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Pilgrimage
January 31, 2026

Char Dham Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage of Hinduism, which includes four sacred temples in the Uttarakhand Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Every temple has a distinct daily routine, which consists of darshan time, morning and evening aarti, and special puja. The accurate timings enable the pilgrims to plan their trip with Rajasthan Cab, so they do not have to spend a lot of time in a queue and have a serene spiritual experience.

Darshan and Aarti timings of the temples vary slightly according to the weather, daylight, and crowd control in the months of peak season because the temples are located at high altitudes. Although the programme usually remains consistent in terms of the time of day, the schedule can change without notice in case of bad weather or the will of the administration.

Char Dham Temple (Mandir) Dharshan and Aarti Timings

Yamunotri Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings

The Char Dham Yatra starts with the Yamunotri Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna. Located close to thermal springs and with snowcapped mountains, its priests conduct customary rites.

Darshan at Yamunotri normally begins early morning. Before entering the main shrine, visitors first pay worship to the Divya Shila, a rock that is sacred outside the temple. The temple continues to open to darshan till evening with short intervals of midday rituals.

After opening, the morning aarti takes place, which calls blessings for the day. The final rituals are the evening aarti. Pilgrims often take the early morning darshan to avoid crowds and extreme weather conditions.

Yamunotri Temple Aarti Timings

 

Daily Aarti Rituals are followed in the Yamunotri Temple at fixed times.

 

Event/Aarti Name

Time

Key Points

Temple Opening Time

6.00 AM

Temple is open for morning prayer and aarti

Morning Aarti (Mangal Aarti)

6:00 AM-6:30 AM

The morning puja is called Mangla Aarti

Morning General Dharshan

7.30 AM-12.30 PM

Temple Visiting Time 

Bhog Aarti

12.00 PM-12.30 PM

Midday offering of food to Goddess Yamuna 

Temple Closed

12.00 PM-2.00 PM

Goddess Sleeping Time

Evening Aarti(Sandhya Aarti)

6.30 PM-7.30 PM

The evening puja is called Sandhya Aarti 

Evening General Dharshan

2.00 PM-8.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time

Best Time for Dharshan

6.00 AM-9.00 AM

Early morning is best for Dharshan 

Special Ritual(Surya kund prasad)

—      

Rice & potatoes cooked in hot spring water

Special Aarti

On Akshaya Tritya

Temple doors open with a grand ceremony

Temple Closing Time

8.00 AM

After Evening Aarti

Entry Fees

—      

Free


Hotel Devbhoomi Barkot, Hotel Parash Palace Barkot, Hotel Mountain Paradise, and GMVN Tourist Rest House Janki Chatti are the popular hotels located on the Yamunotri route.

Gangotri Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings

On the banks of the river Bhagirathi, there is the Gangotri Temple, which is devoted to Goddess Ganga. The temple is open early every morning, and this enables pilgrims to carry on rituals during the quiet times.

Darshan at Gangotri starts with the Mangala Aarti, and thereafter, there is general viewing all day long. The temple remains open till evening, when Sandhya Aarti is done using chants and oil lamps.

Weather conditions are cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings; thus, pilgrims are advised to wear warm clothes during aarti. Darshan queues should be controlled during the peak months due to heavy footfall.

Gangotri Temple Aarti Timings

Daily Aarti Rituals are followed in the Gangotri Temple at fixed times.

 

Event/Aarti Name

Time

Key Points

Temple Opening Time

6.00 AM

Temple is open for morning prayer and aarti

Morning Aarti (Mangal Aarti)

6:00 AM-7.00 AM(Summer)

6.30 AM-7.30 AM(Winter)

The morning puja is called Mangla Aarti

Morning General Dharshan

6.15 AM-2.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time 

Bhog Aarti

12.00 PM-12.30 PM

Midday offering of food to Goddess Ganga 

Temple Closed

2.00 PM -3.00 PM

Goddess Sleeping Time

Evening Aarti(Sandhya Aarti)

7.00 PM-8.00 PM(Summer)

6.00 PM-7.00 PM(Winter)

The evening puja is called Sandhya Aarti 

Evening General Dharshan

3.00 PM-9.30 PM

Temple Visiting Time

Best Time for Dharshan

6.00 AM-9.00 AM

Early morning is best for Dharshan 

Special Aarti

On Akshaya Tritya

Temple doors open with a grand ceremony

Temple Closing Time

8.00 AM

After Evening Aarti

Entry Fees

Free

The pilgrims tend to spend their time in Uttarkashi; the preferred hotels include Hotel Shiv Ganga Uttarkashi, Hotel Maneri Residency, Hotel Akashdeep Uttarkashi, or GMVN Gangotri Tourist Rest House, which are easily accessible.

Kedarnath Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings

Kedarnath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, has profound spiritual meaning and has a strict daily order. The temple times at high altitude and in cold climates have been in accordance with daylight.

The temple is opened early in the morning in the Apas (Abhishek) Puja, which is done with ghee, water, and holy offerings. Following the puja, general darshan occurs until afternoon, after which there is a brief closing followed by evening aarti.

