When is the best time to do Char Dham Yatra?

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The pilgrimage season runs from the day of Akshaya Tritiya (usually in April or early May) when the temple gates open, until Bhai Dooj (October/November, right after Diwali) when they close for winter of Char Dham Yatra . However, within this window, some periods are more favorable than others .

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May to June (Pre-monsoon – Peak Season)

This is the peak pilgrimage period. The weather is relatively stable in May and early June – generally clear mornings with cool to mildly warm days, and cold nights at high altitudes. Snow from winter may still be melting; you might even experience snowfall in early May near Kedarnath.

Daytime temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C in lower stations (Haridwar, etc.) and 5°C to 15°C in the shrines. These two months see the heaviest footfall – in 2023, the early weeks saw lakhs of pilgrims pouring in.

Pros: all facilities (hotels, food stalls) are fully operational, there is a festive atmosphere, and longer daylight hours. Read also: Kedarnath Temple 2025 Opening & Closing Dates

Cons: crowds are at their maximum – expect long queues for darshan (sometimes 3-4 hours at Badrinath or Kedarnath), traffic congestion on roads, and difficulty finding accommodation if not pre-booked.

If you plan in May-June, try to avoid the very first week (opening week) unless you want to witness the grand opening ceremonies – those are extremely crowded. Also avoid around major holidays like Summer School Vacation rush in June where families throng the route.

July to August – Char Dham Yatra

July to August

Monsoon season hits Uttarakhand by late June and persists through July and August. During this time, heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and road blockages. The Char Dham Yatra technically continues (it’s not closed unless an emergency), but it becomes risky and inconvenient. There have been years when the Yatra was suspended for days due to landslide debris or floods (like parts of the route in 2023 had to close temporarily in bad weather). Read also: Badrinath Temple 2025 Opening & Closing Dates

The trekking paths become slippery, and helicopter services often shut down due to low visibility or rain. That said, a trickle of pilgrims still go, and you will find less crowd and vividly green scenery.

If you choose monsoon, be extremely cautious: plan buffer days, monitor weather daily, and perhaps stick to just one or two dhams that are accessible, rather than doing all four in one go. Many tour operators don’t operate in this period due to unpredictability.

On the bright side, hotel availability is better and prices can be lower, but again the risk of disruption is high. Also note, due to cloud cover, you might miss seeing the beautiful Himalayan peaks entirely.

September to mid-October:

September is often considered the best time for Char Dham Yatra. The monsoon rains subside by late August, and by early September the weather clears up. The skies in autumn are crystal clear blue, offering stunning views of snow-clad peaks. Climate-wise, days are pleasantly cool (10-20°C) and nights start getting colder (could drop to 0-8°C at Kedarnath/Badrinath at night by October).

The pilgrim crowd is moderate – significantly less than May-June, which means easier travel, shorter darshan queues, and a more peaceful experience. Roads damaged by monsoon are usually restored by early September by the diligent Border Roads Organisation. Check Also: Gangotri Yatra 2025 – Opening & Closing Dates

This period is great for photography and also coincides with festivals: e.g., late September or October often has Navratri and Diwali preparations.

If you go in October, especially mid to late October, be prepared for quite cold temperatures (carry heavy woolens, as Kedarnath and others might see sub-zero nights or even a light snowfall towards the very end of season).

Many amenities (food stalls, smaller hotels) start winding down operations by late October due to the impending closure of shrines, but major ones remain until closing date.

Late October to November (Closing Days Char Dham Yatra):

Late October to November (Closing Days):

Around Diwali (which can fall in late October or early November), the temples close – exact dates vary each year (for example, Kedarnath might close on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali).

Some pilgrims deliberately plan to reach Badrinath or Kedarnath on the closing day to witness the ceremonial closure – the deities are adorned specially, and there are processions carrying the utsav murti (movable idol) down to the winter residence. Read also: Yamunotri Yatra 2025 – Opening & Closing

It’s a unique cultural experience, but weather is very cold and the journey is off-peak. If you miss the official Yatra window, note that you cannot visit the main shrines December through April (they’re snowbound and closed), but there is an alternative: visit the winter char dham – the places where the idols are kept in winter (e.g., Kharsali for Yamunotri idol, Mukhba for Gangotri, Ukhimath for Kedarnath, and Joshimath for Badrinath). Some devotees do this off-season pilgrimage, though it’s a different experience. Read also: Uttarakhand in May: Weather, Best Places to Visit

Time of Day Considerations of Char Dham Yatra:

Time of Day Considerations:

Regardless of month, plan to visit temples early morning or early evening. Early morning darshan allows you to avoid mid-day crowds, and it has a special tranquility. For Kedarnath, many start trekking at 4 am from Gaurikund to reach by 11 am and attend midday prayers. Gangotri and Yamunotri, if you start at dawn from your base, you’ll enjoy quieter shrines and then return before any afternoon rain.

Evening aartis (like the 6-7 pm aarti at Badrinath or Gangotri) are beautiful. But ensure you have a safe return in dark or are staying right there.

Festival Dates of Char Dham Yatra:

Festival Dates: in Char dham Yatra

Some pilgrims like to align their trip with auspicious dates. For example, Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birth) in Badrinath or Sawan Shivratri in Kedarnath (during Yatra season) can be special.

However, these also draw local crowds. The Badri-Kedar Utsav, a cultural festival of music and dance organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism. Usually takes place in June at Badrinath and Kedarnath – if you’re there. You can witness folk performances in the backdrop of the temples.

Mata Murti Ka Mela at Badrinath (a fair honoring the mother of Nar and Narayan sages). Happens in August each year. Keep an eye on the calendar for such events as they can enrich your journey.

In Conclusion

The ideal time is pre-monsoon (May-June) if you want lively crowds and open facilities. And post-monsoon (Sept) if you prefer calmer experience and clear weather.

For most travelers, late May or early June and September strike the best balance. If you’re an NRI who can choose timing freely, September might be more comfortable weather-wise and less chaotic.

Whenever you go, always check the opening dates of each dham for 2025 (usually announced by March) and plan accordingly. Also, start your days early – both to avoid weather surprises and to make the most of daylight in the mountains. With good timing, your pilgrimage to Uttarakhand will be much more enjoyable and safe.

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