Heads up! Kedarnath, Badrinath temples will soon close for winter

India Oct 02, 2025

Heads up for anyone planning a Char Dham trip: the famous Kedarnath and Badrinath temples in Uttarakhand are closing for winter soon.
Kedarnath will shut its doors on October 23, 2025, and Badrinath will follow on November 25, 2025.
These dates were set during a special ceremony at Badrinath temple this Vijayadashami.

More about the temple closure

The closure isn't random; it's decided by temple priests and scholars using traditional Panchang calculations.
Before shutting down, there's a handover of the ceremonial turban (pagdi) for next year's pilgrimage season and final rituals called Panch Pujas.
When snow hits hard, worship shifts to places like Joshimath so devotees can keep their connection going—even if the main shrines are closed till spring.