Opening and Closing Dates for Yamunotri in 2025
Yamunotri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, India, follows an annual schedule of opening in spring and closing for winter due to harsh weather conditions. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and marks the source of the revered Yamuna River.
For 2025, Yamunotri temple is scheduled to open on April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya), and will close for the winter season in November.
The opening ceremony traditionally involves elaborate rituals and prayers, with the temple priest carrying the deity’s idol in a decorated palanquin from its winter abode in Kharsali village to the main temple at Yamunotri. Thousands of devotees gather for this auspicious occasion to receive blessings and take a dip in the hot springs near the temple.
During the six-month open period, pilgrims can visit the temple and perform rituals including:
- Offering prayers to Goddess Yamuna
- Cooking rice in the natural hot springs (Surya Kund)
- Taking a purifying dip in the thermal springs
- Trekking to the actual source of the Yamuna River
Travelers planning a visit should note that the 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple can be challenging, although services like palanquins, ponies, and porters are available. The best time to visit is typically May-June and September-October when weather conditions are more favorable.
Pilgrims should monitor local announcements for any potential changes to these dates, as they occasionally adjust slightly based on astrological considerations or weather conditions.
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