The night aarti in Kedarnath is an emotional one as the rituals are carried out by priests in the background of the snow-white peaks and chanting. The temple shuts down in the evening after aarti.

Kedarnath Temple Aarti Timings

Daily Aarti Rituals are followed in the Kedarnath Temple at fixed times.

 

Event/Aarti Name

Time

Key Points

Temple Opening Time

4.00 AM

Temple is open for morning prayer and aarti

Morning Aarti (Maha Abhishek)

4:00 AM-7.00 AM

The morning puja is called Maha Abhishek

Morning General Dharshan

        7.00 AM-3.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time 

Bhog Aarti

        3.00 PM-5.00 PM

Midday offering of food to Lord Shiva 

Temple Closed

3.00 PM -5.00 PM

Goddess Sleeping Time

Evening Aarti(Shayan Aarti)

6.30 PM-7.30 PM

The evening puja is called Shayan Aarti 

Evening General Dharshan

5.00 PM-9.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time

Best Time for Dharshan

6.00 AM-9.00 AM

Early morning is best for Dharshan 

Special Puja(Rudra Abhishek, Mahaabhishek, Lughu Rudra Puja)

Performed Daily

Pre-booking is required

Temple Closing Time

9.00 AM

After Evening Aarti

Entry Fees

—     

Free

Common destinations by pilgrims include Guptkashi or Sonprayag, where they stay in hotels like Hotel Kedar Valley Resort Guptkashi, Hotel Shivalik Valley, Char Dham Camp Guptkashi, or GMVN Guptkashi.

Badrinath Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings

Badrinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, runs a well-structured program that gives much time to darshan and rituals. Increased daily capacity is made possible by easier access to the roads.

The temple opens early, and Maha Abhishek is done, then Abhishek Puja, and general darshan. The midday rituals consist of Bhog offering, after which darshan continues up to evening.

Badrinath evening aarti is a religiously enriching event, which attracts the locals. The temple is closed down after the nightly rituals.

Event/Aarti Name

Time

Key Points

Temple Opening Time

4.30 AM

Temple is open for morning prayer and aarti

Morning Aarti (Maha Abhishek)

4.30-6.30 AM

The morning puja is called Maha Abhishek Puja

Morning General Dharshan

        6.00 AM-1.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time 

Raj Bhog Aarti

            11.30 AM

Midday offering of food to Lord Shiva 

Temple Closed

1.00 PM -4.00 PM

God to sleep

Evening Aarti(kapoor,chandi,swaran Aarti)

6.00 PM-7.30 PM

The evening puja is called Shayan Aarti 

Evening General Dharshan

4.00 PM-9.00 PM

Temple Visiting Time

Best Time for Dharshan

6.00 AM-9.00 AM

Early morning is best for Dharshan 

Special Puja(ved path, geeta path)

Performed Daily

Pre-booking is required

Temple Closing Time(Shayan Aarti

9.00 AM

After Evening Aarti

Hotels that are popular in Badrinath and the surrounding Joshimath are Hotel Narayan Palace Badrinath, Hotel Snow Crest, Hotel Saraswati, GMVN Badrinath Tourist Rest House, and Hotel Mount View Joshimath.

Seasonal Factors Affecting Darshan Timings

The timing of Char Dham temples is influenced by weather, the time of sunrise and sunset, and the number of people. In May and June, when the masses of pilgrims are at the height of their numbers, several of the temples lengthen their darshan hours a little to suit the increased number of pilgrims. Conversely, during late September and October, the darshan timings can be reduced due to the low temperatures and the sunset.

Unforeseen weather conditions, including snowfall, heavy rain, or fog, may alter the time of opening of temples on short notice. The pilgrims must be kept informed via local announcements and hotel employees.

Special Pujas and VIP Darshan Options

The four Char Dham temples have special pujas which can be reserved in advance or on the spot, depending on availability. These are the Abhishek Puja, Rudrabhishek in the Kedarnath, and special Vishnu Sahasranama rituals at Badrinath. While planning a pilgrimage and deciding whether to visit Char Dham by road or by helicopter, which is better, devotees should note that VIP darshan facility is provided during the season, but it is strictly controlled to ensure equality and good crowd management.

Highlights of Char Dham Temples Darshan & Aarti Timings

·         Dawn view of all four temples.  

·         Morning and evening aartis that are spiritual in nature.  

·         Weather and daylight seasonal adjustments.  

·         Crowd management in structured darshan lines.  

·         Special pujas in each dham.  

·         Extensions of pilgrim convenience when it is peak season.  

·         Religious ceremonies conducted by religious leaders. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most temples open early morning around 4:30–6:00 AM and close by evening around 7:00–9:00 PM, depending on location and season.

Timings remain mostly consistent but may change slightly due to weather or crowd conditions.

Yes, evening aarti is performed daily at all four temples, subject to weather conditions.

Yes, special pujas and abhisheks can be booked at temple counters or through authorized channels.

Yes, early morning hours generally have fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.

Timings may be adjusted slightly depending on rainfall, visibility, and safety conditions.

Barkot (Yamunotri), Uttarkashi (Gangotri), Guptkashi (Kedarnath), and Joshimath (Badrinath) are preferred halt points with good hotels.

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