Planning your pilgrimage around the official Yamunotri Temple opening and closing dates is essential for a smooth and fulfilling Char Dham Yatra. As one of the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple remains open for devotees only during the summer and autumn months. Due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions during winter, the temple stays closed for nearly six months every year.The temple opens with grand religious ceremonies on Akshaya Tritiya and closes on the auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, marking the end of the annual pilgrimage season.
Note: The exact opening and closing dates vary each year based on the Hindu calendar and are officially announced by the temple authorities.
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Yamunotri Temple Opening Date
Every year, the doors (Kapat) of Yamunotri Temple open on the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya, usually celebrated in April or May according to the Hindu calendar. The exact opening date is announced by the temple authorities after religious consultations and traditional rituals.The opening ceremony is a grand spiritual event attended by thousands of devotees. Before the temple opens, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is ceremoniously brought from her winter residence at Kharsali Village to Yamunotri Temple in a colourful procession accompanied by priests, devotees, traditional music, and prayers.With the opening of the temple, the annual Char Dham Yatra officially begins, welcoming pilgrims from across India and around the world.Yamunotri Temple Closing Date
Yamunotri Temple closes every year on Bhai Dooj, which falls shortly after the Diwali festival, usually in October or November.Before the temple closes for winter, special rituals and prayers are performed to mark the conclusion of the pilgrimage season. After the closing ceremony, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is taken back to Kharsali Village, where devotees continue to worship her throughout the winter months until the temple reopens the following year.As snowfall begins in the higher Himalayan region, the route to Yamunotri becomes inaccessible, making the seasonal closure necessary for the safety of pilgrims.Yamunotri Temple Opening & Closing Schedule
| Event | Timeline |
| Temple Opening | Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) |
| Temple Closing | Bhai Dooj (October/November) |
| Yatra Duration | Approximately 6 Months |
| Winter Worship | Kharsali Village |
Why Does Yamunotri Temple Close During Winter?
Situated at an altitude of 3,293 metres (10,804 feet), Yamunotri experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures during winter. Roads and trekking routes become unsafe, making it difficult for pilgrims to access the temple.To preserve ancient traditions and ensure the safety of devotees, the temple remains closed throughout the winter season. During this period, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is shifted to Kharsali Village, where regular prayers and rituals continue until the next pilgrimage season.Best Time to Plan Your Yamunotri Yatra
Although the temple remains open for nearly six months, the best time to visit is:- May to June – Pleasant weather, clear skies, and ideal trekking conditions.
- September to October – Fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful post-monsoon landscapes.
