Char Dham Yatra 2026: Check Closing Dates And Timings Of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri And Yamunotri

The Char Dham Yatra 2026 is set to conclude as Uttarakhand's four revered Himalayan shrines prepare to close for the winter season. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake this sacred pilgrimage to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. However, with temperatures dropping and snowfall increasing across the higher reaches of the Himalayas, the temples shut their doors for several months before reopening in the summer.

Here is everything devotees need to know about this year's closing schedule.

Gangotri Temple To Close First:

Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Gangotri Temple will be the first shrine to close for the winter season. The temple is scheduled to shut its doors on November 10, 2026, at 12:05 PM on the occasion of Annakoot.

Situated in Uttarkashi district, Gangotri is among the most significant pilgrimage destinations in the country. After the closure ceremony, the idol of Goddess Ganga will be ceremonially moved to Mukhba village, where devotees can continue offering prayers throughout the winter months.

Yamunotri Temple Closure On Bhai Dooj:

Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, will close on November 11, 2026, at 10:28 AM, coinciding with Bhai Dooj.

Known as the traditional starting point of the Char Dham circuit, the shrine holds immense spiritual importance. Following the annual closure, the ceremonial idol of Goddess Yamuna will be shifted to Kharsali village, which serves as the temple's winter seat.

Kedarnath Temple To Shut On November 11:

One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple will close on November 11, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

Located in Rudraprayag district, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas. After the closing rituals, the ceremonial palanquin of Lord Kedarnath will begin its journey to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship will continue during the winter season.

Badrinath Temple Will Remain Open The Longest:

Badrinath Temple will be the last of the four Char Dham shrines to close this year. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is scheduled to shut on November 16, 2026, at 9:37 PM.

Located in Chamoli district, Badrinath is traditionally the final stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage route. The closure follows a series of sacred rituals known as Panch Puja. During winter, worship associated with the shrine continues at Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath.

When Will The Temples Reopen?

The four temples generally reopen between April and May, depending on weather conditions, religious customs and decisions taken by temple authorities. The official opening dates for the 2027 Char Dham Yatra season are expected to be announced closer to the pilgrimage period.

For devotees planning a last-minute visit, these closing dates offer one final opportunity to seek blessings before the Himalayan shrines take their annual winter break.