When the four Himalayan dhams close for winter, their deities are carried down to winter seats at Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath, Pandukeshwar and Joshimath. Here is where they are and how to visit them.
By Teerthayan • October 2026
Snow closes the four Himalayan dhams of Uttarakhand every winter. The worship doesn't stop, though: each deity is carried in a procession, a doli yatra, down to a winter seat lower in the valley, and worshipped there until the temples reopen in spring. The Winter Char Dham Yatra visits these winter seats. It brings quieter darshan, clear mountain views and no long treks, and the state government has promoted it in recent winters.
The winter seats of the Char Dham
| Dham | Winter seat | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Yamuna temple, Kharsali (Khushimath) | Near Janki Chatti, Uttarkashi district |
| Gangotri | Ganga temple, Mukhba (Mukhimath) | Near Harsil, Uttarkashi district |
| Kedarnath | Omkareshwar Temple | Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district |
| Badrinath | Yogdhyan Badri, Pandukeshwar; Narsingh Temple, Joshimath | Chamoli district |
When the dhams close
- Gangotri closes on Govardhan Puja, the day after Diwali.
- Kedarnath and Yamunotri close on Bhai Dooj.
- Badrinath closes in mid-to-late November, on a date announced on Vijayadashami.
The doli processions reach the winter seats within a few days of the closing, and the winter yatra runs until the temples reopen around Akshay Tritiya in April or May.
The winter seats, one by one
Kharsali: Goddess Yamuna
Across the river from Janki Chatti, Kharsali is a short walk of about a kilometre from the road. The village temple of Shani Dev, regarded as Yamuna's brother, stands beside it.
Mukhba: Goddess Ganga
Above the Bhagirathi near Harsil, Mukhba is the village of Gangotri's priests. Stop at the Tapt Kund hot spring at Gangnani on the way.
Ukhimath: Lord Kedarnath
Lord Kedarnath's winter doli rests at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where Lord Madhyamaheshwar is also worshipped in winter. It is on the road, so no trek is needed. Deoriyatal lake, a short walk from Sari village, reflects the Chaukhamba peaks on a clear morning.
Pandukeshwar and Joshimath: Lord Badrinath
At Pandukeshwar, Uddhav ji and Kuber ji are worshipped at the Yogdhyan Badri temple through the winter. Adi Shankaracharya's gaddi stays at the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. From Joshimath, the Auli ropeway and chair lift open up wide views of Nanda Devi country.
10-day winter route from Rishikesh
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rishikesh → Barkot via Mussoorie, with Lakhamandal on the way |
| 2 | Kharsali darshan, then on to Uttarkashi |
| 3 | Mukhba darshan and back to Uttarkashi; Gangnani hot spring |
| 4 | Uttarkashi → Rudraprayag via New Tehri and Srinagar |
| 5 | Ukhimath, Omkareshwar Temple; Guptkashi |
| 6 | Deoriyatal; on to Gopeshwar for the Gopinath Temple |
| 7 | Joshimath, Narsingh Temple; Auli |
| 8 | Pandukeshwar, Yogdhyan Badri; Tapovan hot spring |
| 9 | Back to Rishikesh |
| 10 | Departure |
Our Winter Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh follows this route.
Planning a winter yatra
- Weather: days are clear and cold, and nights drop below freezing at Harsil, Ukhimath and Auli. Pack thermals, a down jacket, gloves and a woollen cap.
- Roads: fresh snow can close the higher roads, such as Harsil and Auli, for a day or two, so keep a buffer day.
- Daylight: it gets dark by about 5:30 pm, so drives start early and end before dusk.
- Registration: check with Uttarakhand Tourism whether registration is required for the winter yatra in your year of travel.
- Who it suits: elders and families who want the Char Dham blessings without the summer crowds or the Kedarnath trek.
Planning for the summer season instead? Read our Char Dham Yatra 2027 guide.
FAQs
Can you do the Char Dham Yatra in winter?+
The four high temples close from about October–November to April–May, but the deities are worshipped at their winter seats lower in the valleys, which can be visited all winter.
Where is Kedarnath worshipped in winter?+
At the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, in Rudraprayag district.
Where is Badrinath worshipped in winter?+
At Pandukeshwar, at the Yogdhyan Badri temple, and at the Narsingh Temple in Joshimath (Jyotirmath), where Adi Shankaracharya's gaddi is kept in winter.
Where are Yamunotri and Gangotri worshipped in winter?+
Goddess Yamuna at Kharsali, near Janki Chatti, and Goddess Ganga at Mukhba (Mukhimath), near Harsil.
How many days does the Winter Char Dham Yatra take?+
About 10 days by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
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