If you are planning to visit Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri or Yamunotri in 2026, checking the temple closing dates is an important part of your travel planning. The Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand close for the winter season as temperatures fall and weather conditions become more challenging in the higher Himalayan region.
The four temples do not close on the same day. According to announcements reported in October 2026, Gangotri is scheduled to close first, followed by Yamunotri and Kedarnath. Badrinath is scheduled to close later in November.
What Are the Char Dham Closing Dates in 2026?
The reported closing dates and timings for the four Char Dham temples in 2026 are listed below.
| Temple | Closing Date | Reported Time | Winter Worship Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri Temple | 10 November 2026 | 12:05 PM | Mukhba village |
| Yamunotri Temple | 11 November 2026 | 10:28 AM | Kharsali village |
| Kedarnath Temple | 11 November 2026 | 8:30 AM | Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath |
| Badrinath Temple | 16 November 2026 | 9:37 PM | Narsingh Temple, Joshimath, and associated winter worship at Pandukeshwar |
Note: These are the reported 2026 closing dates and timings. Check the relevant temple committee or official announcements before travelling, as ritual schedules and local access conditions should be reconfirmed closer to your visit.
When Will Gangotri Temple Close in 2026?
Gangotri Temple is scheduled to close on 10 November 2026 at 12:05 PM, on the occasion of Annakut. Gangotri Dham, located in Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is an important stop on the Char Dham Yatra.
After the temple closes for winter, the ceremonial worship of Goddess Ganga continues at Mukhba village. Pilgrims interested in visiting the area during the colder months should check road conditions, accommodation availability and local travel guidance before making plans.
When Will Yamunotri Temple Close in 2026?
Yamunotri Temple is scheduled to close on 11 November 2026 at 10:28 AM, on Bhai Dooj. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi district.
During the winter season, the deity is worshipped at Kharsali village. The route to Yamunotri includes a trek from Janki Chatti, so visitors should allow enough time for the journey and check weather and route conditions before departure.
When Will Kedarnath Temple Close in 2026?
Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to close on 11 November 2026 at 8:30 AM, on Bhai Dooj. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Uttarakhand.
After the closing ceremony, the ceremonial procession of Baba Kedar moves to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter worship takes place.
Kedarnath requires additional planning because pilgrims must travel to Gaurikund and complete the trek to the temple, unless using an authorised alternative arrangement where available. Cold weather, snowfall and changing mountain conditions can affect the journey, particularly late in the season.
If you are planning this pilgrimage, see our Kedarnath tour package information for route and trip-planning details.
When Will Badrinath Temple Close in 2026?
Badrinath Temple is scheduled to close on 16 November 2026 at 9:37 PM. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is located in Chamoli district and is the final stop in the traditional Char Dham circuit.
Unlike Kedarnath, the main Badrinath Temple can be reached by road when the route is open and conditions permit. However, late-season travellers should still account for low temperatures, possible snowfall, road restrictions and changes in local transport services.
During winter, worship associated with Badrinath continues at designated winter locations. The Narsingh Temple in Joshimath is an important winter worship site, while the Uddhav and Kuber festival images are associated with Yogdhyan Badri Temple in Pandukeshwar.
For route and itinerary information, visit our Badrinath tour package page.
Why Do the Char Dham Temples Close During Winter?
The four shrines are located in the Himalayan region, where winter brings very low temperatures, snowfall and difficult travel conditions. The annual closure follows religious traditions and the schedule established by the respective temple authorities.
The main temples close for the season, but worship does not simply stop. The ceremonial deities or associated forms are taken to designated winter locations at lower elevations, where devotees can continue their religious observances.
Where Can You Visit the Char Dham Deities During Winter?
Devotees who cannot visit the main shrines during the pilgrimage season may be able to visit their associated winter worship locations. These places have their own religious significance and local traditions.
- Gangotri: Mukhba village, where Goddess Ganga is worshipped during winter.
- Yamunotri: Kharsali village, the winter seat associated with Goddess Yamuna.
- Kedarnath: Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter worship of Baba Kedar takes place.
- Badrinath: Narsingh Temple in Joshimath and the associated winter traditions at Pandukeshwar.
For more information about these traditions, read our related guide: Where Do Char Dham Deities Go in Winter?
Can You Visit Char Dham in the Last Week Before Closing?
It may be possible to visit one or more shrines shortly before their scheduled closing dates, but the available time depends on the temple schedule, road conditions, weather and your starting point.
If you want to complete the full Char Dham circuit, avoid planning your departure so close to the final closing dates that even a short delay could disrupt the trip. Travel between the four shrines takes several days, and mountain journeys can be affected by roadblocks, rain, snowfall or traffic.
Before leaving, confirm the latest temple timings, accommodation, transport arrangements and weather forecast. Keep some flexibility in your itinerary rather than relying on a tightly scheduled journey.
Travel Tips Before Planning Char Dham Yatra in November
- Check the latest announcements from the relevant temple authorities.
- Confirm road accessibility and weather conditions before departure.
- Carry warm layers, gloves, suitable footwear and rain protection.
- Allow extra travel time for mountain roads and possible delays.
- Complete the applicable pilgrim registration requirements before travelling.
- Check accommodation and transport availability, especially near the end of the season.
- Do not assume that a road, trek or service will remain open simply because a temple's scheduled closing date has not arrived.
For official travel information and registration, check the Uttarakhand Tourism website and the Uttarakhand Tourist Care registration portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date for Char Dham Yatra in 2026?
Badrinath is scheduled to close last, on 16 November 2026 at 9:37 PM. The other reported closing dates are 10 November for Gangotri and 11 November for Yamunotri and Kedarnath. Always reconfirm the relevant temple schedule before travelling.
2. Do Kedarnath and Yamunotri close on the same date in 2026?
Yes. Both are scheduled to close on 11 November 2026, on Bhai Dooj. Their reported closing times are different: 8:30 AM for Kedarnath and 10:28 AM for Yamunotri.
3. Which Char Dham temple closes first in 2026?
Gangotri Temple is scheduled to close first, on 10 November 2026 at 12:05 PM.
4. Where is Kedarnath worshipped during winter?
After the main temple closes, winter worship of Baba Kedar takes place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Uttarakhand.
5. Can I visit the winter temples after the main Char Dham temples close?
Yes, the associated winter worship locations may be visited during the winter season, subject to road access, local weather and temple schedules. Check current conditions before travelling.
6. Where can I check official Char Dham travel updates?
Check the Uttarakhand Tourism website, the official Tourist Care registration portal and announcements from the relevant temple committees for current travel and pilgrimage information.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Char Dham closing schedule gives pilgrims a clear starting point for planning the end of the pilgrimage season. Gangotri is scheduled to close on 10 November, Yamunotri and Kedarnath on 11 November, and Badrinath on 16 November.
Because these journeys depend on mountain weather, road access and temple arrangements, verify the latest information before departure. If you are planning a pilgrimage, you can also explore our Char Dham Yatra travel guide and package details to understand the route and trip arrangements.
