Char Dham Yatra is a sacred journey that takes devotees deep into the serene Garhwal Himalayas. Char Dham, meaning “the four abodes,” includes four highly revered shrines – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. All four temples lie in Uttarakhand and hold immense spiritual significance. Pilgrims visiting these shrines experience not only divine blessings but also the beauty, culture, and traditions rooted in the Himalayas.
The uphill route to Char Dhams is tough but equally enchanting. Devotees cross rugged mountain paths, rocky trails, and high-altitude stretches. The roads usually remain in good condition but often get affected by sudden climate changes. Since the shrines stand at high elevations, they are vulnerable to extreme conditions like heavy snowfall, rainfall, landslides, and cloudbursts. At such times, the routes become unsafe for travel. The temperature also shifts drastically, so staying updated with the Char Dham weather is very important for a safe and smooth yatra.
Note: During winter, heavy snowfall covers all four Dhams. The temples remain closed, and the idols are shifted to nearby villages where daily worship continues. You can check the Char Dham opening and closing dates before planning your Char Dham trip.
Kedarnath experiences a refreshing and pleasant climate in summer, making it the perfect season for temple visits, sightseeing, and exploring the surrounding valleys. From May to June, the weather stays moderate with an average temperature of around 17°C.
The monsoon season, stretching from mid-June to early September, brings frequent rainfall. Landslides are common during this time, creating challenges for devotees. The temperature during these months drops to about 12°C, and traveling becomes risky.
Winters in Kedarnath are extremely cold, with temperatures falling below zero. Heavy snowfall covers the region, blocking roads and forcing the temple to close from November to April. During these months, the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where worship continues. The shrine reopens in May for pilgrims.
Winter Abode of Kedarnath: Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
The summer months, from May to November, are the best time to visit Badrinath. May and June draw the largest crowds, with thousands of pilgrims gathering for darshan. If you prefer a calmer spiritual experience, September and October are ideal.
Travel during the monsoon, from June to mid-September, becomes difficult because of frequent landslides in the region. Temperatures during this time drop to around 15°C.
In winter, from November to April, Badrinath remains closed due to freezing conditions. The minimum temperature falls close to 5°C and often dips below zero. During this period, the idol of Lord Badrivishal is shifted to Narsingh Temple in Joshimath, where daily worship continues.
Winter Abode of Badrinath: Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
Yamunotri temple opens at the beginning of summer. From April to July, the weather is most favorable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 6°C to 20°C. Nights remain chilly, so pilgrims are advised to carry woolens.
The monsoon season, from late June to August, brings heavy rainfall. The routes become slippery, and frequent mudslides make the journey unsafe. Pilgrims are advised to avoid visiting Yamunotri during this period.
Winters, from November to April, are extremely harsh. Heavy snowfall blocks the paths, and the temple remains closed. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is moved to Kharsali village near Harsil, where rituals continue until the shrine reopens in summer.
Winter Abode of Yamunotri: Kharsali
Gangotri experiences pleasant weather in summer, which starts in April and lasts till May. The maximum temperature reaches around 25°C, making this the best season for darshan and sightseeing.
From late June to August, Gangotri enters its monsoon period. Heavy rains and frequent landslides make the journey challenging, and travel during these months is not recommended.
Winter sets in from November to April, bringing heavy snowfall and freezing cold. The temple remains closed, and the idol of Goddess Ganga is taken to Mukhwa village near Harsil, where rituals continue until spring.
Winter Abode of Gangotri: Mukhwa
Before planning a trip to Char Dham, it is important to know the best time to visit the Chardham. This helps make the journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
May, June, September, and October offer the best weather. Avoid winters due to heavy snowfall and temple closure.
May, June, September, and October are ideal. Avoid monsoon months due to landslides.
April to June and September to November are the most suitable months. The temple opens in late April and closes in mid-November.
April to June and September to November are recommended. The temple remains open from late April to mid-November.
Heavy snowfall during the winter months makes the temples completely inaccessible. In the rainy season, frequent downpours and landslides often block or damage the roads, creating difficulties for pilgrims on the route. Because of these conditions, it becomes essential to have a clear idea of the Char Dham climate before starting the journey.
The table below provides month-wise details of the Char Dham weather for the year, helping you plan your yatra more safely and comfortably.
| Month | Weather Description |
|---|---|
| April | Max Temperature: 25°C, Min Temperature: 5°C. The pleasant moderate cool climate makes it a good time for devotees to pay darshan. |
| May | Max Temperature: 32°C, Min Temperature: 12°C. Best time for pilgrim and outdoor activities. |
| June | Max Temperature: 35°C, Min Temperature: 15°C. Good time for adventure and outdoor activities. |
| July | Max Temperature: 27°C, Min Temperature: 10°C. Warmest month but light refreshing showers take place. |
| August | Max Temperature: 18°C, Min Temperature: 10°C. Good time to explore natural attractions but occasional rainfall may cause landslides. |
| September | Max Temperature: 15°C, Min Temperature: 8°C. Climate is moderately cold with post-monsoon rains. |
| October | Max Temperature: 12°C, Min Temperature: 5°C. Weather gets cold. Char Dham temple closes from this month. |
| November, December, January, February, March | Inhospitable climate and the roads are covered with snow. Temperature often falls to sub zero. |
Here are some important travel tips to keep in mind before starting your Char Dham journey.
Q-1: What is the best time to visit for Char Dham Yatra?
Ans: The best time to visit Char Dham is from May to June and again from September to October, when the weather stays clear and pleasant.
Q-2: What to expect from Char Dham weather?
Ans: In May and June, the average temperature is around 5–15°C in Yamunotri, 6–16°C in Gangotri, 2–12°C in Kedarnath, and 5–17°C in Badrinath. During September and October, Yamunotri ranges between 3–20°C, Gangotri 8–18°C, Kedarnath 5–15°C, and Badrinath 8–20°C.
Q-3: What are the risks of visiting Char Dham during monsoon?
Ans: The Char Dham Yatra becomes more challenging in the monsoon season because of heavy rainfall, rough terrains, and high-altitude conditions. Landslides and slippery paths often disrupt travel. To stay safe, move at a steady pace, keep yourself hydrated, and carry all essential medicines and supplies.
Weather plays a major role in making the Char Dham Yatra comfortable and memorable. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another darshan, always plan according to the weather that suits you best. This will ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching journey. By keeping the shared tips in mind, you can experience the Char Dham Yatra in peace and devotion.
