Excited about the announcement of North India’s Char Dham Yatra opening and closing dates? We have good news! The Uttarakhand government has already released the opening and closing dates of the Kapats of four pilgrimage sites covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This comprehensive guide has all the details for aspiring devotees, including the best time to visit and the affordable Char Dham Yatra Package 2024

The Char Dham Yatra is a spiritual journey that takes devout souls through enchanting landscapes, waterfalls, and lush green valleys of the majestic Himalayas. Located in Uttarakhand, also referred to as the ‘Land of the Gods’, the Char Dham circuit is devoted to Lord Shiva, river goddesses, and Lord Vishnu.

Book Char Dham Yatra packages 2024 from May to October, to seek divine blessings. BookYourOwn promises a convenient Char Dham Yatra experience with hassle-free services. Explore our popular Char Dham Yatra Packages 2024 for more details.

List of Char Dham Yatra Packages 2024

Ready to visit the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath? Check BookYourOwn’s Char Dham Yatra packages promising a memorable and hassle-free journey without compromising comfort. Our packages include everything from guided tours, accommodation, and meals to transport. Here’s the list:

10 Days Char Dham Yatra Package | 12 Days Char Dham Yatra Package

Char Dham Yatra Opening Date 2024:

The Char Dham Yatra of North India is kept open for a short span of six months due to extreme weather conditions. For a hassle-free travel experience to Char Dhams, book your tour package anywhere from April to November. The Kedar Badri Mandir Samiti and Char Dham temple committees have announced the commencement of the Yatra from Akshaya Tritiya, i.e., May 10, 2024. If you are ready for the transformative spiritual journey, here are the opening dates for the Char Dham Yatra 2024:

Char Dham Temple	Opening Dates (Tentative)
Yamunotri Temple	10 May 2024, from 7:00 AM onwards
Gangotri Temple	10 May 2024
Kedarnath Temple	10 May 2024, 07:00 AM
Badrinath Temple	12 May 2024, 06:00 AM

Char Dham Yatra Closing Date 2024:

It’s the Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti and Char Dham Temple Committee that finalise the closing dates of the Char Dham Yatra. The decision is carefully taken based on the Hindu Panchang calendar. The closure date is usually fixed for Diwali, Bhai Dooj, or Vijay Dashmi after an auspicious ceremony of Goddess Yamuna. In this grand ceremony, palanquins from Yamunotri are carried to Kharsali. Gangotri Temple and Kedarnath are typically closed on Bhai Dooj, while the closing ceremony of Badrinath Temple is held a week after Diwali. Here’s the tentative schedule of closing dates for the Char Dham Yatra. Take a look!

Char Dham	Closing dates (Tentative)
Yamunotri Temple	Nov 3, 2024
Gangotri Temple	Nov 3, 2024
Kedarnath Temple	Nov 2, 2024
Badrinath Temple	Nov 9, 2024

Spiritual and Religious Significance of Char Dham Yatra

It is strongly believed that every human being must complete the Char Dham yatra in their lifetime to get moksha from the life-death cycle. All four pilgrimage centres in Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) offer devotees the opportunity to get enlightened and connect with the supreme power. Immerse yourself in the divine beauty of shrines with a backdrop of breathtaking views.

1. Yamunotri Temple

yamunotri temple

Devoted to Goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri Temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The sacred place signifies the origin of the Yamuna River and holds great historical and spiritual value among Hindu devotees. Yamunotri Temple is a natural retreat for devotees seeking solace and tranquility. Yamunotri Dham reflects India's rich cultural heritage, where devotees from different backgrounds get together to celebrate their faith. You’ll be enthralled by the constant chanting of mantras, the warmth of the thermal spring, and the soothing sound of Yamuna’s gurgling water. The mystic aura of Yamunotri Temple leaves visitors spellbound with its serene embrace.

2. Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple is devoted to India’s holiest and most worshiped river, the Ganga. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Gangotri to offer prayers, perform rituals, and remove their sins by taking baths in holy water. The sacred place signifies the birthplace of the river Ganga. The architecture, rituals, and years-old customs performed in Gangotri Temple reflect the rich cultural heritage of India. The divine aura and echo of mantras in the misty air weave a sacred melody that resonates in the hearts of devout souls. It's a timeless journey of spiritual awakening and self-illumination that connects pilgrims to nature, faith, and rich culture.

3. Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve sacred jyotirlingas situated in different regions of India. The sacred Hindu temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is also a prestigious part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The temple has been of great historical significance to Hindus since Mahabharata times. It is believed that Pandavas came here to seek forgiveness for their sins. Lord Shiva, on the other hand, tried to elude them by taking the form of a bull in Panch Kedar temples. Perched at a height of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath temple is among the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva and an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra.

4. Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath temple is located in Chamoli district at a height of 3,133 meters on the Alkananda’s river bank. This holy dham is devoted to Lord Vishnu. In the 8th century, Adi Shankaracharya established a beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu made of black stone in this temple. The architecture of the temple is influenced by North Indian culture. According to Hindu mythology, Yudhishthira (Pandava’s king) ascended to heaven from the Badrinath temple after the redemption of his sins by Lord Vishnu. This divine destination attracts millions of devotees every year for their spiritual growth, salvation, and prosperity. Besides just spiritual significance, Badrinath is also known for its surreal natural beauty, and pristine location amidst the Alaknanda River.

Best time to Visit for Char Dham Yatra 2024

Due to prevailing weather conditions in Char Dhams, the Kapats typically open in the summer season. As already discussed, the Uttarakhand government has already released the tentative schedule of the Char Dham Yatra opening and closing dates. It’ll begin on 10th May and close in the first week of November. Explore BookYourOwn’s Char Dham Yatra Package 2024 offering comfortable accommodations, personalised itineraries, and expert guidance. We make sure the yatra experience of our pilgrimages meets their spiritual aspirations. Here’s the best time to visit Char Dhams:

Summer (May- June): Char Dham Yatra is easily accessible via road during summer. It is by far the best time to visit Char Dham for all types of travelers. The weather is favorable with a mild temperature, and clear sky.

Winters (September-November): It’s the most preferred season as the weather is a bit cold and pleasant with vibrant foliage.

**Kindly note: The Char Dhams experience heavy rainfall, and landslides during July and August. So, it is not advisable to visit Char Dhams during the rainy season.**

FAQs about Char Dham Yatra Opening and Closing

1. What is the Char Dham Yatra?

As the name suggests, Char Dham Yatra means a holy visit to North India’s four Hindu shrines located in Uttarakhand. It includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

2. When does the 2024 Char Dham Yatra open and close?

Every year, the Kapat’s of Char Dham are opened in mid-April considering the Panchang, Hindu calendar, and weather conditions. The closing ceremony of Char Dham is held either on Vijay Dashmi, Diwali, or Bhai Dooj.

3. What is the best time to visit Char Dham?

May to June is probably the best time to complete your Char Dham Yatra, as the weather is on the pleasant side. You can also book Char Dham Yatra in the Autumn season, i.e., from September to October. It’s a bit cold, but it's the most preferred season by devotees.

4. When Will the Char Dham Yatra Open in 2024?

According to the announcement made by the Char Dham Committee and Kedar-Badri Committee, the Char Dham Yatra 2024 will open in May 2024.

5. What are the different transportation modes for the Char Dham Yatra?

Pilgrims can choose to travel by road, helicopter services, pony and palanquins, or trek to reach the Char Dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) as per their convenience. Devotees who find it hard to travel by foot can easily hire a pony or palanquins on trek sites like Yamunotri and Kedarnath.

6. Is there any accommodation provision on the Char Dham route?

Of course! Numerous Dharamshalas, luxury hotels, tents, campsites, and government guest houses are available at affordable rates along the Char Dham route. It is highly recommended that you book your stay earlier. Or, you might have trouble finding a suitable option during peak season.

7. What safety measures should be followed during the Char Dham Yatra?

It is advisable to assess your fitness level by a healthcare expert and stay updated with the weather forecast before planning the Char Dham Yatra.
Carry all the important travel documents, such as identification cards, permits, and emergency contact information.
All the Char Dhams are perched at high altitudes, so acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness (nausea, vomiting, or dizziness)
Ensure to carry enough warm clothes and medicines due to varying weather conditions.
Keep yourself hydrated and nourished for a timeless journey experience.
Don’t forget to carry safety gear like a power bank, flashlight, and insect repellent, especially if you are planning to stay on campsites while trekking.
Read all the emergency procedures and save the contact numbers of local authorities, rescue services, and medical facilities.

8. What is included in the Char Dham Yatra Package 2024?

BookYourOwn’s Char Dham Yatra Package comprises accommodation, meals, transportation, and guided tours to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Our Yatra packages may include all the darshan arrangements and required entry permits.