The short answer: May–June and late September–October are the best months for the Char Dham Yatra. The temples are open, roads are usually clear and the weather is kind. July and August bring the monsoon, and with it landslides and road closures on the Garhwal routes.
Here is how each part of the season actually feels on the ground, based on the trips our team runs every year from Haridwar and Delhi.
When do the temples open and close?
Yamunotri and Gangotri usually open on Akshaya Tritiya (late April or early May). Kedarnath and Badrinath open within a few days after that. In 2026, for example, the four temples opened between 19 and 23 April. The temples close for winter around Diwali and Bhai Dooj in October–November.
The exact 2027 dates are announced by the temple committees early in the year. Online registration on the Uttarakhand government portal is mandatory for every pilgrim — in 2026 it opened in early March.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late April–May | Cold mornings, snow near Kedarnath early on | Very high in the first weeks | Good, but book everything early |
| June | Pleasant days, cool nights | High (school holidays) | Good; watch for pre-monsoon showers late June |
| July–August | Monsoon rain | Low | Avoid unless you are flexible — landslides and road blocks |
| September | Rain eases, greenery everywhere | Moderate | Very good from the second half |
| October | Clear skies, cold nights | Moderate, rising before closing | Our favourite — best views of the peaks |
| November | Cold | Low | Only until the temples close |
Why we like late September and October
After the monsoon the air is washed clean and the mountains stand out sharply. The queues at Kedarnath are shorter than in May, hotels have more rooms and the treks are less muddy than in July. The trade-off is colder nights — at Kedarnath the temperature can drop close to zero, so pack a proper jacket, gloves and a cap.
Travelling in the monsoon
Some pilgrims only get leave in July or August. It can be done, but keep two or three buffer days, stay in touch with the driver about road status and avoid driving after dark. Helicopter services can also be suspended in bad weather. If you choose these months, a private tour is easier to adjust than a fixed group departure.
How many days do you need?
From Haridwar, the full Char Dham circuit takes 9 days (8 nights) at a comfortable pace. From Delhi, add a day each way, so about 11 days. A Do Dham yatra covering only Kedarnath and Badrinath takes 5–7 days. Compare current routes on our Char Dham Yatra page.
Packing by season
| When | What to add to your bag |
|---|---|
| May–June | Light woollens, a warm jacket for Kedarnath and Badrinath nights, sunscreen |
| July–August | Rain jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothes, waterproof shoe covers |
| September–October | Thermals, heavy jacket, gloves and cap — nights get very cold at the higher shrines |
Registration and health
Registration on the Uttarakhand government portal is compulsory, and the date-wise slots for popular days fill up. Register as soon as your dates are fixed and keep a printed copy. For travellers above 60 or with heart, lung or blood-pressure problems, a check-up before the yatra is a sensible step — Kedarnath and Yamunotri both involve treks at altitude.
Which order are the four Dhams visited in?
The traditional order is west to east: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath. Our routes follow this order because it also makes the most sense on the road map, with overnight stops at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi and Badrinath or Joshimath.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best month for Char Dham Yatra?
Late September to October for clear views and moderate crowds; May–June if those are your only holidays.
Can I do Char Dham Yatra in July?
It is possible but risky because of monsoon landslides. Keep buffer days and choose a flexible private tour.
When does Char Dham registration open?
Usually a few weeks before the temples open. In 2026 online registration opened in early March.
How many days are needed for Char Dham Yatra?
About 9 days from Haridwar or 11 days from Delhi by road.
Tell us your dates, group size and starting city. A real trip planner replies on WhatsApp with a route and quote — no online payment.