Chardham Yatra 2026 Opening & Closing Dates Announced

The spiritual heart of the Himalayas is preparing to welcome devotees once again. The official dates for the opening of the portals (Kapat) of the sacred Chardham shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—for the 2026 pilgrimage season have been released based on the Hindu Panchang and traditional announcements.

The Yatra traditionally begins on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on April 19, 2026.

Chardham 2026 Schedule at a Glance

Shrine	Kapat Opening Date	Expected Closing Date
Yamunotri Dham	April 19, 2026	November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Gangotri Dham	April 19, 2026	November 10, 2026 (Govardhan Puja)
Kedarnath Dham	April 22, 2026	November 11, 2026 (Bhai Dooj)
Badrinath Dham	April 24, 2026	November 13, 2026 (Tentative)

Important Highlights for Pilgrims

• The Ritual Procession: The Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath will depart from his winter seat at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, several days prior, arriving at the shrine just before the doors open.
• Winter Abodes: Until the opening dates, the deities continue to be worshipped at their winter seats: Lord Badri Vishal at Joshimath and Lord Kedarnath at Ukhimath.
• Mandatory Registration: Like previous years, the Uttarakhand Government requires all pilgrims to complete Biometric Registration before commencing the journey.

Why Book Early with Trip To Temples?

The 2025 season saw record-breaking footfall, leading to early exhaustion of helicopter slots and premium accommodations. With the 2026 dates for Char Dham Yatra now visible, we recommend securing your transport and stay at least 3-4 months in advance.