The Chardham Yatra—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is a pilgrimage of unparalleled sanctity for Hindus. Lakhs of pilgrims undertake this holy yatra every year in order to obtain divine grace. This yatra is not only spiritual for families—it's also an experience of a lifetime that unites generations. With children, elders, and parents frequently accompanying one another on this divine journey, deciding on the most suitable time of the year for a family Chardham Yatra is crucial for enjoying a comfortable, safe, and soul-nourishing experience.
The Chardham locations lie in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, each having a special spiritual significance:
Yamunotri – Source of River Yamuna
Gangotri – Source of River Ganga
Kedarnath – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas
Badrinath – Home of Lord Vishnu
The Yatra is done in a clockwise direction, and the general sequence is usually from Yamunotri to Badrinath.
If you're traveling with kids or older parents, our Chardham Yatra Family Package are designed with slower-paced itineraries, experienced guides, and carefully selected accommodations to ensure everyone feels safe and blessed.
The Chardham Yatra season generally starts in late April or early May and lasts until early November, subject to snowfall.
| Dham | Opening Date (Approx.) | Closing Date (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Late April | Early November |
| Gangotri | Late April | Early November |
| Kedarnath | Early May | Late October |
| Badrinath | Mid-May | Early November |
A full Yatra takes 10 to 14 days, depending on the mode of travel, weather, and physical condition. We also provide the Chardham Yatra Tour Package by helicopter starting from Dehradun.
Uttarakhand's Himalayas face extreme seasonality, so weather is a serious factor to consider:
Summer (May–June): Nice weather; 10°C–25°C temperatures.
Monsoon (July–August): Torrential rains, landslides, and sloppy trails.
Post-Monsoon (September–October): Sunny skies, chilled air, and beautiful landscapes.
Winter (November–April): Extensive snowfall; temples shut.
For families, the optimal time to organize a Chardham Yatra is pre-monsoon (May to June) or post-monsoon (September to mid-October). These periods offer optimum weather, improved road conditions, and better accessibility. We provide a number of Chardham Yatra family package. You can choose it accordingly.
Children have summer breaks
Older people eschew health complications caused by cold weather
Lower chances of landslides
Best trekking and walking conditions
Season opens; temples are newly decorated.
Weather: Pleasant and comfortable.
Tip: Book hotels and cars in advance.
Peak tourist season.
Great for school holiday trips.
Plan to start early to miss traffic.
Monsoon brings beauty and risk.
Travel not advised because of landslides and roadblocks.
A hidden gem for travel: greenery, gentle chill, fewer tourists. Check out our Chardham Yatra Package for a well-organized and smooth journey.
Last month before closure starts.
Best for spiritual seekers and old pilgrims.
Fresh air, clean mountain views
Ready access by travel
Children-friendly weather
High accommodation demand
Advance booking needed
Touring during this month is dangerous owing to:
Irregular landslides
Landslides on the roads
Very limited medical services
Families with children or the older must stay away during this period.
Excellent for older family members
Peaceful, calm temples
Easier darshan without queueing for ages
Tip: The temperature starts dropping by mid-October, so pack woollens. We provide a number of Chardham Yatra family package. You can choose it accordingly.
From November to April, the shrines are closed as a result of snowfall. Only winter Chardham temples at lower heights are open, but these symbolic and not the original dhams.
Pick May or September, when:
Oxygen levels are consistent
Weather is not extreme
Crowds can be controlled
Do not opt for high-altitude trekking for older people with heart or lung problems. Always take a doctor's advice while planning.
Time your trip during these auspicious days for spiritual enrichment:
Akshaya Tritiya Temple opening day
Ganga Dussehra Celebrated at Gangotri
Raksha Bandhan Celebrated on the way in Uttarakhand
Diwali (October) Badrinath closure
Book 60 days in advance
Take altitude medication and motion sickness pills
Wear layered clothing and water-proof shoes
Drink plenty and avoid raw food
You may travel to Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or flight (via Dehradun), and then by road. We provide a number of Chardham Yatra Package From Ahmedabad 2025. You can choose it accordingly.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Car | Best for family travel |
| Shared Taxis | Cheaper but less flexible |
| Helicopter Yatra | Available from Dehradun; costly but fast |
10-day standard tours
Helicopter packages (5 days)
Custom family packages
Accommodation in all 4 dhams
Food, porter, and medical aid
Local guide or priest
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Thermal wear, windcheaters, socks, gloves |
| Health | First aid kit, personal medications, oxygen canisters |
| Travel Gear | ID cards, flashlights, walking stick, rain cover |
| Child Essentials | Diapers, dry snacks, toys, baby wipes |
| Elder Care | Wheelchair support (if needed), heating pad, easy footwear |
Don't litter – use dustbins available.
Respect local culture and temple regulations.
Restrict the usage of plastic and loud music.
Dress with modesty at all times.
Planning the most suitable time of year for a family Chardham Yatra is all about balancing comfort, spirituality, and convenience. Whether you have toddlers or elder parents accompanying you, May–June and September–October provide the ideal combination of pleasant weather, religious celebration, and ease of mobility.
Don't forget to plan well in advance with Epic Yatra, travel responsibly, and savor each step on this sacred journey.
1. What is the ideal month for doing Chardham Yatra with children?
The ideal month is May because schools are on holiday and the weather is nice.
2. Is it advisable to go to Kedarnath in monsoon?
No. It's extremely risky because of landslides and bad road conditions.
3. Can we undertake Chardham Yatra in September?
Yes! September is one of the quietest and most family-friendly months.
4. Are helicopter services available for families?
Yes, packages of family helicopters do exist from Dehradun and Phata.
5. What is the age limit for Chardham Yatra?
Kids over 5 years are generally healthy enough to travel with normal precautions.
6. Is Chardham Yatra good for older citizens?
Yes, particularly in May and September with proper medical assistance.