The opening of the Char Dham marks the beginning of the yatra season, bringing with it a wave of devotion, tradition, and spiritual energy. Every year, authorities announce the Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates 2025 with great anticipation, signaling the start of this auspicious journey for pilgrims from across India and around the world.
What is Char Dham?
Char Dham comprises four revered Hindu shrines situated in the serene Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
- Yamunotri – Source of the Yamuna River.
- Gangotri – Source of the Ganga River.
- Kedarnath – Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
These shrines hold immense religious importance and people believe that they cleanse the soul, liberating one from the cycle of life and death (moksha).
Why is Char Dham Famous?
- Spiritual Significance: It’s considered one of the most important journeys in Hinduism.
- Scenic Beauty: Located in the Himalayas, the route offers breathtaking landscapes.
- Mythological Value: Each dham is linked with legends from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Sacred Rivers: The sources of the holy rivers Yamuna and Ganga are part of this yatra.
History of CharDham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra comprises four holy temples in Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—each rich in mythological and historical significance.
- Yamunotri: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple marks the source of the Yamuna River. It is believed that taking a dip in her waters protects one from untimely death. The present-day temple was constructed in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur.
- Gangotri: This temple sits at the spot where people believe the Ganga River descended to Earth. The temple is associated with King Bhagirath‘s penance to bring the Ganga to purify his ancestors. The current structure was built by Maharaja Sudershan Shah in the 18th century.
- Kedarnath: Devotees dedicate Kedarnath to Lord Shiva, making it one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas. As per legend, the Pandavas visited this temple after the Kurukshetra war. People believe that Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in the 8th century.
- Badrinath: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is where Vishnu meditated under a Badri tree. Adi Shankaracharya established the temple, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.
CharDham Yatra Opening Date 2025
Here are the official opening dates for CharDham Yatra 2025:
| Temple | Opening Date | Closing Date (Tentative) |
| Yamunotri | 30 April 2025 | October 2025 |
| Gangotri | 30 April 2025 | October 2025 |
| Kedarnath | 02 May 2025 | October 2025 |
| Badrinath | 04 May 2025 | November 2025 |
The closing dates are typically around Diwali and may vary based on weather and priest decisions.
Temple Timings
- Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Aarti Timings: They vary by temple, typically taking place between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Best Way to Visit Char Dham
There are two ways to complete the Char Dham Yatra:
1. By Road (Traditional Route)
- Duration: 10–14 days
- Ideal For: Pilgrims who want a full spiritual and scenic experience
- Route:
- Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath
2. By Helicopter
- Duration: 2–5 days
- Ideal For: Senior citizens, luxury travelers, or time-constrained visitors
- Start Point: Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad)
Pro Tip: Book helicopter packages in advance as they get sold out fast!
CharDham Yatra Registration 2025
According to the Uttarakhand Government, registration is compulsory for all pilgrims.
Steps to Register:
- Visit the official website: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Register an account using your mobile number or email.
- Upload ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, etc.).
- Select your travel dates and Dham details.
- Download the Yatra E-pass.
You can also register via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand App or at offline counters at Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothes, even in May – the weather is unpredictable.
- Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and landslides.
- Stay hydrated and carry snacks.
- We highly recommend travel insurance.
- Carry necessary medications along with a basic first aid kit.
Conclusion
The CharDham Yatra 2025 is more than just a pilgrimage—it’s a transformative journey that blends spirituality, rich heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. With the official Char Dham yatra opening dates now announced, there’s no better time to start planning your trip. Whether you prefer the classic route or opt for a quick helicopter tour, AmritYatra.com is here to ensure your experience is seamless and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is registration compulsory for Char Dham Yatra 2025?
Yes, registration is mandatory for all travelers.
Q2: What is the best time to visit Char Dham?
The ideal time to visit is from May to June and September to early October, to steer clear of the monsoon season.
Q3: Can I do Char Dham Yatra with family and kids?
Yes, but make sure everyone is fit for high-altitude travel. Consult a doctor if traveling with elderly people or kids.
Q4: Are mobile networks available during the Yatra?
Yes, but connectivity may be patchy. Jio and BSNL offer the best coverage in remote areas.
Q5: Can I visit only one or two Dhams?
Absolutely! You can visit any Dham independently based on your preferences and time.