The Char Dham Yatra — the sacred circuit of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand — is open to pilgrims only for about six months every year. The temples remain shut during winter due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather in the high Himalayas, typically from November to April/May. Knowing the exact Kapat (door) opening and closing dates is essential before planning your yatra.

In this guide, we have compiled the confirmed opening and closing dates for both 2025 and 2026, explained the religious significance behind how these dates are decided, and listed what to expect at each Dham during the opening ceremony.

🗓️ Char Dham Kapat Opening & Closing Dates — 2025 & 2026

Scroll to see dates for your planned year. The 2026 dates have been officially confirmed by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

🙏 How Are the Kapat Dates Decided?

The Kapat opening dates are not fixed on a calendar — they follow the Hindu Panchang (lunar calendar) and are announced months in advance by the respective temple committees and priests. Each temple has its own tradition:

• Yamunotri & Gangotri: Both open on Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej) — one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. The exact opening time and dates are announced by the temple priests based on panchang calculations.
• Kedarnath: The Kapat opening date is announced on Maha Shivratri by the Rawal (head priest) at the winter seat — Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. Over 55,000 pilgrims visited Kedarnath in just the first two days of opening in 2025.
• Badrinath: The opening date is announced on Basant Panchami by the head priest. The closing date is declared on Vijay Dashami (Dussehra) each year by the Char Dham committee.

"The Kapat opening ceremonies are among the most spectacular spiritual events in India — thousands of devotees gather in sub-zero temperatures to witness the first darshan of the season." — Firstraveller Pilgrimage Desk

🏔️ Best Time to Visit Char Dham (Month-by-Month)

Not all open months are equally good for visiting. Here's a visual breakdown of the best visiting windows:

• May–June: First rush of the season — great weather but extremely crowded. Book everything 3–4 months in advance.
• July–August: Monsoon season — high landslide risk on mountain roads, especially to Kedarnath. Avoid if possible.
• September–October: The hidden gem window — clear skies after monsoon, beautiful autumn colours, 30–40% less crowds and lower prices. Best for first-timers and senior citizens.

🏡 Where Are the Deities During Winter?

When the Kapaats close, the idols of the deities are ceremoniously moved to their winter abodes in lower-altitude villages, where they continue to be worshipped by devotees:

📝 Registration — Mandatory for All Pilgrims

Since 2022, online registration is compulsory for the Char Dham Yatra. You must complete registration before reaching the base camps. Here's what you need:

• Register at: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free, no fees)
• Valid Aadhaar card is mandatory for all pilgrims
• Daily pilgrim caps apply — register early especially for May–June dates
• Print or save QR code — it's checked at multiple points along the route
• WhatsApp registration also available for 2026

💡 Quick Planning Tips for Char Dham 2026

• Book at least 3–4 months early for May–June slots. September–October needs 6–8 weeks advance booking.
• Kedarnath helicopter tickets sell out in hours — book through the official IRCTC portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in).
• Carry warm layers even in May — temperatures drop sharply after sunset at all four dhams.
• For senior citizens or people with health conditions, September–October is safer due to less altitude pressure than peak summer.
• The yatra follows the clockwise order: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. This sequence is spiritually significant.