Chardham Opening & Closing Dates (2026 Guide 

If you’re planning the chardham yatra by helicopter this year, the one thing you must know first is when the shrines open and when they close. These dates decide your entire plan — from booking flight tickets to reserving helipad slots, to packing your luggage. In 2026, the Uttarakhand temple committee has announced the official Char Dham opening & closing dates that every pilgrim must note before booking a helicopter yatra. Chardham Tour

This guide is simple, clear, and practical. I’ll walk you through the exact dates for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. I’ll also explain why these dates matter if you are doing chardham heli yatra, travelling with family, elders, or planning a full helicopter package.

Why These Dates Matter for chardham heli yatra

You might wonder — “Can I come any time?” The answer is no. These temples follow a strict seasonal cycle. The Himalayan winters are harsh. Roads get blocked with snow. So the idol of each deity is shifted to a lower-altitude winter abode. Pilgrims can only visit the main shrines when the temple kapats (doors) are open. 

When you book your chardham yatra by helicopter, you must start after the earliest opening date and wrap up before the closing date. Helicopter services align their flight schedules with these temple dates — especially for Kedarnath, where weather matters.

Yamunotri Temple – Opening & Closing (2026)

• Opening Date: 19 April 2026 – This year, Yamunotri opens on Akshaya Tritiya.
  
• Closing Date: 1 November 2026 (tentative).
  

Yamunotri is the first stop on the Char Dham circuit. It usually opens early and closes right around Diwali or soon after. If your chardham heli yatra includes this site, plan to be here just after 19 April. Religious ceremonies and darshan timings follow local tradition, so check that once bookings open.

Yamunotri’s opening marks the start of the entire yatra season. It’s the trigger date for helicopter ticket sales and slot availability too.

Gangotri Temple – Opening & Closing (2026)

• Opening Date: 19 April 2026 – Same date as Yamunotri.
  
• Closing Date: 1 November 2026 (tentative).
  

Gangotri opens with Yamunotri because both temples follow the Akshaya Tritiya tradition. The river Ganga’s source at Gangotri is a spiritual highlight, and helicopter routes often include flyovers toward this temple early in the itinerary.

One thing to note — Gangotri’s temple closes briefly in the afternoon (around 2 pm to 3 pm) every day during the yatra season. 

Kedarnath Temple – Opening & Closing (2026)

• Opening Date: 22 April 2026.
  
• Closing Date: 6 November 2026 (tentative).
  

Kedarnath’s opening is traditionally linked to Maha Shivratri, and this year it falls a few days after Yamunotri and Gangotri. Being at a higher altitude, this temple’s season is slightly shorter. The closing date is often fixed around Bhai Dooj or early November when winter snow begins to arrive.

This is important for chardham yatra by helicopter bookings. Helicopter flights to Kedarnath are popular but limited by weather. As November approaches, safety protocols tighten. Always finalise these bookings early.

Badrinath Temple – Opening & Closing (2026)

• Opening Date: 24 April 2026.
  
• Closing Date: 6 November 2026 (tentative).

Badrinath is usually the last of the four to open and close. This temple remains open a little longer than others, giving you a wider window if your chardham heli yatra starts later in the season.

Important tip: official closing dates are sometimes updated on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), and the committee may extend or shorten the season based on weather conditions.

Quick Table: 2026 Opening & Closing Dates

This table is crucial if your planning includes checkpoint days and helicopter slots. Keep checking official announcements closer to your travel date, because weather or committee decisions can shift a few days.

What These Dates Mean for Your Helicopter Yatra

When we talk about chardham yatra by helicopter, we’re also talking about helicopter slot availability, helipad scheduling, and peak season logistics. Most chardham heli yatra packages fix slots based on these opening dates. Slots usually book out fast — especially for peak months of May, June, September, and early October.

Here’s how it typically works for helicopter pilgrims:

• Early May – June: Most popular. Weather is generally stable. Clear views over the Himalayas.
  
• July – August: Heavy monsoon — often poor visibility and flight cancellations. Not ideal for helicopters.
  
• September – October: Many pilgrims prefer this window after monsoon. Skies are clearer, and scenery is stunning.
  
• Late October – November: Shrines start closing, and weather becomes unpredictable. Helicopters may operate a while, but slots reduce.
  

This pattern holds especially true for family travellers and groups with elders. A helicopter makes the journey safer and faster than long road and trek routes — but only when weather permits.

Common Questions About Chardham Helicopter Dates

Q: Can I book heli tickets before the temples open?
No. Helicopter schedules are tied to temple opening dates. Operators start flying once the temples are ready to receive pilgrims.

Q: Is there a difference in dates for road vs. heli pilgrims?
The opening and closing dates are the same for everyone — road pilgrims and helicopter yatris alike.

Q: Should I plan my entire trip around these dates?
Absolutely. If you miss the opening or show up near the closing, flights and accommodations become harder to secure for chardham heli yatra.

Q: Are these dates final?
Yes, these are official 2026 dates, but temples sometimes update them slightly based on weather or religious calendar requirements.

Final Notes Before You Book

1. These Char Dham opening & closing dates are a firm foundation for planning your chardham yatra by helicopter.
   
2. Don’t wait too long — helicopter slots fill up quickly.
   
3. Plan your itinerary from Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath in that clockwise order if possible.
   
4. Always keep buffer days for weather delays, especially for Kedarnath.
   

Once you lock your dates, you can focus on the spiritual experience ahead. Your chardham heli yatra is not just about reaching four temples. It’s about the peace you feel as you rise over the Himalayas and touch down close to divine shrines that have waited centuries for your visit.