Chardham Yatra 2025: Opening Dates, Travel Costs & Ritual Timings
The Chardham Yatra, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, consists of four revered temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every year, thousands of devotees embark on this spiritual journey in the Himalayas, seeking divine blessings. If you are planning the Chardham Yatra in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about the temple opening and closing dates, rituals, and travel costs.
Chardham Opening & Closing Dates 2025
Each temple in the Chardham circuit opens on an auspicious date and closes before the onset of winter. Here are the official opening and closing dates for 2025:
- Yamunotri Dham
- Opening Date: April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing Date: October 23, 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
- Gangotri Dham
- Opening Date: April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing Date: October 22, 2025
- Kedarnath Dham
- Opening Date: May 2, 2025
- Closing Date: October 23, 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
- Badrinath Dham
- Opening Date: May 4, 2025
- Closing Date: November 6, 2025
Temple Ritual Timings and Darshan Schedules
Pilgrims visiting the temples must be aware of the daily darshan and aarti timings. Below are the schedules for each temple:
| Temple | Morning Darshan | Evening Darshan | Aarti Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Special Ceremonies & Festivals at Chardham Temples
| Temple | Special Ceremony/Festival |
|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Yamuna Jayanti |
| Gangotri | Ganga Dussehra (June) |
| Kedarnath | Bhairava Utsav (October) |
| Badrinath | Mata Murti Ka Mela (September) |
Travel Costs & Trek Distances
Yamunotri: The trek to Yamunotri starts from Janki Chatti and covers a distance of 6 km. The difficulty level is moderate, and it typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Travel costs include ponies priced between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500, palanquins ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000, and porters charging ₹500 to ₹700.
Gangotri: No trekking is required to reach Gangotri, making it an easy journey with direct road access available.
Kedarnath: The trek to Kedarnath begins from Gaurikund and spans 18 km. It is considered difficult and takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete. Travel costs vary, with helicopter services priced between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000, ponies costing ₹2,000 to ₹2,500, palanquins ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹10,000, and porters charging ₹800 to ₹1,000.
Badrinath: Like Gangotri, Badrinath does not require trekking as it has direct road access, making travel easy and convenient.
Accommodation in Guptkashi – The Hills Inn Resort
If you are looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation near Kedarnath, The Hills Inn Resort in Guptkashi is an excellent choice. Situated amidst serene surroundings, this resort offers well-furnished rooms, delicious meals, and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. It is an ideal stopover before continuing the journey to Kedarnath.
Essential Tips for Char Dham Yatra 2025 – What to Carry
- The Char Dham route, especially in areas like Kedarnath, involves extensive trekking. It’s essential to maintain good physical health and stay mentally prepared for the journey.
- To build endurance and strengthen your immunity, start practicing pranayama, jogging, and cardio exercises at least two months before the yatra.
- Bring sufficient water, packaged food, energy bars, chocolates, and ready-to-eat meals to sustain yourself during the pilgrimage.
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes for a comfortable and safe journey, as regular slippers or sandals are not suitable for mountainous terrains.
- Pack warm clothing, as temperatures in the higher altitudes of Uttarakhand drop significantly at night.
- Women are advised to wear comfortable clothing like salwar suits, trousers, or pants instead of sarees to ensure ease of movement.
- Keep a medical kit and first aid supplies readily available in case of emergencies.
- If you feel exhausted, you can opt for ponies or palkis, which are available for yatris along the trekking route.
- Mandatory Registration: All pilgrims must complete the registration process before embarking on the Char Dham Yatra.
