Winter Char Dham Yatra: Darshan at the Four Winter Seats

Facts checked November 2026.

When snow closes the four high Himalayan temples, the deities do not stop receiving puja. Each one is carried down in a doli to a winter home in a lower village, and daily worship continues there for about six months. This guide explains where each winter seat is, how to reach it from Haridwar, and how to plan a safe winter darshan yatra.

This page is part of our Char Dham Yatra Places and Route Map guide. Planning the yatra? See our Char Dham yatra packages.

When did the Char Dham temples close in 2026?

All four kapat closing dates and times were fixed by the temple priests on auspicious muhurats. Kedarnath and Yamunotri closed on Bhai Dooj.

The Kedarnath doli was scheduled to reach Ukhimath on 13 November 2026. For all opening and closing dates in one place, see our Char Dham opening and closing dates page.

Where are the four winter seats?

Kharsali: winter home of Maa Yamuna

Kharsali is a small village close to Janki Chatti, the last motor point and base of the 6 km Yamunotri walk. After the kapat close, Maa Yamuna’s doli is brought here by her brother Shani Dev (Someshwar), and she stays at the Yamuna temple in the village all winter. The old Shani Dev temple stands in the same village. Read more in our Kharsali village guide.

Mukhba: winter home of Maa Ganga

Mukhba (also written Mukhwa) sits on a slope above the Bhagirathi, a short drive from Harsil and roughly 25 km by road below Gangotri. Maa Ganga stays at the Ganga temple here through the winter, and daily puja continues. See our Mukhba village guide.

Ukhimath: winter home of Baba Kedarnath

The Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath is the winter seat of Kedarnath. The utsav idol of Madhyamaheshwar also spends the winter here. In 2026 Madhyamaheshwar’s kapat closed on 16 November and the deity was scheduled to reach Ukhimath on 19 November. Ukhimath is on a motor road, so no trek is needed. Details are in our Ukhimath Omkareshwar temple guide.

Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath: winter seats of Badrinath

Badrinath has two winter seats. Uddhav ji and Kuber ji go to Pandukeshwar, where winter puja of Badri Vishal is done at the Yogadhyan Badri temple. Adi Shankaracharya’s gaddi goes to the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath (Joshimath). Both places are on the Badrinath highway below the main shrine. Our Badrinath winter darshan guide covers both temples.

What is the state government’s winter Char Dham yatra?

Uttarakhand began promoting a shitkaleen (winter) Char Dham yatra to the winter seats so that pilgrims come all year, not only in summer. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally started it at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on 8 December 2024. In January 2025 the state said the winter pilgrimage would become a year-round effort.

Reported numbers show it is growing. About 73,381 pilgrims visited the winter seats in 2024–25. A government release reported on 1 February 2026 said 34,140 pilgrims had visited that winter, with Ukhimath getting the most (20,338).

Reported offers: in December 2024 the state announced a discount on room tariffs at Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guest houses for winter pilgrims. Reports gave different figures (10% and 25%). We could not confirm an offer for winter 2026–27, so ask GMVN directly before booking. Also check the official Uttarakhand Tourism registration portal, as rules can change.

How far is each winter seat from Haridwar?

Distances below are road distances. Sources differ, so we give ranges. Winter drive times can be longer because of fog, snow and slow hill traffic.

Rudraprayag to Ukhimath is about 41 km, and Jyotirmath to Pandukeshwar about 20 to 24 km. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, and the nearest railway stations are Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Most families split the longer drives with a night halt at Barkot, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi or Rudraprayag.

What should you know about winter weather and roads?

• Cold: Nights at Kharsali and Mukhba often fall below freezing. Mornings everywhere are very cold.
• Snow and closures: Snow, ice and short closures can happen with little warning, especially on the Harsil and Janki Chatti roads. Carry tyre chains or traction gear from December onwards.
• Drive in daylight: Start early and reach your halt before dark. Black ice forms on shaded bends in the morning and evening.
• Check before you leave: Ask locally at Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag or Jyotirmath about road conditions on the day.
• Power and cash: Electricity can be patchy and mobile signal is weak in villages. ATMs are few near Mukhba and Kharsali, so carry cash.
• Health: Elderly pilgrims and those with heart or breathing problems should see a doctor before the yatra.

What should you pack for a winter darshan yatra?

• Thermal inner wear, a down or heavy woollen jacket, woollen cap, muffler and gloves
• Warm socks and waterproof shoes with good grip
• Personal medicines, cold cream, lip balm and sunscreen
• Power bank, torch and a thermos for hot water
• Enough cash, ID proof and a small puja kit

What is a good 5 to 7 day route from Haridwar?

These are suggested plans. Actual timing depends on weather, road conditions and your pace.

A shorter 5-day plan for only Kharsali and Mukhba also works well: Haridwar to Barkot, Kharsali, Uttarkashi, Mukhba, and back.

When will the Char Dham temples open in 2027?

The 2027 opening dates have not been announced. By tradition, Badrinath’s date is fixed on Basant Panchami (Magha Shukla Panchami, Thursday 11 February 2027). Kedarnath’s date is announced at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath on Mahashivratri (Saturday 6 March 2027). Yamunotri and Gangotri usually open around Akshaya Tritiya.

Expected (estimate): Kedarnath around 9 to 12 May 2027. This is based on Akshaya Tritiya falling on 9 May 2027 (Drik Panchang, Dehradun) and on Kedarnath usually opening close to it. It is not an official date. Track updates on our opening and closing dates page.

How Yatra To Temples can help

We can plan a winter darshan yatra to the four winter seats from Haridwar on request, so just ask us. You can also see our summer Char Dham yatra packages.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do Char Dham darshan in winter?

Yes. The main temples are closed, but you can have darshan of the same deities at their winter seats: Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath, Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath. Puja continues daily all winter.

Is there any trek to the winter seats?

No long trek is needed. Ukhimath, Jyotirmath and Pandukeshwar are on motor roads. Kharsali and Mukhba involve only a short walk or drive from the main road.

Where is Badrinath worshipped in winter?

Badri Vishal’s winter puja is done at the Yogadhyan Badri temple in Pandukeshwar, where Uddhav ji and Kuber ji stay. Adi Shankaracharya’s gaddi stays at the Narsingh temple in Jyotirmath.

Do I need registration for the winter yatra?

Rules can change each season. Check the official Uttarakhand Tourism registration portal before you start, and carry a valid photo ID.

Which is the easiest winter seat to visit?

Ukhimath is the closest, at about 195 to 205 km from Haridwar on a motor road. It also has the Madhyamaheshwar idol in winter, so you get two darshans at one place.

Is a winter yatra safe for elderly parents?

It can be, with care. Keep drives short, travel only in daylight, dress in warm layers and consult a doctor first. Keep one spare day for road delays.

When do the deities go back to the main temples?

They return when the kapat open in April or May. The 2027 dates will be fixed on Basant Panchami and Mahashivratri, and Kedarnath is expected around 9 to 12 May 2027 (estimate).