The best time to visit Chardham Yatra by Helicopter i.e Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath also known as Chota chardham is between May to October as these months are not that rainy and cold and these months include summer and autumn seasons.
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra Explained Month-by-Month Guide
During winter, from November to April, the dhams get covered in a lot of heavy snow and the temples close due to this.
From July to September, the chardham gets a lot of rainfall which leads to landslides and makes the roads risky to travel. So the best time for Chardham Yatra is from May to June and from September to October.
Because during these months, the weather is good and the skies become clear and the roads are open and are not risky at all to travel. That makes these months the best time to go for Chardham Yatra, whether you want to travel by car or take a helicopter by chardham yatra.
Taking a Chardham yatra by helicopter ride, known as Chardham heli yatra, is smoother in these months because there’s less wind and fog. If you’d like a quicker and more peaceful trip, plan your Char Dham helicopter booking during this time.
Since the 4 Dham Yatra best time falls right in these months, you’ll face fewer weather troubles and landslide worries.
| Months | May | June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather condition | Moderate climate | Moderate climate | Rainy season or Monsoon season | Rainy season or Monsoon season | Moist and cooling down with rainy climate | Pleasant and cold climate |
| Temperature | 20℃-35℃ | 20℃-35℃ | 15℃-25℃ | 15℃-25℃ | 10℃-20℃ | 5℃-15℃ |
| Waiting in Line | 3-4 Hrs queue | 1-2 Hrs queue | Easy darshan | Easy darshan | 1-2 Hrs queue | Easy darshan |
| Devotee Density | High footfalls | High footfalls | Moderate footfall | Moderate footfall | Above moderate footfall | Above moderate footfall |
| Price | High Costlier | High Costlier | Costly | Costly | Less costlier | Less costlier |
Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra: Complete Seasonal Guide for Pilgrims
The best time to go for Chardham Yatra depends on the weather and the month in which you are planning to travel.
Summer (April to June):
As winter melts away, summer becomes the best time for Chardham Yatra. Mountains are clear, and the roads open up. But it’s still chilly at night, so carry some woolens. It is one of the peak season for a Chardham Yatra by helicopter
| Pros | Cons |
| Summer season is considered the best time to visit Chardham Yatra. All four shrines are open and easily accessible. Weather is mostly clear, making road and helicopter travel smooth. Perfect time to plan a Chardham Yatra by helicopter. Easy and early Char Dham helicopter booking availability. Ideal for those who are looking for a safe and peaceful tripYou will see the natural beauty of Himalaya | Gets crowded as it’s peak pilgrimage season. Even in summer, nights and early mornings can be quite cold—so you’ll need warm clothes. High demand can make 4 Dham Yatra bookings fill up fast |
Monsoon (July to September):
Heavy rain hits the Garhwal region, and this is not a safe time for the Yatra. Landslides and floods can block roads, and helicopter services often stop. It’s better to wait. After mid-September, things settle down and become safe again.
| Pros | Cons |
| The green landscape during this time is incredibly beautiful and fresh. Fewer people on the route, so it’s quieter if you still choose to travel. Local areas come alive with flowing rivers and waterfalls | This is not the best time to visit Chardham Yatra. Heavy rainfall causes landslides, making roads risky and sometimes closed. Flooding is common in many parts of the Chardham route. Most Chardham heli yatra services are suspended for safety reasons. Travel delays are frequent, and medical help can take longer to reach |
Autumn (Mid-September to November):
During autumn the weather cools down with a clear sky. This makes it another prime time to visit Chardham Yatra, especially if you’re curious about knowing the culture and tradition of chardham. You’ll find peaceful paths and great views.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pleasant and cool weather – perfect for walking and exploring Clear skies – great for scenic views and photography Fewer crowds compared to peak summer season Ideal for a peaceful experience A safe time for Char Dham helicopter booking and Chardham heli yatra | Days are shorter, so less daylight for travel Nights start getting cold, especially at higher altitudes If you’re traveling late in the season, some early snowfall might affect roads |
Winter (December to March):
By November, snow begins to fall heavily. The temples close, and roads get covered in white blankets. So this is not a good time for Chardham Yatra.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great time to visit winter shrines like Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath The region looks magical with snowfall – ideal for snow lovers Peaceful and less crowded in nearby areas | All four Chardham temples remain closed Roads become risky or completely blocked due to snow Not suitable for elderly or kids due to extreme cold No Chardham heli yatra services during this time |
Key Factors to Consider for Choosing the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
The best time to visit Chardham yatra can make your trip safe, smooth, and special. Here are a few easy things to think about:
Health and Fitness
The temples are really high up in the mountains, so if you have breathing issues or any other medical problems then you should avoid walking.If walking sounds too hard, you can choose to go by helicopter. Many people now go for a Chardham Yatra by helicopter, which is faster and easier.
