The opening date of Kedarnath Temple depends on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and is announced on Maha Shivaratri. It is decided by priests at Omkareshwar Temple after Panchang calculation. For 2026, the announcement was made on 15 February 2026, and the temple was reopened on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM after the winter closure.
The closing of Kedarnath Temple takes place two days after Diwali on Bhai Dooj. In 2026, it is expected around 23 October, after which the temple remains closed for the winter season.
Annual Pilgrimage Cycle of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple opens for six months only. Due to the intense snow and cold weather conditions during winter, pilgrims are only able to access the temple for about half a year annually.
- Opening and Closing — it generally opens late in April or early in May and closes in October or November.
- Announcement Process — the date of opening is selected on the auspicious festival of Maha Shivratri, and the closing date is selected at around Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali.
- Kedarnath Temple Winter Seat — during winters, the main idol is temporarily moved to Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath, to ensure the safety of pilgrims and preserve an ancient tradition.
Kedarnath Temple Opening Closing Dates
| Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026 | Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2026 |
| 22 April 2026 (8:00 AM) | 11 November 2026 (tentative) |
Kedarnath Temple Timing
| Kedarnath Temple | Duration |
| Morning Arti Timing | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM |
| Morning General Darshan Time | 07:00 AM – 03:00 PM |
| Evening Arti Timing | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM |
| Evening General Darshan Time | 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM |
Ceremonies Performed for Opening and Closing of Kedarnath Temple
Kapat Opening Ceremony of Kedarnath Dham
- The temple activities are guided by traditional ceremonies. A small musical procession transports the idol of Lord Shiva (Utsav Doli) to Kedarnath for a few days before the Opening Day.
- Upon arrival, the temple, largely covered with flowers, is cleansed. Then the chief priest (Rawal) returns the idol to the inner sanctum (Garbha Griha). Then the doors open at a special time (Muhurat) for thousands of pilgrims waiting inside.
Kapat Closing Ceremony of Kedarnath Dham
- A final ceremony is known as Kapat-band, which occurs on Bhai-Dooj. When the final Aarti (lamp worship) is finished, the idol (Vigraha) is transported to the Ukhimath winter temple. Then the priests take a lamp (Akhand Jyot), which burns continuously for six months in the locked temple.
The Akhand Jyot symbolises the unbroken divine presence at Kedarnath even during the six months when the temple remains closed under winter snow. This is how the pilgrimage season concludes until the next Akshaya Tritiya.
Best Months for Visiting Kedarnath Dham
The peak pilgrimage season for Kedarnath Dham runs from May to June and September to early November. Avoid Monsoon months (July–September) as the heavy rain might make the trekking path slippery and you may also witness landslides. Kedarnath Temple is closed in winters (Mid November to April) due to heavy snowfall.
What to Pack
No matter the season, Kedarnath Dham is located in high-altitude Himalayan region so always pack warm clothes, woolens, sweaters, jackets. The temperature might drop to zero degrees at night. Wear comfortable trekking shoes with sturdy soles. For sun protection, carry essential medications, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026 — Mandatory
Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. Without a valid registration, access is denied at the Sonprayag checkpoint before Gaurikund. Registration is completely free.
Official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Documents needed: Name, age, address, Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID number.
- You receive a QR code by SMS or email. This is verified at checkpoints on the route.
- During peak season (May–June), register at least 10–15 days in advance. Daily visitor numbers at Kedarnath are capped — early registration ensures your preferred date.
How to Reach Kedarnath — Trek & Transport Overview
Kedarnath is not accessible by road. The nearest motorable point is Gaurikund (altitude 3,054 m). From Gaurikund, the Kedarnath temple is 16 km uphill. The trek typically takes 6–8 hours one way.
| Option | Distance / Time | Available From | Note |
| Trek on foot | 16 km | 6–8 hrs (ascent) | Gaurikund | Paved trail. Start before 8 AM. |
| Pony / Mule | 16 km | 5–7 hrs | Gaurikund | Government-registered operators at Gaurikund stand. |
| Palki (Palanquin) | 16 km | 6–8 hrs | Gaurikund | 4 bearers. For those unable to walk or ride. |
| Helicopter | ~9 km aerial | 7 min | Phata / Sitapur / Sonprayag helipads | Book only at heliyatra.irctc.co.in — avoid fake sites. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: When is the opening of Kedarnath Temple in 2026?
Ans: Kedarnath Temple opens on 22 April 2026 at 8:00 AM. This date was officially announced by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) on Maha Shivratri (15 February 2026) as per the Hindu Panchang. Check badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in for updates.
Q-2: On what day will the idol of the Kedarnath Temple be taken to the winter abode?
Ans: The Kedarnath Temple is tentatively scheduled to close on 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj), two days after Diwali. The final confirmed date is announced on Vijayadashami. After closing, the idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for winter worship.
Q-3: Who decides when the Kedarnath Temple will be opened and closed?
Ans: The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee and the priests of Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath set these dates. They also determine the opening and closing periods using the Hindu Panchang and the astrological calculations. To find out more, a person can visit: https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in
Q-4: Why does the Kedarnath Temple close down in winter?
Ans: The temple cannot be visited in winter due to heavy snowfall and very low temperatures. The idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to enable people to keep on praying.
Q-5: But how should we know when the temple is open and when it is closed?
Ans: Visit the official site of Uttarakhand Tourism, or follow through social media or news sites, the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee. Another option would be to see the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) pages on different social media for Kedarnath Temple updates 2026.
Q-6: How difficult will it be to come to the pilgrimage with my grandparents?
Ans: Kedarnath temple trek may be difficult for senior citizens and physically challenged persons. They have the option of pony or palanquin rides or reserve Kedarnath Yatra helicopter tour packages. For official helicopter booking: heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Q-7: Can we not visit this sacred shrine of Lord Shiva during the monsoons?
Ans: Yes, during the monsoon you can visit, but keep rain gear and an additional budget in place in case of an emergency like a landslide or road blockage.
Q-8: How to plan Kedarnath Yatra?
Ans: First select the date of Darshan for Kedarnath Yatra then register your Yatra on government portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in). You can book our Kedarnath Tour packages for hassle free pilgrimage tour.
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