Char Dham 2025: Opening Dates and Registration

Chardham Yatra is a popular pilgrimage which attracts thousands of devotees every year. Char Dham Yatra is a once in a lifetime spiritual journey to the four holy shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath in Uttarakhand. This comprehensive guide gives you all the information for your 2025 pilgrimage, from opening dates and registration procedures to travel routes, accommodation options and practical travel tips, so you can have a fulfilling Chardham Yatra.

A brief description of the sacred temples of the Chardham Yatra:

Yamunotri – The source of the River Yamuna and dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.

Gangotri – The origin of the River Ganga and devoted to Goddess Ganga

Kedarnath – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva

Badrinath – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Badrinarayan form

Char Dham Opening and Closing Dates for 2025

Temple	Opening Dates	Expected Closing Date	Special Ceremony/Festivals
Yamunotri	April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)	October 23, 2025	Yamuna Jayanthi
Gangotri	April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)	October 22, 2025	Ganga Dussehra in June
Kedarnath	May 2, 2025	October 23, 2025	Bhairava Utsav in October
Badrinath	May 4, 2025	November 6, 2025	Mata Murti Ka Mela in September

Note: Temples close on Bhai Dooj (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath) and Vijay Dashami (Badrinath), with deities relocated to their winter abodes. Kedarnath’s idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, and Gangotri’s deity shifts to Mukhba Village.

VIP Darshan is available at an extra cost.

Registration Process for Char Dham Yatra 2025

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) offers online and offline registration options. Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra. The process has been digitized and streamlined to ensure pilgrim safety and manage crowd control effectively.

Online Registration Process for Chardham Yatra 2025

1. Visit the official portal: Uttarakhand Tourism Registration Portal or the Char Dham E-Pass Portal.
2. Create a new account or log in to your existing account
3. Complete the registration form with details for each pilgrim:

• Full name as per government ID
• Age and gender
• Permanent address
• Valid mobile number and email ID
• Government-issued photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)
• Recent passport-sized photograph (digital format)
• Emergency contact information

4. Select your preferred dates for visiting each shrine. Book a specific time slot for popular dates.
5. Pay the processing fee using online payment methods.
6. Download and print your e-pass/registration confirmation.
7. Keep multiple copies of your registration confirmation for verification at checkpoints.

Offline Registration Process for Chardham Yatra 2025

Offline registration options are available at:

1. Designated registration counters in major cities of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag
2. Tourist Information Centers throughout the state.
3. Entry points to the Char Dham routes (subject to availability).

Applicants must submit physical copies of their ID, photo, and medical certificate to receive a Yatra pass.

Confused between Panch Kedar and Char Dham? This blog breaks down the key differences to help you decide.

Please note that: Children under 12 and adults over 65 require additional medical clearances. Helicopter users must book services separately through authorized operators.

Temple Timings and Ritual Schedules

Temple	Morning Darshan	Evening Darshan	Aarti Timing
Yamunotri	7:30 AM–12:00 PM	2:00 PM–8:00 PM	6:30 AM & 6:30 PM
Gangotri	7:00 AM–2:00 PM	3:00 PM–8:00 PM	6:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Kedarnath	7:00 AM–3:00 PM	5:00 PM–7:00 PM	4:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Badrinath	6:00 AM–1:00 PM	4:00 PM–7:00 PM	4:30 AM–8:30 PM (rituals like Geet Govind and Vedpath recitations)

Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra

Though the Yatra is open from May to October, May-June and September-October offer the most favorable conditions. Early May and late October typically have fewer crowds and still offer good weather. 

Travel and Route Guidelines:

The traditional pilgrimage sequence follows a clockwise direction. Below is the concise information you need to know before traveling.

Temple	Trek Distance	Difficulty Level	Estimated Time	Cost of Alternatives
Yamunotri	6 km from Janki Chatti	Moderate	3-4 hours	Ponies: ₹1,200-1,500 Palanquins: ₹4,000-5,000 Porters: ₹500-700
Gangotri	No trek required	Easy	Direct Access	Direct road access to the temple
Kedarnath	18 km from Gaurikund	Difficult	8-10 hours	Helicopter: ₹5,000-8,000 Ponies: ₹2,000-2,500 Palanquins: ₹7,000-10,000 Porters: ₹800-1,000
Badrinath	No trek required	Easy	Direct Access	Direct road access to temple

Helicopter services for Chardham Yatra can be booked through authorised operators. Be sure to book them in advance as they tend to sell out very quickly given their demand and popularity. Check the operator before booking as there are many frauds every yatra season.

Note that the costs given are estimated costs. The actual prices may vary.

Accommodation Options:

There are various options ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury. Select the one that suits your preference.

1. Government run guesthouses like GMVN, are available at places like Barkot, Harsil, and Joshimath for prices starting from Rs. 1,000 a night.
2. Dharamshalas run by religious trusts and organizations provide accommodation at prices as low as Rs 300 a night.
3. Privately operated hotels start from Rs 1,000 a night, with heating facilities. Luxury options are priced high starting from Rs. 3,000 a night.
4. Tent accommodations are available, especially at Kedarnath. Luxury and premium campsites are limited.

Health and Safety Advice:

• Acclimatize for at least 24 hours in Rishikesh/Haridwar before ascending, as the temples are located at high altitudes.
• Stay hydrated
• Carry necessary medicines for altitude sickness, pain relievers, ORS sachets, and others as required.
• Check weather forecasts before planning your Yatra and be prepared for the weather changes.
• Pack warm layers and clothes to help you protect yourself from the cold.
• Use only authorized guides and transportation services.
• Follow instructions from authorities, to ensure you don’t find yourself in unfavorable situations.
• Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.

With the announcement of the Chardham Yatra Opening Dates, devotees can now plan ahead for their upcoming yatra. You will come back feeling different after experiencing the divine energies. Contact us at Himalayan Dream Treks to oranise your yatra. We wish you a great Chardham Yatra in 2025.