“Char Dham Yatra” the spiritual journey takes one to the peaceful and enchanting Dhams hidden in the Garhwal Himalayas. Char Dham (the four abodes) is a set of four prominent holy destinations- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. All these sites are situated in the state of Uttarakhand. On the pious Yatra devotees gets to explore the highly rich culture and the divine nature attached to the roots of these four Dhams.
The uphill route to Char Dhams is difficult but an enchanting one. Devotees have to pass through the rugged mountain roads, rocky terrains and walk in high altitudes. Usually the roads are in good situation but get affected by fluctuating climate change. Being the shrines located at high altitude; make them prone to extreme weather conditions like heavy snowfall, rains, landslides and cloudburst. So, during this time the roads become vulnerable for travelling. The temperature also shows drastic change so one must stay updated about the Char Dham weather on a regular basis.
Note– Due to high altitude location, the four Dhams get covered with thick layers of snow in winter season. The temples get closed during this time of the year. The deities are transferred to nearby villages where prayers continue. You can check here for Chardham Opening & Closing Dates and plan your Chardham Yatra.
The below information will help you understand the weather conditions of Four Dhams individually.
The cool and pleasant climate during summer makes the nearby surrounding of Kedarnath beautiful. It is the ideal time for temple visit, sightseeing and exploring the nearby places. Summer (May to June) shows moderate climate with average around 17°C.
Tourists should avoid visiting Kedarnath Temple in monsoon season. Common landslide during monsoon makes it difficult for devotees to travel. End of July, August and early September are the monsoon months. In Kedarnath monsoon months mid June to August witness occasional rains and the temperature drops down to 12°C.
Winters are cold with sub zero temperature. Due to heavy snowfall the Kedarnath temple remain closed. The snow covered roads get blocked. For six months (November to April) deity of Lord Shiva is brought to Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. In the month of May the Kedarnath temple doors open and devotees can enjoy the holy pilgrimage.
Winter Abode of Kedarnath : Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath
Kedarnath Weather Report
The best season to visit Badrinath temple is summer months May- November. May/June is the most crowded months. Pilgrims in large number flock to pay visit during this time of the year. For a quite spiritual journey September/October is the ideal time.
It becomes difficult to travel Badrinath during monsoons as the region is prone to occasional landslides. In June to mid-September the temperature drops down to 15°C.
Badrinath temple closes for six months during winters every year. Chilly days from November to April make the average minimum temperature fall to 5°C. Minimum temperature can touch sub zero levels. The gates of Badrinath Dham closed for winters and idol of Lord Badrivishal taken to Nar Singh Temple in Joshimath.
Winter Abode of Badrinath : Narsingh Temple, Joshimath
Badrinath Weather Report
The gates of Yamunotri temple open during the start of summers. April-July is the summer months in Yamunotri. This is the best season to visit Yamunotri. During this time the temperature ranges from 6°C to 20°C, but the nights are very cold. So, visitors are advised to carry woolen clothes.
During monsoon season (late June to August) Yamunotri witnesses heavy shower. Routes become slippery and mudslides make it difficult to travel. Hence, pilgrims are advised to avoid travel during monsoon season.
Winter season in Yamunotri starts from November to April. During this time of the season winter gets harsh with heavy snowfall and the roads get blocked. The temple is closed during this period and Goddess Yamuna idol taken to Kharsali, near Harsil, winter seat of Yamunotri temple.
Winter Abode of Yamunotri : Kharsali
Yamunotri Weather Report
Summer season in Gangotri starts in April and end in the month of May. During summer the weather is quite pleasant and the maximum temperature reaches around 25°C. The gates of Temple remain open during the start of summers. This is the best season for pilgrimage and sightseeing trips.
Late June to August is the monsoon month in Gangotri. The heavy rainfall and the landslides make it tough to reach the holy shrine. One must avoid traveling during monsoon season.
Winter season in Gangotri starts from November to April. The region faces heavy snowfall which makes the weather freezing cold. Pilgrims are advised not to plan Gangotri trip during this season. The temple is closed during this period and Goddess Ganga idol taken to Mukhwa village, near Harsil, winter seat of Gangotri temple.
Winter Abode of Gangotri : Mukhwa
Gangotri Weather Report
Before planning a trip to Char Dham, one needs to be aware of the Best time to visit the Chardham. It will make the trip hassle-free and safe.
The best time to visit Kedarnath temple is May, June, September and October. During these months the weather remains moderate and pleasant. Due to cold winters and heavy snowfall the temple remains closed for six months.
The best time to visit Badrinath is during summers from May to June and then in September and October. Monsoon season should be avoided to pay visit to the holy temple.
The ideal time to visit the religious shrine in Yamunotri is from April to June and September to November. The temple is open from last week of April to second week of November.
April to June and September to November is the best time to travel the holy city of Gangotri. Gangotri temple is open from last week of April to second week of November.
The heavy snowfall witnessed by the temples during the winter season makes them inaccessible. During rainy season heavy downpours and landslides are quite common. The roads get damaged making it a difficult trek for the devotees. Hence, a detailed understanding on the Chardham climate is a must.
The below given table will give you insight into month wise climate of Char Dham for the year.
Listed below are some of the travel tips which one should keep in mind before travelling to Char Dham
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