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December 09, 2025
Anmol
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. The spiritual journey covers four holy shrines in Uttarakhand—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These temples are situated in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas and remain open only for a limited period each year. Among all starting points, Haridwar is considered the most preferred location for beginning the Char Dham Yatra. However, knowing the best time to start your Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar is extremely important for a safe, comfortable, and fulfilling pilgrimage. This blog by Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand explains the ideal months to travel, seasonal conditions, benefits of each season, and essential tips to help you plan the journey smoothly.
Haridwar is known as one of the holiest cities in India and is often considered the gateway to the Himalayas. Pilgrims from all over the world arrive here to begin their Char Dham Yatra. The city offers excellent connectivity by road and rail, making it easy for travelers to move towards Yamunotri and Gangotri routes. Haridwar also provides spiritual energy, peaceful ghats, and a devotional environment that prepares pilgrims for the sacred journey ahead. The presence of several travel facilities, accommodations, and local support makes Haridwar the perfect starting point. For this reason, Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand offers most of its Char Dham packages beginning from Haridwar.
The Char Dham Yatra opens every year around the months of April or May, usually on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The gates of Yamunotri and Gangotri temples open first, followed by the opening of Kedarnath and Badrinath. These temples remain accessible for around six months, generally from April to October. However, the weather in the Himalayan region is highly unpredictable, making it essential to choose the best time to start your journey from Haridwar to avoid challenges during travel.
The entire Char Dham season can be divided into three parts: summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon. Each season carries different weather conditions, advantages, and challenges. Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand recommends choosing the travel month based on comfort, physical ability, and personal preference.
This period is considered the best and most popular time to start the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar. The weather during these months is comfortable, calm, and ideal for both road travel and trekking.
During late April to June, the temperature in the Char Dham region ranges between 10°C and 22°C. The days remain clear and sunny, with cool nights. This pleasant weather helps pilgrims move easily through the mountainous terrain.
Clear roads and safe driving conditions
Pleasant weather for visiting high-altitude temples
Easy availability of accommodation and food services
High visibility for sightseeing and photography
Ideal for first-time travelers and elderly pilgrims
Vibrant atmosphere with devotional activities
Families, senior citizens, children, and group travelers find this time most suitable. Due to the excellent weather and smooth travel experience, most pilgrims prefer booking with Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand for April to June departures.
The months from July to September are marked by heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. While the scenic beauty increases during monsoon, the travel difficulty also increases due to natural challenges.
Frequent rainfall, foggy conditions, slippery roads, and unpredictable weather make this period challenging for pilgrims. Temperatures remain between 8°C to 18°C.
Increased chances of landslides
Blocked roads and disrupted travel schedules
Low visibility during road journeys
Delays in darshan at temples
Slippery trekking routes
Only experienced travelers with strong physical fitness and flexibility in travel plans should attempt the Char Dham Yatra during monsoon. However, Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand usually advises avoiding this season for safety reasons.
Late September to October is another excellent time to start the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar. After the monsoon ends, the Himalayas look fresh, green, and breathtakingly beautiful.
The weather is mostly stable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Skies remain clear, and the cool mountain breeze enhances the spiritual feel of the journey.
Pleasant and refreshing climate
Fewer crowds compared to the early months
Peaceful darshan at all four temples
Clear views of the mountains and rivers
Budget-friendly accommodations and travel packages
Perfect time for nature photography
Pilgrims who prefer a calm and crowd-free experience should start their journey during late September or October. Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand highly recommends this period for those seeking a peaceful pilgrimage.
From November onwards, all Char Dham temples close due to heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and unsafe road conditions. The deities are shifted to their winter abodes, where devotees can still offer prayers. However, the main Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar cannot be done during these winter months. The region becomes completely inaccessible due to temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Your choice of travel month depends on several personal and practical factors. Here are essential points to keep in mind:
If you enjoy mild and clear weather, choose April to June. If you prefer cold temperatures and peaceful surroundings, September to October is perfect.
The journey involves walking, climbing, and trekking in some areas. Elderly individuals and those with health issues should avoid monsoon season.
Peak season (April to June) is slightly more expensive due to high demand. Off-season months, especially October, offer better prices and fewer crowds.
Monsoon months carry the highest risk of delays and landslides. Always check weather updates and travel advisories. With Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand, safety remains the top priority.
Starting your Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar gives you several advantages:
Haridwar has strong connectivity to all four Dham routes through taxis, buses, tempo travelers, and trains.
The holy ghats, temples, and Ganga Aarti create the perfect environment for beginning a sacred journey.
Compared to other cities, Haridwar offers budget-friendly accommodation, food, and travel assistance.
Most trusted travel agencies including Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand operate Char Dham packages starting from Haridwar, ensuring smooth travel plans.
Follow these important tips to make your journey safe and enjoyable:
Carry warm clothes even during the summer season
Keep basic medicines and first-aid items with you
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
Wear comfortable trekking shoes
Start the journey early in the morning
Keep your documents and ID proofs handy
Travel with an experienced and registered travel partner
Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand ensures complete support throughout the pilgrimage to make your experience memorable.
The best time to start your Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar is from late April to June and again from late September to October. These periods offer the safest, most comfortable, and most enjoyable travel experience. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to unpredictable conditions. By choosing the right time and planning your journey with a trusted travel expert like Anmol Yatra Uttarakhand, you can ensure a spiritually fulfilling and hassle-free pilgrimage to the four holy shrines of Uttarakhand.
