For millions of devotees around the world, the journey to Kedarnath is not just a trip it is a profound spiritual calling. Nestled at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, this ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva remains closed for nearly six months every winter due to heavy snowfall.
As we look toward the 2026 pilgrimage season, the excitement is already building. If you are planning to seek the blessings of Baba Kedar with Char Dham Tour Package, knowing the timeline is the first step toward a successful yatra.
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2026: What to Expect
While the exact date is finalized through traditional rituals, the Kedarnath Temple opening date for 2026 is expected to fall between 22 April and 10 May 2026.
Many early calculations suggest 26 April 2026 as a highly probable date, as it often aligns with the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya or shortly thereafter. However, pilgrims should treat these as tentative dates until the formal announcement.
The Official Announcement: Mahashivratri 2026
The most important date for your calendar is 15 February 2026 (Mahashivratri).
By long-standing tradition, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) officially declares the opening date and the precise muhurat (auspicious timing) on the day of Mahashivratri. This ceremony takes place at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath while the main temple remains inaccessible under snow.
The Traditional Process: From Ukhimath to Kedarnath
The announcement is more than a simple date; itās a religious event. The priests and Vedic scholars consult the Hindu Panchang (almanac) to find the most favorable stars for the Kapat (doors) to open.
Once the date is set, the Utsav Doli (palanquin) of Lord Kedarnath begins its journey from Ukhimath toward the shrine. This foot procession is a sight to behold thousands of devotees accompany the Doli with chants of āHar Har Mahadevā and traditional music, stopping at various points like Phata and Gaurikund before reaching the temple gates.
Kedarnath Registration 2026: Why You Must Plan Early
In recent years, the Uttarakhand government has made registration mandatory to manage the massive crowds and ensure pilgrim safety. You cannot proceed beyond certain checkpoints (like Sonprayag) without a valid registration QR code.
- When it starts: Kedarnath registration for 2026 is expected to open in March 2026, roughly one to two months before the doors open.
- How to register: You can register for free on the official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
- Modes of Registration: Besides the website, there is usually a āTourist Care Uttarakhandā mobile app and a WhatsApp registration facility.
Pro-tip: Donāt wait until the opening week to register. Slots for the first 15 days of the yatra fill up within hours of the portal opening.
Practical Travel Planning for April & May
Visiting during the opening weeks is a unique experience. You get to see the Himalayas in their rawest form, often with massive snow walls still lining the trek path. However, it requires careful preparation.
1. Weather Conditions
In late April and early May, the weather at Kedarnath is unpredictable and extremely cold.
- Daytime: Can be pleasant and sunny, ranging from 5Ā°C to 15Ā°C.
- Nighttime: Temperatures frequently dip below 0Ā°C.
- Sudden Rain: Afternoon showers or light snowfall are common even in May. Carry high-quality thermals, a heavy down jacket, and a rain poncho.
2. Helicopter Booking 2026
For those who cannot trek 16km from Gaurikund, helicopters are a lifesaver.
- Official Site: Only book through the official IRCTC HeliYatra website (heliyatra.irctc.co.in).
- Booking Window: Heli-bookings usually open shortly after the temple dates are announced. Expect a high rush for May dates.
- Warning: Beware of fraudulent websites or agents claiming to sell āofflineā tickets. There is no such thing.
3. Trek and Pony Planning
If you are trekking, start early (around 4:00 AM) from Gaurikund to reach the temple before the weather turns in the afternoon. If you plan to use a pony or palki, rates are fixed by the local administration and can be booked at the counters in Sonprayag or Gaurikund.
4. Accommodation
Staying at the top (near the temple) is a spiritual experience, but options are limited to GMVN huts and basic guesthouses. These book up months in advance. Many pilgrims choose to stay in Guptkashi, Phata, or Sonprayag and make a day trip to the shrine.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: What is the best time to visit Kedarnath in 2026?
While the temple opens in late April, the most comfortable time for seniors and families is mid-May to June or September to October. Avoid the monsoon months (July and August) due to landslide risks.
Q2: Is the registration for Kedarnath free?
Yes, the government-mandated registration is completely free of cost.
Q3: Can I visit Kedarnath without a registration pass?
No. You will be stopped at checkpoints. It is essential to have your physical or digital QR code ready.
Q4: How much time does the trek take?
The 16km trek from Gaurikund usually takes 6 to 9 hours depending on your fitness level.
Plan Your Divine Journey
The gates of Kedarnath are a portal to peace. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning devotee, the year 2026 promises a beautiful yatra season. As the winter snow begins to melt, keep your documents ready and your spirit high.
Stay tuned for the official announcement on 15 February 2026. Planning your travel, accommodation, and registration in advance is the key to a stress-free pilgrimage to the abode of Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates (2016ā2026)
| Year | Opening Date (Temple Gates/KapÄt) | Closing Date (Winter) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | ~ May 2016 (Typical late April/May) | November 2016 |
| 2017 | ~ May 2017 (Late April/May) | November 2017 |
| 2018 | ~ May 2018 (Late April/May) | November 2018 |
| 2019 | ~ 29 October 2019 (Bhai Dooj) | (Temple closes before winter) |
| 2020 | 29 April 2020 (approx.) | 16 November 2020 (approx.) |
| 2021 | 17 May 2021 (approx.) | 6 November 2021 (approx.) |
| 2022 | 6 May 2022 (approx.) | 26 October 2022 (approx.) |
| 2023 | 25 April 2023 (approx.) | 14 November 2023 (approx.) |
| 2024 | 10 May 2024 (approx.) | 3 November 2024 (approx.) |
| 2025 | 2 May 2025 (official) | 23 October 2025 (expected) |
| 2026 | Expected around 22 April 2026 (to be finalised & announced on Mahashivratri, 15 February 2026) | Expected early November 2026 (tentative annual Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya closure) |
Notes on the Dates
- Opening dates often fall in late April or early May, traditionally tied to festivals like Akshaya Tritiya or Shivratri announcements before the yatra season begins.
- Closing dates usually occur around Bhai Dooj or early November, after which the temple is not accessible due to harsh winter weather and snowfall.
- Final dates are decided by the BadrinathāKedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) and announced shortly before the season begins.
What TicketsToTrip Offers for Char Dham & Kedarnath Yatra
When you book a Char Dham or Kedarnath Yatra package with TicketsToTrip, you get more than just a tour you get local expertise, constant support, and a smoothly managed pilgrimage experience.
We ensure smooth and well-planned travel from start to finish, so you can focus on your spiritual journey without worrying about logistics. Our team provides a complete and practical guide for the Char Dham Yatra, helping you understand routes, weather conditions, darshan procedures, and daily schedules.
What truly sets us apart is our dedicated operations team, which stays connected with you at every step of the journey. From departure to return, our team monitors your trip and stays in touch to handle updates, coordination, and any on-ground support you may need.
We are native to Uttarakhand and locally based, which means we understand the region better than anyone else. Our team has personally visited Char Dham and Kedarnath multiple times, and in many cases, we travel along with our customers. This first-hand experience allows us to give real-time guidance, practical tips, and better on-ground arrangements not just generic information.
With TicketsToTrip, your yatra is handled by people who know the terrain, respect the tradition, and care about your experience.
