The wait is finally over for millions of devotees worldwide. The official opening dates for the sacred Himalayan Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand have been announced for the 2026 season.
With record-breaking crowds expected this year, early planning is absolutely critical. If you are planning to visit the supreme abodes of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and the sacred rivers, here is everything you need to know about the opening dates, registration process, and how to secure your bookings before they sell out.
Official Char Dham Opening Dates 2026
As per ancient tradition, the portals of the four shrines open in a specific sequence, beginning on the highly auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.
Here is the confirmed schedule for the 2026 pilgrimage season:
- Yamunotri Temple: April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Gangotri Temple: April 19, 2026 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Kedarnath Temple: April 22, 2026 (Portals open at 8:00 AM)
- Badrinath Temple: April 23, 2026 (Portals open at 6:15 AM)
Traveler’s Insight: The temples will remain open for approximately six months before closing again for the harsh Himalayan winter in early November, right around the time of Bhai Dooj.
Plan Your Route: The Four Sacred Shrines
The traditional and most spiritually rewarding way to complete the Yatra is from West to East. Click on each of our comprehensive temple guides below to plan your trek, understand the history, and map your route:
- Yamunotri Temple Guide – The source of the sacred Yamuna River.
- Gangotri Temple Guide – The spiritual birthplace of the Holy Ganga.
- Kedarnath Temple Guide – The supreme Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath Temple Guide – The ultimate earthly abode of Lord Vishnu.
Want to see how these fit into the larger national picture? Read our guide on the All-India Char Dham Circuit.
Mandatory Registration: Do Not Travel Without It!
The Uttarakhand government has made biometric registration 100% mandatory for all pilgrims traveling in 2026. You will not be allowed past the checkpoints or into the temples without your official Yatra QR Code.
- How to Register: You must register on the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal (
registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) or via the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” mobile app. - Registration is free, but daily caps are strictly enforced for each temple. Register the moment your travel dates are finalized!
Urgent: Book Your Hotels & Helicopters Now
Because the 2026 dates have just been finalized, the rush for accommodation and helicopter tickets for May and June is at its absolute peak.
Helicopter Bookings (Kedarnath): Helicopter shuttles from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi are extremely limited and must be booked through the official IRCTC portal. Watch out for fake booking websites!
Hotel Bookings: Rooms in the basecamps sell out months in advance. Do not plan on finding a room upon arrival during the peak summer months. Secure your basecamp stays immediately with free cancellation options by checking the live inventory below:
- Yamunotri Basecamps (Barkot & Janki Chatti): Check current availability on MakeMyTrip here.
- Gangotri Basecamps (Uttarkashi & Harsil): Check current availability on MakeMyTrip here.
- Kedarnath Basecamps (Guptkashi & Sonprayag): Check current availability on MakeMyTrip here.
- Badrinath Basecamps (Badrinath Town & Joshimath): Check current availability on MakeMyTrip here.
Are you spiritually prepared? A journey to the Himalayas requires physical endurance and deep devotion. Start your daily walking routine now, pack your heavy woolens, and get ready for the spiritual journey of a lifetime!