For many pilgrims across the globe, taking up the holy journey of Chardham Yatra is the most spiritual feeling. Chardham Yatra or Chota Char Dham Yatra that includes the four temples of Uttarakhand is the main destination of the pilgrims. The four temples are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, which draw the tourists who are seeking spiritual blessings and looking for spiritual renewal. Completing the Chardham Yatra involves understanding different aspects such as the most suitable time to visit Chardham, temple opening and closing times, a complete itinerary, and each temple understanding.
This post will cover the ideal season and month to plan your Yatra.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
Before we discuss the best season to visit Chardham Yatra, let’s consider the opening and closing time of the temples. The Chardham temples remain inaccessible for pilgrims approximately six months, from November to May. Because they become inaccessible during winter, they close in November. After that, the temples open their doors to the general public during April/May. The temples open during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
Best Season To Visit Chardham Yatra
Let’s look at the various seasons to help you plan your Yatra.
Summer Season: (May to June)
The best time to visit Chardham Yatra is when the temple reopens in the summer. This is the season when the snow melts, the paths are clear, the skies are clear, and the region turns colorful and green after the harsh winter snowfall. The temperature is also comfortable, yet nights can be chilly. Hence, pilgrims must carry warm clothing. The region may also experience unexpected rainfall. It is also the perfect time for visiting Chardham Yatra by Helicopter for a comfortable journey.
Monsoon Season: (July to September)
The monsoon here starts in June and may continue until mid-September. Landslides, flooding, and heavy rains are frequent during the rainy season. Hence, this makes the journey unsafe and threatening. Thus, the monsoon season is not suitable for going to Chardham Yatra. Avoid the monsoon season and plan from October to November, which is the perfect time to avoid the beginning of winter.
Winter Season: (November to March)
The winter begins in mid-November and ends in March. The average temperature is below zero fluctuates from -5°c to -15°c. The region experiences heavy snowfall, and there is also an accessibility issue. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit Chardham Yatra. You can plan from September till the temples officially close.
Opening and Closing Time of Chardham Yatra
It is very important to know the opening and closing dates when planning a visit. In 2024, the Chardham Yatra will start from the clockwise direction. Chardham Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya in the last week of April, an auspicious day for the Hindus. The temple closes during Diwali, the auspicious festival or season for Hindus, celebrated during October and November.
Chardham Temple Opening dates are as follows:
- Yamunotri Temple – 10 May 2024
- Gangotri Temple – 10 May 2024
- Kedarnath Temple – 10 May 2024
- Badrinath Temple – 12 May 2024
Chardham Temple Closing dates are as follows:
- Yamunotri Temple – 3 November 2024
- Gangotri Temple – 3 November 2024
- Kedarnath Temple – 3 November 2024
- Badrinath Temple – 9 November 2024
How do you Plan a Chardham Yatra?
The Chardham Yatra temples are in remote regions where accessibility can be an issue. Pilgrims can easily reach some temples via motorable roadways. However, some temples require extensive trekking. Yamunotri temple needs a trek of 6 km, and Kedarnath temple requires an extensive trek of 16 km. You can also consider booking the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter if you can’t trek for long distances.
Planning a successful Chardham Yatra requires careful consideration across various aspects, and these include:
Book Accommodation in Advance
Accommodation options are less in the Chardham circuit, particularly during peak periods of pilgrimage. Hence, it is wise to book your stay several weeks ahead to ensure no last-minute inconveniences. Pilgrims can select their lodging from various choices based on their likes and budgets.
Consider Booking Travel Packages
It is wise to book Chardham Yatra travel packages as the entire travel agency will handle all the logistics, accommodation, and itinerary. You can also check if they offer helicopter packages in case traveling via road is something you won’t prefer.
Pack Essentials
Pack necessary items, like warm clothes, comfortable footwear, first aid medicines, toiletries, snacks, and a bottle of water, to ensure a safe, comfortable trip. You must also carry your prescription medications too. Also, carry enough cash with you.
Be Respectful Towards Others & Local Culture
Respect the temple traditions, and wear a good dress to show your respect. Do not litter and behave in a decent way [by being calm]. Along with which, prepare to take away your food leftovers or personal waste non-biodegradable. Protect nature and wildlife. Keep away from picking up or plucking flowers and plants.
Stay Informed
Always stay updated with the latest weather forecasts, road conditions, and travel advisories to purposefully plan your journey. Make sure that emergency contact numbers are always with you, and do not forget to let your family or a close friend know about your itinerary for added safety.
Reason to Choose the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
Selecting the best time to visit Chardham Yatra is the most important factor for enjoying a safe and fulfilled pilgrimage experience. Selecting the best season for a pilgrimage is very crucial to which usually is during the summer months, like from May to June or autumn months of September to October as the weather that time is generally clear skies and mild temperatures providing a perfect travel and worshiping conditions.
It is better for you to travel outside the monsoon period (from July to August) because high rainfall, landslides, and the risk of disrupted travel and safety hazards are possible during these times. You can best enjoy your pilgrimage when you plan to do so during the perfect time which would mean enjoying beautiful weather, fewer travel disruptions and a serene ambiance in the bounties of nature.
Conclusion
This is all about the best time to visit Chardham Yatra. You can find all the important information about the best travel season and the temples’ opening and closing dates here.
