Char Dham Yatra 2025 opening and closing dates for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath: Registration process, routes and more
The holy Char Dham Yatra begins every year on the sacred day of Akshaya Tritiya. This year, on the morning of 30 April, as the first rays of the sun touched the Himalayan peaks, the spiritual aura of Uttarakhand once again began to attract people from across the country and the world. The doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples have been opened with proper rituals for the devotees.
Char Dham Yatra 2025 Date: The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred journeys for Hindus in India. It includes visits to four holy temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Gangotri honours Goddess Ganga, Kedarnath is a temple for Lord Shiva, and Badrinath is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
These four temples are located in the beautiful Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, often called the Land of Gods or Devbhoomi. Each temple is linked to a different god or goddess and is believed to hold special spiritual energy.
The temples open every year on Akshaya Tritiya and close on Vijay Dashmi (Dussehra).
Char Dham Yatra 2025: Opening and Closing Dates
| Char Dham | Opening date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | April 30 | October 23 |
| Gangotri | April 30 | October 22 |
| Kedarnath | May 2 | October 23 |
| Badrinath | May 4 | November 6 |
How to Register for Char Dham Yatra 2025
Online Registration:
You can register online by visiting the official website:
? https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
Or you can use the national portal:
? https://services.india.gov.in
The process is simple. You¡¯ll need to provide some basic details like your ID proof, mobile number, and expected travel dates. Once registered, you¡¯ll get a Yatra ID and a confirmation, which you must carry during your journey.
Offline Registration:
There are around 60 registration centres in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun where you can register in person. You¡¯ll need to bring:
- A valid ID,
- A passport-size photo, and
- A medical certificate confirming you're fit for the journey.
Even though many people prefer online registration, nearly 40% still go for the offline option, which is helpful for those without internet access.
Char Dham 2025 Aarti and Darshan Timings
| Char Dham | Aarti Timing | Darshan Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Morning from 6:30 AM to 7 AM Evening from 7:30 PM to 8 PM | Morning from 6 AM to 2 PM Afternoon from 3 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Gangotri | Morning from 6 AM to 6:30 AM Evening from 7 PM to 7:30 PM | Morning from 6 AM to 2 PM Afternoon from 3 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Kedarnath | Morning from 4 AM to 4:30 AM Evening from 6 PM to 6:30 PM | Morning from 7 AM to 3 PM Afternoon from 3 PM to Night 9 PM |
| Badrinath | Morning from 4:30 AM to 5 AM Evening from 6 PM to 6:30 PM | Morning from 4:30 AM to 1 PM Afternoon from 4 PM to 9 PM |
How to Reach the Char Dham Temples
Getting to Yamunotri:
To reach Yamunotri, the first stop of the Yatra, travel by road to Janki Chatti, about 220 km from Rishikesh. You can take a bus or a taxi. From Janki Chatti, there¡¯s a 5-km uphill trek to Yamunotri. Ponies and palanquins (doli) are available if needed.
Getting to Kedarnath:
You can take a Yatra bus from Rishikesh or Haridwar, or hire a taxi to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From Gaurikund, there¡¯s a 17-km trek to Kedarnath Dham. You can also use ponies, palanquins, or even helicopter services.
Getting to Badrinath:
To visit Badrinath, you can take a bus or a taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar. It is about 300 km from Rishikesh and 320 km from Haridwar.
About Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is one of the four main Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. It is located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. Apart from the main Badrinath Temple, the town also has other important temples known as the Panch Badri, which include:
- Yog Dhyan Badri
- Bhavishya Badri
- Adi Badri
- Vriddha Badri
All of these are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and add to the spiritual importance of the area.
About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini River, at a height of 3,584 metres above sea level. It is one of the most important religious places in North India. The area was once known as "Kedar Khand". Kedarnath is part of both the Char Dham and Panch Kedar pilgrimages in Uttarakhand. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas¡ªthe most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva across India.
About Gangotri Temple
At a height of 3,100 metres, Gangotri Temple is the highest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. The temple sits peacefully beside the holy Bhagirathi River, which is one of the two main headstreams of the Ganga River. The area is surrounded by pine and deodar trees and the Greater Himalayan Range, adding to its natural beauty and calm atmosphere.
About Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Temple is the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the second most sacred river in India after the Ganga. The temple is located in a mountain village, in a narrow valley near the source of the Yamuna River. It sits at a height of about 3,233 metres above sea level.
Devotees believe that bathing in the Yamuna River helps protect against early death. To reach the temple, pilgrims must first get to Janki Chatti, which is followed by a 3-km steep trek. The journey takes around 3 hours on foot, or you can choose a palanquin (doli) or pony ride. The temple is open from May to October and marks the beginning of the Char Dham route, which goes from Yamunotri ¡ú Gangotri ¡ú Kedarnath ¡ú Badrinath.
Char Dham Yatra 2025: FAQs
How long is the Gangotri Temple Trek?
The trek from Gangotri to Bhojbasa is 14 km. It starts at the front courtyard of the Gangotri temple, followed by a steep climb of around 100 steps which leaves you pretty much exhausted before you even start.
How difficult is the Gangotri Trek?
How Are The Treks For Gangotri Glacier And Yamunotri? Gangotri and Yamunotri Glaciers are considered as one of the toughest treks in the Himalayan region.
Can we go to Yamunotri by car?
Yamunotri does not have direct road access. The closest road point is Uttarkashi, which is 122 km away from Janki Chatti, the nearest Jeep stop to Yamunotri. From Janki Chatti, it's a 4 km trek to Yamunotri.
Which is difficult ,Yamunotri or Gangotri?
Yamunotri, being the first of the four dhams, is indeed the most challenging. Despite its lower elevation compared to the other dhams, the narrow and crowded pathway makes reaching the temple difficult and challenging.
Can I go to Yamunotri without registration?
Like other Char Dham Yatras, registration for the Yamunotri Yatra is compulsory.
Does the helicopter go to Yamunotri?
Helicopter service to Gangotri and Yamunotri activates from the helipad at Sahastradhara, Dehradun in the Uttarakhand state of India.
What is the cost of VIP Darshan in Kedarnath?
As of the last available information in 2025, VIP darshan passes are available at the Kedarnath Temple complex for Rs. 1100 per person.
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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