Best Time to Visit Char Dham

The Best Time to Visit Char Dham Yatra is something that is looked forward to eagerly, by devotees and tourists alike. After first having decided to go, the next thought would be, when to go. This is a critical decision because the timing can make or break your dream journey to the Char Dham (Four Abodes of God).

The Char Dham temples are open for only six months of the year. Due to high altitudes and snowfall in winter, the Murtis and Pujas of temples are shifted to lower altitudes. Devotees have to make the most of it during the six months they are open.

Let us look at the various periods of travel with their pros and cons.

May – June    Best Time

All the Char Dham temples open on Akshay Tritiya or just after that date. This year Akshay Tritiya is on the 14th of May, 2021. So the ideal time would be from 14th May to the end of June. The day time temperatures are moderate during this period, but evenings and nights are cold. On the downside there will be large crowds and premium rates will be charged everywhere. There will be long queues for darshan. Rooms and transport will be hard to find unless pre-booked. 

July – August and up to mid-September – Avoidable

This is the monsoon period with light to heavy rains in July and heavier rainfall in August. This period is to be avoided as there are chances of landslides resulting in road blockages and delays. Very heavy rain can cause even more severe problems. Advantages of this period are easy availability of rooms and transport at discounted prices and lesser crowds. Darshan at temples will be easy and without long queues.

Mid-September – October – November   – Also a good time

This is also not a bad time to go as the initial rush of pilgrims will have lessened. Charges will not be as high as during  May and June. Transport and accommodation will be easier to find. Overall it will be comfortable traveling. Darshan at temples will be easier, with shorter queues. The only downside is that it will be slightly colder which may cause inconvenience for some. Temples close on or just after Diwali, but this year the final dates are tentative and yet to be confirmed.

Points to keep in mind for the Char Dham Yatra

• Carry sufficient woolen clothes, and heavy woolens if traveling in September – October – November. An umbrella or light raincoat may prove handy.
• Make sure your footwear is suitable for rough terrain.
• Remember to pack a good torch. 
• Carry a basic medical kit. 
• Make sure you have sufficient cash. Cards may not be accepted everywhere.
• Carry energy bars/chocolates/dry fruits/ water bottles.
• You can call on 108 for genuine medical emergencies.

For more information about Char Dham Yatra 2021

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