Char Dham Yatra 2027 | Opening and Closing Dates | Registration Details | Guide

Last updated: 4 October 2026 · By Gokeys India, Haridwar

Char Dham Yatra 2027 is expected to start on 9 May 2027, when Yamunotri and Gangotri open on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath should open about 10 May and Badrinath about 12 May. These are expected dates, not official ones: the temple committees announce them between February and March 2027, and we will update this page the same day.

The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in Uttarakhand. It covers four famous temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

These temples remain closed during the winter because of heavy snowfall and difficult weather conditions. They normally reopen in April or May on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya Festival and remain open until October or November till Diwali Festival.

This guide covers the expected opening and closing dates (with the 2026 dates for comparison), temple-by-temple details, the route, free government registration, road and helicopter options, package cost and the best time to go.

Why Are the Opening Dates Important?

The Char Dham temples are located in the high Himalayan region. During winter, heavy snow makes the routes difficult and, in some places, impossible to access.

During the winter months, the deities call dolis are moved to their traditional winter homes in lower areas (like Badrinath in Yogdhyan Badri and Narsingh Temple Joshimath, Kedarnath Dham in Omkareshwar temple Ukhimath, Gangotri Dham in Mukhwa Village, Yamunotri Dham in Kharshali). When the pilgrimage season begins, the dolis are brought back to the main temples in special religious processions.

The opening dates are decided according to the Hindu Panchang and are officially announced by the temple authorities.

Because of this, the exact dates for 2027 are not confirmed until the official announcements are made

Char Dham Yatra 2027 expected opening dates

2027 dates are tentative until announced. 2026 dates: IANS report on the 2026 yatra opening.

How the opening dates are decided

The Panchang sets the dates, and the temple committees announce them. Yamunotri and Gangotri always open on Akshaya Tritiya. The Kedarnath date is fixed at Ukhimath on Maha Shivaratri, and the Badrinath date is announced at Narendra Nagar on Basant Panchami. In 2026 Kedarnath opened three days after Akshaya Tritiya and Badrinath one day after Kedarnath, so a gap of a few days between the four temples is normal.

Char Dham Yatra 2027 expected closing dates

The four temples are expected to close in the last days of October or the first half of November 2027, around Diwali. Diwali 2027 falls on 29 October, which puts Govardhan Puja at about 30 October and Bhai Dooj at about 31 October. Confirm these in the Panchang before planning a late-season trip.

Badrinath usually stays open longest, so it is the safest choice for an October or November trip. Snow can close the upper routes earlier than the official date, so keep a buffer of a few days if you travel in the last two weeks of the season.

Char Dham Yatra Route and Order

The traditional Char Dham route is:

Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath

Most pilgrims start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh. The Yatra takes about 9 Nights and 10 Days to complete, where you can visit and worship at the Char Dham temples, Visit Holy Confluence Panch Prayag, Dhari Devi Temple, Shiv Gufa, Kashi Viswanath temple in Uttarkashi and Guptkashi.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is considered the source of the River Yamuna. The temple is located in Uttarkashi district. The Temple can be accessed by Trekking of 5-6 Kms from Jankichatti.

Gangotri

Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is located in Uttarkashi district and is an important pilgrimage site associated with the River Ganga. The temple can be reached by Cab and its also known for starting place of famous trek Gaumukh.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is located in Rudraprayag district at a high altitude. To reach at Kedarnath one need to trek about 18-20 Kms from Gaurikund and other options are Pony, Palki, Kandi, Doli and Helicopter.

Badrinath

Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Chamoli district. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Is it also one the main Char Dhams of India and known as Moskha Dham.

Typical 9 nights, 10 days itinerary from Haridwar

1. Haridwar or Rishikesh to Barkot.
2. Barkot to Janki Chatti, Yamunotri darshan, back to Barkot.
3. Barkot to Uttarkashi; visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
4. Uttarkashi to Gangotri and back to Uttarkashi (about 99 km each way).
5. Uttarkashi to Guptkashi or Phata, the longest drive of the trip at 8 to 10 hours.
6. Guptkashi to Gaurikund and the Kedarnath trek or helicopter; night at Kedarnath or Guptkashi.
7. Kedarnath darshan and return to Guptkashi or Rudraprayag.
8. Drive to Badrinath via Chamoli and Joshimath, passing the Panch Prayag confluences.
9. Badrinath darshan and Mana village, then Joshimath or Srinagar for the night.
10. Return to Haridwar or Rishikesh.

The exact stops change with road conditions and the opening dates. Full day-by-day itinerary · Route map and distances

Check out Complete Guide about Char Dham Yatra Route Map & Details

Do Dham Yatra

If you do not have enough time for all four temples, you can also plan a Do Dham Yatra.

The most popular combination is:

Kedarnath Badrinath Do Dham Yatra

This is a good option for travelers who want to visit the two most popular temples but have limited time, so that can be done in 5 Nights and 6 Days from Haridwar to Haridwar with Sightseeing like Panch Prayags, Dhari Devi Temple and more. Check Kedarnath Badrinath Tour Package details 

Char Dham Yatra 2027 Registration

Registration is an important part of the Char Dham Yatra.

