Char Dham Yatra 2026: Know When These Temples Are Closing

The annual Char Dham Yatra is drawing to a close, and the four sacred Himalayan shrines are preparing to close for the winter season. Each year, thousands of visitors visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. However, during winter, these shrines are closed during the colder winter months as most pathways leading to the temples and the areas around the temples become inaccessible.

Char Dham temple authorities have announced the closing dates and timings for all four shrines. Gangotri will be the first to close while Badrinath will be the last temple to be closed.

Char Dham Yatra 2026: Know The Temple Closing Dates

Gangotri Closing Date 2026

Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and will close its doors on November 10, 2026 at 12:05 PM. The closure will coincide with Annakoot, a festival observed after Diwali. Gangotri is located in the Uttarkashi district and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. After the temple closes, the ceremonial idol of Goddess Ganga will be taken to Mukhba Village, her winter abode.

Also Read: Which Ghat Is Best For Ganga Aarti In Varanasi? What First-Time Visitors Should Know

Yamunotri Temple Closing Date

Yamunotri Temple will close for visitors on November 11, 2026, at 10:28 AM, coinciding with the festival of Bhai Dooj. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple is traditionally the first stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The shrine is associated with the origin of the river Yamuna, with the ceremonial idol of the goddess being moved to Kharsali Village for the winter season.

Also Read: Kedarnath Helicopter Yatra: Booking, Fares & Rules

Kedarnath Closing Date 2026

The Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, considered to be one of the most revered temples in India, will close its doors on November 11, 2026 at 8:30 AM. The temple involves challenging terrain, requiring decent fitness levels and advance planning. After the temple closes its doors, the ceremonial palanquin of Lord Kedarnath will begin its journey to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the deity spends the rest of the winter season.

Badrinath Closing Date 2026

And lastly, the Badrinath Temple is the last temple among the Char Dham shrines to be shut this year. The Badrinath Temple is scheduled to shut on November 16, 2026 at 9:37 PM. Badrinath is not only a part of the Char Dham Yatra 2026 but also one of the most revered Vishnu temples in India. As the temple closes, a series of religious rituals called the Panch Puja will take place, after which the ceremonial idol will be worshipped at designated locations including Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath.

The four shrines generally reopen in April or May, depending on religious calendars, weather conditions and official announcements by the temple authorities. 

Also Read: Kedarnath & Badrinath Get Special Darshan Slots For Elderly & Differently-Abled Pilgrims

Summing Up

In this blog, we’ve mentioned the official closing dates and timings of the four temples of the Char Dham Yatra 2026. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath will close on different dates, with Gangotri being the first to close and Badrinath being the last to close.