Places like Kedarnath are very tall, and walking there requires energy. If you are healthy and can walk well, summer is the best time to visit Chardham Yatra. The weather is nice, and the paths are open.
Crowds and Pilgrim Traffic
During May and June, many people travel together to do the 4 Dham Yatra as it’s the best time to go for Chardham Yatra but the temples can get crowded during this time of the year as it is the peak time for devotees to visit chardham.
So If you want a quiet and calm trip then you can go later around mid-September to October as the weather is still good around this time of the year and there are less crowds.
Weather Conditions
The weather plays a big role in choosing the best time to visit Chardham Yatra as people only want to go when the weather is clear and pleasant. Summer months are great because the sun shines, and roads are safe. After the rainy season, the weather is also cool and clear in autumn.
If you’re thinking of booking a Char Dham helicopter yatra, clear skies during these months make flying easy and safe. That’s why most travelers pick May to June or mid-September to October – it’s truly the 4 Dham Yatra best time.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
During the best time to visit Chardham Yatra, many travelers choose Char Dham yatra by helicopter to reach all the dhams because Chardham yatra by helicopter makes the ride easy and fast.
Chardham Yatra by helicopter helps you skip long walks and crowded roads, especially during the busy 4 Dham Yatra season and chardham yatra is also preferred by elderly people as they have more medical conditions.
Helicopter rides save time and make your journey comfortable and smooth and makes it the best time to visit Chardham yatra.
Important Tips to Plan Your Trip at the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
It is better to plan the trip in advance especially during the best time to visit chardham yatra as the temples might be closed or the weather might get bad.
Check Temple Opening Dates
The temple doors don’t open on the same date every year. They’re decided by Hindu astrology, so always check the exact dates before making any bookings for your Chardham tour.
Avoid Heavy Crowds in Peak Months
If you like quieter places then you should think about going in April or after mid-September as it is the best time to visit Chardham Yatra without a lot of crowd. May and June are the busiest months so if you want to avoid big crowds then you should avoid going on these months.
Pack the Right Clothes
Take warm clothes, a raincoat if you’re visiting during the monsoon, comfy walking shoes, and any medicines you might need as even in summer, the mountains can be cold mostly in the evenings.
Take Your Time While Travelling
Places like Kedarnath and Badrinath are very high up so in order to avoid being sick you should always go slow, rest often, and drink water as this helps your body adjust to the height.
Keep an Eye on Weather Updates
The weather in the Himalayas can change fast and due to this there is always a risk of landslides and roads getting closed down, so always check local forecasts often and stay informed about the weather updates.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
- The best time to visit Kedarnath is in the summer season.
- Snow melts and the weather is pleasant for walking and darshan.
- May is very crowded because the temple opens around this time.
- September to October is also a good time — fewer people and clear skies.
- November to March is winter so Kedarnath is closed due to heavy snow and freezing weather.
- Monsoon season brings landslides and rain so it is unsafe to travel.
- Many tourists choose Char Dham helicopter Yatra during good weather months for a faster and easier trip.