The registration process and rules can change from one year to another, so travellers should check the latest government instructions before starting their journey.

You may need:

• Aadhar Card for Indian Pilgrim/ Passport for Foreign Pilgrim
• Mobile number
• OTP verification
• Travel dates
• Details of the passengers travelling with you
• New Photo of Pilgrim
• Emergency contact details

Read out Char Dham Yatra 2027 registration guide

The registration website is official Registration and Tourist Care website. You can check and do the registration accordingly.

How to Reach Char Dham

By Air

The nearest major airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

From the airport, travellers can continue by road towards Haridwar, Rishikesh and other destinations on the Char Dham route.

By Train

Haridwar Railway Station is one of the main railway gateways for Char Dham pilgrims.

Rishikesh is also connected by rail with station code Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK) and is another common starting point.

By Road

Haridwar and Rishikesh are the most common starting points for road-based Char Dham tours.

You can travel by private car, taxi, tempo traveller or organised tour package by Gokeys India.

Char Dham by Road or Helicopter?

There are two main ways to complete the Char Dham Yatra.

By Road

A road-based Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar normally takes around 9 to 10 days, although the duration can vary depending on the itinerary and road conditions.

The road journey is more affordable and gives travellers the chance to see more of the Himalayan landscape.

However, it also involves long road journeys and trekking at some locations.

For Kedarnath, pilgrims can choose from options such as trekking, pony, palki or helicopter services, depending on availability and government rules.

By Helicopter

Helicopter services can save a lot of travel time, generally takes about 4 nights and 5 Days from Dehradun Shashastradhara Helipad. 

Helicopter packages are available for Kedarnath, Do Dham, Char Dham and, depending on the operator and season, packages may also cover multiple Char Dham temples.

Helicopter services depend on:

• Weather
• Government and aviation rules
• Passenger weight limits
• Helipad operations
• Availability

If you are travelling by helicopter, it is still a good idea to keep some extra time in your schedule because bad weather can delay flights. Check out Char Dham Yatra 2027 by Helicopter Details & Price

Also Check Char Dham Yatra by Road Vs Helicopter: Which Should You Choose?

Char Dham Yatra 2027 cost: road vs helicopter

A road yatra from Haridwar starts at ₹21,000 per person with Gokeys India, for 9 nights and 10 days with hotels, transport, breakfast and dinner, sightseeing and taxes. Helicopter options cost more but save days.

Across operators, 2026 package prices ran from about ₹18,000–27,000 for budget road tours to ₹73,000–1,05,000 for comfort tours, and Kedarnath helicopter fares are published in Irctc Heli yatra website. Check the current fares on the IRCTC HeliYatra site before booking. Pony, palki and helicopter fares are normally paid separately; confirm what your package includes.

Best Time for Char Dham Yatra 2027

May to June

This is one of the busiest periods of the Char Dham season.

The weather is generally suitable for travel, but hotels, vehicles and helicopter services can be in high demand.

If you are travelling during this period, booking early is recommended.

July to August

This is the monsoon season in Uttarakhand.

Heavy rainfall can cause landslides, road closures and travel delays.

If you plan to travel during these months, keep checking weather and road condition updates.

September to October

This is often a good period for travellers who prefer relatively less crowd compared with the peak season.

The weather can be pleasant during the day, but temperatures at higher altitudes can become very cold, especially later in October.

Read more about Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra 

Tips for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens can complete the Char Dham Yatra, but the journey should be planned carefully.

Keep the itinerary relaxed, carry regular medicines and a basic first-aid kit, and get a doctor's opinion before travelling at altitude. Consider a helicopter, pony or palki for Kedarnath. Char Dham Yatra with elderly parents

Pack a government ID and your registration letter, warm clothes and thermals, a windproof jacket, a raincoat, comfortable walking shoes, a power bank, sunscreen and a water bottle. Avoid heavy luggage if your route includes a trek.

What Should You Pack?

The weather in the Himalayas can change quickly, so proper clothing is important.

Carry:

• Government ID
• Yatra registration documents
• Warm clothes
• Thermals
• Windproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Raincoat or poncho
• Personal medicines
• Basic first-aid items
• Power bank
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Small backpack

Avoid carrying unnecessary heavy luggage, especially if your itinerary includes trekking.

Final Planning Advice

If you are planning your Char Dham Yatra 2027, it is better to plan early but remain flexible.

The official opening and closing dates are announced closer to the pilgrimage season. Until then, any dates published online should be considered tentative.

Before making your final travel arrangements:

• Check the official temple announcements.
• Check the Uttarakhand government's latest travel advisories.
• Complete the required registration.
• Check road and weather conditions.
• Book hotels and transport according to the confirmed dates.
• Keep some extra time in your itinerary for unexpected delays.

Didn't Find the Itinerary Yet? Check Out Char Dham Yatra 2027 Itinerary Details

Most importantly, plan a trip with Gokeys India to get the best rates for Char Dham Yatra 2027 and also, we plan all trip according to the Confirmed opening dates of Yatra.

The Char Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey as well as a mountain journey. Good preparation, flexible planning and regular updates will help make your 2027 pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

This article will be updated when the official Char Dham Yatra 2027 opening and closing dates are announced.