The Char Dham Yatra—covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages. Located in Uttarakhand, these temples are open only for a limited period each year, usually from late April/early May until October or early November. Devotees plan their visit carefully to participate in darshan and the spiritually uplifting aartis held daily.
1. Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, marks the beginning of the Char Dham circuit for many pilgrims.
Darshan Timings (2026 – Tentative):
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon/Evening: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Morning Aarti: Around 6:30 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Pilgrims also perform rituals at Surya Kund, the hot water spring near the temple, where rice and potatoes are offered and cooked as prasad.
2. Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is devoted to Goddess Ganga, symbolizing purity and liberation. The temple sits along the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 6:15 AM to 2:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Mangala Aarti (Morning): Around 6:00 AM
- Sandhya Aarti (Evening): Around 7:30 PM
The evening aarti, performed with oil lamps against the backdrop of flowing river waters and snow-clad peaks, is a deeply serene experience.
3. Kedarnath Temple
Situated at a high altitude, Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and the most spiritually intense of the Char Dham shrines.
Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Mahabhishek & Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: Around 6:00 PM
Special rituals such as Rudrabhishek and Shiv Ashtotram are conducted in the early hours, making morning darshan particularly significant.
4. Badrinath Temple
Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the final dham of the yatra and one of the most organized in terms of temple rituals.
Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings:
- Abhishek (Morning): 4:30 AM – 6:30 AM
- Geet Govind & Evening Aarti: Around 6:30 PM
The temple follows a detailed daily schedule including Mata Murti Puja, Bhog Aarti, and Shayan Aarti, offering devotees multiple opportunities for worship.
Important Notes for 2026 Pilgrims
- All timings are subject to change due to weather, special pujas, or administrative decisions.
- Early morning darshan is generally less crowded and more spiritually immersive.
- Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is mandatory and should be completed before arrival.
- Always plan buffer time, as high-altitude travel and unpredictable weather can affect schedules.
Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in 2026 is not just a journey across sacred geography—it’s a deeply personal spiritual experience shaped by devotion, patience, and awe. 🙏