As winter approaches, the Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimages, begins to wrap up
for the season. Every year, thousands of devotees journey to the Char Dham – the four holy shrines of
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand. These shrines are situated in the
Himalayas and are open for only six months due to extreme winter weather. As temperatures start
dropping and snowfall increases, the shrines close their doors for the year, leaving devotees and tourists
waiting until next spring for the doors to reopen.
Closing Dates for the Char Dham Yatra 2024
Each year, the shrines close their doors before winter sets in, as the harsh conditions make access
difficult. Here are the 2024 closing dates for each site:
1. Gangotri – Gangotri Temple will close its doors on November 2, 2024, at 12:04 PM.
This ceremony will follow the traditional customs associated with the Annakoot festival.
2. Yamunotri – The Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, will close on
November 3, 2024, in conjunction with the Bhai Dooj festival. The exact closing time,
around noon, was determined in line with Hindu calendar events.
3. Kedarnath – On November 3, 2024, at 8:30 AM, Kedarnath Temple will also conclude
its season. This Shiva temple, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, typically experiences
one of the highest footfalls among the Char Dham shrines.
4. Badrinath – Finally, Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, will close for winter on
November 17, 2024, at 9:07 PM. This closure includes multiple rituals over several days,
beginning November 13 with the Ganesh Pooja and concluding with ceremonies
involving deities and icons being moved to winter shrines for preservation..