India is a land whose every nook breathes spirituality and holds interesting experiences to embrace. This land is blessed with the majestic Himalayan range and tons of sacred sites where you can feel the divine energies at their peaks. If you are someone, who is seeking enlightenment and willing to have a transforming experience in life, you won’t find a better choice other than Char Dham Yatra. These sacred four shrines enhance the significance of the hilly existence of the Himalayas to the double.
There is no denying that your experience of visiting the four holy temples majorly depends on the time you choose to visit them. Since the four shrines – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are located at higher altitudes where the weather changes constantly, it is extremely crucial to choose the right time to visit and get the most out of your experience. In this post, you’ll gather all the relevant information about the best time to visit Char Dham. So, let’s dive in and plan your trip of a lifetime.
The Best Time to Plan Your Yatra
Certainly, Uttarakhand is a devotee’s treasury, and experiencing Char Dham Yatra is a treat to the soul. When you are new to spirituality, you definitely desire to experience the divine energy of Char Dham Yatra. However, you must choose the best time for your yatra if you want to get the most out of your experiences. Since the four holy shrines are located at the higher altitudes, the yatra begins from late April or Early May to October or November.
Here’s a complete overview of the weather you can choose for your journey according to your preferences and travel needs:
Summer Season (Late April to June)
Summer is the most preferred time for Char Dham yatra when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant for both trekking and helicopter ride. The temperature during this time ranges between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
- Pros: Pleasant weather, clear paths, clear sky, and better amenities.
- Cons: Footfall is high and accommodations may be costlier.
Monsoon Season (July to September)
Monsoon season spans from the month of July to September when weather is considered unfavorable for Char Dham Yatra. The temperature during monsoon ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for one to cover the journey due to the higher chances of landslides.
- Pros: Less crowd, an optimum time for darshan, lush greenery, and beautiful surroundings.
- Cons: Slippery paths, damaged roads, high chances of landslides, many facilities are not available
Winter Season (October or November)
When winter approaches, devotees can expect a pleasant and enjoyable journey during October and November before the temples shut. Since all the regions around the temple experience heavy snowfall in the winter from late November to March, traveling becomes difficult and the temples remain closed during this time.
- Pros: In October and November, the weather is favorable for trek and helicopter yatra as the skies are clear.
- Cons: The temple will be closed soon and devotees have a few days for darshan.
This is a complete overview of the weather. Now, you must choose the time that best fits your preferences and plan your yatra accordingly. If you want to travel on a budget and can bear chilly weather, you must opt for October or November month for yatra. On the contrary, you can choose the summer months if crowds and high rates of accommodation are not a concern for you. If you love nature and want to get the best glimpses of it no matter how difficult the trek would be, you can choose monsoon months. However, you can’t do Char Dham yatra by helicopter during monsoon.
Let’s Have a Look at the Easy Presentation of the Best Time to Visit Below:
Months | May | June | July | August | September | October/November |
Temperature | 20℃-35℃ | 20℃-35℃ | 20℃-35℃ | 15℃-25℃ | 10℃-20℃ | 5℃-15℃ |
Weather Condition | Moderate climate | Moderate climate | Monsoon rains | Monsoon rains | Humid with post-monsoon rains | Pleasant climate |
Tourism season | Peak season | Peak season | Off-season | Off-season | Shoulder season | Shoulder season |
Devotee Density | High footfalls | High footfalls | Moderate footfall | Moderate footfall | Above moderate footfall | Above moderate footfall |
Expenses | Hiked rates | Hiked rates | Lowered rate | Lowered rate | Reasonable rates | Reasonable rates |
Opening Date of Char Dham | On the day of Akshaya Tritiya |
Closing Date of Char Dham | On the next day of Bhai Dooj |
Your overall experience of visiting the four sacred shrines solely depends on the time you choose to travel. This post covers all the information that helps you plan your trip better. Now, refer to this guide and pick the right time for your journey. Then, you’ll certainly get the most out of your Char Dham Yatra. Now, don’t wait! Registration for Char Dham yatra has already started. So, make sure you book your journey in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle and ensure confirmation for the beautiful experience of a lifetime.
General FAQs Related to Char Dham Yatra
Q1: Which Month is Better for Char Dham Yatra?
A1: Summer season is more favorable particularly the months of May and June. This is the peak season and you’ll witness the maximum crowds.
Q2: How Many Days Are Sufficient for Char Dham Yatra?
A2: If you plan a yatra by road, at least 10 to 12 days are required. If you plan Char Dham Yatra by helicopter, 5 to 6 days would be enough to cover four shrines.
Q3: Which Month Has Less Crowd in Kedarnath Dham?
A3: You’ll experience a smaller crowd in Kedarnath Dham during the monsoon season due to excessive rain and the high risk of landslides.
Q4: Is It Necessary to Complete Registration Before Yatra?
A4: Yes, you need to complete the registration for Char Dham yatra in advance as it is mandatory for pilgrims. You can do it online or offline before Yatra begins.
Q5: Which Dham Should I Visit First?
A5: All four Dhams are revered and hold great significance in Hinduism. However, it is suggested to visit Yamunotri first, second Gangotri, third Badrinath, and fourth Kedarnath. Rest you can plan as you want.
- Suggestion Post: Places To Visit In Chardham Yatra
COMMENTS