The Chota Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism, attracting devotees from across the world. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, the Yatra comprises four sacred temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
The Yatra begins in the west and moves eastward, covering all four shrines. The pilgrimage season usually starts in the summer and ends in winter, when the temples close due to heavy snowfall. Below are the opening and expected closing dates for the Chota Char Dham Yatra 2025 along with key details about each temple.
1. Yamunotri Temple
- Opening Date: April 30, 2025
- Expected Closing: November 2025 (exact date to be announced)
- Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Uttarkashi district. Pilgrims take a trek from Janki Chatti (6 km) to reach the shrine. The Surya Kund (hot water spring) and Divya Shila (sacred rock) are important attractions near the temple.
2. Gangotri Temple
- Opening Date: April 30, 2025
- Expected Closing: November 2025
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the personification of the holy River Ganges. Located at 3,100 meters in Uttarkashi district, the temple marks the spot where the river is believed to have descended to Earth. Gauri Kund and Pandava Gufa are notable nearby attractions. The actual source of the Ganga River, Gaumukh Glacier, is about 18 km from Gangotri and can be reached via trekking.
3. Kedarnath Temple
- Opening Date: May 2, 2025
- Expected Closing: November 2025
- Significance: Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district, the temple is surrounded by breathtaking snow-clad peaks. The temple is accessible via a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. According to legend, the Pandavas built the original shrine, which was later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya is located near the temple.
4. Badrinath Temple
- Opening Date: May 4, 2025 (6:00 AM)
- Expected Closing: November 2025
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Temple is situated at 3,300 meters in the Chamoli district. It is the most important temple of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. The temple houses a 1-meter tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, believed to be self-manifested. Tapt Kund (hot water spring), Narad Kund, and Charan Paduka are important sites near the temple.
Important Facts About the Yatra:
- The Chota Char Dham Yatra is usually announced on Basant Panchami (February).
- The pilgrimage follows a fixed order: Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath.
- Helicopter services are available for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
- The temples close for six months in winter due to heavy snowfall, and deities are shifted to lower-altitude locations.
- It is advisable to get medical check-ups before the journey due to the high-altitude conditions.
Conclusion
The Chota Char Dham Yatra is not only a religious pilgrimage but also a spiritual journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake this holy Yatra, seeking divine blessings and peace. With the 2025 Yatra scheduled to begin in April-May and conclude in November, pilgrims should start planning their visit well in advance. For more details about the Yatra Registration, kindly visit the official website.
May this journey bring peace and prosperity to all devotees. Jai Badri Vishal!