Best Time to Visit Badrinath
- The best time for Chardham Yatra is in the summer season, when the weather is nice and the path is open.
- After the rainy season September to October is also a peaceful time to go.
- Temperature in summer stays around 18°C, which is comfortable for all.
- Avoid July and August due to heavy rainfall which leads to landslides and roads might also get closed.
- From November to April, Badrinath is closed because of snow and extreme cold.
- If walking is difficult, you can also go with a Char Dham helicopter Yatra during the best seasons.
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
- The best time to go for Chardham Yatra to Gangotri is between summer and autumn.
- Summers are sunny and perfect for sightseeing.
- Average summer temperature is around 25°C which is great for trekking and darshan.
- Monsoon months can be risky due to rain and landslides and roads getting closed.
- Winter is very cold, snowy, and the temple stays closed.
- The clear weather in summer makes it easier to plan a Char Dham helicopter tour too.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
- The best time to visit Chardham Yatra, including Yamunotri, is summer and autumn
- Summer is ideal with gentle weather and open paths.
- Post-monsoon months offer peace and beautiful views.
- Avoid July-August—heavy rain and landslides can block the way.
- Winter is very harsh and snowy; roads stay closed.
- Festivals like Phool Dei and Basant Panchami during spring make the visit more vibrant.
- Many choose Char Dham helicopter Yatra during the best months to avoid tough treks.
Top Benefits of Visiting During the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
- Better Weather for Travel
- Safe Roads and Trails
- Helicopter Rides are Easier
- Less Risk of Natural Hazards
- Peaceful Spiritual Experience
- More Comfortable Stay
- Longer Daylight Hours
- Festive Atmosphere
Opening and Closing Dates: Know the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
The best time to visit Chardham Yatra depends on the opening and closing dates of the 4 dhams.
These dhams do not stay open all year due to snowfall and very cold weather in winter season and they open only for a few months during the year.
- Yamunotri and Gangotri temples open every year on Akshaya Tritiya usually in late April or early May.
- Kedarnath temple opens a few days after that and then Badrinath temple opens.
- All the temples close around Bhai Dooj, just after Diwali, usually in late October or early November.
During winter season the dhams are closed because of a lot of snowfall and the roads are also closed due to snow and cold temperatures. That’s why the best time to go for Chardham Yatra is during summer and autumn.
How to Plan Your Trip Around the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
By planning your chardham yatra in advance you can pick the best time to visit chardham yatra according to you. Here are simple things you can follow:-
Check Dates Early
Always check the opening and closing dates of the Chardham Yatra before you start packing as these dates change every year based on Hindu calendar rules. It’s best to check 2–3 months early so you can pick the best time to go for Chardham Yatra — usually May and June.
Pick the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
May and early June are great months because the weather is nice and roads are open. September and early October are also good months as there are very fewer people and clear skies. Avoid the rainy season and winter season, as roads can be dangerous and temples stay closed at this time of the year.
Choose How You Want to Travel
Pick what works best for your family and your comfort by taking options like road, train, or flight. For a faster and smoother journey, many people now choose Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
Pack the Right Clothes
Always carry warm woollen clothes, jackets, gloves, and socks and If you’re going in October or early November, wear heavier winter clothes and remember even in summer, nights can be cold in the mountains.
Carry a Medikit
It is advised to carry a small medical kit with basic items: painkillers, cough syrups, fever tablets, band-aids, and any daily medicines you need. There are very few medical shops on the route, so this will keep you safe.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Chardham Yatra
The best time to visit chardham yatra is in the summer season and autumn season as the skies are clear and pleasant and people can even trek in this time. But it is also advised to check the weather conditions as the weather is uncertain and can change any time.
In the rainy season, the roads get blocked so travel by road is not possible and it also gets foggy in the rainy season which makes it not properly visible. The temples are closed in winter seasons due to a lot of snowfall and the roads getting blocked.
