TTU: On the occasion of Vijayadashami, the Uttarakhand government has announced the closing dates for Char Dham temples, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The official dates were shared by the Shri Badri-Kedar Temple Committee on Sunday.
According to the announcement, the Kedarnath Temple will close its doors to devotees on October 23. While Badrinath Dham will close on November 25 for the winter season. Both temples will reopen next year when the snow melts and the pilgrimage resumes.
Winter Schedule for the Four Shrines
Committee President Hemant Dwivedi confirmed that Kedarnath Temple will close on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj, marking the end of this year’s yatra.
In the Uttarkashi district, the Gangotri Temple will close on October 22, and the Yamunotri Temple on October 23.
After the portals of these shrines close, devotees can continue offering prayers at their winter seats. Mukhwa for Gangotri and Kharsali for Yamunotri, for the next six months.
Char Dham Yatra Nears Its Final Phase
The Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 this year and is now entering its final leg before the temples close for winter.
According to the state tourism department, over 4.5 million devotees have visited the Char Dham shrines so far. Pilgrims continue to reach the temples in large numbers before the closing rituals begin later this month.
The four sacred sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, hold deep spiritual value for Hindus and remain a major part of India’s annual pilgrimage calendar. The closing of the temples marks the end of the yatra season in Uttarakhand, which resumes every year in April or May.
Why Temples Close During Winter
The closing dates for Char Dham are decided based on traditional Hindu calendars and weather conditions in the region. Heavy snowfall makes it difficult for devotees to access the high-altitude shrines, so the temples remain shut for nearly six months. During this period, the idols are moved to their respective winter seats, allowing devotees to continue their worship in safer locations.
FAQs on Closing Dates for Char Dham
Q1. When will Kedarnath Temple close in 2025?
A: Kedarnath Temple will close on October 23, 2025, on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj.
Q2. When is the last day to visit Badrinath Dham this year?
A: The last day to visit Badrinath Dham before it closes for winter is November 25, 2025.
Q3. What happens after the Char Dham temples close?
A: After the shrines close, the deities are moved to their winter seats — Mukhwa for Gangotri, Kharsali for Yamunotri, Ukhimath for Kedarnath, and Pandukeshwar for Badrinath — where devotees can continue to offer prayers.
Q4. When will the Char Dham temples reopen?
A: The temples usually reopen in April or May, depending on the Hindu calendar and weather conditions.
Q5. Can devotees still visit the region during winter?
A: Yes, while the temples remain closed, devotees can visit the winter abodes and other nearby spiritual and scenic spots in Uttarakhand.
