winter worship: Conducted at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
- The opening date is traditionally announced on Mahashivratri.
Badrinath Temple: Traditional announcement
Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, follows a unique tradition for announcing its opening.
Key details
- Opening: April 23, 2026, around 6:15 am
- Announcement: Made on Basant Panchami from Tehri Palace
- Winter seat: Pandukeshwar near Joshimath
Gangotri and Yamunotri: ceremonial beginning
Gangotri and Yamunotri mark the formal start of the Char Dham season.
Closing timeline
- Gangotri: Around November 10, near Diwali
- Yamunotri: November 11, on Bhai Dooj
- Both temples open on Akshay Tritiya.
Key things pilgrims must remember
Proper planning ensures a safer and smoother pilgrimage experience.
- Registration is mandatory
- Weather changes rapidly at high altitudes
- Medical fitness is essential
- Early bookings are advised during May and June
With official dates and guidelines now in place, Char Dham Yatra 2026 allows devotees to plan their spiritual journey with clarity and confidence. Early preparation, awareness of rules, and respect for temple traditions remain key to completing this sacred Himalayan pilgrimage safely and meaningfully.
