The Uttarakhand government has announced the closing dates for Char Dham temples on the occasion of Vijayadashami. These include the four major Hindu shrines – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, which will soon close their doors for the winter season.
This yearly ritual marks the end of the pilgrimage period in the high Himalayas, where harsh weather makes temple access difficult during winter months.
Closing Dates for Char Dham Temples 2025
According to the official announcement from the Shri Badri-Kedar Temple Committee, the closing dates for Char Dham are as follows:
- Kedarnath Temple: October 23 (on Bhaiya Dooj)
- Badrinath Dham: November 25
- Gangotri Temple: October 22
- Yamunotri Temple: October 23
These dates follow traditional calculations based on the Hindu calendar and are confirmed after Vijayadashami every year.
Rituals After the Char Dham Temples Close
Once the closing dates for Char Dham are observed, the idols from the temples are moved to their winter abodes.
For the next six months:
- Gangotri Temple’s idol is worshipped at Mukhwa village.
- Yamunotri Temple’s idol is shifted to Kharsali village.
These locations remain accessible throughout winter, allowing devotees to continue their prayers until the temples reopen in summer.
Char Dham Yatra Nears Completion
The Char Dham Yatra is now in its final phase for the year. Despite challenging mountain routes, pilgrims have continued to arrive in large numbers.
As per official records, since April 30 this year, over 4.5 million devotees have visited the four sacred shrines. The state administration and temple committees have worked together to manage crowd control, accommodation, and road safety during the busy season.
Significance of the Closing Ceremony
The temple closing ceremony holds deep religious meaning for devotees. It represents the transition from the active pilgrimage season to a period of spiritual reflection and home-based worship.
Priests perform special prayers and rituals before closing the temple doors. These ceremonies attract hundreds of devotees who gather to witness the final darshan of the season.
Preparation for the Next Season
Even as the temples prepare to close, plans for next year’s pilgrimage season have already started. Authorities are reviewing travel arrangements, road repairs, and lodging facilities to ensure smoother access when the Char Dham Yatra reopens in spring.
With the growing number of pilgrims each year, better infrastructure and digital booking systems are being considered to handle the rush more efficiently.
Explore Char Dham Yatra Packages
For those planning to visit next season, Ghum India Ghum offers a range of Char Dham Yatra packages, including the 6 Days Char Dham by Helicopter tour.
This package is designed for pilgrims who wish to complete the sacred journey comfortably and efficiently. The helicopter tour covers all four shrines, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, offering an aerial view of the majestic Himalayas along the way.
You can explore package details here: 6 Days Char Dham by Helicopter – Ghum India Ghum.
FAQs on Closing Dates for Char Dham
A: Kedarnath Temple will close on October 23, 2025, coinciding with the festival of Bhaiya Dooj.
A: Badrinath Dham will close on November 25, 2025.
A: After closure, the Gangotri idol is kept at Mukhwa village, and the Yamunotri idol is placed at Kharsali village for six months.
A: The Char Dham Yatra usually reopens in April or May, depending on weather conditions and temple committee announcements.
A: More than 4.5 million pilgrims visited the Char Dham temples during the 2025 yatra season.
A: Due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold in the Himalayan region, it becomes unsafe to access the temples during winter months. Hence, they are closed and rituals continue in nearby villages.
