Uttarakhand Announces Winter Closing Dates for Four Char Dham Temples, Including Kedarnath and Badrinath

Dehradun, October 21, 2026: Temple authorities in Uttarakhand have announced the winter closure schedule for the four Char Dham shrines, with the temples set to close between November 10 and November 16. Gangotri will close first on November 10, followed by Yamunotri and Kedarnath on November 11. Badrinath will be the last of the four shrines to close, on November 16, according to reports published on October 20.

The announcement marks the approaching end of the 2026 Char Dham Yatra season. Pilgrims planning a visit during the final weeks should check the relevant temple’s closing schedule and confirm local travel conditions before starting their journey.

Char Dham Temple Closing Dates 2026

The reported winter closure schedule for the four temples is as follows:

Source note: Dates and timings are reported by news outlets covering the temple authorities’ announcements. Confirm the schedule with the relevant temple committee before travelling.

When Will Kedarnath Temple Close for Winter?

Kedarnath Temple will close for the winter on November 11, 2026, at the reported time of 8:30 AM. The date falls on Bhai Dooj, a religious occasion traditionally associated with the annual closure of the shrine.

Located in Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and forms part of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The temple remains inaccessible during much of the winter because of heavy snowfall and severe Himalayan weather.

After the seasonal closure, the symbolic representation of Lord Kedarnath is traditionally taken to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where winter worship continues. The annual relocation allows devotees to continue their religious observances without travelling to the high-altitude shrine during the harsh winter months.

Pilgrims hoping to visit Kedarnath before November 11 should verify the final darshan schedule, road conditions and weather advisories before departure. The announced closure date should not be treated as a guarantee that every route or service will remain available until that day.

Badrinath Temple Winter Closure Date

Badrinath Temple in Chamoli district will close its portals for the winter on November 16, 2026, at 9:37 PM, according to reports citing temple authorities.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is one of the four principal shrines of the Char Dham Yatra. Its winter closure marks the end of the main pilgrimage season at the temple.

Heavy snowfall and freezing conditions make the area difficult to access during winter. The seasonal closure follows established religious traditions, while worship associated with the shrine continues at designated winter locations.

Visitors planning a late-season trip should confirm the temple’s darshan timings and current road conditions. They should also check accommodation availability and transport arrangements before travelling to Badrinath.

Gangotri and Yamunotri Temple Closing Dates

Gangotri Temple will close for the winter on November 10, 2026, at the reported time of 12:05 PM. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is located in Uttarkashi district and attracts pilgrims throughout the main Char Dham season.

After the closure, the ceremonial procession associated with Goddess Ganga traditionally moves to Mukhba village, where winter worship takes place.

Yamunotri Temple, also located in Uttarkashi district, is scheduled to close on November 11, 2026, at 10:28 AM. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the shrine marks the beginning of the traditional Char Dham pilgrimage route.

Following the closure, the deity’s ceremonial procession traditionally moves to Kharsali, the winter seat associated with Goddess Yamuna. Devotees can visit the designated winter worship location, subject to local access and temple arrangements.

Pilgrims should confirm the latest schedules with the respective temple committees before planning visits close to either closure date.

Why Do the Char Dham Temples Close During Winter?

The Char Dham shrines lie in the Garhwal Himalayas, where winter brings falling temperatures, snowfall and challenging travel conditions. These seasonal changes can affect road access and the safety of visitors.

According to Uttarakhand Tourism, the high-altitude shrines generally remain closed for around six months each year. They usually open during April or May and close as winter approaches in October or November.

The closures also follow longstanding religious customs. The deities associated with the shrines are worshipped at designated winter seats, allowing religious observances to continue while the main temples remain closed.

What Should Pilgrims Know Before Planning Their Visit?

Pilgrims planning a Char Dham visit in the final weeks of the 2026 season should take a few precautions:

• Check official announcements: Confirm the closing date and final darshan timings with the relevant temple authority.
• Monitor weather updates: Himalayan weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations.
• Check road conditions: Review current travel advisories before leaving for the temple.
• Confirm accommodation and transport: Do not assume that hotels, vehicles or other travel services will operate normally after a temple closes.
• Complete registration requirements: Check the Tourist Care Uttarakhand portal for applicable registration information and current travel advisories.
• Avoid last-minute assumptions: A published closing date does not guarantee that weather, road or safety conditions will permit access until that date.

These checks are especially important for visitors travelling long distances or planning a multi-day pilgrimage.

What Happens After the Char Dham Temples Close?

The closure of the main shrines does not mean that all associated worship stops for the winter. Religious traditions provide designated winter locations where devotees can continue their observances.

Kedarnath’s winter worship takes place at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The winter seats associated with Gangotri and Yamunotri are in Mukhba and Kharsali, respectively. Badrinath also has established winter worship arrangements associated with the deity’s seasonal relocation.

The Uttarakhand Tourism winter Char Dham circuit guide provides further information about these winter pilgrimage destinations.

Visitors should check local temple schedules before travelling because access, ceremonies and darshan arrangements can differ from those at the main shrines during the regular pilgrimage season.

Conclusion

The reported 2026 winter closure schedule places Gangotri’s closing date on November 10, Kedarnath and Yamunotri on November 11, and Badrinath on November 16. Pilgrims planning a final visit should verify the dates and timings with the relevant temple authorities and check weather and road advisories before travelling. The seasonal closures mark the transition from the main Char Dham pilgrimage season to winter worship at designated locations.