Best Time To Visit Char Dham Yatra – Complete Guide
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in India. It covers Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand. Every year thousands of devotees visit these holy shrines. But before planning, the most common question is – Best Time To Visit Char Dham Yatra.
Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Right Time is Important
The temples are located in the high Himalayas.
Weather changes quickly, so timing matters for safety and comfort.
The shrines remain open only for 6 months (April/May to October/November).
Char Dham Opening & Closing Dates
- Opening: End of April or early May (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing: October/November (around Diwali or Bhai Dooj)
Suggested Read: Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates
Summer Season (May – June)
Weather: Pleasant, 10-20°C
Best for: Families, elderly pilgrims, first-time visitors
Highlights: Clear skies, snow melting, easy trekking routes
Crowd: High, as most devotees prefer this season
Monsoon Season (July – August)
- Weather: Heavy rainfall, landslides common
- Risks: Roadblocks, slippery paths, floods
- Recommendation: Avoid unless necessary
Autumn Season (September - Early November)
Weather: Cool, 5–15°C
Best for: Peaceful darshan, fewer crowds
Highlights: Scenic beauty, snow peaks visible, safe roads
Crowd: Moderate, ideal for those seeking calm
Suggested Read: Badrinath Temple Guide
Best Time for Each Dham
| Dham | Best Months | Why |
|---|---|---|
Yamunotri |
May-June, Sept-Oct |
Pleasant trek, safe weather |
Gangotri |
May-June, Sept-Oct |
Ideal for river darshan |
Kedarnath |
May–June, Sept |
Trekking easier, clear skies |
Badrinath |
May-June, Sept-Oct |
Comfortable climate, spiritual calm |
Tips for Pilgrims
- Carry warm clothes even in summer.
- Keep rain gear handy during monsoon.
- Book hotels/taxis in advance.
- Walk slowly on treks and stay hydrated.
- Respect local customs and environment.
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra Registration
FAQS For Best Time To Visit Char Dham Yatra
Q: What is the best time to visit Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. May-June (summer) and September-October (autumn) are the best months.
Q: Why avoid monsoon season for Char Dham Yatra?
Ans. Heavy rains cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky.
Q: Are Char Dham temples open in winter?
Ans. No, shrines close due to snowfall. Worship shifts to their winter seats.
Q: Which season is good for peaceful darshan?
Ans. September-October is ideal, with fewer crowds and clear views.
Q: Can elderly people visit Char Dham Yatra safely?
Ans. Yes, summer months (May-June) are comfortable and suitable for families.
Q: How long are Char Dham temples open each year?
Ans. Around 6 months – from late April/early May to October/November.
Q: Which Dham is best to visit first?
Ans. Traditionally, the yatra starts from Yamunotri, then Gangotri, Kedarnath, and ends at Badrinath.
Conclusion
The Best Time To Visit Char Dham Yatra is May–June and September–early November. These months offer good weather, safe travel, and spiritual peace. Avoid monsoon for safety reasons, and remember that winter closes the shrines.
Sachin Kumar is a travel content writer associated with SRG Holidays Pvt. Ltd., a trusted name in Uttarakhand tourism and pilgrimage tours. With years of experience in writing easy‑to‑read travel guides, Sachin focuses on providing clear information for pilgrims and tourists.
