The sacred land of Uttarakhand has once again witnessed a significant spiritual announcement. On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, the winter closing dates for the four revered shrines of the Char Dham Yatra — Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri — were officially declared. These temples, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, are among the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India, drawing millions of devotees each year seeking divine blessings and spiritual peace.
As the Himalayan winter approaches, the portals of these holy temples are ceremoniously closed every year, marking the end of the Char Dham Yatra season. Let’s look at the details of the 2025 Char Dham closing dates and what this means for devotees planning their pilgrimage.
Official Winter Closing Dates for Char Dham Temples 2025
According to the official announcement made by Hemant Dwivedi, President of the Shri Badri-Kedar Temple Committee, the winter closing schedule for the four holy shrines has been set as follows:
- Gangotri Temple: October 22, 2025
- Yamunotri Temple: October 23, 2025
- Kedarnath Temple: October 23, 2025 (Bhaiya Dooj)
- Badrinath Temple: November 25, 2025
Each of these dates carries deep spiritual and astrological significance, chosen according to the Hindu calendar and local traditions. After the temples close for the winter, the idols of the deities are ceremoniously shifted to their respective winter abodes where prayers continue until the shrines reopen in spring.
Spiritual Significance of the Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand holds immense importance in Hinduism. It represents a sacred journey of faith that purifies the soul and brings devotees closer to moksha (liberation). The four temples — Kedarnath (Lord Shiva), Badrinath (Lord Vishnu), Gangotri (Goddess Ganga), and Yamunotri (Goddess Yamuna) — symbolize the spiritual elements of life and the cycle of creation, preservation, and purification.
Undertaking this pilgrimage is believed to wash away sins and help one attain eternal peace. The journey also offers a breathtaking experience through the snow-capped Himalayas, sacred rivers, and serene villages that reflect India’s deep-rooted spirituality.
Char Dham Yatra 2025: A Record-Breaking Year
The 2025 Char Dham Yatra season has been extraordinary. Since its opening on April 30, 2025, more than 4.5 million devotees have embarked on this spiritual journey; a remarkable increase compared to previous years.
This surge reflects not only the faith of millions but also the improved infrastructure and accessibility provided by the Uttarakhand government. As the yatra now enters its final phase, devotees are urged to complete their visit before the temples close for the winter. The divine atmosphere, rhythmic chants, and snow-kissed peaks create an experience that stays etched in the heart forever.
What Happens After the Temples Close for Winter?
Once the portals of these holy temples are closed, the deities are moved to their winter seats where rituals and prayers continue throughout the season.
Gangotri Temple: After closure, the idol of Goddess Ganga is worshipped at Mukhwa, a nearby village.
Yamunotri Temple: The idol of Goddess Yamuna is taken to Kharsali, where devotees can continue to offer prayers.
Kedarnath Temple: The symbolic representation of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Badrinath Temple: Lord Vishnu’s idol is shifted to Narsingh Temple in Joshimath.
These transitions ensure that the divine presence remains accessible to devotees even during the harsh winter months when the Himalayan routes are blocked due to snow.
Plan Your Pilgrimage Before Char Dham Temple Closure
If you haven’t yet undertaken the Char Dham Yatra 2025, now is the perfect time to plan your trip before the season ends. The weather is pleasant in early October, and the crowds are lighter compared to the peak months. Pilgrims can witness the aarti ceremonies, take holy dips in sacred rivers, and experience the spiritual aura of the Himalayas one last time before the shrines close.
At YatraKey, we recommend starting with Yamunotri and Gangotri, followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath, as per the traditional route. Our curated Char Dham Yatra packages from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun ensure comfortable travel, guided darshan, and safe accommodation throughout your journey.
YatraKey – Your Trusted Travel Partner for Char Dham Yatra
At YatraKey, we understand that a pilgrimage is not just a journey; it’s a spiritual awakening. Our Char Dham packages are designed to provide a seamless experience, combining comfort, safety, and devotion. Whether you’re a solo traveler, family group, or elderly pilgrim, our dedicated team ensures that every aspect of your yatra is handled with utmost care.
Why Choose YatraKey for Your Char Dham Yatra 2025?
- Expert-guided tours with experienced local coordinators
- Comfortable stays near major shrines
- Reliable transportation and on-road assistance
- Customizable itineraries for families and groups
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- 24/7 customer support during your pilgrimage
Book your Char Dham Yatra package with YatraKey today and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey before the sacred temples close their doors for winter.
Final Thoughts on 2025 Char Dham Temple Closure
The announcement of the Char Dham temple closing dates marks a sacred transition, from an active pilgrimage season to a period of divine rest. As the Himalayan shrines prepare to close, thousands of devotees will make their final journeys to seek blessings from the deities of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
May this season bring peace, devotion, and divine grace to all who undertake the holy yatra.
